Our Teachers

Jody McManus was inspired to open The Goddard School after falling in love with a Goddard School her daughter attended. Jody has a bachelor’s degree in psychology & a minor in business. She has two children, Morgan & Brayden. Jody is committed to providing a learning environment that fosters creativity, independence, critical thinking skills, resilience & a love of learning. She believes learning must be individualized to meet children where they are to help them achieve their full potential. The Goddard School in Rock Hill offers an array of industry-leading curriculum programs, including Chess and Spanish. They also prioritize the development of social/ emotional skills. With extensive training in “Conscious Discipline,” Goddard faculty help students learn to self-regulate and manage their emotions, which is key to their future success. Ultimately, Jody’s goal is for every graduate to feel confident, be inquisitive and remain excited about learning in kindergarten and beyond.

Ms. Lacey is the Director of Education for our school. She has a Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood and Speech Language Pathology from Missouri State University. Ms. Lacey has worked with children since 2006 in the capacity of Teacher, Assistant Director, Director, Therapist and as a Mother. What she truly enjoys and finds rewarding is the connection made with both the students and their families.

Ms. Abigail is a Lead Teacher in our Infant Classroom. She is currently a student at Fontbonne University pursuing her degree in Fine Arts with aspirations of becoming an Art Therapist in order to contribute to children's well-being through creative expression. As a teacher, Ms. Abigail enjoys watching children learn and grow which she finds very fulfilling. A fun fact about her is that one of her favorite hobbies is jewelry making.

Ms. Emma is an Assistant Teacher in our Infant Classroom. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre and Communication and has been working in theatre ever since. Ms. Emma has been working with children since 2021, primarily as a nanny. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the children get excited about learning and being proud of their accomplishments. A fun fact about Ms. Emma is that she was a figure skater as a child!

Ms. Lucy is the Lead Teacher in our Toddler Classroom. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Webster University. Ms. Lucy has been working with children since 2006 and has been with our school since 2013. Her favorite thing about teaching is connecting with the children and helping them progress in their skills and language throughout their time within that classroom. Outside of school, Ms. Lucy enjoys spending time with her husband, Ryker, and their two children, Leo and June. She also loves taking group fitness classes, cooking, organizing and creating products for Teachers Pay Teachers.

Ms. Emily is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler Classroom. She is currently attending St. Louis Community College as she obtains her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Her favorite aspect about teaching is the joy she gets as she creates a safe and fun space for all the children to learn. A fun fact about Ms. Emily is that she has seven siblings and she loves to bake.

Ms. Ellen is a Lead Teacher in our Toddler Classroom. She comes to us with her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from Southeast Missouri State University. Ms. Ellen has worked with young children since 2009 in the capacity of a babysitter, assistant teacher, student-educator, and also as a lead teacher. She enjoys teaching because she loves helping children mold their minds. Ms. Ellen and her husband, Jonah, have a daughter named Isabelle. A fun fact about Ms. Ellen is that her brother lives in Germany.

Ms. Malia is an Assistant Teacher in our Twos Classroom. She is a mother of four children and an aunt to several more. She has worked with children for many years in her Church Nursery, Vacation Bible School, and as a Sunday School Teacher to 3rd and 4th graders. Her favorite thing about teaching is letting kids express themselves and showing them other ways of learning. Some of Ms. Malia's favorite things to do are crafts and puzzles.

Ms. Alyssa is a Lead Teacher in our Twos Classroom. She has a Nationally Accredited Child Development Associates. Ms. Alyssa began working in child care in 2007, but has had a lifetime love of children and teaching. She is a jewelry artist in her spare time and loves to go camping, fishing and floating. Ms. Alyssa has five siblings that she enjoys spending time with along with twelve nieces and nephews. She has three cats and a big Ol' Gunnar dog. Her favorite aspect of working with children is seeing the "light bulb" go on and taking advantage of those "teachable moments".

Ms. Kaitlin is a Lead Teacher in our Twos Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Webster University. Ms. Kaitlin has worked with children since 2010. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and baking. Her favorite color is lime green. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching children’s excitement when they learn something new and are successful. She is very excited to have her two daughters just down the hall and a part of the Goddard School family.

Ms. Nicole is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler Classroom. She is currently exploring options for furthering her education in Early Childhood Education. She has many years of experience babysitting and raising a child of her own. Her favorite part about teaching is the excitement on a child's face when they learn a new skill. A fun fact about Ms. Nicole is that she has two cats and one dog.

Ms. Taylor is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri. She comes to us with over five years experience working with children through student teaching, leading cheer camps and substitute teaching. Her favorite things about teaching include providing a safe space for all children and sharing her love of learning. Ms. Taylor also has a pet bearded dragon named Liz.

Ms. Abby is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. She comes to us with her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology from Webster University. Ms. Abby has extensive experience working with both children and adults. She has worked for years with young children and also for over nine years in an assisted living center. Seeing the excitement children have about learning something new is what Ms. Abby enjoys the most and is looking forward to seeing in the classroom. A fun fact about her is that both her husband and herself are obsessed with Disneyland.

Ms. Lexi is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. She comes to us with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Southeast Missouri State and in 2017, she obtained a medical assisting certification. Ms. Lexi has worked with children since 2007 in various capacities such as being a mother of 5 children, as a summer camp counselor, and also a toddler teacher. Her favorite aspect of teaching is being involved with each child's growth and using her creativity to make learning fun and exciting. A fun fact about Ms. Lexi is that she has always desired to be a traveling food critic.

Ms. Beth is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Family Development from the University of Central Missouri. She has been working with children since 2016 as a preschool teacher and nanny. Her favorite thing about teaching is seeing children learn something new and experience the excitement with them. Ms. Beth lived in Japan for two months and enjoys spending time with her husband.

Ms. Carrie is a Lead Teacher in our Pre-K Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Studies from Webster University. Ms. Carrie has worked with children since 2005 and joined The Goddard School in 2014. Ms. Carrie has previously worked with the Education Department at the Magic House. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their son, James.

Ms. Teri is a Lead Teacher in our Pre-K Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Behavioral Science from Missouri Baptist University. Ms. Teri has previously worked in elementary school districts but it was her love for Early Childhood Education that brought her to Goddard in 2013. Ms. Teri enjoys spending time with her son fishing, camping, exploring nature and playing video games. She also spends time doing art, crafting and working as a leader of a youth group and singing in church choir.

Ms. Kate is a Lead Teacher in our Pre-K Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri- St. Louis. She started working with children as a volunteer at a Child Development Center while in High School. While pursuing her degree in Psychology she worked as an assistant teacher at the Child Development Center. Her favorite thing about teaching is being able to help children understand the world around them. She loves that every day working with children is different and enjoys the variety. A fun fact about Ms. Kate is that she has two cats, named Mitzi and Simon.

Ms. Sarah is the Spanish Teacher for our School. She studied Anthropology and Spanish at Truman State University. She has been studying Spanish for thirteen years and did anthropological field work in Chile. She has been working with children for over ten years, as a babysitter, swim instructor and in the Preschool setting. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing the joy of self discovery and self confidence on a child's face. Ms. Sarah enjoys spending time with her dog, Wrigley, and two cats, Perseus and Hercules.

Ms. Dalicia is an Assistant Teacher in our school and a Chess Teacher for Preschool and Pre-K. She is currently a student studying general studies at St. Louis Community College. Ms. Dalicia comes to us with several years of experience working with children and most recently as a YMCA before and after care group leader. Her favorite aspect about teaching is being able to say that she helped ‘shape’ a young mind in the best way possible. A fun fact about Ms. Dalicia is that she loves to dance.

Mr. Dave is the Chef for our school. He has been the Chef since 2012, shortly after the school's opening. Mr. Dave ensures the children have a balanced breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack, by creating a well-rounded and tasty menu. Mr. Dave and his wife, Amy, have a son named Jack. He enjoys watching Cardinals baseball and St. Louis Blues hockey.

Ms. Malaia is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at Mckendree University. Ms. Malaia has experience with infant to preschool age through babysitting and substitute teaching. She loves coming to work and seeing all of the children's happy faces. A fun fact about Ms. Malaia is that her middle name is Princess.

Ms. Dazsa is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She started her degree in Human Services at Saint Louis Community College. Ms. Dazsa began babysitting in 2014 and has experience with children of all ages and abilities. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching kids grow and make connections while learning. A fun fact about Ms. Dazsa is that the spelling of her name comes from a famous actress, Zsa Zsa Gabor.

Mr. Alex is an Assistant Teacher in our school. He is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education at Maryville University. He started working with children in 2021. Mr. Alex has experience as a Pre Kindergarten Teacher, Direct Support Professional, Boy Scout Leader, Swim Instructor and Lifeguard. His favorite thing about teaching is seeing the children grow and learn. A fun fact about Mr. Alex is that he summitted Granite Peak in 2022.

Ms. Ah'Mirah is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at Fontbonne University. Ms. Ah'Mirah has worked with children since 2020 as a nanny and tutor. Her favorite thing about teaching is finding new ways to learn, creatively. Ms. Ah'Mirah's fun fact is that her favorite color is pink.

Ms. Michelle is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She has a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Missouri- Saint Louis. Ms. Michelle started working with children in 2017 as a Teacher's Assistant helping with fun activities. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the children develop skills and learning their likes and dislikes and how they change over time. A fun fact about Ms. Michelle is that she enjoys horror movies.

Ms. Amoni is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology from Harris-Stowe State University. Ms. Amoni joined our school to gain experience in an early childhood education setting. She has three siblings and four younger cousins and has several years of experience in babysitting.

Ms. Grace is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology and Dance at Saint Louis University. Ms. Grace has been working with children since 2019 as a Camp Counselor and Nanny. Her favorite things about teaching are seeing the progress in the students, learning from her students, and finding new ways to engage with them. A fun fact about Ms. Grace is that her name was unofficially Kate for about 24 hours.

Ms. Sophia is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Biology with a Psychology minor. Ms. Sophia is the oldest in her large family and has been taking care of children all her life. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the kids learn and grow while revisiting the joys and curiosities of childhood. A fun fact about Ms. Sophia is that she was born in Seattle Washington, lives on Washington Avenue, attends Washington University and has a dog named George!

Ms. Roshni is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Health Administration at Saint Louis University. Ms. Roshni has worked with children since 2022 and has experience as a tutor and Kindergarten Assistant Teacher. Her favorite thing about teaching is knowing that the children in her classroom have learned something new. A fun fact about Ms. Roshni is that she has been a dancer since age four!

Ms. Madison is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Missouri Baptist. She has been working with children since 2019 and has experience through babysitting, school aftercare programs and a daycare program that specialized in teaching children with autism. Ms. Madison's favorite thing about teaching is watching the children grow and help them get ready for the world. A fun fact about her is that she can wiggle her ears!

Ms. Madelyn is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Biomedical Science to pursue a degree in dentistry. She began working with children in a childcare setting in 2024 and her favorite thing about teaching is simply having fun with the children. A fun fact about Madelyn is that she loves to do her own nails.

Ms. Christine is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She holds dual Bachelor's Degrees in Art History and French from the University of Missouri- St. Louis. She has several years of experience working with children; including her three daughters. She has a passion for creating a nurturing and engaging environment that allows children to be curious, lifelong learners. Ms. Christine finds joy in recognizing the unique strengths of each child and seeing them develop confidence as they explore and grow. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading, weightlifting, and spending time with her family. A fun fact about Ms. Christine is that she and her husband lived in Italy for a year.

Ms. Alyssa is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Education at Saint Louis Community College and Missouri State University. As the oldest of six siblings she has "worked" with children her whole life. Ms. Alyssa has experience working for her Grandma's in home daycare as well as working with children in a daycare fitness center. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching students grow with confidence and curiosity. Seeing children embrace challenges and grow as a person makes her heart happy. A fun fact about Ms. Alyssa is that she loves baking.

Ms. Emma is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing degrees in Psychology and Spanish at Saint Louis University. Ms. Emma has been working with children since 2019 as a babysitter, daycare volunteer, nanny and camp counselor. Her favorite thing about teaching is building relationships with each child and their families. A fun fact about Ms. Emma is that she only likes blueberries if they are in muffins.

Ms. Gaby is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She has her Bachelor's degree in Psychological Sciences and General Sciences. Ms. Gaby has been working with children since 2022 as a bilingual babysitter. Her favorite thing about teaching in forming close relationships with the children so they feel comfortable asking her anything they are curious about. A fun fact about Ms. Gaby is that she has lived in South America and Europe. She loves to travel and learn about new cultures and languages.

Ms. Holly is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Ecology and Evolution at Lindenwood University. Ms. Holly has been working with children since 2020 as a nanny, before and after care leader and as a nursery teacher. Her favorite thing about teaching is having the opportunity to watch children become more confident in their own learning abilities. A fun fact about Ms. Holly is that she loves animals and currently has five cats and two bunnies.

Ms. Jenna is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with minors in Education, Human Development, Family Science and Criminal Justice. She has been working with children since 2019 as a teaching assistant for elementary school and as a volunteer for organizations working with low income communities. Ms. Jenna's favorite thing about teaching is seeing children with motivation to explore both inside and outside of the classroom. A fun fact about her is that she has a one eyed cat named Walley.

Ms. Madeline is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Occupational Science at Saint Louis University. Ms. Madeline has been working with children since 2017, with experience as a nanny, babysitter and in a daycare setting. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching how each child learns in their own way. A fun fact about Ms. Madeline is that she was a dancer for thirteen years.

Ms. Makayla is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at the University of Missouri- St. Louis. Ms. Makayla has been working with children since 2020 with her primary experience being babysitting and watching her nieces and nephews. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the children grow and learn in different ways. A fun fact about Ms. Makayla is that she is left handed.

Ms. Audrey is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing to become a Registered Nurse at Westminster College and Goldfarb School of Nursing Barnes- Jewish College. Ms. Audrey has been working with children since 2020 with experience babysitting and nannying. Her favorite thing about teaching is seeing the children grow in their learning, personality, creativity and imagination along with seeing them progress to the next class. A fun fact about Ms. Audrey is that she likes to hike in the mountains.

Ms. Bella is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a Master's of Education at Truman State University. Ms. Bella has been working with children since 2020 as a camp volunteer and babysitter. Her favorite thing about teaching is helping a child navigate difficult tasks or topics and witnessing the moment that everything "clicks". A fun fact about Ms. Bella is that she is a vegetarian.

Ms. Jackie is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She holds a Master's of Business Administration from Lindenwood University. Ms. Jackie has been working with children since 2015 as an elementary teacher, preschool teacher and volunteer in character education. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching children grow and learn new things, make discoveries and interact with nature. Ms. Jackie has two children, one in elementary and one in high school.

Ms. Kat is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing degrees in Communication and Psychology at Saint Louis University; to become a marriage and family therapist. Ms. Kat is excited to gain experience in a preschool setting and looks forward to fostering creativity in the children. A fun fact about Ms. Kat is that she has a Husky mix puppy that she rescued in 2024.