Our Teachers

After owning separate successful businesses, Jon and his wife, Ami, moved to Raleigh in 2010 from Colorado with the intention of starting a family business together. This would also allow their two young children to be closer to their grandparents. Jon and Ami quickly realized a shortage of private, quality childhood education centers for their own children. They learned about Goddard and their opportunity to provide children the opportunity to grow through exploration and hands-on learning. They recognize the importance of a safe and nurturing learning environment. We are excited and proud to be a part of The Goddard School and the Raleigh Community and are committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for children in the Triangle”

Hi, I'm Ms. Rachelle, the Center Director on Ridge Rd. I have earned my BA in Child and Family Development with a Child Life Emphasis in 2003. I have also completed a Graduate Certificate in Early Intervention in 2014. My areas of research include evidence-based strategies, like Dialogic Reading, Advanced Milieu Teaching, and Shaping. I have eight years of clinical experience working in a laboratory preschool on a university campus, where I taught three- to five-year-old children in addition to doing research in the classrooms and mentoring early childhood education majors. Part of my time there was also spent helping to develop a STEAM- based curriculum. My personal strengths lie in science and math, but I am most passionate about staff and leadership development within the field. I look forward to pulling from my experience and passion to help develop our team and steer them toward success. I appreciate the opportunity to partner with you and make a positive impact in your life.

Hi, I am Leah! I am recent NCSU graduate in Accounting. I have experience working with children as a substitute for WCPSS; as a tennis coach; and through babysitting. I became a Goddard Great to help children learn and smile each day! I want to be supportive to teachers while serving as a fun role model for children too! One of my favorite children's books is "Rosie Revere, Engineer"!

Hi, I'm Ms. Cynthia! I bring over 20 years of early childhood experience to the team. My strengths are in following a child's lead, engagement, and parent connection. I have earned an Associate's degree in early childhood education.

Hi, I'm Ms. Angela! I have earned my Infant/Toddler Certificate and enjoy leading the toddlers in fun activities. I am a calm force in the classroom and specialize in engagement with children. My son currently attends our program as well.

Hi, I'm Ms. Alicia! I became a teacher because I want to make a difference in a child's life. Seeing that lightbulb go off when they have learned something new makes me so happy! My goals for the classroom are to bring joy to the children every day, and make sure they are having fun while learning! I can't wait to meet you!

Hi, I'm Ms. Samaiya! I have been working with children since 2007 and spent 9 years in the classroom as a Lead Teacher after graduating from the UNC-Greensboro in 2012. I served as the Assistant Director here for nearly three years but returned to the classroom as that is where my passion lies. I am truly enjoy teaching and helping all children learn and grow. I still look forward to collaborating with teachers and families to foster the development of the children in our program each day and for years to come! I can't wait to meet you!

Hi, I'm Ms. Amanda. I am rejoining the team after returning from having my daughter. I have earned a certificate in Early Childhood Education. I look forward to bringing my passion for working with young children to the toddler classroom.

Hi, I'm Ms. Bri! I have earned an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. I became a teacher to make a positive impact on the next generation. I want to help children reach their full potential and create life-long learners. My goal is to create a fun, safe and exciting environment that encourages curiosity and a hunger for learning. One of my favorite children's stories is "Put Me in the Zoo" by Robert Lopshire.

Hi, I'm Ms. Skylar! My hometown is Jacksonville, NC. I have earned my Associates degree. I have always loved working with children and find joy in seeing them learn about the world around them. I hope to create a structured, safe, and fun environment to help children grow. One of my favorite books is "Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes.

Hi, I'm Ms. Zariah! I am a recent graduate of Shaw University where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in early childhood education. I bring a down-to-Earth approach to the classroom and am eager to support a classroom while building my future classroom leadership skills.

Hi, I'm Tya! I have earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. I have been working in this field since 2017. I love nurturing children and doing my part to make the world a better place. My goals for the classroom are to create a healthy environment for positive child development; learn and have fun with children; and build trust with children and parents. My favorite children's books are "Rainbow Fish" and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar".

Hi, I'm Ms. Margaret! I chose the Early Childhood field because I love working with children! I enjoy watching them grow and learn new things! My goal for the classroom is to provide a happy and safe environment where the children thrive as they continue to learn and grow, developing well rounded and respectful human beings. I can't wait to meet you!

Hi, I'm Ms. Priscilla! I wanted to become a teacher to help develop children in a safe and nurturing environment, and also to make a positive impact on their lives. My goals for the classroom are to help the children be positive, eager to learn, and work together as team players. I can't wait to meet you!

Hi, I'm Ms. Jessica! I'm originally from right here in Raleigh, NC! I've wanted to be a teacher since I was a teenager, and my goal is to work my way up to being a lead teacher in a classroom! I earned my NC Credentials and started as a Goddard Great as a Resource Teacher, where now I am an Assistant Teacher. I continue to work toward my goals. I can't wait to meet you!

Hi, I'm Maria! I have earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education. I have been working with children from a young age, with over 15 years of experience. Even as a child, I pretended everything was a baby. My goals for the classroom are to create an environment where all children feel welcome and loved. Also, an environment where all children love to learn and grow.

Hi, I'm Kayla! I have earned an Associate's Degree and am working toward my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at UNC-Charlotte. I enjoy working with children. They are full of life and I am happy knowing I play a role in who they are and will become. My goals are to provide a safe classroom with a positive learning environment where kindness and growth are a priority.

Hi, I'm Ms. Prissila! I am from Ecuador and love reading to and speaking to children in Spanish. I have over 20 years of experience teaching young children and even operated my own in-home program here in NC. I've earned my Associate's degree in early childhood education from Durham Tech. My strengths lie in patience and passion for teaching young children. I aim to create an Spanish enrichment program for the school.

Hi, I'm Ms. Maddie! I recently earned my Bachelor's degree in early childhood education and lots of experience in the classroom. My strengths lie in communication with families and following a child's lead. I am patient and it shows. I am looking forward to gaining administrative experience by serving as a Center Designee in the evenings.

Hi, I'm Ms. Stephanie! I have earned a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. I chose to become a teacher because I've had a passion for teaching since I was a young child! My goal for the classroom is to make learning fun, exciting, and engaging for the students! I can't wait to meet you!

Hi, I'm Ms. Dee! I've earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and have two years of early childhood experience. I bring the energy! I have served as a support in the Pre-K program as I gain experience preparing children for Kindergarten and beyond.

Hi, I'm Monse! I am currently attending college with interest in Kinesiology. I gained experience with children through my mom's in-home childcare. I joined as a Goddard Great to gain experience with a program that values education while I can focus on mine too. My goal for the classroom is create a learning environment that is fun for everyone!

Hi, my name is Trinity! I am currently attending NCSU in Special Education. My strengths lie in classroom organization and I love to support classrooms by labeling, laminating, or engaging with friends. I am taking it all in for preparation of leading my own classroom someday.

Hi, I'm Mae! I am a junior at Meredith College working toward a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Before joining as a Goddard Great, I served as an assistant teacher at a child development center near Manteo, NC. As a teacher, my goal is to approach the way I teach others in a way that includes all different learning styles and techniques to make sure each child is getting the most of their education. I was fortunate to experience an approach such as this.

Hi, I am Maram! I have previous volunteer experience working with children at an Arabic school but am looking forward to growing my teaching experience here as a Goddard Great. I have earned a Bachelor's degree in business but really enjoy working with young children. I am excited to see where this leads next!

Hi, I am Reagan! I am learning as a teacher under the mentorship of Ms. Cynthia, Ms. Alicia, and Ms. Kayla through the ApprenticeshipNC program as I simultaneously complete my degree in early childhood education. I look forward to mastering the competencies and becoming an early childhood educator, leading my own classroom someday!