Our Teachers

Crystal brings over a decade of experience and a passion for early childhood education. She began her Goddard journey in 2010 as a Preschool Teacher at The Goddard School of Lewis Center, later serving as Director for six years. In 2021, she became the Executive Director of The Goddard School of Reynoldsburg, excelling in curriculum development, quality assurance, and faculty training before taking on co-ownership of Grandview. Crystal holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and advanced certifications in social-emotional learning and classroom management. She is also the proud mother of two daughters, Lily and Arya, both of whom attended The Goddard School, giving her a personal perspective on the value of a nurturing and high-quality educational environment. Her hands-on leadership and dedication ensure that The Goddard School of Grandview provides an exceptional experience for children, families, and staff.

Kyle and Ruth Arbaugh are the proud owners of The Goddard School of Grandview, Reynoldsburg, and Lewis Center. As parents of two young children who attend Goddard, they are deeply committed to providing exceptional education and care for young children. Ruth brings over a decade of experience as an elementary school teacher and Dean of a private elementary school. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University, along with certifications from Harvard and Yale. Kyle, a former technology entrepreneur, spent 15 years building innovative businesses, including a financial education platform for young adults. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Marketing from Ohio Northern University. They are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive, parents feel supported, and teachers are empowered to inspire the next generation.

Ms. Melanie, a mother of two grown children, has dedicated her life to early childhood education, beginning her journey in the field at the age of 16. She holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently completing her Bachelor's Degree in Educational Studies. Ms. Melanie brings a wealth of experience, having worked with children of all ages and served as an administrator. Her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds shines through in all she does. One of her most cherished moments is receiving heartfelt gifts from children, such as a handpicked flower or a lovingly drawn picture. To her, these small tokens symbolize "the most precious gift a child can give."

With 24 years of experience in early childhood education, Ms. Christi is passionate about forming meaningful partnerships with parents and creating a nurturing environment for children. She loves the daily adventures her role brings and cherishes the love and trust children and families place in her. In her free time, she enjoys shopping and spending time with her family.

Hi! My name is Kate Lambert. I was born and raised in London Ohio. I attended London City schools. I have a beautiful 2-Year-old son, (Hudson) and have another on the way! I’m engaged to the love of my life and plan on getting married within the next year. I adore working with Children and have been in the field for 2 years. I plan on working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education. My Hobbies include Camping, Hiking, Being outdoors, Painting & Pyrography. I’m looking forward to starting my career with Goddard!

Ms. Monika was born and raised in Poland. In 2014, she came to the United States as a part of an exchange program that focused on child care. Since then, she has been working with kids ranging from infants to young teens. When she is not working with children, she enjoys spending time with friends, and family, or watching a good movie. Her hobbies are photography and traveling. She hopes to create a happy and positive environment not only for children but also for our Goddard School team members.

Ms. Christy has been in the Early Childhood field for 28 years and holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Columbus State Community College. She brings extensive experience and dedication to nurturing young minds, finding joy in watching children grow and develop. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time outdoors with loved ones.

Ms. Gabby is a creative and caring educator who enjoys knitting, crocheting, and drawing. Since entering the Early Childhood field in 2022, she has loved watching children explore their surroundings and figure out the world. Her curiosity and creativity make her a valuable part of the Goddard team.

Ms. Maria is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and began her journey in the field in 2023. She finds joy in watching children grow, learn, and find excitement in even the smallest things. Her creativity and enthusiasm make her a wonderful addition to the Goddard team.

Ms. Katie was born and raised in Avon Lake, Ohio. She attended the Ohio State University. She loves to bake sweets and hike in her spare time. She has been in the Early Childhood Field for about 5 years as a nanny, student teaching, and teaching swim lessons. She says, " What I love about working with children is seeing their personalities grow and develop. You get to see them discover their likes and dislikes and they're always so entertaining."

Ms. Kay is a creative and nurturing educator who is dedicated to fostering a safe and loving environment where children can thrive. She finds joy in helping children discover their unique personalities and supporting their growth and development. Outside of her work, she enjoys drawing, watching movies, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Ms. Seqoya has worked in the childcare field for a decade and holds a BA in Political Science from Ohio State University. She is currently pursuing her Infant and Toddler CDA to deepen her expertise. She delights in the small moments of joy children bring and appreciates their ability to find wonder in everyday experiences. In her free time, she enjoys creating art, watching anime, and taking nature walks.

Ms. Kiara was born and raised in Fredericksburg, VA. She graduated from Chancellor High School. She enjoys painting, reading, watching TV, relaxing, and going out to eat. She has worked in the Early Childhood Field for about 2 years and says, " I love seeing them smile when I come in the room and watching them learn. I like interacting with the children."

Ms. Artesha (Ms. Tay) brings enthusiasm and warmth to her role at Goddard. She holds a degree from the University of Phoenix and is passionate about being a positive influence in children’s lives, teaching them new things, and supporting their growth. In her free time, she enjoys reading and watching documentaries.

Ms Diana was born and raised in Hartford, CT. She graduated from high school in Hartford. She loves painting, gardening, home DIY projects, decorating and crafting. Ms Diana has been in childcare for almost 2 years and says, I love working with children because they're so open, honest, curious and funny. They can learn anything as long as someone is willing to teach them! They will also teach you some new things."

My name is Angelena (Lena). I'm a recent graduate of Grove City Career Academy where I studied interactive media design. I live in a country area with my 3 dogs Moe, Grizzy, and my newest pup Daisey May. I love anything that has to do with being creative like painting, drawing, photography, and coloring. I've been working at Goddard since 2022 and am very excited to watch all of our babies grow and to learn more from Ms Megan.

Ms. Benicia is originally from Champaign Illinois and moved to Columbus in 2016. Her love for children began at a very young age while helping her mother out in her in-home childcare. Ms. Benicia has served as a teacher in the field of early learning for 8 years and thoroughly enjoys nurturing children and helping them develop cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically. She believes that teaching children is her purpose in life. She is currently attending Columbus State Community College pursuing a degree in Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and friends, traveling to see family, and going to the movies. Ms. Benicia is so excited to be a part of The Goddard School of Grandview team and looks forward to teaching and providing loving care to families.

Ms. Ajiuah is passionate about nurturing the next generation and fostering a love for learning. She is committed to creating a supportive and engaging environment where children feel encouraged to grow and explore. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and cherishing moments with her loved ones.

Hi, my name is Randi. I have my CDA in Early Childhood Education. I have worked with all age groups some with disabilities and special needs for the past 6 years. I went to Academia Medical Institute where I earned my STNA license to work as an in-home health provider for the elderly. When I'm not learning something new from my little's I enjoy spending time with my fiance Ryan, my daughter Angelena, and our three fur babies Moe, Gizzy, and my newest pup Daisey I'm excited to get to know and work with the Goddard family.

Ms. Gabrielle was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. She graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts High School and The Ohio State University. She loves to go to the gym, dance, art, and drums. She has worked in childcare for the past three years and " loves learning new ways and techniques that will help a child's development. I also love exploring their unique gifts and talents and I love playing with them."

Ms. Claire was born and raised right here in Grandview Heights, Ohio. She has several years of experience in the education field and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from The Ohio State University. She loves working with children and gets so much joy out of watching them have that “Ah-Ha” moment. Getting to be a part of the growth of young children is the greatest of gifts. When she’s not here at school, Ms. Claire is hanging out with friends, family, or her cats at home. She is so excited to be a part of The Goddard family!

Ms. Kirsten or Ms. Zeng was born in New Jersey. She also lived in Pennsylvania and Illinois before making it to Ohio. Her high school years were spent at Dublin Scioto where a majority of time was spent in the art room prior to graduating. Since graduation, she has attended school for her STNA and also Bee school. Ms. Zeng has a great love for some of God's smallest creatures. She has raised butterflies, ghost mantids, spinny flower mantids, and a stick mantis. Someday she hopes to add an orchid mantis to that group! Ms. Zeng is the proud mother of a greyhound, an Italian greyhound, and a hairless Chinese crested. She also has a one-eyed chameleon and a lot of fish. In her free time she likes to travel, go to concerts, create artwork, and garden along with taking care of her 4 legged and finned babies. In Ms. Zeng's garden, you will find mostly medicinal herbs and things that attract your pollinators. Ms. Zeng is a big kid at heart!

Ms. Helen is the mother of three adult children and a loving grandmother to twin grandsons and two granddaughters. Her love for being with children comes from growing up in a large family with seven siblings and a lot of nieces and nephews. Celebrations and holidays are always loud but FUN occasions in Ms. Helen’s family. She looks forward to bringing all that fun and experience with her own family to our Goddard family here in Grandview.

Ms Chanel was born and raised in Chicago. She graduated from Mather High School and Wilbur Wright College. She is creative and enjoys creating digital art. She enjoys character design, writing, video games, and listening to audiobooks or music. She has worked in the Early Childhood Field for about three years now and says she enjoys most, "Feeling fulfilled at the end of the day when I go home. Knowing that I made a child's day brighter just by being there and giving them the attention they crave and making them smile."

Ms Valeria was born and raised in Venezuela. She graduated from Thomas Worthington High School. She loves to listen to music, photography, and art. This is her first experience working in childcare, and she says " I love working with children because they make my day happy."

Ms. Corri is completing her internship in early childhood education and brings enthusiasm and dedication to her work with children. She loves the opportunity to make a positive impact on young lives and finds fulfillment in supporting their growth and development. In her free time, she enjoys painting, reading, and exploring her interests in law and music.

Ms Mandasia was born and raised in Columbus, OH, and graduated from Whitehall Yearling High School. In her spare time, she loves to read, write, paint, and take walks to explore. She is new to the Early childhood field but says, " I love watching them grow and learn. I love making them feel safe and secure, and I love when my teaching team comes together to make them feel loved and taken care of.