Our Teachers

My name is Ray Murray and I took over as the owner of our school in 2009. At first my children attended school here as well, so it was great! Now that they are older, I really enjoy being able to get to know so many families and see the children grow and change as they move through the school! My favorite color is green. I was born in Long Island, NY and grew up on New Jersey. I raised my boys to be New York Giant and Mets fans, but I always root for OSU, which is where my wife, Lisa, graduated from.

My name is Mandy Backs and I started at our school in 2001. I love seeing the kids grow and getting to know all of the unique personalities. I have so many memories and stories to share that make me feel like I’m where I’m meant to be! I have four children of my own that are my whole world! I love being a mom more than anything!! My favorite color is blue.

My name is Nicole Morris, but most of the students call me Ms. Cole. I started at The Goddard School in October 2013. My favorite thing about working at this school is all the love we get – hugs, smiles, high fives, you name it!! Pink is my all-time favorite color! My daughter, Ella, is the biggest blessing in my life!

My name is Diane Felvus and I started at Goddard when we opened in January 2001. I love being an infant teacher. I have been in the infant room for my entire Goddard career and I truly enjoy every child I’ve ever had. I also get to see my four granddaughters everyday and I really enjoy it! My favorite color is black. I am from England and moved here shortly before joining Goddard.

I'm Ms. Caitlin and I started with Goddard in April 2024. I have always enjoyed working with kids in different settings. I play in a band made up of alumni from Ohio State to raise money for Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House charities. I consider myself to be fun and caring and I'm excited to be a part of our Goddard family.

My name is Molly Smith. I am excited to be teaching at Goddard after working in another preschool setting prior to the pandemic. I started with the school in July of 2020. I have really enjoyed meeting the kids and spending time playing with them. My favorite color is purple and a little known fact about me is that I used to work at Walt Disney World in Florida!

I'm Ms. Kennedy and I started Goddard in March of 2023 after spending 2 years at a previous center. I have a passion for working with children and am raising a son of my own and am very family oriented. I consider myself to be a social and authentic person. I'm excited to watch the children here at Goddard grow.

I'm Ms. Paige and I began working at Goddard in March of 2023. I am excited to get to know the children and gain experience here at Goddard. I love doing digital photography and have found that I am comfortable and confident in working with young children. I can be shy at first, but once we know each other, I open up. I consider myself to be creative and fun and my favorite color is blue!

I'm Ms. Kenny and I began teaching at our school in January of 2023. After many years in management in the food service industry, I decided to move in a different direction. I am excited to grow and learn alongside the children here at Goddard. I consider myself to be patient and a good listener which are two important qualities when working with children. I love meeting and talking to new people and my favorite movie is Polar Express, "No matter what, I'll always believe".

I'm Ms. Megan and I started with Goddard in October 2024. I have been working in childcare for several years and also have experience in hotel management. I love being a mom and it's the number 1 thing I take pride in. I consider myself to be reliable and selfless and I'm excited to be a part of our Goddard family.

I'm Ms. Mikayla and I joined our Goddard in September 2023. I moved to the area after taking classes at Ohio University. Working with kids has always been a passion of mine. I consider myself to be compassionate and hardworking. My favorite quote is "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."

My name is Ashley Clemons and I began working at Goddard in January 2017. I have made such an amazing connection with my Panda babies and parents. The bond we share is very special! I love the color purple and anything sparkly! I’m a mom to two amazing kiddos, Trey and Aaliyah. Aaliyah is a very talented all star cheerleader and Trey is an academic scholar who loves basketball.

My name is Marie Turiaga and began working at Goddard in September 2018. The best things about working at this school are when the class breaks out in spontaneous laughter together. It feels like family! I also enjoy the fond memories I have built alongside my colleagues. I am very fond of the colors blue and black. A little known fact about me is that I am superstitious!!

I'm Ms. Lily and I'm excited to be a part of the infant program at our Goddard. I've always wanted to be a teacher and look forward to gaining experience. I consider myself to be a nice person and I am very hard-working. I am eager to learn and grow.

I’m Ms. Sara and I started at our school in August 2023. I'm going to be going back to school for child care and am excited to gain experience with children while working here at our Goddard. I am a caring and dependable person and I love movies, especially comedies!

My name is Lauren Gilaspy and began working at Goddard in August 2024. I've always felt I have a natural connection with children and I love seeing the moment they "get it". I would love to one day travel to Rome to continue my History degree and eventually become a college professor.

I'm Ms. Danielle and I started at Goddard in April 2024. I am 1 of 9 siblings and am planning to attend school for Early Childhood Development. I consider myself to be compassionate and I love to read. You could say I'm a "bookworm". My favorite childhood book was The Magic Treehouse series. I am excited to be a part of the Goddard team.

My name is Celestia Haga and I started Goddard in April of 2021. I’ve worked at Columbus Colony and Otterbein New Albany Senior life and am excited to be working with young children now too. It’s fun to experience all ages. My mother is a twin and so am I. My favorite color is pink and my favorite childhood book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See?

My name is Sharon, and I am excited to be working with the children here at Goddard. I describe myself as kind and reserved. I have many years of experience working in a preschool setting and even spent several years in the Sprouts room at the Westerville Recreation Center. My favorite books are any about Winnie the Pooh!

I'm Ms. Shameca. I started at The Goddard School in January of 2024. I moved to Ohio from Florida, but was born in the Carribean. I am currently in school working towards a degree in Criminal Justice where I hope to one day work with troubled youth. I consider myself to be outgoing and nurturing and my favorite quote is, "Life is a journey, not a destination".

My name is Niah Themelaras and began working at Goddard in August 2024. I atttended Otterbein University and worked as a library assistant and I have also worked in a preschool setting. I consider myself to be creative and compassionate.

I'm Ms. Emma and I started at our Goddard in October 2024. I am a graduate of Ohio University. I love storytelling and feel is is important for everyone's story to be told. I consider myself to be optimistic and growing and my favorite childhood book is Goodnight Moon.