Our Teachers

Stephen and Paula are proud parents of an active eighteen year old daughter who grew up in The Goddard School. “As parents, we know the importance of providing the best possible environment for your child’s education and development. We strongly believe the key to young children developing a love of learning is to make learning fun. We look forward to introducing you to our incredible staff and showing you around our state-of-the-art facility,” says Stephen. Stephen is originally from Northern Ireland and attended Imperial College in England. Paula grew up in Maine and Virginia and attended college at the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Nicole has been our School’s director since 2006 and prior to that was a lead teacher and assistant director at another Goddard School. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish, which she speaks fluently. She loves spending time with her husband and her two children who attend Goddard. “My door is always open - literally! Please feel free to stop by at any time,” says Nicole.

Ellen has been part of our School since the Spring of 2006. During that time, she has taught almost every age. Now she manages the Preschool building’s front office and drives our big school bus! She has an Associate’s degree in General Science from Richard Bland College and has her Child Development Associates certificate. She enjoys spending time with her husband and children who attend Goddard. “I’ve learned that every child is unique in their own way and should be taught as an individual,” says Ellen.

Megan joined our School in the Fall of 2005 and has worked in many of the classrooms, with most of the age groups, over the years. Now, she is the School Age Director, running the School Age program and providing support for the Private Kindergarten and Half Day Pre-K classes. She has her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from John Tyler College. “I enjoy working with children on a daily basis. I am grateful that I can provide my knowledge to teach their young minds. I love watching them grow and learn new things,” says Megan.

Giggling Geese - Young Preschool Kari joined us as the assistant teacher for the Pre-Toddlers in 2011. Now, with her Child Development Associates, she has taken over as the Lead Teacher in the Giggling Geese room and made the position her own.

Squirming Squirrels - Get Set Ms. Doreen just recently joined our team in the Spring of 2019, soon settling in as one of the 'established' lead teachers - not surprising really, after being the lead teacher at another local preschool for the previous 15 plus years. She has her Child Development Associates and with over 20 years of experience, she brings tremendous energy and fun to her classroom and everyone she meets.

Soaring Eagles - Pre-K Kayleigh joined our team in 2010, initially with the Toddler age group, moving up to be with many of her former kids again when she took on a Pre-K lead teacher role after completing her Child Development Associates. She believes that it's essential to always be enthusiastic and creative for her kids in the Soaring Eagles. The DO2MUCH license plate on her car really says it all!

Darling Ducklings - Infants Laverne first joined our school in 2005 and over the years has become an integral part of our team. She has worked with many of the age groups here, but has really found her true home again as the lead teacher in our Darling Ducklings Infant class. She obtained her Child Development Associates certificate in 2006. "I absolutely love waking up every day so I can make a positive difference in the life of every child," says Laverne. Often known as 'Mama Duck', she stays part of her families lives for many years.

Friendly Frogs - Toddlers

Rocking Rabbits - Older PreSchool Sonja has been at our School since the Fall of 2005, always as a Lead Teacher - in the Squirming Squirrels class for many years, recently growing up with her kids and moving to the Rocking Rabbits. Prior to coming here, she worked in a preschool setting and in Special Education. She has her Associate’s degree in Childhood Education from Virginia State. “I’ve been working with children as long as I can remember!" says Sonja.