Amar & Priya Amaresh(Owners) - Amar & Priya are the owners of The Goddard School® located in Cary, NC. They moved from the Midwest to the the Triangle Area in 2006, and have found this to be a wonderful place to live, and raise their 3 young children. Priya is the on-site owner, and has a great passion for early childhood education. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a dual Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Sociology, and a Master's degree in Curriculum Development. She has been an educator for over 20 years, teaching at various levels from Pre-K to 8th grade. She believes that providing a strong social and educational foundation for children, at the youngest age, is essential to making them life long learners and great citizens of the community. Her philosophy of education parallels the philosophy of The Goddard School "Learning through Play", as children learn wonderful things while they are having fun exploring, discovering, and getting hands on experiences. Her goal is to offer the best opportunities for children to learn and have fun; as well as provide a school where children love to come, and where parents are excited about the choice they have made for their child.
Ms. Leigh Edwards (Educational Director) - Leigh joined The Goddard School as the Director of Education in June 2011. As a previous owner and director of an early childhood center for more than 15 years, Ms. Leigh is extremely knowledgeable and skilled in teaching and administering a five-star school. In addition to her childcare experience, Ms. Leigh has been a public school classroom teacher in 1st-3rd grades for more than 10 years. She has earned a double Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Music from Meredith College. Also, having the North Carolina Early Childhood Teaching and Administration credentials gives her a great foundation as she helps address the needs of early childhood educators, parents and children. Her passion for working with the young child, and her dedication to children is evident in her constant search for new ideas and opportunities to gain knowledge in the field. Her goal is to make parents feel happy and secure, to know that their child is well taken care of and in the best education settings.
Ms. Jen (Assistant Director) - Ms. Jen has been the Assistant Director at the Goddard School since April 2011. A graduate from Eastern Michigan University, Ms. Jen has earned a degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Early Childhood Education. Her inspiration to work in early childhood came after graduation, after having taught as an assistant Pre-School teacher for a year in Michigan. Having served for two years as a wonderful Lead teacher in the Pre-K classroom at the Goddard School, Ms. Jen stepped into the Assistant Director position with ease. Her belief that children are generally “curious and open to new experiences” helps her come up with great ideas and plans to implement in the classroom. In compliance with the Premier standards of Goddard, Ms. Jen is motivated to help run a 5 star school where children can explore, experiment, create and feel loved. Ms. Jen enjoys interacting and developing relationships with the children and their families.
Ms. Tina (Pre-K) - Ms. Tina has been a Pre-Kindergarten teacher at The Goddard School since its opening in 2001. An early childhood educator since 1985, her passion is to help children learn to read. “There’s nothing better than that ‘ah-ha’ moment on a child’s face when they understand how to sound out words and read on their own." She is a dynamic and loving teacher, who helps every child reach their greatest learning potentials. Her love for teaching is apparent in her daily interactions with her children, and her creativity is seen in the wonderful lessons and activities she plans for each month’s themes. She is often visited by former children, who miss the “fun they have had in Ms. Tina’s class”, once they graduate. We are very proud to have Ms. Tina as part of the Goddard team.
Ms.Samantha (Pre-K Teacher)
Ms. Samantha joined the Goddard School in August 2011. A recent graduate of Meredith College in Raleigh, NC, Ms. Samantha has a degree in Elementary Education and several years of experience working in Early Childhood Education Centers
Ms. Monica (Preschool) - Ms. Monica has been a teacher at The Goddard School since its opening in 2001. She has had many years of experience working with children of all ages at the early childhood level. Her energy and enthusiasm is contagious, and children look forward to being a part of her Preschool class. As a teacher, she is a wonderful classroom manager, and always has creative ways to get children to learn and participate in all the fun activities of the classroom.
Ms. Dee (Preschool) - Ms. Dee has been a Preschool teacher at The Goddard School since 2006. She is a devoted and caring teacher who creates an exciting learning environment for her students. Of Mexican descent, Ms. Dee is proud to share her Hispanic culture and Spanish language with the children. A student from West Los Angeles College, Ms. Dee has gained a strong understanding of the needs of children at the early childhood stage. She has pursued her love for teaching, and has been working with young children since 1997. Ms. Dee’s positive attitude and strong work ethic makes her a cherished member of the Goddard faculty.
Ms. Laura (Toddler) - Ms. Laura has been a teacher at the Goddard School since May 2007. She
loves working with the toddlers because “it is exciting to watch them
grow and develop into their unique personalities." The wonderful
learning environment she has established in her classroom helps the
toddler children develop a sense of security, curiosity and important
healthy habits. Her patience and nurturing personality are most
comforting to the parents who leave their children in her care. Ms.
Laura is a graduate of Peace College, and is currently working on her
Master’s Degree in Social Work at North Carolina State University.
Mr. Kris Mr. Kris has been with The Goddard School since 2004. Having earned his Early Childhood Credential, he began as a Pre-K teacher and continues as a part-time teacher. He graduated from the NC School of Communication Arts and also works as a professional graphic designer. Mr. Kris's artisitic skills play a big role at Goddard where he helps teachers create classroom displays. He believes children are excited about life, and his enjoyment shows when participating various activities with them.
Ms. Kelly (First Steps) Ms. Kelly has been a First Steps teacher at the Goddards School since January 2011. She has been an early childhood educator since 1990, working with children of various ages. She has a particular fondness for the toddler years when she watches children exploring the world around them and discovering their new found skills. Ms. Kelly received her North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials from Wake Tech Community College. Her education and interest in children's development enables her to be a caring, creative and energetic teacher for her little students. "My passion is working with children, helping them to feel loved, and know that they are very special people in this world. "
Ms. Tonya W. (Infant Teacher) - Ms. Tonya has been a teacher at The Goddard School since June 2010. Since receiving her Early Childhood Certification from Wake Technical Community College, she has brought great experience and knowledge of young children to the infant classroom. She believes that the most important thing a teacher can do is “be there for that child, listen, nurture and encourage”. The patience and love she demonstrates in the classroom helps to create that harmonious and lively environment in which the youngest children in our school thrive. Ms. Tonya continues her education at Ashford University, where she is pursuing her Bachelor's of Science Degree.
Ms. Omnia R. (Infant Teacher) - Ms. Omnia has been a teacher at The Goddard School since May 2011. Currently, she is the lead teacher in the Infant classroom. The warm, loving personality that she exudes makes a wonderful impression on all children, parents and staff. Ms. Omnia recently graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in health, medicine, and human values. While a University student, Omnia focused on children's development and conducted an independent study on reading fluency and literacy with elementary aged children in the public schools, as well as at the Boys and Girls Club. Ms. Omnia's calm and serene nature is perfectly matched to the needs of the babies for whom she cares.
Ms. Ashley S. ( First Steps Teacher) - Ms. Ashley began working at The Goddard School in May 2011, after graduating from Averett University with a Bachelor's degree. Her majors were Pre-K - 6 education, psychology, and English. A longtime resident of Cary who taught at the YMCA and other preschools, Ms. Ashley has enjoyed working with children of all ages since 2005. She is an enthusiastic teacher, and truly enjoys interacting with children. Her favorite part of teaching is watching children's progress as they grow and learn.
Ms. Alexandra (Pre-K Teacher) Ms. Alex joined the Goddard School in September of 2011. She is a recent graduate from East Carolina University, with a degree in Education. She has over 4 years of experience in Early Childcare, and has also received her NC Early Childhood Credentials.