Owner -
Jim Nerpouni was born in Boston, traveled extensively, and has resided in Chagrin Falls for 25+ years with his wife, Kathy, and their two sons.
Jim’s background has lots of international business development activity in more than 65 countries and he and his family have lived in Greece, Germany, and Bahrain.
Children have always been part of Jim’s activities, from Webelos to Eagle Scouts with his sons, to coaching little league and soccer teams for eight years through their high school years.
Jim has earned his MBA from Case Western Reserve University, is a veteran of the US Army 82nd Airborne Division, and enjoys skiing and tennis.
Director -
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, my name is Lyssa DiTomas, and I am the Director of The Goddard School®. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Kent State University where I majored in Family and Consumer Studies with an emphasis on Early Childhood Development. I have now been working with children and their families for over ten years. I started my career interning at a school for children with learning disabilities and behavioral problems and then became a preschool teacher. I was the previous Administrator of a childcare center located inside of a nursing home where our focus was on intergenerational programming.
I am very excited to be a part of The Goddard School® where many of my personal beliefs are found in the Goddard Philosophy. I believe that each child should be respected as an individual, and have the freedom to explore and learn about the world around them. I look forward to getting to know you and your child.
Shining Stars: Infants -
Ms. Becky is excited to be a part of our Infant class. Ms. Becky has eighteen months of experience working in Goddard's infant room. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and completed her Child Development Associate's degree. She has worked with young children since she was twelve, first babysitting, then as a nanny, and then educating children in center-based learning environments. She is very excited to be working with everyone at Goddard!
Ms. Hannelie, who also goes by Ms. Hannah is a member of the Shining Stars team. She is really excited about playing a positive role in your child’s development. Hannah is an outgoing, positive and open-minded individual. Her love for children started when she began working as an Au Pair. She has worked with children for five years and claims that it has been the most wonderful experience of her life. Hannah looks forward to helping your children grow in an encouraging, educational environment.
Ms. Stephanie has been working with children for over six years. She graduated from Beachwood High School and plans to further her education in childhood development and obtain a CDA credential. Ms. Stephanie is currently working with the infants in our Shining Stars room and adore them. "Please feel free to stop in and say hello," adds Ms. Stephanie.
Tiny Turtles: Pre-Toddlers -
Mary Jane who is also known as Ms. M.J., is the teacher in our Tiny Turtles room. She has almost thirty years of experience working with children. Mary Jane worked for twenty years as a private nanny for one family. She also worked part-time for several schools in the Cleveland area and eventually became a full-time teacher. She is pleased to be a part of The Goddard School®.
Ms. Carli is a part of the Tiny Turtle toddler classroom. She graduated from Kent State with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Family Life Education. Ms. Carli plans to pursue a Master’s degree in School Counseling. "I am having so much fun getting to know the children and their families. It’s great to be a part of the Goddard team," adds Ms. Carli.
Wonderful Whales: Toddlers -
Ms. Amanda is glad to be a part of the Goddard team. She graduated from Cardinal High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science. Ms. Amanda plans to attend graduate school to obtain a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. Before arriving at our Goddard School, she worked at a Goddard School in the Columbus area and was a lead teacher in their Get Set classroom. She chose to continue teaching at Goddard because she feels it truly is an excellent learning environment for children. Her favorite part of teaching is using her skills to make an important impact on the lives of the children. "I enjoy coming to work every day because the children never cease to amaze me, and they always have me smiling and laughing. I’m glad to be a part of the toddler classroom and look forward to teaching your children," adds Ms. Amanda.
Ms. Summer knew at a young age that she wanted to work with children. She has been working with children for over thirteen years and loves every minute of it. She is currently completing an Associate’s degree in Child Development. Ms. Summer looks forward to being a part of The Goddard School family and the opportunity to be a part of helping our students learn and grow.
Fantastic Fish: Get Set -
Ms. Joey has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kent State University. In the future, she would like to obtain a Master’s degree in School Psychology. Ms. Joey has worked in preschools over the past few years also has experience as a nanny. "I am proud to say that I love teaching children. Children make work fun and every day they offer something new. I look forward to teaching and learning more at The Goddard School," adds Ms. Joey.
Zany Zebras: Preschool I -
Kathie H. is the Lead Teacher in our Zany Zebras room. She has an Associate's degree in Child Development from Lakeland Community College. Kathie has also taken a variety of classes in Early Childhood Education. She is excited to work at Goddard and looks forward to spending time with the children in the Zany Zebras room.
Dynamic Dinosaurs: Preschool II -
Ms. Kandice is a Lead Teacher in our Dinosaur room. She graduated from Nordonia Hills High School and obtained a Bachelor's degree from the University of Toledo. She plans to go back to school to pursue a Master's degree in Business. She's looking forward to getting to know the kids, helping them learn and watching them grow.
Ms. Ashleigh is an Assistant Teacher in the Dinosaurs classroom. She graduated from Cardinal High School and later from the Alexandria Nanny School. Ashleigh plans to go back to school for a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is happy to be a part of The Goddard School team. "Getting to know the children and spending time with them is always a joy," adds Ashleigh.
Happy Hippos: Pre-K -
Jacki is a teacher in our Happy Hippos classroom. She graduated from Lake Erie College with an Early Childhood degree. Jacki was a substitute teacher for two years and then worked at a Montessori preschool for a year. She is excited to be a part of The Goddard School as well as part of your children’s lives. "I am looking forward to an enjoyable, productive year," adds Jacki.
Jolly Giraffes: Kindergarten Enrichment -
Ms. Paige is the Lead Teacher in our Jolly Giraffes classroom at The Goddard School. She graduated from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and plans to pursue a Master's degree in the near future. Paige has worked at The Goddard School for a few years and loves watching all the children grow and learn.
Ms. Theresa is excited to be a part of the Giraffe Room! She has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education and is working on a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Cincinnati. She will also be receiving her Pre-K Licensure soon. She has previously worked as a nanny, preschool teacher and toddler teacher. She would like to add, “I understand the amount of influence adults have on children at any period but especially during the first eight years of their life. I am committed to giving quality care and education to the children that I am entrusted to teach.”
Extraordinary Explorers - After School -
Ms. Carmen is very excited to join our Extraordinary Explorers After-School classroom. She attended The Ohio State University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science with a specialization in Early Childhood Development and Education. Carmen currently is in the process of obtaining a Master's degree in Education. She feels very fortunate for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful school and looks forward to caring for and teaching your children!