Ms. Nicole: Education Director, 11 Years of Early Childhood, Teaching and Administrative Experience Nicole has been our School’s director for five and a half years and prior to that was a lead teacher and co-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. She loves spending time with her husband and her two children who attend Goddard. “My door is always open so please feel free to stop by at any time!” says Nicole.
Ms. Ellen: Office Administration, 6 Years of Early Childhood and Teaching Experience Ellen has been at our School for six years. 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 daughter who attends Goddard. “I’ve learned that every child is unique in their own way and should be taught as an individual,” says Ellen.
Ms. Brandi: Infant Lead Teacher, 19 Years of Early Childhood and Teaching Experience Brandi has been at our School for six years as a Lead Teacher for Infant and First Steps. Prior to that, she operated her own in home daycare. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. “I really enjoy being part of the children’s first year of development and growth. It is extremely rewarding for me to be part of their lives during this exciting and important time,” says Brandi.
Ms. Laverne: First Steps Lead Teacher, 15 Years of Early Childhood and Teaching Experience Laverne has been with our school for two and a half years. Prior to this, she taught all preschool age groups either as a lead teacher or most recently as a director in another center. 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.
Ms. Kimberley: Toddler 1 Lead Teacher, 10 Years of Early Childhood and Teaching Experience Kimberley has been at our School for three and a half years. Prior to that, she was an aquatics teacher for children of all ages. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from University of Richmond. “I am very thankful to have the opportunity to work with children and their families at The Goddard School,” says Kimberley.
Ms. Jackie: Toddler 2 Lead Teacher, 16 Years of Early Childhood and Teaching Experience Jackie has been at our School for four years. Prior to that, she operated her own in-home daycare. She has her Child Development Associates certificate and is nearly finished completing her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. “Nurturing children is what I do. Children are our future and they require special people in their lives. It gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity to be one of those special people,” says Jackie.
Ms. Sonja: Toddler 2 Lead Teacher, 20 Years of Early Childhood and Teaching Experience Sonja has been at our School for six and half years. 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, and my favorite ages have always been two and three years old. Their minds are like sponges, ready to absorb all the knowledge the world has to offer,” says Sonja.
Ms. Tamra: Preschool 1 Lead Teacher, 10 Years of Early Childhood and Teaching Experience Tamra has been at our School for six years and has been a lead teacher the majority of that time. She has her Child Development Associates certificate. “Working with children at this age is so critical, because it is one of the first opportunities to help shape and mold them into the people they will become,” says Tamra.
Ms. Emily: Preschool 2 Lead Teacher (Turtles classroom), Seven Years of Early Childhood and Teaching Experience Emily has been at our School for two and half years and has been a lead teacher for six years. She has one year left before she completes her Bachelor’s degree in Education. “My joy comes from watching the children in my class understand new concepts, experience new things, and get excited about learning,” says Emily.
Ms. Megan: Preschool 2 Lead Teacher (Rabbits classroom), 9 Years of Early Childhood and Teaching Experience Megan has been at our School for six and half years as a Lead Teacher. 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.
Ms. Judy: Pre-K Co-Lead Teacher (Otters Classroom), 12 Years of Early Childhood and Teaching Experience Judy has been at our School for three and a half years as a Pre-K Lead Teacher and has been a lead teacher for a total of eight years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Lebanon Valley College and enjoys sharing her love of music with her class. “I’m all about making learning fun,” says Judy.
Ms. Monica: Pre-K Co-Lead Teacher (Otters Classroom), 5 Years of Early Childhood and Teaching Experience Monica has been at our School for three years as a Pre-K Lead Teacher and prior to that worked for the local school system. She has her Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts from Southern Virginia University. “Because each child is so different, I like fostering their growth through their own creativity,” says Monica.
Ms. Monica: Pre-K Lead Teacher (Eagles Classroom), 18 Years of Early Childhood and Teaching Experience Monica has been at our School for six and a half years as a Pre-K Lead Teacher and has spent her entire career teaching four- and five-year-olds. She has her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Development from John Tyler College. “I believe most children learn best when the learning is hands-on and when you make learning fun,” says Monica.
Ms. Nikki: Private Kindergarten Teacher, 7 Years of Early Childhood and Teaching Experience Nikki has been at our School for three years as a Pre-K Lead Teacher. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Longwood University and her teaching license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Earlier in her career, she attended Clown College and has many years of experience in storytelling and theater. “I believe all children are unique and special and deserve a fun and safe learning environment. Learning should be enjoyable,” says Nikki.
Ms. Sarah: School Age Lead Teacher, 6 Years of Early Childhood and Teaching Experience Sarah has spent most of her six years at our School working with elementary school children. She has her Child Development Associates certificate. “I really enjoy being part of children’s lives and development. Every day brings something new and exciting. During my years here at Goddard, I have gotten to know many wonderful families,” says Sarah.