Jason Pullukat - Owner:
Jason graduated from Michigan State University with his degree in Supply Chain Management. After being in the corporate world for over ten years he wanted to operate a business that played an important role in the community by providing an exceptional service for children. Jason is very excited to own a business that is centered on his most important priority - family. He is proud to be a part of The Goddard School and is committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for the children in this neighborhood. Jason looks forward to getting to know you and your family as well as being a part of the community.

Gina Carlton - Educational Director:
Gina graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor's degree in Child Development. After Gina graduated, she began her career at The Goddard School located in St. Charles, Illinois. Gina chose The Goddard School because she felt that it most closely resembled everything that she learned in school and practiced during her internship. Gina started out as a Lead Teacher in the Get Set classroom. She was then offered the position of Assistant Director and eventually was promoted to the school's Director. When her husband got a new job, she was forced to leave her position in St. Charles but knew about the school coming soon to Lincoln Park. Gina's favorite thing about being the Director is forming new relationships. She loves meeting new people and listening to what their wants and needs are. Gina's priority is to make sure that the children are having a positive learning experience and are being nurtured every day. She looks forward to getting to know your family.

Monica A. - Assistant Director

Monica graduated from Eastern Illinois University where she earned her Master’s degree in Family and Human Services. While working on her Master’s degree, she taught in South Africa for a semester as well as in a toddler classroom. It was working in South Africa and teaching the young children there that she knew she wanted to have a career in Early Childhood Education. She most recently, was the Assistant Director of a non-profit childcare center. She loves working with children because she gets to use her creative side and get messy alongside the children. Singing songs and acting silly is what makes teaching young children so much fun! 

Eric A. - Operations Manager
Eric is currently attending National Louis University and he is a few classes away from graduating with dual degrees in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. Eric has been working with young children for over ten years and recently began volunteering at Children's Memorial Hospital. His favorite children's book is Tiki Tiki Tembo.

Alane J. - Infant I, Lead Teacher:
Alane has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana. She is currently enrolled at the Erickson Institute and is working towards a Master's degree in Child Development specializing in Infancy. Alane was able to reach these wonderful achievements with the help of her parents because they always pushed her to do her best, especially in her senior year of high school. Alane was truly sad, and felt like giving up because she lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. However, Alane's parents told her not to give up on her dreams. This is one reason why she is passionate about working with children. She has volunteered at The Children's Hospital of New Orleans in the emergency room for the last two years. Alane has also mentored young children at the YMCA. She looks forward to her work with The Goddard School where she can share her expertise and experiences with the children. Alane's favorite children's songs include "The Wheels on The Bus" and "The Itsy Bitsy Spider."

Jessica F. - Infant I, Assistant Teacher

Jessica graduated from Drake University in Iowa with a degree in Psychology. She has always worked with children. She spent a few summers at her local YMCA as a camp counselor, preschool teacher, daycare staff and gymnastics instructor. Jessica has been an infant teacher in the past at a preschool in Des Moines. She was most recently employed as a case manager in residential services for children and teens with developmental disabilities. Jessica knew she wanted to work in schools after she had an amazing experience working in a school in Thailand during her time studying abroad. 

Julie B. - Infant II, Lead Teacher:
Julie graduated with High Honors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies, and a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development. During her college career, she taught youth sports programs through a local park district, completed a summer internship with The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and worked as a student helper at the University of Illinois Early Child Development Laboratory (ECDL). Upon Graduating, she began teaching full-time at the ECDL in an infant classroom working with children ranging in age from six weeks to twenty months. After over a year of teaching in her hometown, Julie decided to move to Chicago and was thrilled to discover such a high-quality program like The Goddard School. The Goddard School's child-centered, play-based learning philosophy is perfectly in line with her beliefs about early childhood education. Julie considers herself to be a patient, compassionate person and enjoys children's unique personalities. Her goal is to help each child achieve new developmental milestones every day.

Kathy P. - Infant II, Assistant Teacher:
Kathy graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from Valparaiso University. Kathy was not sure in what capacity she wanted to use her degree in Psychology, but knew that she wanted to actively help people. All together, she spent about three years working with adults and children with developmental disabilities - either in direct care or in case management. Kathy was also an assistant teacher in a child development center, working with children from one year to six years of age, with a focus on two- to three-year-olds. Kathy has found that she wanted to be teaching hands-on with younger children. She is so excited to join The Goddard School and to meet the children and families that are a part of our community at Goddard.

Emily Y. - First Steps, Lead Teacher
Emily graduated from Northern Illinois University where she majored in Early Childhood Education. She is currently taking classes at National-Louis University to complete an endorsement in English as a Second Language. Emily recently transferred from The Goddard School located in Naperville, Illinois; she was a lead teacher in the pre-toddler classroom for a year. After a year of teaching in Naperville, she decided to move to Chicago and was thrilled to be invited to join the team at The Goddard School located in Lincoln Park.

Katie W. - First Steps, Assistant Teacher
Katie attended the University of Dubuque studying Political Science and continued her education at The Harrington College of Design in Interior Design. Katie has worked with children for over five years as a lifeguard for the city of Dubuque, during which she also functioned as a swim instructor for children up to five years of age. Katie also took part in various campaigns, which prompted for educational change. Katie is the co-founder of a non-profit charity called Covers of Comfort, which provides blankets for adult cancer patients. Her favorite children’s book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?  by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carl; she loves reading it with her goddaughter who knows it by heart.

Dana R. - First Steps - Lead Teacher

She graduated from Eastern Illinois University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. During college she worked in practicum classrooms to enhance her knowledge of working with young children. After graduating she worked as a caregiver for a child for one year. She gained a lot of experience caring for that young child but it was with that rewarding experience that she knew it was time to get her feet wet in the classroom. She also has her yoga certification and is excited to incorporate yoga into her classroom. "The best part about being a teacher to young children is all the hugs and kisses," adds Dana.

Charlotte D. - First Steps, Assistant Teacher:
Charlotte graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Performance. After graduating, she performed with the Hampstead Players, a national children's theatre company. They performed all over the country, for students ranging from preschool to high school. Each performance would include an interactive educational discussion about the storyline theme. In between performing, she has worked with children from birth to nine years of age as both a nanny and independent childcare provider. Charlotte's gained previous Goddard School experience over the years in both Midlothian and Virginia Beach, Virginia. Charlotte is excited to be back in the classroom and looks forward to working as an Assistant Teacher. She is thrilled to be a part of The Goddard School family in Lincoln Park!

Amanda N. - Young Toddler, Co-Teacher:
Amanda has an Arts degree from the College of Lake County. She has also studied Speech, Communications and Elementary Education at Western Illinois University. Amanda started with The Goddard School in 2008. She has been working with young children for ten years through teaching, tutoring, summer camp and 4-H environments. Throughout her teaching career, she considered herself fortunate to have been given the opportunity to teach within many different age groups. In her opinion, children's books are one of the most important teaching tools within a classroom!

Sara P. - Young Toddlers, Co-Teacher:
Sara attended the University of Iowa and received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Sociology.  During her undergraduate studies, she took many childhood education-related courses such as Child Psychology and Child Development , the American Family and the Sociology of Education. Sara comes to us from previous preschool experience having worked in Toddler, Preschool, and Pre-Kindergarten classrooms. She enjoys writing and reading and looks forward to being able to share those passions with children at The Goddard School.

Rebecca R.-Young Toddler, Assistant Teacher
Rebecca began working with children when she was in high school. She worked in her town’s elementary school as an after school coordinator for children in Kindergarten to second grade; her role was to help children with their homework. Once Rebecca graduated high school she was a nanny for two families. Later, she backpacked through Central America where she taught English and math in Guatemala and Honduras. After four months in Central America she moved to Fiji to work for UNICEF and the ministry of health on the island of Suva where she taught reproductive health throughout schools, orphanages, and villages. Upon her return to the United States Rebecca enrolled at Western Connecticut State University to study Social Work. During the summers she worked at a Nature Camp as a camp counselor where she taught children between the ages of five and thirteen, how to swim and boat and and all about archery and nature.

Bridgid P. - Toddler, Lead Teacher
Bridgid is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Depaul University. She has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for over ten years and can’t imagine doing anything else!  She not only has experience as a teacher but as a parent as well. Bridgid knows how special it is to have parents' trust to care for and educate their children.

Kay M.- Toddler, Assistant Teacher
Kay began teaching young children in 2001 in North Carolina; she worked her way from an assistant to a lead teacher position while pursuing her degree. She earned an Early Childhood Education Teaching Certification with an Infant and Toddler Specialty Certificate. In 2004, Kay moved to an adjacent community and opened a business with an infant center, preschool and summer camp, but made the decision to pass it on to a parent and move to New York in 2008. In New York, she continued teaching until she decided to settle in Chicago. Here, Kay plans to finish her degree and proceed to a Master’s degree in Education. Her favorite children’s books are the Llama Llama books by Anna Dewdney. Kay also really enjoys dancing and singing with the children in her classroom!

Kathryn L. - Get Set, Lead Teacher
Kathryn graduated from Depaul University with a degree in Elementary Education. During her four years at Depaul, she received a lot of experience working with all different age groups while gaining insight into current pedagogical and classroom management strategies. Kathryn received a position in a toddler room right after she graduated and fell in love with the age group. In her experience in the toddler room, some of her favorite activities are reading books such as Overboard and Down by the Station and singing songs like Three Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree. She loves getting children moving by having dance parties and doing the Hokey Pokey! Kathryn's goal as a teacher is to create a foundation for a lifetime of learning.

Jacqueline T. - Get Set - Assistant Teacher

Jacqueline graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lesley University, with a major in Child and Family Studies and a minor in Early Childhood Education. Her compassion for children blossomed during the summer between high school and college; Jacqueline was invited to teach English in Ben Tre, Vietnam. She had a class of twelve students between the ages of six and eight. She was also invited to be a guest middle school teacher in Saigon, Vietnam. During her stay, Jacqueline was able to provide teachers with American strategies (such as songs and games) to help children retain the English language. Jacqueline's goal as the Assistant Teacher in the Polar Bear classroom is to make your child’s experience in The Goddard School a safe, fun and educational experience.

Dylan V. - Get Set, Lead Teacher:
Dylan received a Bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University in Early Childhood Education. She has wanted to be a teacher ever since she was little. Dylan was very fortunate to have had amazing teachers who influenced her life so positively. They helped make her who she is today and she's excited to do the same for her students. Dylan was a student teacher in both kindergarten and second grade classrooms. She has spent the last year as a teacher in a toddler classroom. All of the experiences were wonderful and she learned so much about being a teacher. Dylan is eager to put what she has learned into play with her students. Dylan is ready to provide her students with the tools to achieve their goals in the future as her teachers had done for her. She wants to instill this in her students and teach them to always treat each other with kindness. Dylan wants each and every one of her students to know how special they are.

Deborah S. - Get Set, Assistant Teacher
Deborah graduated in 2009 with a Master’s in Education from DePaul University; she is certified in Elementary and Special Education. Prior to starting at The Goddard School, Deborah did a lot of volunteering and other work with elementary aged children. Her volunteering allowed her to tutor at two different schools with children from Kindergarten to Fourth grade; Deb also assisted a special education teacher. Her interest in the educational field sparked because she always had great teachers growing up; Deb's goal is to give back to the children at Goddard the great experiences she had with her teachers. As she got older, she really enjoyed working with children and knew this was the field she wanted to be in. In the future, Deborah plans to get an Early Childhood Certification in order to be able to serve a wider age span. Her favorite children’s book is Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Williams.

Chanel S. - Preschool, Lead Teacher
Chanel earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from DePaul University with a concentration in Human Development  and her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Roosevelt University. Her experiences include working as a youth tutor, Camp Counselor, Assistant Teacher, Teacher and Director. Chanel has always had a passion for working with children and enjoys bringing the arts to life in her classroom. She loves that she is able to apply her knowledge and experience into her classroom on a daily basis. Chanel’s favorite children’s book is Harold and the Purple Crayon by: Crockett Johnson.

Rachel C.- Pre-Kindergarten, Lead Teacher
Rachel is originally from New Jersey. She graduated in May 2009 from Salisbury University in Maryland with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. This will be Rachel’s third year teaching Pre-Kindergarten and her second year teaching at a Goddard School. She previously taught at The Goddard School in Tinton Falls, New Jersey where she was the Pre-Kindergarten teacher. Rachel firmly believes in Goddard’s approach to teaching. It is the main reason why she wanted to work here at the Lincoln Park location when she relocated to Chicago. Ever since she was in Fifth Grade her dream was to become a teacher. She would come home from school and read her favorite book, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein to her imaginary class. Over time, Rachel has had many different experiences working with children. She has been a neighborhood babysitter, camp counselor, summer camp coordinator, aide to a child with Dravet syndrome, and has volunteered at an orphanage in Costa Rica. Rachel is looking forward to meeting your children and having a wonderful school year together!

Ashley Y. - Resource Teacher:
Ashley is currently attending DePaul University and plans to graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Development. She focused on getting good grades and playing well in all sports in high school and made the Honor Roll every year. Ashley has been on the Dean's List several times and truly loves what she is studying. She has always wanted to work with children and has done just that for the last three years. Ashley joined The Goddard School family in July 2009 in Edwardsville, Illinois and could not be happier that one is now open in Lincoln Park.

Lisa C. - Resource Teacher
Lisa is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from DePaul University.  She will be graduating in the spring! She has been working with children throughout her time at DePaul.  Lisa really enjoys reading books to children and getting them excited about the content.  She also loves singing songs and doing poems with gestures with the children; they are so funny to watch!  Dancing, of course, is another favorite. Lisa enjoys working in Early Child Development because she knows the individual attention will make an impact on the rest of the child’s life.

Kiri S. - Resource Teacher
Kiri is currently attending DePaul University and plans to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Development. When she started at DePaul, she also started working with children in a preschool where she found her passion. Kiri loves working with children and could not see herself doing anything else. She is also a community service scholar and loves giving back to the community.

Grazyna J. - Resource Teacher
Grazyna recently graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana with a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Studies. This year she begins her new academic adventures as a dual degree student in the Masters program at Erickson Institute and Loyola University where she will be studying Social Work. Grazyna worked at the Early Child Development Lab in Urbana for almost two years. After working there and creating and implementing numerous theatre programs for students age 3-22. She is incredibly excited to become a part of the Goddard team! She is especially looking forward to sharing “The Little Green Frog” song with students at Goddard, as it is one of her personal favorites.

Sonya B. - Resource Teacher
After working in the nonprofit sector as a wellness child advocate and private nanny for children from infancy to six years old, Sonya decided it was time to continue pursuing her passion and work with children in the preschool setting. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan and is returning to graduate school at DePaul University. Sonya believes that every moment can be used as a teachable moment and that little ones should be allowed to explore the world around them. She is also a big fan of the performing arts as a way to enrich the lives of children of all ages. One of Sonya's favorite activities is to play music from around the world for the children.

Andy O. - School Chef:
Andy is excited to serve the children at The Goddard School healthy, organic and nutritional catered meals. Andy also provides the children with healthy morning and afternoon snacks.