Shashin Desai (Owner) - Shashin and his wife, Vaidehi, have lived in the Triangle since 1994 and are happy to be able to provide Goddard’s outstanding program to the children in this community. They are the parents of two children and recognize the importance of a safe and nurturing learning environment. Their family values are the basis for the reason that they chose Goddard. Shashin has a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from North Carolina State University. He worked as a management consultant for 10 years. Shashin enjoys spending time with his family and looks forward to getting to know you and your children well.

Mehul Desai (Owner) -

Mehul, his wife Kruti, and their son Kabir have been triangle residents for the past 11 years.  Mehul runs the school with integrity, sincerity and a genuine concern for the children under his care.  His goal is to provide a strong foundation for our children, and is thrilled to be a part of the Durham community.  Mehul has a Master's degree in Computer Science and previously worked as a senior software developer for more than twelve years.  He welcomes you to the school and thanks you for being a member of the Goddard family!

Candice Bynum (Operational Director) - Candice is honored to be the Operational Director of the Goddard School. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication and English from North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Lead Teacher Credentials and Administrator Credentials from Stanly Community College. She has over six years of experience working with children as a teacher, assistant director and director. It is Candice's goal to ensure that each child in The Goddard School family receives an educational experience that exceeds all expectations. We are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing scholastic environment.

Laura Johnson (Educational Director) - Laura is excited and proud to be the Educational Director of The Goddard School located in Durham!  She graduated with an Elementary Education degree from Wheaton College in Illinois with a minor in Mathematics. After relocating to North Carolina, she went back to school to obtain her North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials 1 and 2 along with her Level 3 Administrative Credentials. She worked as a middle school Math and Science teacher before starting her career in the Early Childhood field as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher and administrator. Laura is passionate about providing an early childhood environment where children and their families are comfortable and safe, as well as receive a quality early education. Laura is dedicated to providing this to each child and family attending The Goddard School!

Ms. Jackie (Infants - Kicking Kangaroos) - Ms. Jackie has been working with and caring for children in a preschool setting for over 5 years. She recently received her Associate of Arts Degree and is continuing her education in Early Education at Wake Tech. Ms. Jackie is very excited about joining The Goddard School family and looks forward to caring for and helping your child become successful.

Ms. Angie (Infants - Kicking Kangaroos) - Ms. Angie has over 20 years of experience working with children of early childhood ages, North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials and the Professional Nanny Certificate.

Ms. Dionne (First Steps - Kind Koalas) -  Ms. Dionne has a Bachelor's Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from North Carolina Central University.  She has several years of experience working with children from ages 6 weeks to 12 years. She is extremely excited to be a part of The Goddard School family!

Ms. Ashley (First Steps - Kind Koalas) -  Ms. Ashley has been working with children for 4 years and she has her North Carolina Lead Teacher Credentials. Ms. Ashley loves working with children and she is looking forward to getting to know all of our Goddard School families.

Ms. Tiffany (Young Toddlers- Playful Pandas) - Ms. Tiffany has an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and over eight years of experience. She has a passion for providing a structured, fun and nurturing learning environment. Ms. Tiffany is looking forward to a tremendous experience with the faculty and families at The Goddard School!

Ms. Jennifer (Young Toddlers - Playful Pandas) - Ms. Jennifer has worked in a preschool environment for the past 5 years. She previously worked at another Goddard School location and has taken many courses in Child Development. Ms. Jennifer plans to return to school in the fall to complete her Bachelors' degree in Early Childhood Education.

Ms. Daya (Toddlers - Eager Elephants) - Ms. Daya has been working in child care for 13 years.  She has Bachelor's Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from North Carolina Central University.  She enjoys working with children of all ages and she strives to provide a warm and stimulating environment for her students.  She is very honored to be a part of The Goddard School family.   

Ms. Lician (Toddlers - Eager Elephants) - Ms. Lician has her Early Childhood Credentials and is currently working toward an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has over 3 years of experience working with children. Lician is excited to be a part of the Goddard team and she looks forward to working with the little ones.

Ms. Sarah (Get Set - Perky Penguins) -  Ms.Sarah attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro studying Elementary Education. She is currently completing her BS degree at Liberty University. She has worked with children of all ages for over six years. We are excited to have her as a part of our team.

Ms. Kaitlyn (Get Set - Perky Penguins) -  Ms. Kaitlyn is a graduate of the College of William and Mary with a Bachelor's degree in Government. She has over 5 years of experience working in early childhood education, as well as three years working with school-age children. Kaitlyn is excited to continue her career at The Goddard School.

Ms. Christa (Preschool 1 - Friendly Frogs) - Ms. Christa has 5 years of experience in the Early Childhood field having worked as an Assistant Toddler Teacher, a Lead Preschool Teacher and as an in-home nanny. Ms. Christa currently holds North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials and attends Alamance Community College where she is working towards an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Ms. Lindsay (Preschool 1 - Friendly Frogs) -  Ms. Lindsay has a Bachelor's degree in Education from Keene State College in New Hampshire.  She is a former Kindergarten teacher, originally from Coventry, CT.  Ms. Lindsay loves working with children and she is excited to be at The Goddard School!

Ms. Amanda (Preschool - 2 Mighty Moose) -  Ms. Amanda earned her Bachelor's of Science in Child Development/Developmental Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh in April 2003, and has her North Carolina Early Childhood Educator Equivalency. Ms. Amanda is pursuing her Master's Degree and NC certification in Elementary Education. Amanda has several years of experience with children and youth in various settings, including preschool to after-school programs for teen-aged children of active duty military members. Ms. Amanda looks forward to helping you and your family.

Ms. Kelly (Preschool - 2 Mighty Moose) -  Ms. Kelly is currently working on her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has her NC Credentials in Early Childhood and is certified in CPR/First Aid. Ms. Kelly has been working with children for over ten years. She started as a six and under swim coach and soon became an assistant teacher for the three year old classroom. She has worked with all age groups from infant to school age. Ms. Kelly considers it a privilege to be a part of The Goddard School team!

Mr. Will (Pre-K1 - Brave Bears) –

Mr. Will attended East Carolina University where he studied Special Education.  He spent six years working in the public school system before deciding to enter Early Childhood Education.  He has been a preschool teacher for the last 7 years.

Ms. Kendra (All Ages) - Ms. Kendra is a graduate of North Carolina Central University. She has Bachelor's degree in Child Development and Family Relations.  Ms. Kendra has worked with children for over 6 years, and looks forward to assisting your child through a wonderful, educational experience.

Ms. Yolonda (Pre-K1 - Brave Bears) -  Ms. Yolonda is working toward her Associate's degree in Early Childhood. She is the mother of six amazing children. Ms. Yolanda believes that while children may not always choose to follow the instructions of adults, they rarely fail at imitating them. Ms. Yolanda hopes to provide the children with demonstrations of positive, appropriate behaviors, to give our children many opportunities for interactive, hands-on learning experiences and to help them to enhance their developmental skills by supplying them with the necessary materials and opportunities. Ms. Yolanda provides the children with a safe, nurturing environment.

Ms. Nicole (Pre-K 2 - Lively Lions) Ms. Nicole has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood as well as a North Carolina Teaching License. Ms. Nicole loves being around children and finds enjoyment when a child takes pride in what they are learning.

Ms. Suzette (Pre-K 2 - Lively Lions) Ms. Suzette has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from North Carolina State University. Ms. Suzette is excited to be a part of The Goddard School family!

Ms. Starr (All Ages)  - Ms. Starr has six years of experience working with children. She is currently working towards obtaining her North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials. Ms. Starr loves engaging with the children, guiding them and helping them to succeed!