Barbara Burrows, Owner - Barbara has over fifteen years of Executive Human Resources experience with companies such as Kohler, Textron, GE Osmonics, and most recently, at AFB International in St. Charles, Missouri. She comes from a family of seven girls and adores her many nieces and nephews. Barbara enjoys making a difference in the lives of children and embraces each and every child. Barbara and her husband, Tom, have a daughter Taylor that attends college in Massachusetts. Barbara, Tom and Taylor live in Edwardsville and love the community. Barbara is an Edwardsville Rotarian and an Ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois. She enjoys supporting many not-for-profit organizations and is an avid runner with the Metro Milers. She is committed to providing an environment that is loving, nurturing and enjoyable for learning. Barbara is at the school daily and is available and accessible to children, parents and faculty.
Ms. Cassandra, Director of Operations - Ms. Cassandra graduated from Greenville College with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Cassandra has been with The Goddard School since we opened our doors in February of 2009. Cassandra lives in Edwardsville with her daughter who attends our school! "I couldn't have asked for a better career and a better team of professionals to be working with! This is the best school for preparing your children both socially and academically. I look forward to growing with the Goddard family!"
Ms. Liz B., Director of Operations/Treehouse Annex Ms. Liz is very excited to be working with your children. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SIUE. She has been working as a teacher in the childcare industry for the past six years. Ms. Liz enjoys spending time with her family, running and reading. “I believe that you need to teach children in a positive and upbeat manner. Children do better with positive rewards and praise. It is very important to keep children busy and excited about learning,” adds Liz.
Ms. Jennifer G., Director of Curriculum and Education Ms. Jennifer graduated from SIU – Edwardsville, where she received a degree in Education. Jennifer taught Kindergarten for three years in Cahokia and fourth grade for seven years in The Riverview Gardens School District. “I believe all children are learners and it is our job as teachers to find out what motivates them and to always encourage them.”
Ms. Kate J., Business and Project Administrator Ms. Kate attended Eastern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. She brings with her three years of experience working with children, she previously worked at another childcare facility as an infant teacher. “The Goddard School is an excellent school for early learners, they offer the best teachers and curriculum available,” says Kate.
Ms. Kaylin H., Teacher - Ms. Kaylin attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she was pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Math and Education and later received a Bachelor's degree in Art and Design from Columbia College in Chicago. Ms. Kaylin is currently attending SIUE where she is pursuing a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. "I believe that every child wants to learn. Helping children discover the world and what interests them is very fulfilling for me. Watching children's curiosity about subjects helps me to understand how to approach teaching them. Providing a safe environment and encouraging children is the best way to succeed," says Kaylin.
Ms. Christina L., Transportation/Enrichment Coordinator Ms. Christine recently joined The Goddard School for our new Before and After-School Enrichment Program. Her prior experience includes Lead Teacher and Co-Director for the past eleven years at a local childcare facility. Ms. Christina comes highly recommended and we're happy to have her on our team.
Ms. Tiffany B., Teacher Ms. Tiffany attended Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, where she received her degree in Early Childhood Education. She completed her student teaching and field experience work with Pre-Kindergarten and first graders at Washington Early Childhood Center and Whiteside Elementary School. Ms. Tiffany has also volunteered with many organizations including, Kid's Crusades in Venezuela and Mexico, an Orphanage in Chihuahua, Mexico and We Love Kids! "I believe every child learns starting in infancy. They should be provided with an environment that is safe and full of learning opportunities. Children learn through free play as well as through guided activities. They should be challenged to be creative while engaged in activities that help them learn things on their own," adds Tiffany.
Kellie W., Teacher -
Kellie is a graduate from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a degree in Psychology. She has been a substitute teacher, tutor, as well as a swim instructor. Kellie believes that all children are different and they each have their own way of learning. She believes that a teacher should help each child learn in a way that is most effective for the child.
Ms. Chelsey G.,Teacher - Ms. Chelsey attended Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, where she received a degree in Education. She completed her student teaching with the Highland, Edwardsville and Cahokia school districts. "I believe children should be given the best opportunity to learn, in the most comfortable and safe environment as possible. The best way for a child to learn, is in his/her individual way. In order to do that, I will implement a variety of activities and teaching styles into my teaching. I will provide activities for the visual/auditory learners; as well as hands-on activities for the kinesthetic learners," adds Chelsey.
Ms. Carrie B., Teacher Ms. Carrie attended Blackburn College where she received a BA in Elementary Education. Ms. Carrie gained her teaching experience student teaching at Lewis and Clark Elementary School. “As a teacher, I feel it is important for students to have a safe and positive learning environment,” Ms. Carrie stated.
Ms. Jenny Z., Teacher Ms. Jenny graduated from SIU Edwardsville, where she received a degree in Education. Jenny stated "children come to us as a clean slates, and it is my job as a teacher to fill them with all the proper tools to make them successful learners. Children need to feel confident in order to be successful and that I need to create a positive, risk-free environment for them to learn."
Ms. Lauren S., Teacher - Ms. Lauren has a degree in Human Resources and Family Studies from University of Illinois, and has completed 95% of her Elementary Education degree. She has worked with young children for the past twelve years. "I love being around children, and look forward to spending lots of time with them," adds Lauren.
Ms. Shanita G., Teacher Ms. Shanita has a Bachelor's degree in Nursing and Master's degree in Public Administration from SIUE with 18 hours in Early Childhood Education. She has had ten years experience working with childcare including being an Assistant Director at a childcare facility.
Ms. Amanda D., Teacher - Ms. Amanda earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education. She brings with her seven experience working with children. She has previously worked at another childcare facility as the two-year-old teacher. “Students need a warm, caring environment in order to help foster learning. I believe in a welcoming environment for parents, with an open door policy, so they can feel free to walk in and talk to me about concerns. Education is a lifelong process and with the support of parents and teachers, students will be able to be successful in life,” adds Amanda.
Ms. Katelyn S., Teacher Ms. Katelyn attended McKendree University and received a degree in Elementary Education. Katelyn added "I believe that every child deserves a chance to learn. Teachers help determine a child's future and some days they are more than a teacher."
Ms. Kerry A., Teacher Ms. Kerry graduated from SIUE with a Bachelor's in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She has had previous experience working as a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher.
Ms. Samantha M., Teacher Ms. Sam graduated from SIUE with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She has had previous experience working with children through substituting and tutoring as well as student teaching. She also has a letter of approval in Early Childhood Special Education.
Ms. Tanika H., Teacher Ms. Tanika attended Florida A & M University where she received a degree in English and is currently attending Kaplan University where she is working on her Master's degree in Teacher Education. She has four years experience teaching and tutoring students of all ages.
Ms. Morgan S., Teacher -
Ms. Morgan has her Associate's degree in Early Childhood Studies. She has had eight years of previous experience working in childcare/preschool settings.
Ms. Lee Ann S., Teacher - Ms. Lee Ann attended Lewis and Clark Community College where she received a degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Lee Ann brings with her over twenty years of experience working with children. "I want every child to enjoy learning and not to be frustrated. Education should always be fun and exciting for the students and teachers," adds Lee Ann.
Ms. Beth Z., Teacher - Ms. Beth attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where she received a degree in Art Education. She has previously completed her student teaching and field experience work at N.O. Nelson Elementary in Edwardsville. She has also been a substitute in the Edwardsville school district. Ms. Beth is familiar with lesson planning and is excited to meet all of the children and parents! “I believe that teaching is the most honorable job. A child is born with limitless potential. My responsibility as an educator is to nurture that potential in each child. This involves catering to each child’s own needs, and adapting lessons and activities that will help children learn the most efficient way,” adds Beth.
Ms. Kelly C., Teacher Ms. Kelly attended Greenville College, where she received her degree in Education. She has been a long-term substitute for the Alton school district and has worked with multiple age ranges at a local preschool. "I believe that teaching should be hands-on and it's important to incorporate both child-directed and teacher-directed activities. A positive relationship with parents is also very important. Having the children feel safe and secure makes the learning environment more positive for everyone," adds Kelly.
Ms. Sarah S., Teacher Ms. Sarah is pursuing a degree in Education at SIU Edwardsville. She has acquired a great deal of experience from working in various classrooms. She has enjoyed getting to know our students and faculty at The Goddard School located in Edwardsville, IL.
Ms. Katelyn D., Teacher - Ms. Katelyn graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Education from Greenville College. She has three years of experience working with children of all ages. "I believe that all children can be taught regardless of their functional level. Even the smallest steps make a difference. Children should always feel like they have accomplished a goal. I believe that teaching children is truly a rewarding opportunity and I cannot wait to make a difference in a child's life," adds Katelyn.
Ms. Julie M., Support Faculty Ms. Julie is currently attending Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville where she is pursuing a degree in Psychology. She has previously worked as an assistant teacher at a preschool and has been in the industry for three years.
Ms. Mary T., Support Faculty Ms. Mary attended Transylvania University where she received her degree in English as well as Southern Illinois University where she received a degree in Special Education. Ms. Mary if furthering her education at McKendree University where she is working on her Masters of Education degree with an emphasis in Reading. She has over ten years experience teaching and working with children.
Ms. Courtney S., Support Faculty Ms. Courtney is attending SIU Edwardsville and pursing a degree in Nursing. Courtney stated "when teaching,one must keep in mind that children have individual needs. Teaching needs to be structured, yet allow creativity and must also be a bonding experience between a teacher and a child."
Ms. Laura H., Support Faculty Ms. Laura attends SIU Edwardsville and is pursing a degree in Special Education. Laura stated "she tries to make learning fun because it can engage even the most reluctant learner."
Ms. Kaitlin K., Support Faculty Ms. Kaitlin is currently attending SIU – Edwardsville and is pursuing a degree in psychology. Ms. Kaitlin believes that “a great teacher is born with the natural ability to teach and teaching a being able to relate to each child and find ways to best fit their needs.”
Ms. Annie B., Support Faculty -
Ms. Annie is pursuing a degree in Nursing at SIU – Edwardsville. Anna said, "Teachers should be people that children enjoy seeing every day.”
Brooke B., Support Faculty -
Brooke is currently attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where she is pursuing a degree in Art Education.
Sabrina G., Support Faculty -
Sabrina is currently attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Sabrina's teaching philosophy is to teach children in new and exciting ways that they would enjoy. She believes the youngest years in a child's life are the most important.
Allyson M., Support Faculty Allyson is currently in the Special Education program at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Allyson said, "Every child should get the maximum opportunity to learn, grow and create."
Megan L., Faculty Support Megan started with The Goddard School in the CO-OP program through Edwardsville High School. She now attends Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and continues to be a valuable employee.
Christine K., Faculty Support Christine currently attends Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and pursuing a degree in Social Work. Christine believes you need to provide children with resources to expand their knowledge and view of the world around them.
Amanda S., Faculty Support Amanda attends Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and is seeking a degree in Speech Pathology. She believe that a teacher should provide a safe, friendly environment and teach to the best of their ability, while being a role model to the children.