Barbara Burrows, Owner - Barbara has over 15 years of Executive Human Resources experience with companies such as Kohler, Textron, GE Osmonics, and most recently, at AFB International in St. Charles, MO. She comes from a family of seven girls and adores her many nieces and nephews. Barbara looks forward to making a difference in the lives of children and will embrace each and every child. Barbara is married to Tom and has a daughter Taylor that is a sophomore at EHS. Barbara, Tom, and Taylor have been in Edwardsville for over two years and they look forward to giving back to the community. They are committed to providing an environment that is loving, nurturing, and enjoyable for learning. Barbara plans on being on-site the entire day and will be available and accessible to students, parents and faculty on a daily basis.
Ms. Cassandra, Director of Operations - Ms. Cassandra graduated from Greenville College with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She is very excited to join the Goddard family and looks forward to getting to know you and your children. “I personally believe the best way to learn and teach is with a hands-on approach. Children are creative by nature and what better way to engage a child by using fun and exciting ways to teach,” adds Cassandra.
Ms. Carrie Mosella, Assistant Director of Education and Instruction - Ms. Carrie Mosella is a certified teacher with fifteen years teaching experience ranging from Pre-K through middle school. Carrie's specialty is Early Childhood Education. Most recently, Carrie taught the "Toddler Explorer's" program at the Children's Museum in Edwardsville. Carrie has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. "Each student has individualized needs and it is a teacher's priority to try and meet those needs. Getting to know your students and encouraging parental involvement are a must. It takes a village! I also believe teachers should set their students up to succeed and give a lot of praise and encouragement," adds Carrie.
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. 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. Alicia H., Teacher. - Ms. Alicia attended Southwestern Illinois College where she received a degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Alicia recently returned to the area from Oregon where she taught in the young toddler room at The Goddard School located in Clackamas. She has also taught at a local childcare center as a preschool teacher. “I am excited to continue my career with The Goddard School. My passion is helping children grow and learn. I strive to keep an open line of communication with parents and co-workers,” adds Alicia.
Ms. Amanda K., 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. Laurie M., Assistant Teacher - Ms. Laurie comes from the Hancock Place Elementary School in St. Louis where she was a substitute teacher for Pre-K through fifth grade. Ms. Laurie graduated from Fontbonne University with a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. “I believe that all children have the ability to learn and succeed in all schools. I want to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all children where learning can thrive," adds Laurie.
Ms. Liz, Teacher - 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 three 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. Rachael K., Teacher - Ms. Rachael attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where she received a degree in Education. She has previously done her student teaching and field experience work with second and third graders at Parkside Elementary in Bethalto. She has also been a substitute in the Edwardsville school district. Ms. Rachael is familiar with lesson planning and enjoys a hands on approach to learning.
“I believe that all students benefit from hands-on learning. I feel that a student feels more connected to what they are learning if they are actively involved in the learning process. I hope to make my classroom a fun and inviting place for my students to learn and grow with my guidance,” adds Rachael.
Ms. Rebecca K., Assistant Teacher - Ms. Rebecca attended Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. "I believe it is imperative to provide a positive, safe, nurturing environment where trust and learning can be established. I use assessments to recognize where a child is developmentally to plan an array of opportunities and challenge them to the next level. Effective learning requires a collaboration between teacher, students and parents, grounded in mutual respect and trust," adds Rebecca.
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 H., Assistant 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. Brenda J., Floater - Ms. Brenda attends Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville where she is receiving a degree in Elementary Education. She has previously worked at other childcare facilities with children of all ages. “Children of any age can learn, as long as they are willing and someone has the patience to teach them. All children need to feel loved and wanted and it is my goal to help them feel this way,” adds Brenda.
Ms. Lauren M., Floater - Ms. Lauren is currently attending Lindenwood University to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. Ms. Lauren has two years of experience working with children in childcare facilities. “Teaching should be fun for the teacher and the students. Learning is important and when students learn by having fun they pick up the information faster and retain it better,” adds Lauren.
Julie M., Floater - Ms. Julie is currently going to school at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Ms. Julie has had two years of experience working with children. "I want the children to learn the fundamental content of the classes. I believe children should be grouped in small groups, because it gives them a chance to connect with other classmates and gives them one-on-one attention with the teacher. As a teacher it is important to provide encouragement for all students in the class," adds Julie.
Ms. Ashley L., Floater - Ms. Ashley is currently attending the University of Missouri at St. Louis, where she is pursuing a degree in Math Education. "Every child is capable of learning something new everyday! They are the future of our world and we need to be there to show them the way! Children learn a lot by mimicking us, so we need to provide them with the best behaviors to admire," adds Ashley.
Ms. Lori H., Floater - Ms. Lori is currently attending Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. She is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. "I want to reach out to all children and provide them with the proper information to grow. While doing this I want to learn about my children and their background so I can further their lives. I will express my passion for helping others, while learning along the way. Teaching is a changing field and I plan on changing my teaching methods as needed," adds Lori.