Sheryl Nelson, Owner My passion for providing an outstanding educational program for young children was inspired by my two children, Sophia and Emma. Coupled with my Master's degree in Psychology and Education with a focus on Early Childhood, I am passionate about providing your child with a warm, nurturing environment that enhances their natural desire to learn with a curriculum that supports every aspect of their developmental growth. My previous experience at the American Academy of Pediatrics focused on improving child health through the development of nationwide partnerships with pediatricians. At The Goddard School I am able to implement best practices recommended by the AAP. I look forward to welcoming you to our family at The Goddard School!
Ms. Robyn - Director 5+ years of experience! Robyn has been our Director since July 2006, just before we opened! She has two boys, Trevor and Blake. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University and a professional background which includes over seven years' experience in preschool and childcare settings. Robyn is committed to ensuring that all children are given the best possible care and education at The Goddard School.
Ms. Karen, Curriculum Director 12+ years experience. As our Educational Curriculum Director, Ms. Karen is passionate about enhancing and augmenting our award winning, AdvancED accredited curriculum so that every child's learning experience at The Goddard School is positive, caring and fun. Her vast experience includes twelve years of lesson planning and hands-on teaching in a variety of classroom settings, including gifted education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Loras College and a Master's degree in Educational Counseling and Psychology from Loyola University. For the two years prior to becoming our Educational Curriculum Director Karen proved her ability, as our Summer Camp Director, to create and support a fun teaching environment in which all faculty and children greatly benefited.
Ms. Felicia - 5 years of experience! Felicia started at The Goddard School while completing her college education and has been a Lead Kindergarten Teacher ever since! She graduated from Northern Illinois University where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with middle school math endorsements. She is very happy to make Kindergarten explode with excitement every year, and enjoys working with the brightest and best students!
Ms. Anna - 5+ years of experience! Anna has been a Lead Kindergarten Teacher at The Goddard School since 2008 and has co-taught with Ms. Felicia since 2009. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from National Louis University with a minor in Mathematics. She has always worked in early childhood education and loved every second of it! Anna has a young daughter who attends The Goddard School.
Ms. Marylou - 5+ years of experience! Marylou is a Lead Teacher in our Kindergarten Prep classroom. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of St. Francis. The children that graduate from the Kindergarten Prep classroom have exceeded Kindergarten state standards!
Ms. Lizzy - 4+ years of experience! Lizzy is a Lead Teacher in our Kindergarten Prep classroom. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Illinois University and is pursuing her Master's degree! She has been working with young children since 2007. She has a passion for teaching and making a difference which is apparent in her work and her classroom outcomes!
Ms. Nikki - 3 years of experience! Nikki is a Lead Teacher in our Pre-K classroom. She attended Lewis University to obtain her degree in Child Psychology. She has worked with young children for years and runs an outstanding program at Goddard! She loves children and loves to play an important role in their success.
Ms. Nilam- 9+ years experience. Nilam has a Bachelors Degree from University of San Francisco and a Masters Degree in Early Special Education from San Jose State University. Nilam loves helping children grow and thrive, nurturing their creativity and imagination.
Ms. Cindy - 5+ years experience. Cindy is Lead Teacher in our Preschool classroom and has been with The Goddard School® since June 2008! She attended Eastern Illinois University and received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
Ms. Lychelle - Ms. Lychelle is a Preschool Assistant Teacher currently attending National Louis University to obtain her Bachelor's degree. Her love of teaching is seen in her ability to connect with children on a one on one basis and her smile when she sees them enjoying their learning experiences. She currently holds an Associate's degree in Education.
Ms. Katey - 5 years experience. Ms. Katey is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Prep classroom. She has her Associates Degree from McHenry County College with a focus in Early Childhood Education.
Ms. Mia - 3 years experience! Mia is an Assistant Teacher in our Preschool Prep program. She attended Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and has a young son of her own who keeps her very busy when not in our classrooms!
Ms. KC - 25+ years experience! KC is a Lead Teacher in our Get Set classroom. She earned an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Oakton Community College. Her background includes over twenty-five years of experience working with young children – mostly with infants and toddlers. “I am very excited to be a part of The Goddard School® and look forward to growing with your child,” adds KC. Prior to joining our faculty she taught, managed and trained other teachers in NAEYC accredited facilities for many years.
Ms. Carmen - 4+ Years Experience. Carmen is a Lead Teacher in the Get Set classroom who truly loves to work with children on their language, exploration and self help skills! Carmen has attended more than 60 hours of college and has an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education! Carmen's interest is to work with children and help them to learn and grow.
Ms. Kerry 3 years experience. Ms Kerry is a Lead Teacher in our Get Set classroom. She has a passion for teaching and learning through experience, enjoying the opportunity to work with children through the YMCA, Girl Scouts and other childcare settings. Kerry has her Bachelor of Arts in Family Services and is very family oriented.
Ms. Marissa - 5+ years experience. Marissa is a Lead Teacher in our Toddler classroom. She has a Bachelor's degree in Human Services with a concentration in Psychology and is a very caring, patient and nurturing person who looks forward to working with young children.
Ms. Kristin - 5+ years experience. Kristin is a Lead Teacher in our Toddler classroom. She attended Oakland Community College in Michigan and then continued her education at Oakland University, studying Early Childhood Education. She loves working with children at work and at church.
Ms. Sue - 20+ years of experience! Sue is a Lead Teacher in our First Steps room! She has been working with children for more than twenty years and is so excited to be with The Goddard School. Ms. Sue is married and has two children of her own.
Ms. Sherri - 4 years of experience! Ms. Sherri is an Assistant Teacher in our First Steps classroom. She LOVES working with children and aspires to be a First Grade Teacher. She is pursuing an Associate's degree from Harper College and enjoys a full family life with her seven brothers and sisters!
Ms. Lauren - 16 years of experience! Ms. Lauren is a Lead Teacher working with our amazing First Step children! She has a true love for early childhood development and is finishing her education to compliment her gifts! She truly enjoys being a part of each child's day.
Ms. Nadia - 6 years of experience! Ms. Nadia is a Lead Teacher in the Infant classroom and loves to watch children learn through exploration. She holds an Associate's degree and is an avid reader. When you meet her you can feel the warmth and love she has for teaching young children. She gets a great amount of reward from helping children learn!
Ms. Meredith - Meredith is a Part Time teacher in our Infant classroom. She has an Associate’s degree in Applied Science. She enjoys watching children grow and become independent. She also enjoys nurturing and being able to provide emotional support to children.
Ms. Jenna- 16 years of experience! Ms Jenna is a Lead Teacher working mostly as afternoon support to our Kindergarten Prep and Kindergarten classrooms. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and Master's of Arts. She loves inspiring the education young children who each have individual gifts to share. Jenna also works as an educational writer for an assessment publisher. She volunteers on a regular basis and is involved in leadership development programs.
Ms. Leah - 3 years of experience! Ms Leah is a Part Time Assistant at Goddard working with all of our children while attending school full time. She loves to watch them grow and learn as she helps to inspire their love of play. She has been working with children for three years and enjoys building warm, supportive relationships with families. From a family of six, Leah is a terrific team player!