Kellie Olson, Owner - Welcome to The Goddard School® located in Grand Rapids! Kellie is the on-site owner of the first Goddard School in western Michigan and is excited to have you and your family be a part of her Goddard family! She became involved with The Goddard School six years ago when she was looking for an educational, nurturing environment for her own two boys who are now ten and seven-years-old. It has been Kellie's passion to bring this vision to the Grand Rapids community. She graduated from Michigan State University and has worked in medical sales for many years. Kellie loved being able to provide a service that focused on helping people. Nothing makes her more proud than to now be able to provide a service to loving parents who are looking for the same quality of care and education that she wanted for her own children. Kellie grew up on the east side of Michigan but has made Grand Rapids her home for the past eight years. She enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis and running. She is committed to making The Goddard School located in Grand Rapids a wonderful experience for all children.
Cheryl Jurek, Director - Cheryl is a graduate of Northern Michigan University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family in northern Michigan (Mackinaw and Petosky) and traveling to warm places with friends. Cheryl has had a range of experiences in the Early Childhood field, from being a Director to a Curriculum Programmer and Coordinator. Cheryl is excited to be a part of Goddard's exceptional educational programming. She promises that she will continue to make The Goddard School located in Grand Rapids the best early childhood learning environment for you and your family. She is here to support you and your child's education, so please do not hesitate to ask any questions. Cheryl looks forward to getting to know you and your child(ren)!
Misti R., Infant - Co-Lead Teacher - Misti loves being a part of The Goddard School's faculty! She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development in 2005. Misti has worked with children for many years and thoroughly enjoys her experience at The Goddard School located in Grand Rapids. She lives in the area with her husband and their young son and dog, Mia. Her son is a student at Goddard. Misti is happy to welcome you into the Goddard family!
Mary M., Infant - Co-Lead Teacher - Mary is delighted to work at The Goddard School located in Grand Rapids! She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Education majoring in Early Childhood. Mary and her husband have two grown children who are recently “on their own.” She's had the opportunity to work with young children in two preschool settings and loves working with infants and the families attending Goddard. In her spare time, Mary loves to garden and spends as much time as possible, out of doors.
Cheryl K., Infant - Assistant Teacher - Cheryl is an Assistant Teacher in our Infant Room. She has been happily married to her husband for 37 years and they have three grown children. Cheryl currently has eight wonderful grandchildren who are the loves of her life. They keep Cheryl busy and filled with wonder!! She graduated from Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, with a degree in Biology. After having her own children, she realized she had a passion for working with young children. It has been Cheryl's joy to work for nine years, team-teaching three-year-old children at Cascade Christian Preschool. It is Cheryl's pleasure to work at The Goddard School located in Grand Rapids where the environment is very conducive to love and learning. She considers it a privilege to be a part of the early lives of the children who attend Goddard.
April D., First Steps - Co-Lead Teacher - I’m excited to work at The Goddard School located in Grand Rapids. I graduated from Central Michigan University with my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. The focus of my minor focus was in Human Development. In addition to my education, I have over eight years of experience working with children. Children are my passion and I assure you as your child’s teacher in our First Steps classroom, I will give 100% of my effort. Besides working, I enjoy spending time with my animals at home. I especially love my cats, Stewie and Simba. All of my animals have their own unique personalities and it’s so much fun to watch them play. Now that you know a little bit more about me, I just wanted to say thank you so much for letting me be a part of your child’s education.
Kim B., First Steps - Co-Lead Teacher - I graduated from Aquinas College in December of 2007, with a degree in Elementary Education. I have three minors in Early Childhood, Reading and Language Arts. Since I graduated, I have had three long-term substitute positions. Two were at Emmons Lake Elementary in Caledonia, and one was at Ridge Park Charter Academy. These positions not only challenged me, but also strengthened my beliefs and abilities as an educator. I married my wonderful husband in May of 2006. We recently celebrated the birth of our son on May 2, 2009. He is such a joy and blessing to us. We are loving parenthood! We also have a dog named Bindi and a cat named Sammy.
I am extremely excited to join the Goddard School family. In my opinion, teaching and caring for children is one of the most rewarding things a person can do. Thank you for allowing me to share in your child’s life!
Shari L., Young Toddler - Lead Teacher - I am excited to teacher the young toddlers! I attended Ferris State University and Grand Rapids Community College for my formal education, but what prepared me most for working with your child is being a mom, myself. My son is a sophomore studying Accounting and playing basketball at Davenport University, and my daughter is a senior at Caledonia High School. My husband of 21 years, is a Lieutenant at the Grand Rapids Police Department. I have spent most of my life volunteering or working with children. I have been a Boy Scout Leader, a Girl Scout Leader, a soccer coach, a softball coach, a PTO Officer, a religious class leader, a substitute elementary school teacher, a preschool teacher or assistant. Working with young children is a privilege and a wonderfully rewarding experience and I thoroughly enjoy helping children discover the beautiful world around them!
Lara B., Older Toddler - Lead Teacher - I would like to take this opportunity to thank you to the whole Goddard family for allowing me to be a part of something wonderful. I am honored to be taking care of your bundles of joy who are toddling about quite well in the Older Toddler class. I hope to enrich their lives with what I’ve learned about the development of children. I attended Aquinas College where I majored in Spanish and earned my certification in Elementary Education with a specialization in the education of the young child. Following my graduation, I moved to Sarasota, Florida, where I taught preschool for several years. After three years, I began missing the majesty of the Michigan winters so I returned with great educational experience under my belt.
I am eager to engage and learn from your children. Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have regarding the curriculum. I am excited to get to know you in the coming months.
Amy J., Older Toddler - Assistant Teacher - I graduated from Cornerstone University with a degree in Business in 2008. I have been married for almost 15 years and have 4 wonderful children, ages 8, 9, 13 and 19. Some of the things my family and I like to do is to go camping in the summer and we also like to play board games at least once a week. I have previously cared for young children not only in an area childcare center but also in my own licensed home daycare. I love children and spending time with them. I am very happy and excited to be a part of The Goddard School located in Grand Rapids!
Kristin J., Get Set - Lead Teacher - I graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Aquinas College. My major is Language Arts and my minor is Early Childhood Development with a ZA Endorsement. I married my husband in June of 2007. In April of 2008, our sweet daughter was born! I am a dedicated teacher who loves children! I have a passion for molding and inspiring young minds.
Amy S., Get Set - Assistant Teacher - I have been caring for young children for several years at childcare centers in the Grand Rapids area. I really love working with toddlers and preschoolers! I’m married and have two boys, ages three and six. We live in the area and we enjoy doing things together as a family!
Jessica K., Get Set - Assistant Teacher - I am an undergraduate student at Grand Valley State University. I am working to complete my Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. I live with my mom and my two younger sisters and I plan to move out when I graduate in 2010. I love working with young children! I have enjoyed many years of babysitting and hope to use my Psychology degree to continue to work with children in the school or clinical setting.
Jeni G., Preschool 1 - Lead Teacher - In 2008, I graduated from Alma College where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. I also earned minors in English and Psychology. I am certified to teach Kindergarten to Eighth Grade as well as Early Childhood Education because I also received my ZA Endorsement. I plan to pursue my Master’s degree in Child Development. I have worked with young children in my school placements, summer camps and at my church with Vacation Bible School. I grew up in Jackson, Michigan, and moved to Grand Rapids, in December of 2008. I love it here! I am excited to be a part of the Goddard family. I can’t wait to get to know you and your children!
Christene R., Preschool 1 - Assistant Teacher - I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Adolescent Psychology from Grand Valley State University. I have worked with children of all ages for nearly 20 years in either a school setting or as a gymnastics coach. I was born and raised in the area and am raising my two children. My son is 13 years old and attends middle school and my daughter who is nine-years-old attends elementary school.
Colleen M., Preschool 2 - Lead Teacher - I have received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Aquinas College with a major in Language Arts and a minor in History. I am a certified Elementary Teacher, Kindergarten to Eighth Grade, in all subjects, Sixth to Eighth Grade in Language Arts, and have been Montessori certified for three- to six-year-old children. I have been a Lead Teacher for two years and an Assistant Teacher for over two years at the early childhood level in the Grand Rapids area. My children, a son seven, and a daughter six, attend school at a local elementary school. I also have a daughter who is four. In my spare time, I enjoy doing various activities with them! I am a very enthusiastic teacher and love working with young children!
TaNeisha W., Preschool 2 - Assistant Teacher - I attended the University of Toledo, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology in May of 2009, and also played Division I Volleyball. I have worked with children of all ages for six years. In my spare time, I enjoy creating scrapbooks, playing sports and spending time with my boyfriend. On January 22nd, we are expecting our first child and we are very excited! I am excited to be a part of the Goddard family in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Jennifer B., Pre-K - Lead Teacher - I graduated from Central Michigan University in Early Childhood Development. After college, I moved to Naples, Florida, where I had the opportunity to teach preschool and nanny for families for over five years. I married in September of 2007. My husband and I moved back to Michigan in December of 2007 to be closer to our families. We bought our first house in the area and enjoy life with our two yellow labs Zoe and Bear. I’m happy to be a part of the Goddard family. I look forward to having wonderful learning experiences with my students.
Ariel B., Pre-K - Assistant Teacher - I recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Developmental Psychology. Outside of the classroom, I have worked with America Reads, Big Sibs, as well as several after-school and summer programs for young children. I am part of a huge family that I love dearly. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews, as well as traveling to visit my sisters and friends. I am excited to be a part of the Goddard family and I look forward to sharing this experience with my fellow teachers, students and their families!
Aimee K., Jr-K - Lead Teacher - I teach in the Giggling Grasshoppers room. I am excited to become a part of the Goddard family. I graduated from Michigan State University, majoring in Family Community Services in 2006. I am excited to enter my fourth year of teaching. For fun, I enjoy running. I competed on the varsity Cross Country and Track team for the five years I attended the University!
Carol W., Assistant Teacher - Ms. Carol spends her days working in a variety of the classrooms at Goddard, helping our teachers with special projects, covering the teachers for breaks and assisting the children with their lunches. She looks forward to continuing to get to know the students and helping wherever she can. Carol ran her own licensed daycare in her home for ten years. She taught and cared for many children through those years, from ages six-weeks to 12-years old. The children that Carol cared for were like a part of her own family and she loved each and every child that was in her care. Carol has two grown children of her own, a son who is 20-years-old and a daughter who is 18-years-old. She's very proud of both of her children! Carol loves working with children.
Rachel C., Assistant Teacher - Rachel was raised in a military family, and moved to Michigan from Rhode Island. She attended to Calvin College and graduated with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Classical Languages. She's spent multiple years working as a Camp Counselor and Lifeguard; Rachel spent the last two years at Camp Fire USA, working in their after-school and summer programs. In her spare time, she loves to swim competitively, her goal is to start training for a triathlon. Within the next couple of years, she's planning to return to school to get her Master’s degree in Public Administration. Rachel loves the children who attend The Goddard School located in Grand Rapids and she looks forward to continuing to learn new and exciting things!
Stacey K., Young Toddler - Assistant Teacher - Stacey is very excited to be a member of the faculty at The Goddard School located in Grand Rapids! She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Aquinas College with a major in Art History and is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Development. She loves working with children and watching them grow, develop and learn. When Stacey is not working at Goddard or attending classes, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs Bella and Grendel.
Shawnee D., Assistant Teacher - Shawnee has always loved working with young children. She currently has a Child Development Associates certificate and is working to receive an Associate's degree at GRCC in Child Development. Shawnee considers herself to be a very happy and positive person which she believes the children respond to very well. In Shawnee's spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as photography.