Karen Palmer - On-Site Owner - Hello, I’m Karen Palmer. My husband Dennis and I are the owners of The Goddard School® located in Hawthorn Woods. We take a personal interest in meeting the needs of your child’s early childhood development. We also take pride in creating a warm, nurturing and secure environment for each child. We believe that The Goddard School will prepare your child academically for a successful future in whatever endeavor they pursue. Please stop by my office anytime, I am always happy to talk with you -- and thank you for choosing The Goddard School located in Hawthorn Woods.

Jennie - Training Turtle - Miss Jennie is our Education Director and welcomes everyone to The Goddard School located in Hawthorn Woods. It's her job to make sure all the children are developing at their own pace while having fun and she does just that. Miss Jennie has a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and a Master’s of Education degree in Early Childhood. She has been working with children for the past ten years and is excited to be a part of the Goddard family. Miss Jennie looks forward to meeting your family.

Miss Monica - Bubbly Butterfly - Miss Monica is the Assistant Director and is excited to be part of the Goddard family. She graduated from NIU with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Monica has worked in a childcare setting for many years. She looks forward to teaching your children and watching them learn and grow. Monica is also the Health and Safety Coordinator at our School.

Ms. Ashley M. - Lazy Ladybugs She is the Lead Teacher in the Infant room. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and a Special Education endorsement from Iowa University. While going to school she worked in an Infant classroom and brings that experience to our school. She says, "I love watching and fostering the growth of infants and being a part of the important “firsts” in their lives!"

Ms. Lori - Lazy Ladybugs - Ms. Lori is an Assistant Teacher at The Goddard School in the Infant room (6weeks-10 months). Her background includes sixteen years of experience working with children as a private nanny. She loves caring for children. "I am looking forward to getting to know you and your children," adds Ms. Lori.

Miss Stephanie - Crawling Caterpillars Miss Stephanie is the Lead Teacher in the Caterpillar room. She has a Bachelor's degree in Social work from Northeastern Illinois University and a Master's degree in Social Work from University of Illinois. Stephanie has previous experience working with children both as a nanny and in a childcare setting. Miss Stephanie says, "I look forward to getting to know your family."

Ms. Kasia - Beautiful Bunnies - Ms. Kasia is the Lead Teacher in our 17-23 month old room. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Szczecin in Poland. Kasia is excited to be a part of Goddard’s teaching team and for the opportunity to use her twelve years of experience working with children. She enjoys watching children grow, learn and develop. “It’s wonderful to see the many changes children go through in these early years. I look forward to getting to know you and spending time with your children,” adds Kasia.

Ms. Jennifer - Beautiful Bunnies Ms. Jennifer is the Assistant Teacher in the Pre-Toddler room. She has worked with infants and toddlers for five years. Ms. Jennifer is going to school to obtain her Child Development Associate degree (CDA). She strongly believes that every child is unique. She is happy to help your child learn, grow and develop and is excited to be a part of the Goddard family!

Miss Svetlana - Happy Hummingbirds - Miss Svetlana is a Lead Teacher in our Toddler room (24-30 months). She has been working with young children for twenty-five years and has a Master’s degree in Education. Svetlana loves children and is very excited to be working at The Goddard School. "I give my love and heart to the children," adds Svetlana.

Miss Jenny B. - Happy Hummingbirds Miss Jenny is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler room. She  graduated from UW Whitewater with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education with an emphasis on Health & Human Performance. She also has a degree in Dental Assisting. She has over five years of professional experience in childcare, including children between one and twelve years of age. She loves working with children and truly cherishes all of the many memories she has gained thus far.

Ms. Kelly - Dazzling Dragonflies

Ms. Kelly is  the Lead Teacher in the Dazzling Dragonfly room (30-36 mos).  She has a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood with a Special Education endorsement from Kendall College. She enjoys teaching and watching children learn as they play and interact with one another.  She is excited to be here!  “The more you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Miss Katie - Dazzling Dragonflies Miss Katie has four years of previous experience working with toddlers. She has taken training classes at St. Pete College and will begin working on her CDA this year. Miss Katie says, "I look forward to meeting your family!"

Miss Jen - Frolicking Frogs Miss Jen is a teacher in our Frolicking Frog room.  She has a degree in Elementary Education from WIU and relocated from another Goddard School.  She enjoys crafts, learning and teaching and loves to go to museums.  Miss Jen would love to travel the world in the future.  She can’t wait to meet all her new friends at the school!

Ms. Janet- Frolicking Frogs Ms. Janet is the Assistant Teacher in the Preschool II room.  Her educational background is in the health field and teaching.  She has a BSN in Nursing from Barat College in Lake Forest.   She has worked as a preschool teacher in a local school district and has worked with infants.  "I love working with children.  I'm proud to be a part of The Goddard School and will do everything possible to make your child's learning experience a positive one," says Janet.

Miss Melanie - Smiling Sunflowers - Miss Melanie is the Lead Teacher in the Preschool II room. She joined The Goddard School as an Assistant Teacher. She has her CDA and a certificate in Early Childhood Education as an Assistant Teacher from Harper College. Melanie is glad to be a part of The Goddard School and looks forward to working with your children and seeing their smiles and fun filled faces!

Ms. Angela - Smiling Sunflowers Ms. Angela is in the Sunflower room.  She is currently taking courses to finish her Bachelor’s degree in Education.  Ms. Angela says, “I can’t wait to meet everyone and get started in my dream career, I’m very excited to be here.”

Miss Sue - Busy Bees - Miss Sue is the Lead Teacher in our Pre-K room. She is married with three children and has worked in childcare for fourteen years. Sue has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood from NIU. "I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child, and am excited to be part of The Goddard School," adds Sue.

Ms. Lisa - Ms. Lisa has a background in nursing. She has done home day care off and on for about twenty years. Ms. Lisa has worked at another school as an assistant and a substitute. She loves children of all ages and is very excited to be a part of The Goddard School and to meet everyone!

Ms. Renata Ms. Renata is an Assistant Teacher at our School. She came to us with six years of previous experience working with children in a childcare setting where she discovered that working with children makes her happier. Ms. Renata says, "I enjoy being a part of children’s lives and it makes my life feel fulfilled."

Ms. Karen Ms. Karen is happy to be a part of Goddard. Her heart has always belonged with the caring for and teaching of infants through preschoolers through play. She went to school for finance but is now working on her degree in Early Childhood. "My philosophy is to make every child feel special and loved," Karen adds.