Employee of the Month: Miss Carolyn
Miss Carolyn is our artistic assistant teacher in the Bouncing Bunny Toddler Classroom. Miss Carolyn arrives each day brimming with enthusiasm and enough energy equivalent to any toddler. Miss Carolyn's excitement is contagious to all who are around her. She also embraces the exploratory nature of the toddlers and offers many opportunities for them to discover their individual creativity. Miss Carolyn encourages her toddlers to create art the way they want it to look, therefore building up their self-esteem and allowing ownership of their artwork. Miss Carolyn creates a warm and friendly environment by decorating our foyer with child-friendly, theme-related painted murals and little added “touches” that immediately welcome those who visit The Goddard School. Miss Carolyn’s passion for the arts has served as an invaluable model for our children and we are grateful to have her as a part of The Goddard School team.
Brian Clark, Owner -
Hello, my name is Brian Clark and I am the proud owner of The Goddard School® located in Horsham. I opened The Goddard School® located in Horsham in February 1999. I live in North Wales with my wife Michelle, son Patrick, and daughter Annarose (Both graduates of Goddard). I graduated from Ursinus College with a degree in Economics and Business Administration. While at Ursinus, I was a member of the Cross Country and Track teams. Before opening the School, I worked at the Vangaurd Group in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Prior to Vangaurd, I owned and operated two video rental stores, one in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and the other in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. During my free time, I enjoy playing with my children and spending time with my wife. Recognizing the need and demand for a quality alternative to standard daycare, I decided to open The Goddard School®. Very simply, our mission here is to offer the absolute best in high quality childcare and education. Being an on-site owner, I welcome your comments and concerns. Thank you for the opportunity to share in your child’s growth and early childhood development.
Kristen L., Director of Education and Programming - My name is Kristen and I am the Director of Education and Programming. I graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, my minor focused on Human Development and Family Studies. As director, I am responsible for everything relating to education, curriculum and child development. I bring to The Goddard School over 13 years' experience working with young children ranging in ages from infancy to school age. Prior to joining the Goddard family, I spent six years as a Program Director for a school-age program where I oversaw the development and daily operation of six sites. I believe that the children grow and flourish in a positive and engaging environment. Our role as early childhood educators is to guide the children through their discovery of the world around them by providing meaningful and fun experiences. I believe that communication is a key factor in the success of a child and therefore encourage those lines to be open between myself, the teachers and parents.
Miss Tara, Director of Operations -
My name is Tara and I am the Operations Director. I attended West Chester University for four years and received my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I joined the Goddard School with several years of experience working with young children. I spent six years prior to joining Goddard at St. David’s Elementary School teaching Kindergarten through Fourth grade. I believe that children learn best through play. Children need to be given a variety of different choices in their activities which allow them to explore and learn new concepts. I deeply believe in the importance of having an open line of communication with the parents and families in the school to create a strong sense of community.
Miss Nicole A., Assistant Director - Miss Nicole has been part of The Goddard School since 2008. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Gwynedd Mercy College with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Nicole has over five years of experience caring for young children ranging from infancy through school age. She also participated in the Teacher Apprentice Program at Gwynedd Mercy College to gain more experience working with young children. She believes a teacher’s most important job is to create a positive atmosphere where children are comfortable and happy. She wants to do all she can to help each child succeed.
Miss Kristen,Kindergarten Teacher - My name is Miss Kristen and I am the Kindergarten teacher. I have been part of The Goddard School since 2002. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Gwynedd Mercy College. I graduated Magna Cum Laude with program honors. I have experience teaching young children as well as elementary school age children. Over the years I have discovered that my true passion is working with young children. I know that all children can learn and be successful in their education. Teachers must create a warm environment with structure where children are constantly engaged. Each lesson should reach all children and be adapted for a variety of needs and learning styles. It is important to create a safe environment where children can thrive and grow through cooperative and hands-on learning.
Irene G., Infant Room Head Teacher -
My name is Miss Irene and I have been the lead teacher of the Infant Room since October 2001. We fill our days with fun, sensory stimulating activities. Prior to joining Goddard I ran a daycare out of my home for over three years during which I was responsible for providing care for several children ranging in age from infancy to three years old. I was also the head teacher of the infant program at a local daycare for over two years. I am currently pursuing my Child Development Associate Degree through Goddard University. I believe children should be treated with respect, understanding and affection. It is the teacher’s responsibility to provide a safe and nurturing environment to help the children develop self-esteem, confidence and a desire to learn. I enjoy spending time with each of the infants on an individual basis getting to know their needs and building a personal relationship.
Joyce W., Infant Room Assistant Teacher -
My name is Miss Joyce and I have been part of The Goddard School® team since August of 1999. I am the assistant teacher of our adorable babies in the Cuddly Calves room. I am currently attending classes to complete my Child Development Associate degree. During my time here at The Goddard School® I have also worked with a variety of age groups ranging from infants through preschoolers. I have gained a great deal of my experience through raising my two wonderful children. I enjoy spending quality time every day with each child in our classroom. I believe that all children are special and have something unique to offer this world. I take pleasure in being part of the Cuddly Calves classroom working with this age group is very rewarding. It is a terrific feeling to watch the babies grow and learn.
Miss Denise Assistant Infant Teacher - My name is Miss Denise. I am an assistant teacher in the infant classroom. I have been part of The Goddard School family for years. Before I began working here my daughter was an assistant teacher in the School for over six years. I have a great deal of experience working with young children. I have been helping friends and neighbors raise their children for years. I love spending time with children. Being a mother of two children has been the most rewarding experience for me. I believe that children learn by example and that positive reinforcement of good behavior is very important. I love to be able to help children explore new things and participate in activities.
Miss Morgan, Pre-Toddler Teacher - Miss Morgan is the Lead Teacher of our younger pre-toddler room the Loveable Lambs. She has a degree is in Early Childhood Development and over ten years of experience teaching young children. Her teaching experience ranges from infants through school-age, as both a teacher and a nanny. Morgan was the Nursery Supervisor for a church program, beginning in 2001. She believes "children should be guided safely through discovery while playing and having fun." She continuess, "Childhood is a time full of discovery, learning and plenty of play. Children should be supported and encouraged when they are challenged and praised when they feel successful. It is important to me to help nurture these skills because they will carry them throughout their lives"
Miss Kelly, Pre-Toddler Assistant Teacher - Miss Kelley is the Assistant Teacher of our Pre-Toddler classroom, the Loveable Lambs. Prior to joining Goddard School, Miss Kelley taught gym, art and music classes to children ranging in age from three months to six years old. "I feel that the most important thing a teacher can do is to build a meaningful relationship with each child by being nurturing, kind and patient. I understand the importance of discovering and appreciating each child’s unique personality. I believe that education is one of the most important elements in each child’s life. The growth of young minds begins with play and exploration. Engaging children through a play based environment with hands-on learning activities and art is how children learn best."
Jen C., Pre-Toddler Lead Teacher - Ms. Jen is the Lead Teacher in our Pre-Toddler "Rowdy Roosters" classroom. She has been a part of The Goddard School since February 1999. She graduated with honors from Temple University, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. In 2007, Miss Jen was named Teacher of the Year from over 300 Goddard Schools across the country. "I find great joy in planning and implementing fun, hands-on learning activities for the children to participate in daily. I enjoy being around children and find spending time with them very rewarding.
Mary O., Preschool Assistant Teacher - My name is Miss Mary and I am the Assistant Teacher in the Rowdy Rooster room. I am attending classes to complete my Child Development Associate's degree. I have experience working with all of the age groups in the School but have spent most of my time working with the preschool and pre-toddler children. I have been teaching at Goddard since 1999. The children and I bond easily together, and I thoroughly enjoy working at The Goddard School®.
Christina M., Toddler Teacher -
I have been working with children since 1993. I received my Child Development Associate credential in 2010. I have been at Goddard since 2004 teaching in the Rowdy Rooster class and now The Bouncing Bunny classroom. I have spent the majority of my time working with the Toddler age group. I have a great deal of experience developing fun lesson plans that enhance each child’s learning experience. I have also served as the head of a Parent Teacher Organization so I thoroughly understand the importance of open communication between parents and teachers. I strongly believe in the importance of providing a consistent, happy environment for children to grow and learn. I feel this environment can be created by providing children with opportunities to explore new activities, while making them feel safe and secure. I enjoy spending time with every child so I can build a special bond with them. I strongly believe that a teacher’s most important job is to be there for both the children and parents.
Miss Carolyn, Toddler Teacher - Miss Carolyn is the Lead Teacher in our Toddler classroom, the Bouncing Bunnies. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Upon graduation she taught Kindergarten in an early childhood setting.
During college she worked with children of all ages as a nanny, assistant teacher and camp counselor. She joined Goddard School with a great passion to teach young children. She is also very artistic has been helping to create the collectible dolls for Byers Choice since 2001.
"I believe in order for children to grow and learn they must feel safe and secure in their environment. Children need to know that it’s alright to make mistakes, take chances and feel free to be themselves. I believe that children are explorers and love to learn new ideas and concepts. I think that providing children with a creative and fun learning environment you are able to meet the needs of all children and accommodate multiple learning styles. I know that a classroom must be a warm and caring environment where we can all learn from each other and contribute."
Megan M., Get Set Head Teacher - Miss Megan is the Lead Teacher of the Get Set classroom, the Prancing Ponies. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Gwynedd-Mercy College ans has been working with children in various settings for many years. During college, Megan volunteered for the Best Buddies program and participated in activities and events with children with disabilities. "My philosophy on teaching is that every child learns at a different pace and level. I believe in incorporating many different learning tools so that each student can thrive on their own level. I also believe that encouraging students to get along with each other through sharing, listening and sharing ideas helps build the classroom community. It brings me such joy to see them actively participate and understand what we are doing during centers. I also remember to have fun and bring the students closer to each other each day!"
Pam K., Toddler Assistant Teacher -
My name is Miss Pam and I have been at Goddard since 1999. I am the assistant teacher in the Prancing Pony class. I graduated from Hatboro-Horsham High School. During my time there I attended many different classes pertaining to child development. These classes were very helpful in building my knowledge of child development. I am also currently attending classes to complete my Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. I believe that it is important for teachers to spend quality time with each child on a daily basis. I love talking with the children and helping them grow and develop. During my free time, I enjoy shopping, roller-blading, going to the gym, and calligraphy.
Brooke E., Preschool Teacher - Miss Brooke started at The Goddard School as an Assistant Teacher in the Playful Piglets classroom in 2004. She was promoted to Lead Teacher of the Preschool 1 classroom and graduated from Albright College with a degree in Psychology and Elementary Education. Before The Goddard School, Brooke worked as a volunteer in a children’s after-school program.
"I believe that children, especially when they are young, are still very eager to learn new things. I think that if the information is presented in a creative and exciting way, the children will want to learn more. When they are excited, they will want to explore even more with the information they have been given. This is a very powerful way to create a love of learning. I love hearing the chidlren's take on any book that we have read at Circle Time. "
Miss Gianna, Preschool Assistant Teacher - My name is Miss Gianna and I am the assistant teacher in the Preschool 1 classroom. I graduated from Hatboro Horsham High School where I took several classes in child development. I am currently pursuing my Child Development Associate's degree. I have completed several courses in early childhood education through Temple University and Montgomery Community College. I have been part of the Goddard family for over two years. I have a great deal of experience with children. I have been babysitting children of all ages for the past seven years. I believe that all children learn differently and learn best in an interactive environment. I think children will benefit from visual and hands-on learning as well as working in small groups. Teachers should always put forth as much effort as possible because children will learn better with someone who remains focused and dedicated to the profession.
Nicole B., Preschool Teacher -
I am the lead teacher of our preschool class, the Playful Piglets. I joined The Goddard School® located in Horsham with a great deal of experience working with young children. I graduated from DeSales University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. Prior to joining Goddard, I taught third grade for four years at a small private school. My experience also includes six years as a camp counselor and director for young children. My teaching philosophy is to reach all children and make their learning fun and enjoyable. I believe that it is important for the teacher to make children feel comfortable and safe in the classroom. I believe that all children learn in different ways. I am committed to creating a classroom full of hands-on learning activities for children to participate in throughout the day.
Miss Ilima, Preschool Assistant -
Miss Ilima is the Assistant Teacher in our Preschool classroom, the Playful Piglets. She has several years of experience as an Assistant Teacher in both preschool and elementary school classrooms and has worked closely with all age groups. Ilima has also been a camp counselor for three summers where she taught swimming lessons and led project development. "The thing I love most about working with children is watching them progress every day. I think that it is very important for teachers to make learning fun for children. If children are happy and enjoying themselves, they will be able to learn a great deal more. I enjoy spending my day playing with the children on the floor. It is very rewarding to create meaningful relationships with each child."
Miss Heather Pre-Kindergarten Teacher - Miss Heather is the Lead Teacher in the Cool Cat room. She earned a dual Bachelor’s degree from Cabrini College where she received a dual degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She has experience teaching children of all ages. Previous to Goddard, Miss Heather taught dance to young children and was a camp counselor to school-aged children at the YMCA for five summers. Miss Heather also has many years of experience babysitting for children of all ages. Her teaching philosophy is to provide a safe and loving environment for the children in her care. "Meeting the needs of each child is my goal. I believe children need lots of encouragement and positive reinforcement to succeed and be the best they can be."
Miss Linda P.,Pre- Kindergarten Assistant Teacher -
I am the Assistant Teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten classroom. I attended college in New York and England and majored in teaching English as a Second Language. Prior to joining Goddard, I taught English to preschool age children in Nicaragua for ten years. I truly enjoyed helping these children learn English. I feel my fluency in Spanish will help the children learn a second language at an early age. I believe that each child has a unique learning pattern. If the teacher recognizes these patterns they can use them to help the child grow. Children learn best when they understand what is expected. I also believe that structure is a very important part of the learning process.
Miss Alicia Prekindergarten Assistant Teacher -
I am the assistant teacher in our Pre-kindergarten classroom, the Daring Ducks. I’ve recently attended several classes at Penn State University to study Early Childhood Education. I have been working with young children for many years. I have been an assistant teacher and a nanny for children as young as infants through school age. I find working with children very rewarding. I love to be around children and also like to teach them fun and new things. I like interacting with the children as well as teaching them. I want to make their learning fun and interesting. The more fun teachers have teaching, the more fun the children will have too.
Miss Paula, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher -
My name is Miss Paula and I am the head teacher of our Pre-Kindergarten classroom the Daring Ducks. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Bloomsberg University. I’ve taught pre-kindergarten and kindergarten age children for over ten years. I also spent two years as a Director and Assistant Director where I was responsible for the day to day functions of the facility and teachers. I have a very good understanding of child development and am eager to help prepare the children for their future Kindergarten experience. I strongly believe that children learn best through play. I believe structure and consistency are extremely important throughout a day for children. I also like to incorporate other experiences such as cooking, sign language and games to make learning fun.
Kim S., Infant Assistant - I am an Assistant Teacher at The Goddard School. I attended Plumstead Christian School and am currently enrolled in Montgomery County Community College as an Elementary Education major. I have experience working with young children ages infant to 5 years. I gained this experience working as a camp counselor at summer camp and also working in my church’s nursery. I believe that a child can learn from us, but we can also learn so much more from them. Working with children brings joy and laughter into my life.
Miss Melissa Floater - My name is Miss Melissa. I am an assistant teacher here at Goddard. I am currently attending classes at Temple University where I am majoring in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I have over eight years of experience working with children of all ages. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with several different families as well as assist children with special needs. I believe that all children are unique and can be taught in a variety of different ways. As a teacher I will make sure all of my students know I care for and support them. The early years are the most important for young children and I am dedicated to providing them a positive and healthy environment for them to grow and learn.
Miss Stephanie S. Floater - My name is Steph S. I am an afternoon floater here at Goddard. During the morning I am attending classes at Montgomery County Community College where I am pursuing my degree in Elementary Education. I have taken many classes on child development and child psychology. I have babysat for different families over the years where I cared for children of various ages. I like to help foster a happy and positive environment for the children by helping them play and interact with their friends. I like to help the children accomplish new tasks and get very excited as they reach their developmental milestones.
Miss Desiree, Floater - Miss Desiree is an Assistant Teacher and is currently attending classes at Temple University where she is majoring in Early Childhood Education. She has worked with children of all ages as a camp counselor and a nanny. She has also had the opportunity to spend two summers working one-on-one with children with special needs.
"I believe that all children are unique and can be taught in a variety of different ways. I strongly believe in the importance of sharing information with parents about their child’s day. The early years are the most important for young children and I strive to help them grow and develop in a fun and educational environment."
Miss Jennifer - Floater
I am a Floater here at The Goddard School because I enjoy working with children of all ages. I obtained my Associate's degree in Elementary Education from Bucks County Community College. I am currently attending classes at Gwynedd Mercy College to finish my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. My teaching philosophy is to help all of the children in my classroom and to make a difference in their life. I feel that education is a very important part of a child’s life and each child should have a positive early learning experience. I know how important it is to provide children with a strong foundation so they can become confident and independent learners.
Miss Colleen, Floater Miss Colleen is an afternoon floater in our School. She is currently attending Gwynedd Mercy College where she is majoring in Early Childhood/Elementary & Special Education. She volunteers at her parish church with children of all ages. Miss Colleen believes it is important to provide a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn and grow. It is important to make learning an exciting experience for young children so they can carry it with them throughout their school years.
Miss Stephanie, Floater Miss Stephanie P is our center floater. She has experience volunteering and teaching in a preschool setting. “I believe children learn by doing. Children also learn by playing and exploring new things. A teacher’s role is not only to teach but also nurture and interact with the children. I believe providing the children with interesting and engaging activities leads to a happy and fun classroom environment. “