Sarah Blumenstock Girrell - Sarah is the on-site owner of The Goddard School located in Reading and manages the operation of the school so Cheryl can focus entirely on the children, curriculum and teachers. She brings thirty years of professional management experience to running the school. “I am passionate about giving every child the opportunity of developing a healthy self esteem and to promoting the joy of being a child.”
Education Director Cheryl Bracken - As the Director of Education, Cheryl brings over thirty years of experience and a master's degree in teaching and directing early child development programs and centers. Her passion for learning and love of children is evident in everything she does. Cheryl believes that "children are free spirits who are eager participants in their own learning."
Infant 1 Karen W. - Ms. Karen is a highly accomplished teacher in our Infant 1 room, and brings over 15 years of teaching and early childhood center management experience. Her approach is "eye level" with the children in her care. Ms. Karen adds that her best skills are "music, fingerplays, stories and lots of hugs."
Infant 1 Susan G. Ms. Susan is a certified ECE infant teacher and brings 15 years of experience in infant care and teaching to our team - just what our littlest ones need! Her years of experience and calm demeanor have a remarkably calming effect. "I try to offer as much happiness and care to them as possible and act on any teachable moment throughout their day."
Infant 2 Jennifer C. - Ms. Jen, a Teacher in our Infant 2 room, has over five years of experience teaching and being a nanny to little ones. She studied early childhood development at Quincy College and Northern Essex Community College and received her state certification in infant/toddler and preschool education. "I believe that all children love to learn and it's just a matter of keeping them engaged. For infants, that all comes down to them feeling loved."
Infant 2 Jenn C. - Ms. Jenn is a graduate of Middlesex Community College's EEC program and joins our Infant room as an Assistant Teacher. She knows that every infant is already learning and doing so in unique and different ways and is always looking to see how she can help them explore and learn.
Infant Floater Melissa B. - Ms. Melissa is a new Floater joining our team this spring and brings with her a "no problem" attitude! Her personal view of children is that they are absolute gifts. As she says it, "I really believe children should be taught with love."
Infant/Toddler Joan F. - Ms. Joan is an Assistant Teacher in our Infant/Toddler rooms with a B.S. degree in early childhood education from Lesley College. On top of that she brings 15 years of teaching experience in childcare centers. Speaking of the little ones, she says, "children are curious, tactile learners who need a variety of hands-on activities to help them learn."
First Steps Gina V. - Ms. Gina has certifications as Lead Teacher in all areas and a Director II certification. She brings ten years of teaching experience with her to our First Steps room. Her warmth and love of our littlest friends is immediately visible to anyone who meets her. "Each and every day I look into a child's eyes, I learn more and more about the world as seen through their imagination."
First Steps Jenn S. - Ms Jenn, though certified in all levels of early childhood education, is joining our talented First Steps team. She loves how children learn through play and is fascinated that they "use every moment to observe, experiment and even learn from each other." In addition to her certifications, she holds a B.A. in psychology and is pursuing her master's degree in criminal justice.
Young Toddlers Leanne M. - Currently pursuing her master's degree to add to her five years of early child experience and Bachelor of Science degree, Ms. Leanne is a Teacher on our Young Toddler team. The children's individuality sparks her love. "It is our job as teachers to make them feel special and confident in their uniqueness."
Young Toddlers Jessica D. - Jessica is a teacher in our Young Toddlers room with a B.A. from Endicott and an early childhood education certification. She loves how honest and curious children are. She sees her job as "guiding them in the discovery process instead of just telling them everything."
Toddler 1 Carolynne G. - Ms. Carolynne is a multi-talented teacher who graduated from Rivier College with a triple degree in early childhood education, general special education and interdisciplinary Spanish! While she has taught children of all ages from infancy through third grade, she loves to teach toddlers, which is why she is in our Toddler 1 room. "Toddlers should be free to explore their environment with all of their senses, and I look forward to introducing sign language and beginning Spanish in the classroom!"
Toddler 1 Cassie Z. - Ms. Cassie is an assistant teacher in the Toddler 1 room and brings a love of children and a reputation as one of the parents' favorite at her previous school. "Children are all different, and therefore learn differently. I use many styles of teaching in the same area so that it makes it easier for all the children to learn equally."
Toddler 2 Erin J. - Ms. Erin is a teacher in our Toddler 2 room. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education with a specialization in working with children with special needs. She strongly believes in the uniqueness of each individual child. "I believe every child learns differently so it is the responsibility of the teacher to incorporate a variety of teaching techniques."
Toddler 2 Liz G. - Ms. Liz is an experienced teacher joining our toddler faculty as a teacher. She holds a bachelor's degree in childhood studies from Plymouth State and has previous Lead Teacher experience. Most of all, her orderly and organized ways are perfect for the learning challenges of the toddlers in her care.
Toddler Floater Helen S. - Helen is a Floater between our Toddler 1 & Toddler 2 rooms. She believes that teachers and parents should be partners in their children's education and development. "While the arts and music unlock their creativity, children need consistency more than anything."
Assistant Director and Preschool 1 Stephanie B. - Ms. Stephanie is a lead teacher in our Preschool 1 room. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in early childhood education from Salem State and is now serving as our assistant director, backing up Ms. Cheryl in our day-to-day operations. "I like to give children the room to make mistakes and have fun at the same time. It is a great way to learn."
Preschool 1 Meghan C. - Ms. Meghan is an Assistant Teacher in our Preschool rooms and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in social and rehabilitative services in addition to her certification in teaching. She sees teaching as a team effort between "the family, school support staff and the teacher - anyone who interacts with a child can and should find those 'teachable moments' for fostering learning."
Preschool 1 Dianne S. - Ms. Dianne brings a great mixture of over ten years as a certified early child educator and a healthy dose of love. She has joined our team on the preschool side as an Assistant Teacher. Believing in the uniqueness of each child, Dianne says, "It's really a matter of accepting and loving each child no matter what."
Preschool 2 Elizabeth C. - Ms. Elizabeth is a teacher in our Preschool 2 room. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in child development and psychology from Colby Sawyer College and brings with her academic accolades and a wealth of experiences (and praise) from her five years of professional work. "There are so many differing ways children learn. I believe we can influence and enrich them by providing a varied learning environment."
Preschool 2 Holly L. - Ms. Holly has a dual degree in sociology and child & family studies from Muskingum College in Ohio and is a teacher in our Preschool 2 room. She joins the faculty at The Goddard School located in Reading with over five years of experience teaching preschool. She is a positive teacher who is always smiling, and most times you will find her on the floor with the children. "I tend to teach the things that the students are most interested in."
Preschool 2 Mary Kate R. - Ms. Mary Kate is receiving her B.S. in early childhood education from Fitchburg State University in May of 2011 and brings a fresh perspective to her new role as an Assistant Teacher in our preschool classrooms. She fits right into our positive environment and learning philosophy saying, "I never get angry at children! It is so important to be caring and nurturing in order to help children develop well."
Pre-K Toucans Scott T. - Mr. Scott is a teacher in our Pre-K Toucans program and is our resident "science guy." He attended Middlesex Community College and UMass at Boston where he studied early childhood development. He has worked with children of all ages, from six week infants through high school students, in Somerville, Belmont and Waltham. “I believe that all children are special and I love building a nurturing and loving environment for each and every child in my classroom.” In addition to being a certified infant, toddler and preschool teacher, Scott is also an archery coach.
Pre-K Toucans Ellen B. - Ellen, who graduated from UMass in June 2010, is joining our faculty as a teacher in our Pre-K Toucans program. She loves getting to know each child's own unique way of learning. "When I teach, I know I first need to learn how that child learns so I can bring out the best of their ability."
Pre-K Toucans Rita H. - Ms. Rita is a highly accomplished early childhood educator, certified at all levels. She is now working as a teacher in our Pre-K Toucans room. Along with her B.S. in early childhood education, Ms. Rita displays enthusiasm and love when working with children. She has a natural knack for knowing just how much of a challenge to mix in with her teachings to create feelings of accomplishment and success in each child as they learn.
Pre-K Flamingos Kristi F. - Ms. Kristi brings eighteen years of teaching experience in early childhood education to our team and is the Lead Teacher in our Pre-K Flamingos program. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. She is also DEEC infant/toddler, lead preschool and director certified and can step in to back up Cheryl as needed. Ms. Kristi has taught in private, public and charter schools. The majority of her experience has been in preschool and kindergarten. “I strive to make learning fun and exciting for all children and make them feel like they can all be successful learners.”
Pre-K Flamingos Pamela C. - Ms. Pam is joining our faculty as a Pre-K teacher in our Flamingos classroom and brings over six years of preschool and pre-k teaching experience to her classroom. She has a degree in early childhood education from Bunker Hill and a state license. She sees teaching as "modeling appropriate behaviors. Children look up to their teachers and it is crucial to provide them with positive models."
Pre-K Flamingos Jessica D. - Ms. Jessica is a teacher in our Pre-K Flamingos room. Ms. Jessica graduated with a B.S. from Florida College five years ago. She has been working in childcare and is delighted to join our faculty. Her strong belief is that "everything a child does is an opportunity for learning. It is our job as educators to provide the space for that to happen."
Pre-K/PS Floater Charisse D. - Ms. Charisse is an afternoon Floater across all our rooms with certifications in all levels of early childhood education. "Though each child has their own capability, with patience and the right scaffolding we can meet their needs and improve their chances of success."
Floater Karen O. - Ms. Karen is an Assistant Teacher and Floater in our school who is pursuing her lifelong dream of working with children. She started with a B.S. in consumer and family economics, but she found herself drawn to the education of children. Now pursuing both her early childhood education certification and a M.A. in teaching, Karen often says the best part of working with kids is engaging them in play and physical activities.
Floater Kerri H. - One of our newest additions to the team, our floater Ms. Kerri is just starting down the path of becoming "that" teacher who every child remembers! She is currently pursuing her early childhood education certification and will soon begin into her studies for a B.S. in education. Kerri says the the best bart of working with kids is their energy and unstoppable enthusiasm. "I just love that they naturally love to learn!"