Jay B. Bryan, Owner -
Education: Jay holds an B.A. from Duke University, where he majored in Economics and Public Policy. He also holds a J.D. from Duke University School of Law.
Experience: After practicing law in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., for the past 21 years, Jay decided it was time for a change. Becoming the Owner of The Goddard School® located in Sandy Springs allowed him the opportunity to combine one of his loves -- children -- with one of his dreams -- running his own business. Jay is very excited about getting the school built and filled with children, and making sure the parents take comfort knowing their children are being nurtured, educated, and, above all else, protected. Jay will be actively involved in the classrooms and the day-to-day operations of the School. Having three of his own children, Jay recognized the need and demand for a quality alternative to standard childcare. After extensive research, he decided to open The Goddard School located in Sandy Springs. He looks forward to providing an environment and the resources to give children the opportunity to become happy, confident learners.
Jay and his wife, Lexie Bryan, have three children whose ages are 11, 5 and 2. The family enjoys a variety of sporting activities and traveling.
Thonja N. Hayes, Director -
Education/Degree/Certificates: Thonja holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She has received her Director Certification from Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, and she holds a Technical Certificate of Credit from Atlanta Technical College. Knowing things change constantly in the childcare field, Thonja is continuing her education and pursuing a second degree in Early Childhood Education, which she is scheduled to complete in the Spring of 2010.
Experience: In 2007, after spending nine years in the legal profession, Thonja started her childcare career as an after-school teacher for 25 students. Shortly thereafter, she was asked to assume the role of Assistant Director. While serving as Assistant Director, Thonja fell in love with the administrative aspect of childcare. Thonja joined the Goddard family in May 2008, and taught in the classroom for a few weeks before being promoted to the Director of Education at another Goddard School in Georgia. She still enjoys the classroom atmosphere and further honed her skills in the classroom this past Summer while agreeing to fulfill dual roles of teaching Summer Camp and serving as the Director of The Goddard School. Thonja also enjoys the dual role of Curriculum Coordinator and she has extensive training in Promoting Quality Programming for Preschools, age appropriate developmental Lesson Planning, and Sign Language. Thonja is excited about the opening of The Goddard School located in Sandy Springs and is looking forward to meeting our prospective families. Thonja says, “I love interacting with the parents and their precious little ones.”
Philosophy on Teaching: Thonja believes in a learning environment that consists of a balance of both structure and fun, making it easy and enjoyable for children to explore and learn. Her philosophy finds its roots in a family of successful educators dating back to her great grandfather who was the Head Master of a The James School in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, West Indies back in the 1930s and 1940s, a grandmother who was a teacher in St. Vincent & The Grenadines for over 25 years, a cousin who is a principal of a public school in Maryland, and several other family members who have held numerous teaching positions.
Gisell B., Co-Lead Teacher -- Junior Kindergarten
Education: Ms. Gisell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology from the University of West Georgia.
Experience: From June 2007 to May 2009, Ms. Gisell worked at the Children’s Friend Daycare Center in Carrollton, Georgia. From January 2009 to May 2009, she interned at the HOPE Center, a homeless center for men. Recently, Ms. Gisell worked at The Elaine Clark Center, where she worked with students with special needs.
Philosophy on Teaching: Ms. Gisell’s philosophy is to do her very best to bring out the very best in each child. She states that, “every child is different and needs just the right amount of nurturing, exploration, interaction, and stability to grow and become a positive, independent individual."
Kinjal P., Lead Teacher -- Pre-K -
Education: Mrs. Kinjal comes to us with a Master's degree in Literacy Teaching (Birth-Grade 6) from Queens College, The City University of New York in Flushing, New York. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a Minor in Child Education from York College, The City University of New York in Jamaica, New York.
Experience: Mrs, Kinjal was the Head Teacher for the four to five year olds at the prestigious BWY Preschool in New York City from September 2007 to June 2010. During the Summer of 2010, she worked at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine before moving to Georgia with her husband.
Philosophy on Teaching: Mrs. Kinjal states that, “children need to be engaged, have hands-on manipulatives and enjoying learning.”
Dee C., Lead Teacher -- Preschool II -
Education: Mrs. Dee holds a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in English, General English and Rhetoric from Binghamton University and an Associate of Science Degree in Individual Studies with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Broome Community College.
Experience: Mrs. Dee has over three years of experience working with preschool-aged children. She has also worked as a tutor during Summers since 1999, was a mentor for the R.E.A.D. Foundation in New York City, and in 2007, she was a youth counselor for Catholic Charities in Binghamton, New York. Mrs. Dee joins us with an energetic enthusiasm for teaching. She also has a five year old son.
Philosophy on Teaching: Mrs. Dee believes that children learn best when they are encouraged and supported. She states that, “when children show an interest in something, we should follow their lead and encourage their exploration.”
Amber H., Lead Teacher -- Preschool I -
Education: Ms. Amber has a Bachelor of Applied Arts Degree from Central Michigan University where she majored in Child Development, Early Childhood and minored in Psychology.
Experience: In the Spring of 2008, Ms. Amber did her student teaching at Ganiard Elementary School in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Also, in the Spring of 2008, she worked at the Kinney Child Development Center in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, where she taught a Preschool class. From August 2008-June 2009, Ms. Amber was an Assistant Student Teacher at the Isabella Child Development Center in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Ms. Amber did additional student teaching from April 2009-June 2009 at Gretchens House Child Development Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Prior to moving to Georgia, she was an Assistant Teacher at Mid-Michigan Leadership Academy in Lansing, Michigan from September 2009-August 2010.
Philosophy on Teaching: Ms. Amber believes that all students can learn and that she must design lessons that encompass the diverse learning styles of each student. She wants her classroom environment to encourage academic interaction and open discussions.
Caren L., Lead Teacher -- Get Set -
Education: Mrs. Caren earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in English with a minor in Psychology from the University of South Alabama.
Experience: Mrs. Caren has taught in the early childhood education field for over six years. She was a Director of the children’s program at Omni Health and Fitness from 2004-2005 and was an Assistant Director and Lead Teacher at the Spring Valley YMCA from 2005-2009. In addition, Mrs. Caren has taught at other child care facilities in the Atlanta area.
Philosophy on Teaching: Mrs. Caren’s philosophy is that learning can and should be fun. When you learn to love to learn at an early age, it is a lesson that stays with you for the rest of your life. She loves being able to give that love to a child.
Tiffany H., Lead Teacher -- Toddlers
Education: Ms. Tiffany has a Bachelors of Arts in Theatre from the University of Florida, and she has taken courses in Education, Early Childhood, Teaching Diverse Populations, Emergent Literacy for VPK Instructors, Behavioral Observation and Screening, and Basic Fundaments and Skills in Elementary Education. Ms. Tiffany is currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Pre-K Primary Education from Abraham S. Fischler School of Education.
Experience: Ms. Tiffany has been a VPK teacher at Tanglewood Academy, a fifth grade teacher at Olinda Elementary in Miami, Florida, and she was a preschool teacher at a few different preschools in South Florida.
Philosophy on Teaching: Ms. Tiffany believes there is no classroom too hard, no child too difficult, or no parent too demanding for children to learn.
Sylvia L., Lead Teacher -- Young Toddlers -
Education: Ms. Sylvia has a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) from the State of Georgia. She has taken many courses in Foreign Language and is fluent in Slovak, Czech, Hungarian and proficient in French, all of which she studied in her native country of Slovakia. She is currently studying Spanish as well.
Experience: Ms. Sylvia has over 13 years of experience working with children. She worked as a nanny for many years and her most recent teaching job was as an Assistant Teacher and Floater at a prominent preschool in Lawrenceville, Georgia. She comes to us with a wealth of experience and is dedicated and committed to caring for and educating young children.
Philosophy on Teaching: Ms. Sylvia believes that learning should begin at an early age in order for students to develop a lifelong love of learning as we encourage each child’s talents through fun activities.
Melissa N., Lead Teacher -- First Steps -
Education: Ms. Melissa is currently pursuing her Child Development Associates credential (CDA) through Bright From the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. She holds a GED from North Metro Technical College in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Experience: Ms. Melissa has over seven years of Early Childcare experience. Since 2003, Ms. Melissa has worked for several day care facilities and preschools in the Metro-Atlanta area. From 2006-2009, she was a private nanny for an Atlanta family. In 2009, Ms. Melissa recognized she missed the classroom environment and decided to return to the school setting.
Philosophy on Teaching: Ms. Melissa’s philosophy is to be hands on and as fun and exciting as can be. She believes in letting children express themselves in the way that they are comfortable and familiar with, while still encouraging growth. She is extremely loving and kind to each child and strives to create an atmosphere where children can grow trust in the people that care for them.
Allison R., Lead Teacher -- Infants -
Education: Ms. Allison graduated from Greater Atlanta Christian School. In addition, she holds a Child Development Associate's degree.
Experience: Ms. Allison has over 7 years of childcare experience and has worked with several well-known childcare schools. From September 2009 to April 2010, Ms. Allison worked at The Goddard School located in Snellville, Georgia. From September 2006 to September 2009 she worked at Primrose School. Ms. Allison also worked with an in-home daycare, with Kids R Kids in 2006 and with Legacy Academy in 2004 and 2005.
Philosophy on Teaching: Ms. Allison’s philosophy on teaching is that children are best at play. She believes early childhood development is very important to each child's future well being.
Diana M., Assistant Teacher -- Infants
Education: Ms. Diana graduated from Woodstock High School in Woodstock, Georgia.
Experience: Ms. Diana has had numerous babysitting jobs as well as raising three children of her own.
Philosophy on Teaching: Ms. Diana’s philosophy on teaching is to make educational activities fun by playing games to keep the children interested.
Noemi G., Assistant Teacher -- First Steps -
Education: Ms. Noemi attended Antelope Valley High School in California.
Experience: Ms. Noemi has two children of her own and has been home with them for four years.
Philosophy on Teaching: Ms. Noemi states, "Children are our future, therefore, a teacher should take their time and teach them what they need for life."
Iliyana P., Assistant Teacher -- Young Toddlers -
Education: Mrs. Iliyana holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Sofia University in Sofia, Bulgaria, and she also has a college degree in Early Childhood Education from Vratza College in Vratza, Bulgaria. In addition to speaking English, she speaks Bulgarian and Russian.
Experience: After college, Mrs. Iliyana taught at an Early Childcare facility in Vidin, Bulgaria from 1998 to 2001 before moving to the United States. Prior to joining The Goddard School, Mrs. Iliyana taught for several years at an Atlanta area daycare. She also teaches Russian and Bulgarian languages to children on the weekend.
Philosophy on Teaching: Mrs. Iliyana “first hugs, then teaches.” She believes that each child deserves a nurturing and stable environment and an environment that comes from loving and caring teachers.
Latoya A., Assistant Teacher -- Toddlers
Education: Ms. Latoya has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Special Education from Grand Canyon University.
Experience With Children: Ms. Latoya was previously substitute teacher at The Temple Early Learning Center, and she worked as a lead teacher at two other national child care providers in the Atlnat area.
Philosophy on Teaching: Ms. Latoya believes children are a gift and she loves being the person who fills their minds with new and exciting knowledge.
Keisha C., Assistant Teacher--Preschool I -
Education: Mrs. Keisha attended Borough of Manhattan Community College and is currently pursuing her Child Development Associate degree.
Experience: Mrs. Keisha worked at an after-school program in connection with her Child Development Associate degree and she was previously a substitute teacher for The Goddard School.
Philosophy on Teaching: Mrs. Keisha’s philosophy on teaching is "to let kids be free to be kids."
Michelle O., Assistant Teacher -- Preschool II -
Education: Mrs. Michelle attended Harold Washington Community College in Chicago, Illinois, where she concentrated her studies in the hospitality field.
Experience: Mrs. Michelle worked as a Special Education-Teacher’s Aide for the Naperville School District in Naperville, Illinois from 1998 to 1999. Upon moving to Georgia in 2005, Mrs. Michelle worked for the Cobb County School District as a substitute elementary school teacher until joining the Goddard family.
Philosophy on Teaching: Mrs. Michelle believes that children need to know that you genuinely care about them. She believes in being organized and prepared for each child individually, based on the ability of each child.
Brianda C., Office Manager; Advanced Spanish Teacher -
Education: Ms. Brianda is currently a student at Georgia Perimeter College and is pursuing an associates degree in Business Administration.
Experience: For the past four years Ms. Brianda has taken on the task of raising her two younger siblings, and she also has extensive experience sitting for other families' children. She is doing a great job with all of the children in our School.
Philosophy on Teaching: Ms. Brianda believes that everyone has potential in life and that education is the only way to show the world what you are capable of achieving.
Jenny G., Advanced Spanish Teacher/Floater-
Education: Ms. Jenny is currently pursuing her Communications Degree at Chattahoochee Technical College and plans to transfer to Georgia State University to pursue a degree in Psychology. She is a graduate of Riverwood High School in Sandy Springs.
Experience: Ms. Jenny has worked with an array of age groups since January 2008. She was an after school tutor, a summer camp counselor, and has worked in each classroom at another childcare facility in the Atlanta area. Ms. Jenny's first language is Spanish and she will be providing additional advanced Spanish instruction to all children in the School two days per week.
Philosophy on Teaching: Ms. Jenny believes that all children should get the best education possible because they are our future leaders. If we instill the foundation for them now, they will be very successful.
Valerie A., Floater -
Education: Ms. Valerie has a certification in Early Childhood Education from Appalachian Technical College.
Experience: From 2005 to 2006, Ms. Valerie was a Partner Coordinator at Westlake High School in Atlanta, Georgia. Beginning in September 2008, Ms. Valerie worked with several Goddard Schools. She was previously a Toddler Lead Teacher, where she implemented daily lesson plans, monitored student’s development through arts and crafts, music, imagination and outdoor activities that all played an integral role in the learning experience. She was also a Goddard School substitute teacher, where she traveled to several Schools to assist with their daily needs. She has worked with all age groups, from Infant through High School students.
Philosophy on Teaching: Ms. Valerie believes that teaching is awakening the curiosity of young minds, by giving them a listening ear and respecting their boundaries of learning. She loves being a positive light for others. She loves to see the development of a child on a daily basis.
Ashley L., Floater -
Education: Ms. Ashley is working on a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion and Retail Management at Art Institute of Atlanta.
Experience: From April 2008 to June 2009, Ms. Ashley worked at The Goddard School located in Cumming, Georgia. She also has had multiple babysitting jobs.
Philosophy on Teaching: Ms. Ashley’s philosophy on teaching is to make it fun and keep things in an interesting routine.