Our Goddard School Teachers

Welcome! My name is Jenna Ellis and I am the On-Site Owner of our award-winning The Goddard School® on Windward. I have been working in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2004 and have been with our school since 2014. I hold my B.S. degree in Developmental Psychology with a focus in developmental and educational facets. The Goddard School® has had the most influential and profound impact on my life and helped mold me from teacher, to director, and as of 2017, the Owner that I am today. Our philosophy of whole-child education promotes parent-child relationships and social-emotional skill building while effectively helping to mold the leaders of tomorrow. Here at Goddard Windward, we encourage each child to vocalize their own ideas and foster their confidence as learners. This approach alongside the incredible faculty and intentional leadership we have here at Goddard Windward allowed us to win dozens of awards including Best Preschool repeatedly. We cannot wait to welcome you!

My name is Mrs. Tara and I am the Director of Operations here at Goddard Windward. I have been a part of the Goddard family since March of 2016. I have an Associate’s Degree in Office Administration and Bachelors Degree in Educational Studies from Grand Canyon University. My early childhood education career began in 2007, since then I have had the opportunity to serve as a Rotating Teacher, Assistant Teacher and Lead Teacher in multiple classrooms which has given me so many great experiences. I am originally from Indiana and moved to Atlanta with my husband in 2008. We adopted our amazing son Ollie in 2019 and adopted our second son Ryver in 2025! There is nothing better than being able to play a role in a child’s growth and development during one of the most influential times in their life. It’s so important to provide children with knowledge and confidence at an early age while letting their creativity and imagination flourish. I look forward to meeting you.

Hi, my name is Mrs. Hailey and I am the Assistant Director of Education. I have always loved working with children and am so excited to bring my love for education and passion for creating a positive, uplifting environment to our school. I have been in the Early Childhood Education Industry since college where I served as a student teacher for 5 years, serving PreK-5th grade. I have my Bachelors Degree in Intergraded Studies with a focus on Early Childhood Education and Leadership from Kennesaw State University. With a lot of life changes during the pandemic, I ended up trying my hand in Corporate America for a couple of years after leaving my role as an Assistant Director at another preschool. This showed me even more that I was meant to work with children and teachers. Ultimately, my love for children and education has brought me back to my one true passion which has always been Early Childhood Education. I have one amazing son and another on the way!

Hello! My name is Mrs. Jessica and I am the Assistant Director of social media and marketing. I was born and raised in Alpharetta my entire life alongside my three younger brothers. Since I was sixteen, I have been taking care of and teaching young children through nannying and music lessons. I love to sing and play instruments, and believe music is a fun and exciting way to teach younger children. I also occasionally teach children at my church whether it’s through Sunday school, Awana’s, Spanish Children’s Church, music classes, or even through weekly Bible studies with teens! Working with kids and teaching them has truly been a dream of mine. It is definitely a rewarding experience to see a child strive to learn more and continuously grow in their skills and abilities each day and to have a big helping hand in that growth is something I will never get tired of! I look forward to meeting you and am so excited to be a part of your child’s educational journey!

Hi, I’m Mrs. Rachel and I’m so excited to get to know you family. I grew up in upstate New York and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Dance with a concentration in Pedagogy and Minor in Social Work from Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. In 2013, I moved to Georgia and quickly fell in love with the area, happily making it my forever home. After stepping away from the ballet world, I discovered my true passion for Early Childhood Education. For more than a decade, I have enjoyed working as both a teacher and director, with a strong focus on creating and implementing engaging curriculum. My husband, Patrick, and I are the proud parents of two beautiful girls—Hallie and Emilia—and our sweet boy, Nathan. Our family is thrilled to be part of the Goddard family, and I am extremely excited to get to welcome students, families, and faculty while building lasting connections within the community.

Hello, My name is Mrs. Courtney and I am our Classroom Management Supervisor here at The Goddard School on Windward. I moved to Alpharetta in 2018 to pursue my dream in Early Childhood Education here at The Goddard School. I have completed my Child Development Associate degree and after working as a Lead Teacher in our Toddler program for two years, I was promoted to my current position where I get to help support all of our classrooms and teachers. I have been working with young children as far back as I can remember. I have always known that my heart is in Early Childhood Education. I began volunteering at the church preschool near my childhood home in middle school and continued teaching in the Sunday school program for 8 years. I am blessed to receive this opportunity to be a helping and guiding partner in your child's educational journey. I am very excited to be a member the Goddard Windward family and I am looking forward to getting to know your child and family.

Hello, my name is Mr. Zach and I am the Business Manager here at Goddard. I have an Associates Degree in Business and attended SCAD for Concept Art and Design. Since 2012, I have managed teams in the fields of customer service and project management. Additionally, I am a published freelance illustrator with a focus in entertainment design. My interest in working with this amazing team here at Goddard came from attending the Franchisee Convention with my wonderful wife, the Owner of Goddard Windward. Experiencing her dedication to the school and the personal investment of watching both of our children grow and learn through Goddard encouraged and invited me to invest my talents in our brand. My goal here at Goddard Windward is to continue to support our team by managing the business tasks and creative needs which allows our Directors to focus more of their efforts in supporting our teachers and providing an unparalleled learning experience for our students and families.

I’m Mrs. Swati, and I’m excited to be one of the Lead Teachers in the Starfish Infant classroom at Goddard Windward. I began my teaching career in 2006 and have worked with children for over a decade, including four years as an Assistant Principal. I hold a Master’s degree in Finance and a Bachelor’s in Education, with a passion for early childhood development. I love biking, hiking, and exploring math. I believe that the foundation for a child’s future starts early, and through kind interactions and developmentally appropriate activities, I strive to create a nurturing environment where children can grow and thrive. I am looking forward to singing, loving and nurturing your little ones. I believe in strong partnerships with parents and open communication, ensuring a safe and loving space for every child. I’m excited to meet you and your little ones!

My name is Ms. Rena and I have the privilege of being one of the Lead Starfish Teachers at Goddard Windward. I have an Associate's Degree and have dedicated myself to the Early Childhood Education field since 1989. With a deep passion for nurturing young minds, I consider it an honor to contribute to the growth and development of children, as they represent the future of our world. I am particularly excited to engage with my infant students through creative activities like crafts and storytelling. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my son, Steven. We share a love for playing games together and he always manages to bring out my competitive side! I’m looking so forward to meeting you and am excited to welcome your little one into our classroom.

My name is Mrs. Parvin and I’m honored to be an Assistant Teacher at Goddard Windward. I love shaping the lives of the children I work with, and it brings me great joy to watch babies flourish in their talents and skills as they grow. I speak multiple languages and have had the privileged of working with children and families from diverse backgrounds and cultures for over 20 years. I have been a Lead Infant Teacher since 2001. I feel so lucky to be a part of the loving community Goddard Windward provides and feel grateful I can contribute to our community. In my free time, I love gardening, cooking, and spending time with my husband and two adult children. I’m looking so forward to meeting your family and welcoming you to our amazing classroom. See you soon!

My name is Mrs. Rohini and I am thrilled to be an Assistant Infant Teacher at Goddard Windward. Working with children gives me immense joy and I am excited for the opportunity to support your little ones as they grow and explore! I believe bringing warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm from all aspects of life helps me connect with children and their families in a genuine way. Outside of the classroom, I am happily married with two children - a son and a daughter! I also love shopping and spending time with friends. I strongly believe in the power of a loving family and in my free time I enjoy spending quality time with them. I look forward to meeting you all, getting to know your family, and helping your child blossom in a caring and supportive environment!

My name is Ms. Karlie and I am the Lead Teacher in the Penguins class! After watching my 3 nieces and nephew grow and develop the variety of skills from infancy through beginning Elementary, I was inspired to become a lead teacher - specifically in a young toddler classroom. I am currently completing my CDA and have been in the childcare field since 2015. I enjoying every moment of it! I’ve worked with a variety of age groups here at Goddard Windward, but I found my home caring for the tiniest of children - where my heart truly lies. Watching and helping your children grow and develop their communication and fine motor skills as they gain independence is so amazing! I love working with young children and having the opportunity to see their smiling faces as they learn every day. It is such a rewarding experience, and I am so excited to be a part of the Goddard Family!

Welcome to Goddard Windward! I am Mrs. Reshma and I am so excited to be working with your little ones in the Penguin classroom. I currently hold a Master of Business Administration and am now exploring my role in Early Childhood Education. I am passionate about working with young children and supporting their early learning and development. I am excited to grow in the field of early childhood and bring strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills to the classroom. I enjoy helping children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to learn through play-based activities and positive guidance. I am also a wife and mother to a four-year-old daughter. I look forward to building strong relationships with your children, the families here at Goddard, and fellow educators while supporting each child’s growth and success.

My name is Ms. Vickie, and I am beyond excited to be joining the Goddard Windward family! I bring with me many years of experience, love, and passion for working with children, and cannot wait to become part of such a wonderful learning community. I am originally from New York, where I owned and operated my very own dance studio for 40 years. In addition to my dance background, I also worked in the public school system as a Special Education Teacher’s Aide for 25 years. I moved to Georgia two years ago to be closer to my two wonderful daughters and my beautiful granddaughter, and it has been such a blessing to spend to spend more time with family. I look forward to getting to know all of the amazing children and families here at The Goddard School on Windward. I am excited for all of the fun, laughter, learning, and special memories we will create together throughout this school year!

My name is Ms. Jayda, and I am one of the Lead Turtle Teachers at Goddard Windward. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sciences and Business Management and have recently completed my Master’s degree in Information Technology. I am so excited to learn, grow, and have fun with the amazing little learners in my care! I transitioned out of the corporate world into education to find more joy in my job each day and, boy, how rewarding and filled with love each day is! When I am not in the classroom, I love spending time with my friends and family. I’m passionate about creating a classroom where every child feels loved, safe, and supported while discovering something new each day. Every child is unique, and I can’t wait to watch your child’s individual growth and bright personality shine throughout the year!

I’m Ms. Hannah, and I’m so excited to be a part of The Goddard School! I’ve been teaching since 2021 and my favorite part of working with young children is building strong connections with each child and their family. I love watching my students grow, discover new skills, and develop the confidence to let their unique personalities shine. In our classroom, I strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, supported, and and excited to learn through play and exploration. My goal is to help each child feel valued and celebrated for who they are. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy reading, exploring cafes and coffee shops, and spending time with friends and family. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of your child’s early learning journey and look forward to making wonderful memories together.

My name is Ms. Denisse, and I am thrilled to join The Goddard School as the Co-Lead Lobster Teacher. I graduated from Etowah Highschool and am very excited to say that I’m actively completing my CDA. I began working with children in 2016 through babysitting, tutoring, and leading church camps. Supporting young learners has always been a passion of mine and I am so excited to meet my students and continue on my education journey. I speak multiple languages: both English and Spanish fluently, a bit of French, and even beginners Hebrew and Turkish! I love creating a fun, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to grow. With my bubbly personality and dedication to early childhood development, I can’t wait to be a part of your child’s learning adventure!

My name is Mrs. TQ and I am the Seahorse Lead Teacher here at The Goddard School on Windward. I completed my Bachelors Degree in Psychology at Tennessee Temple University and have been working in early childhood education since 2016 - teaching, tutoring, and coaching. I have three children of my own - a daughter who graduated Goddard’s Pre-K program in 2026 and two twin sons who still attend Goddard now. I have always known that I wanted to work with children. Creating hands-on experiences through art, science and moving our bodies, I pride myself in making sure all of our students have true memories of learning through fun and active play. In college, I fell in love with the curiosity and capability toddlers and. two-year-olds bring to the classroom and am extremely passionate about meeting our students where they are and expanding their learning. I am so excited to have the opportunity to get to know your child and learn alongside them!

Hi, my name is Ms. Madison and I’m beyond excited to be teaching in the Seahorse class! I’m originally from Rome, GA, and I hold a degree in Psychology, which has helped shape my passion for understanding how young minds learn and grow. I’ve had the joy of working with children ages 1 to 6, and I truly believe there’s nothing more rewarding than being part of those early learning moments. I love playing basketball, cheering on Georgia football (Go Dawgs!), and playing pickleball whenever I can. I’m also a huge animal lover, and my heart belongs to my sweet dog, Sassy, who is always full of personality and love. I enjoy bringing creativity, energy, and positivity into the classroom every day, and I’m committed to creating a fun, nurturing, and safe space where each child feels special and supported. I’m so grateful to be part of the Goddard family and can’t wait to see all the amazing memories, milestones, and growth we’ll share together each year!

My name is Ms. Ana, and I am the Sea Lion Lead Teacher here at Goddard Windward! I have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2013 and have proudly been part of the Goddard Windward family since 2016. I began my Goddard journey as our Kindergarten Assistant Teacher and, over the years, have had the opportunity to work in nearly every classroom throughout the school. I am also currently continuing my education in college. One of my favorite parts of teaching is guiding and supporting children as they learn, grow, and develop throughout the year. I love watching my students explore new things, solve problems, build confidence, and learn to work together as both friends and a classroom family. I also believe that strong communication and partnership with families are essential to providing the very best experience for each child. I look forward to getting to know you and your child and being a special part of their Goddard experience and educational journey!

I’m Ms. Ashley and I am so excited to be a part of the Goddard Windward team! I love making kids laugh, having fun working on art projects, and getting creative with my students. Working with children brings me joy especially when I see them thrive and imagination soar in our learning environment! I’m currently a Sophomore at Kennesaw State University for my bachelor's degree in education. I also bring two years of experience as an Instructional Assistant Teacher in Early Childhood Education. I began my Early Childhood journey in 2024 and have fallen in love with teaching. In early 2026, I moved from Houston, Texas with my two dogs. We enjoy going on hikes and to the beach, but I also love reading books or building with Legos when I have some free time! I cannot wait to get to know your little one and welcome them into our classroom!

My name is Mrs. Sesi and I am the Lead Teacher in the Dolphin Preschool II class! I am so excited to make a difference in the lives of the little ones in my class here at Goddard Windward and am honored to have won Goddard Windward’s 2026 Teacher of the Year award. I have a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences and have been working with children as a lead teacher since 2021. I enjoy coming up with fun, interactive activities and writing engaging lesson plans. I am passionate about making sure that each child feels loved, safe, and secure while also learning each and every day. Every child is different and learns differently. In addition to teaching, I am a mom and wife. I have two beautiful children and when not in the classroom, I love spending time with them, my husband, and my friends! I look forward to seeing your child's individual growth and development shine!

I am Mrs. Sravanthi and I am a Lead Teacher here in the Dolphin Preschool classroom. I have a Master of Education in Business Administration, and I also bring three years of experience as an Assistant Teacher in Early Childhood prior to beginning at Goddard Windward in 2026. I truly love helping children learn and enjoy my time with them as they navigate new concepts and skills. I look forward to contributing to a happy and thriving educational environment each day! My family recently relocated to Georgia from California. We are looking forward to the different seasons and are loving our new community. I am also a proud mother of two boys! We enjoy traveling, exploring new places, and spending quality time together. I cannot wait to meet your family and welcome you to our classroom!

I am Ms. Shelby and I am the Lead Teachers in the Clownfish Pre-Kindergarten I class. Since 2007 I have been shaping young minds in Early Childhood Education. I have loved working with children ranging from the littlest infants through the school age including summer camp. My favorite part of teaching is creating an environment rich in engaging activities that students are excited to share with you! I have an associate's in early childhood from Georgia State University and as a lifelong Georgia native, am a forever Bulldog! Outside of the classroom, I have two daughters whom I adore - one of which is a Goddard Kindergarten Graduate. I love sharing my experience as both an educator and a parent with my families and creating a trusting and warm environment for my students. I am so excited to be at Goddard and look forward to enriching the lives of my Clownfish students!

I’m Ms. Taylor and I am the Lead Teacher in our Pre-K Clownfish classroom. I started my education journey in 2016 helping young learners grow with confidence, creativity, and joy. I hold degrees in Art Education and Higher Education Communication and I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Social Work. My passion for helping others goes beyond the classroom I chose Goddard Windward because it perfectly matches my belief in nurturing the whole child through curiosity, kindness, and hands-on learning. Every day here feels like a new opportunity to inspire and make a difference! When I’m not teaching, you’ll probably find me painting faces at community events, creating art, reading, volunteering, or spending time with my family. These and more are all the things that fill my heart and keep me inspired.

My name is Ms. Tyeshia and I am the Lead Teacher in the Whales Pre-K classroom. I’m mom to two amazing grown boys, Christian and Jayden. I am originally from Chicago, where I started my journey in the childcare field in 1999. Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure of working with all age groups, but I have a special affinity for preschool students! I’ve been a part of Goddard Windward since 2020 and am so honored to be leading our incredible, award-winning Pre-Kindergarten program. I truly love what I do and one of my favorite things about teaching is how much my students teach me each and every day. For me, teaching is like watching a plant grow. If you keep engaging and bring a fun, caring, loving, and safe environment, children will grow and blossom into beautiful, kind and intelligent adults. I am humbled and blessed to be around these wonderful little souls each and every day and am so looking forward to being a part of your child’s educational journey.

My name is Ms. Vanessa, and I am so excited to be part of the Goddard Windward family! I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Literature and recently made Georgia my home after living in many different places, including internationally. I am also the proud mom of two grown children and grandmother to an adorable two-year-old grandson! My love for working with children began while raising my own family, where I enjoyed volunteering in their classrooms and sharing my love of language by teaching Spanish to their peers. Over the years, I have continued working with young children and especially enjoy introducing them to new languages, cultures, and experiences. I love watching children explore, build confidence, develop friendships, and discover the world around them. I believe children thrive when they feel safe, supported, and encouraged, and I strive to provide that nurturing environment each day. I look forward to getting to know our Whales and being part of their journey.

My name is Mrs. Tanushree, but my students call me Mrs. Tanu! I am passionate about nurturing young minds and making a lasting impact on my student's growth. With a Bachelor's in Education and a Master's in Administration, I approach teaching with a strong understanding of both education and classroom management. Additionally, I have been an educator since 2017 and I bring both knowledge and expertise to my role as lead teacher in the Sharks classroom. I believe small efforts can create big changes in a child’s life. Greeting them warmly and creating a positive, uplifting classroom is something I am passionate about. I am deeply committed to helping children not only learn but thrive - developing skills, resilience, and confidence for future success. My greatest joy is guiding children on their learning journey and helping them reach their full potential. I’m so excited to welcome you to our classroom!

My name is Mr. Pierce and I’m honored to be one of the Lead Teachers of the Shark Kindergarten class! I was born and raised in Georgia and attended Tennessee Temple University where I studied youth ministry. Since 2015, I was a basketball trainer, after-school teacher, and summer camp coach at FAST Training. My parents have always told me I have a gift when working with kids, so I plan on using my gift to help the kids of Goddard become the best they can be! I am currently working on my CDA to continue to develop my confidence in curriculum and grow alongside my students. I believe every student deserves positive role models to look up to and that’s what motivates me to be my best self. I strive to build a positive comfortable environment for kids to learn and grow at their own pace while being there to help along the way! I’m very thankful to be here at Goddard and I’m looking forward to meeting your family.

I’m Mr. Derek, also known as Coach D! I joined The Goddard School in 2011. I lead our School-Age program for after-school students and Summer Camp. In addition to that role, you will also see me teaching our Physical Education program. My philosophy is to be an example for my students because I believe that they learn through the actions of those around them. My favorite thing about being leading our School-Age students is keeping them engaged, not only with our own activities, but with fun school involvement like talent shows, reading to different classrooms, and fashion shows. My goal is to continue to instill a love of learning, collaboration, and partnership/ teamwork. Our Stingray students develop independence, confidence, and teamwork in continuing their academics but also their social and emotional skills. I’m looking forward to welcoming you to our classroom team!

y name is Mrs. Peng and I'm very excited to be a Rotating Assistant Teacher at Goddard Windward. I have had the opportunity to work with many different age groups including Preschool, Pre-k, After School and Summer Camp. I also volunteer at North Point Community Church with UpStreet Kids (K to 5th grade). I am originally from Malaysia and speak multiple languages. When I came to America to attend the University of Georgia, I pursued a B.A. in Psychology and then an M.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at the University of Tennessee. After over 20 years of corporate training and development, I enjoy dedicating my time and energy to nurture children's social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and academic development. Seeing kids' curiosity and creativity is a joy and fun experience as they grow and learn through play and multiple activities. I’m looking forward to meeting your family!

Hi! My name is Ms. Deanna, and I am a Rotating Assistant Teacher at The Goddard School. I can’t wait to work with children of all ages and be a helping hand in every classroom. Whether I’m joining in during playtime, helping with activities, or supporting daily routines, I always try to create a positive and caring environment where children feel comfortable and confident. I am currently studying Psychology at Kennesaw State University, and have always been interested in learning more about child development and how children grow, learn, and express themselves. Being able to apply what I’m learning while working with children has been such a rewarding experience. I’m so excited to be part of the Goddard Village and look forward to getting to know you and your child!

Hello! My name is Ms. Lauren, and I am so thankful to be a Rotating Assistant Teacher here at Goddard Windward! I was born and raised in Alpharetta, where I also went to college to study and earn my degree and certification in Early Childhood Education. I have many years of experience working with children of all ages from occasionally babysitting, school internships, participating and leading local Summer Camp programs, and even spending time and volunteering at the local YMCA Afterschool Program! I love watching children learn and grow everyday. It brings me joy to have amazing relationships with the children and families here at Goddard Windward and I count myself lucky to have had taught some of the kids here since they were in the Infant room. I love being a part of our Goddard Village where I get to work with your children every day and see them blossom into amazing humans!

Hi there and welcome to Goddard Windward! I am Ms. Orlenda and you will see me in the kitchen preparing delicious and nutritious food for your little ones and in classrooms enjoying the hugs and stories our students love to tell me. I am a native Spanish-speaker and love chatting with our dual-language learners too! I’ve been with Goddard Windward since 2022 and I have been working with children since 2016. I love my job and our students and love getting to know our families. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, dancing and cooking! You can always find me in a fancy apron walking through the hallway. I am looking forward to meeting your family and welcoming you to Goddard!