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 there, I am Mrs. Kristin, the Director of School Improvement, and have been a part of the Windward Goddard Family since August 2013. I am thrilled to have an opportunity to be a part-time Director & make a difference in our school, in our community & in the Early Childhood Education Industry. I fell in love with Early Childhood when I was a summer intern in 2012, I have been almost every position in our school at this point including Director. I have two wonderful children who also attend Goddard. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Child Development & Education from the University of Tennessee. My favorite thing about our school is the family environment we strive to make for parents, students & faculty. Everything we do here is purposeful & focuses on the Piaget and Erikson’s philosophy of teaching the ”whole child” from the lesson plans to the events we plan/hold. I look forward to helping make an impact on your family.

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 the Lead Teacher 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 am excited to welcome your little one into our classroom.

Hi there! My name is Ms. Parvin and I’m thrilled 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 priviledge of working with children and families from diverse backgrounds and cultures. 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!

Hi, My name is Ms. Karlie and I am one of the Lead Teachers in the Penguins class! After watching my 3 nieces and 1 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 have enjoyed 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 having the opportunity to see their smiling faces as they learn through song, hands on fun and play. It is such a rewarding experience and I am so excited to be a part of the Goddard Family!

Hi, my name is Ms. Madison and I’m beyond excited to be teaching in the Penguins class! I’m originally from Rome, Georgia, 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 named 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 this year!

My name is Ms. Savannah and I’m so excited to be one of the Lead Teachers in the Turtle Toddler classroom! I’ve been teaching and working within the early childhood education field since 2017. I’ve worked with infants all the way to fifth grade and love working with all age groups, but especially toddlers! I adore being able to help develop the minds of little ones as they move into toddlerhood. I’m a teacher who believes children deserve a safe environment in which to thrive and to truly be themselves. I have always had a passion for inspiring, guiding, and being a part of the next generation’s educational journey. My goal is to create a loving, warm, and exciting environment for your children to learn and grow along with their peers each day where they can develop strong self-esteem, problem solving skills, and a sense of independence. I am excited to mentor little minds here at Goddard with love, dancing, art, and so much more!

Hello! My name is Denisse, and I am thrilled to join The Goddard School as an Assistant Teacher. I graduated from Etowah Highschool and bring over 10 years of experience working with children of all ages and backgrounds through babysitting, tutoring, and leading church camps. Supporting young learners has always been a passion of mine, and I am excited to continue that journey here. I speak multiple languages like 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!

Hi! I’m Ms. Hannah, and I’m so excited to be a part of The Goddard School! I’ve been teaching for three years, 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.

Hello, My name is Mrs. TQ and I have been a part of Goddard Windward since 2019. I completed my Bachelors Degree in Psychology at Tennessee Temple University and have over 10 years of experience with early childhood education, tutoring, and coaching. I am a mama of 3, a daughter and twin boys that attend our school as well. I have always known that I wanted to work with children. Through student teaching in college, I completely fell in love with the energy and curiosity of toddler-aged children. I am very blessed and excited to have the opportunity to get to know your child and learn alongside them.

My name is Ms. Nisha and I am so excited to be one of the Assistant Teachers in the Seahorse classroom here at Goddard Windward! I am mother of one little handsome boy and am currently working on getting my degree in Early Childhood Education. I absolutely adore watching children learn and grow in their own unique ways and love seeing their personalities develop as they learn more about themselves. I believe that empathy and compassion are what foster a safe space and successful environment for children of all ages and strive to help create that safe space each and every day in the Seahorse classroom. I truly love early childhood education and I look forward to learning and growing together with my students at Goddard Windward!

My name is Ms. Ana and I am one of the Sea Lion Lead Teachers here at Goddard on Windward. I have been working in early childhood development for over 10 years. I have been a part of the Goddard Windward family since 2016 and began as our Kindergarten Assistant Teacher and have been a Lead Teacher in several of our classrooms. I am currently enrolled in college to further my studies. I love guiding, observing, and assisting my students constant and consistent development throughout the day and year. I am fascinated to see students explore new things, solve problems, and work together not only as friends, but as a family. I also believe that parent communication is a key component to providing the best care for the children in my classroom and look forward to partnering with you. I look forward to getting to know your children and be a part of their Goddard and educational experience.

My name is Mrs. Amanda, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Goddard School family as the Sea Lion Assistant Teacher! With several years of experience in childcare, I am passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of young children. I especially enjoy the opportunity to engage with various students and colleagues throughout the school, creating meaningful connections along the way. Outside of school, I love spending quality time with my family and friends, and I’m an avid dog lover! The most rewarding part of my role is helping young minds grow and developing alongside them. I am confident that at Goddard, we provide an environment that fosters both academic and personal growth. I look forward to continuing my journey here and building strong relationships with your little ones!

My name is Mrs. Sesi and I am one of the Lead Teachers 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! I have two beautiful children and when not in the classroom, I love spending time with them, my husband, and my friends! 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. I look forward to seeing your child's individual growth and development shine

Hello, I am Ms. Shelby and I am one of the Lead Clownfish Pre-K Teachers. 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 Associates in Early Childhood from Georgia State University and as a lifelong Georgia native, am a forever Bulldog! I have been a part of Goddard Windward since 2019. Outside of the classroom, I have 5 children ranging in ages from 7 years all the way to 27 years old! 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 students!

Hi there! My name is Tyeshia and I am the one of the Lead Teacher in the Sea Lions Preschool classroom. I’m a single mom of two handsome 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 truly love what I do and one of my favorite things about teaching is how much these little ones teach me every day. For me, teaching is like watching a plant grow. If you keep engaging and bringing a fun, caring, loving, and safe environment, children can grow and blossom into beautiful people. 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.

Hello, My name is Mrs. Tamnia and I am the Pre-K Whales Lead Teacher. I am a mother of four children, three boys and one girl, and also a loving wife of twenty years to my husband. I have a Child Development degree in Early Childhood Education as well as an Administrator Degree from Empire State University in New York. I have been at Goddard Windward since 2008 and worked as a Preschool and Pre-K Teacher. My educational experiences have convinced me that being a teacher is a wonderful career choice. I am an expert with various teaching methodologies that will help your child to learn with interest and enthusiasm. I truly believe that being able to make a positive difference in children’s lives is worthwhile and a true reward. I am certain that my enthusiasm and ability to motivate is an addition to the Whales class at the Goddard School.

Hi Goddard Families! 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. With 8 years of experience, I bring both knowledge and expertise to my role. 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 the Sharks Classroom!

Hello, My name is Mr. Pierce and I’m honored to be a Co-Lead Teacher in our 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 Windward become the best they can be! After being a Summer Camp Teacher and as the Kitchen Coordinator here at Windward, I discovered that I am indeed meant to teach. 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 look forward to meeting you!

I am Mr. Derek, otherwise known as Coach Derek. I have almost 2 decades of experience working with children and joined The Goddard School in 2011. Each week, I lead our After School program and on Friday mornings I teach our P.E. class. During the summer, I lead our summer camp program. I love working with kids and am thankful to have the opportunity to get to know them all. 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 a teacher 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/team work. Our Stingray students develop independence, confident, and team work in continuing the academics but also the social skills and emotional skills. We are a team and a family here at Goddard Windward!

My name is Mrs. Nia and I am one of the Rotating Teachers. I have worked in early childhood education since 2018 and working with little ones is truly where my heart lies! Prior to working here at Goddard, I worked for Fulton County Schools as a Literacy Paraprofessional where I would meet with students and help them with phonics, phonemic awareness, and phonological awareness. In my free time, I love to be with my husband, Dustin, and our sweet children, Emersyn and Elio. My teaching philosophy centers around leading with love and cultivating an environment where children can flourish as they grow and learn. Love is the foundation of effective teaching, as it creates a safe and nurturing space for children to explore, take risks, and develop their unique abilities. I approach teaching with a genuine passion for inspiring curiosity and fostering a love for learning.

My name is Mrs. Peng and I'm very excited to be a Rotating Teacher here! I have had the opportunity to work with many different age groups throughout my teaching career. I also volunteer at North Point Community Church with UpStreet Kids. I am originally from Malaysia and speak multiple languages. When I came to America to attend the University of Georgia at Athens, it became my passion to pursue a B.A. in Psychology and then an M.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I love to learn, as much as I love to teach. After over 20 years of corporate training and development, and adult education, 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 a successful year with the Shark classroom.

I'm Ms. Lauren I am one of the Rotating Teachers here at Goddard on Windward. and I'm so excited to meet your family. I am extremely passionate about teaching and working with young children and have wanted to be a teacher as long as I can remember. This led me to pursue my degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been working with children since 2014 and love watching my littles learn and develop throughout the course of each year. I was born and reside today in Alpharetta! In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and pets (cats, dogs, and horses). Every day, I strive to create a warm, nurturing environment as I feel that a child learns best when they are comfortable and able to truly be themselves. I can’t wait to watch your child learn and grow and I look forward to meeting you!

Hi all! My name is Vanessa and I'm so excited to be joining The Goddard School as a rotating teacher. I have a degree in Spanish literature. I recently moved to Georgia after living in many different places, including internationally. I have two wonderful grown children and an adorable two year old Grandson. I've always loved being a part of my children's lives as they grew, either volunteering in the classroom, or teaching a new language to the class. I find it amazing to watch kids learn, grow & enjoy life. I have taught young children languages for many years. I'm very passionate about helping young minds learn, I love being a nurturing guide to them as they grow and discover the world with their bright eyes. I'm looking forward to working with your wonderful kids.

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 love my job and our students. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, dance and cook! I am looking forward to meeting your family and welcoming you to Goddard!