Our Teachers

Originally from Cincinnati, I came to Atlanta to pursue an electrical engineering degree from Georgia Tech. After graduating, I was employed by a fortune 100 company for 10+ years in various roles of increasing responsibility and leadership. It is also here where I have three US patents credited to my name. During this period I developed an interest in the business of our organization and earned an MBA from Emory University. Shortly thereafter I had two children and all changed! Opening The Goddard School has given me the ability to be more impactful in the lives of children as well as our community. I now feel that I am making a difference. Outside of operating the Goddard School, my time is spent with my family supporting my children’s very active extra-curricular schedule. Through the years, I have been active with my children’s school where I have served as PTA president, school council member, room mom, team mom and much more. I have a love of children’s book with my favorite being The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. My now college age children credit their love of learning to their years at The Goddard School. I am a graduate of Leadership Georgia, on the Board of Directors of Ferst Readers, and active in many service organizations. My goal for our school is to create a lifelong love of learning because we truly feel that this is the foundation for academic success. We also hope that our families make a few friends along the way!

Catina Smith, our Executive Director, offers a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our faculty, children and families. She has been serving families in licensed preschools since 1996. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services and a Master’s degree in Performance Improvement and Training. We look forward to her guidance as we continue to deliver the best possible preschool experience to our families. Catina has two sons which have inspired her passion for Early Childhood Education. She enjoys touching an entire family through the education of a young child. Her daily mantra is "to aspire to inspire".

Michelle Caldwell, our Executive Director, was born and raised in Mason City, Iowa. With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, Michelle graduated from GTCC in 1995 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has spent more than 20 years in administrative roles, including 12 years of dedicated service with The Goddard School. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys reading. Her favorite children’s book is *Goodnight Moon*, and she is inspired by the quote, *“We rise by lifting others.”* – Robert Ingersoll.

Ms. Carmen is originally from August, GA. She has 25 + years of experience in childcare industry. She has been employed with The Goddard for 15 years. Her favorite children's book author is James Dean (Pete The Cat Books). She enjoys teaching, talking to children, listening to them, trying to understand their emotional world, and be a good role model for them.

Ms. Natalie is our Enrollment and Marketing Director. Born and raised in Miami, FL, she has 5 years of experience in EMS. After becoming a mother, she moved to Georgia to be closer to relatives and pursue her career in Early Childhood Education. She is currently enrolled at WGU, working toward her B.S. in Elementary Education and Special Education. Ms. Natalie has been working in the childcare industry since 2012 and loves playing a role in shaping students' futures. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and volunteers at her children's school, supporting the Special Needs/Autism Level I-III Program for kids ages 5-12.

Ms. Michelle is a teacher in our Preschool Classroom. Originally from Atlanta, GA, she graduated from the University of Toledo with a Master's in Early Childhood Education in 2017. In her spare time, Ms. Michelle enjoys spending time with her family. She loves music, dancing, and football. She believes, "A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything!"

Ms. Keyaira is a Teacher for Infant Classroom, and enjoys working with infants. She has been in the childcare industry since 2020 .She is currently in school obtaining her Bachelors degree in Education. She loves watching children learn and grow in her care.

Ms. Jem is a Teacher in our Infant Classroom. She chose to be apart of the Goddard family because she comes from a big family. She enjoys being around children, and watching them learn and grow. In her free time, she enjoys shopping and watching movies.

Ms. Jasmine is a Teacher in our Infant classroom, she is from Lawrenceville, GA. She has worked in child care industry since 2017. She enjoys working with children and being in a position that positively makes an impact in children's future. Her favorite book is "I Love You Through and Through" By Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak. On her time off she enjoys DIY Arts & Craft Projects and working on her Photography.

Ms. Shanna was born in Stone Mountain, GA, and is one of our Toddler 1 teachers. She earned her B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies and her A.S. in Teacher Education from WGU in 2017. With 26 years of experience working with children, Ms. Shanna brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting and reading. Her favorite children's book is *The Kissing Hand*.

Ms. Sidra is a Teacher in our Toddler Room . She is originally from Punjab, Pakistan, and has been in the United States since 2015. She obtained her Associates Degree in Business Administration while in Pakistan, and is also currently studying online for Early Childhood Education. Ms. Sidra is a first time teacher, and enjoys working with the Toddlers in her classroom. She is a mommy of two boys, ages two and five. In her free time, she loves learning new things, doing arts & crafts, trying new experiments, and spending time with her family. Her favorite quote is "Spread Love everywhere you go, let no one ever come to you without leaving happier" by Mother Teresa. Her favorite children's book is The Giving Tree.

Ms. Julissa was born in Salvador, raised in GA. She is a Teacher in our Toddler classroom. She has been working in childcare industry since 2001.She loves to help students build self-esteem and believe in themselves and their ability to learn. On her time off she enjoys spending it with her family and friends.

Ms. Jhaylin is a Teacher in our Toddler Classroom. she was born in Long Island, New York, raised in Suwanee. Georgia. She is currently pursuing her BA in Business Management, Minor in Spanish. She has been in the childcare industry since 2020. Her favorite book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? by Bill Martin. Her Favorite part as an educator is working with children and taking part in shaping their future. On her spare time she enjoys painting, hiking and exploring different Tea Shops in the area.

Ms. Molly is originally from Grayson, GA. She has worked in childcare industry since 2018.She is a firm believer of leading by example, therefore she follows a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods and keeping active. She feels Being an educator allows her to keep learning and growing in knowledge. Her hobbies are reading, drawing, hiking, exercising ad history !

Ms. Isha is one of our teachers in the Two-Year-Old Classroom. She was born in India and moved to Buford, GA, in 2024. With five years of experience in the education system, she is passionate about working with young children. In her free time, she enjoys cuddling up with a good book. Her favorite children's book is *The Four Seasons*. Ms. Isha loves having fun with the children and playing an essential role in providing them with the tools they need for their future in school.

Ms. Reggine Morgan is a teacher in our Two’s classroom. She has had the pleasure of serving the youth community for over 10 years. The children’s intrigued imagination in which they navigate the world, brings her joy. She graduated from Union County College in 2017 with a degree in Education back in her home state, New Jersey. She aims to continuously be apart of the village it takes to raise a child while furthering her skills and experiences. Her daily mission is promoting safety, respect, life skills, togetherness, and creative freedom. Furthermore, her hobbies include reading, roller skating, and creating (jewelry, clothes and art). All in all, she will continue to offer a safe space and contribute to the positive impact this world needs and deserves.

Ms. Lola is a Teacher for Twos Year Old Classroom. She was born in Berkley, CA. She has worked in childcare industry since 2020. Graduated with Bachelor Degree in Psychology at Kennesaw State University 2020. Her favorite book is "Good Night Moon" By Margaret Wise Brown. Her hobbies are gardening, and playing her favorite instruments at home. She enjoys to see how children get excited and how their faces light up when learning in a fun environment.

Ms.Maimoune (Mouna) is a Teacher in our Two's Classroom. She was born in West Africa, raised in Lawrenceville, GA. She is in pursue towards getting her Degree in Early Child-hood Education. She has worked in childcare industry since 2015. Her favorite children's book is " Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?". She enjoys watching kids grow and change over the course of a school year.

Ms. Alyia is the teacher in our Bridge Classroom. She was born in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and in 2023, she earned her degree in Criminal Justice from North Georgia University. Ms. Alyia has volunteered at her church’s childcare center and worked in the special needs department at an elementary school. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, and crocheting. Her favorite saying is, "Let all that you do be done in love."

Ms. Leiliana is one of our teachers in the Bridge Classroom. She is originally from Lawrenceville, GA. She is currently in pursue of her Early Childhood Education Degree at GCC. She has worked in the childcare industry since 2019. Her favorite book is "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. On her time off she enjoys watching movies and spending quality time with her family.

Ms. Kenia was born in Atlanta, GA. She is a Teacher in our Preschool Classroom, she has worked in child care industry since 2022. Her favorite book is "The Giving Tree" By Harper Collins. On her time off she enjoys cuddling up with a good book and watching movies. She loves creating bonds with the children and enjoys watching them learn and grow in her classroom.

Ms. Ambar is our preschool teacher. Originally from Paterson, New Jersey, she brings a warm and creative energy to the classroom. Ms. Ambar is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at GCC, continuing her dedication to growing as an educator. With 5 years of experience working with children, she brings both expertise and heart to everything she does. In her free time, she enjoys arts and crafts, shopping, and expressing her creative side. One of her favorite sayings, and something she shares with her students often, is: "Heads up, shoulders back—tomorrow is a new day."

Ms. Christine is our Resource Teacher. Originally from Georgia, she is currently enrolled at Georgia Gwinnett College, working toward a degree in Business Management. With over a year of experience in childcare, Ms. Christine enjoys being a teacher and making a positive impact on the children. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and family and going shopping. Her favorite children's book is anything *Pete the Cat*, as she enjoys watching the kids sing along with the text.

Ms. Sandra is a Teacher in our Pre-K Classroom. She is Originally from Jamaica, entering the classroom with 14 years of childcare experience. On her time off she enjoys Traveling and Catering. Her favorite part about working with children is being able to make a positive impact in their lives.

Ms. Bria Pierre is a teacher in the Pre-K classroom. Originally from Montclair, New Jersey, she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Florida A&M. In her spare time, Ms. Bria enjoys art, crafting, and being creative. Her favorite children's book is *Oh, The Places You'll Go*. What she loves most about working with children is witnessing the connections they make as they learn something new.

Ms. Jennifer is a Teacher in our Pre-K Classroom. Obtained her Business Degree from Mississippi in 2001 and Bachelors in Early Child Hood in 2011 from Georgia Gwinnett College. She has been with The Goddard School since 2015. She has been working with children since 2001. She is ELL endorsed and loves children’s excitement for learning and being a part of their future success. She is a mother of 2 and loves karaoke and football.

Ms. Abeer is a teacher in our Pre-K Classroom. Originally from Lebanon, she obtained her BA in English Language and Literature from The Lebanese University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing basketball, and engaging in fun games. Ms. Abeer loves teaching the little ones and watching them grow.