Jay B. Bryan, Owner Education: Jay holds a 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 21 years of practicing law in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., 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's top priority is making sure the parents take comfort in knowing their children are being nurtured, educated, loved, and, above all else, protected. Jay is actively involved in the classrooms and the day-to-day operations of the school. Having three of his children, Jay recognizes the need and demand for a quality alternative to standard childcare. Affiliations: Jay is a past Vice President and former Member of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Child Care Association.

Education: 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 in Early Childhood Care Program Administration. Knowing things change constantly in the childcare field, Thonja has continued her education. 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.

Education: Ms. Georgette has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Shaw University. Experience: She has over twenty years of experience with children. Ms. Georgette has been a Teacher, Assistant Director, and currently Director. Philosophy: Ms. Georgette believes that all children learn in their own way. Ms. Georgette also believes that as educators, we must find what works best for each child and supply a stimulating educational atmosphere where they can learn and grow.

Education: Mrs. Maria graduated from Riverwood High School. She has taken multiple educational courses throughout her time at The Goddard School and received her CDA. Experience: Mrs. Maria has been with The Goddard School since 2014. Since her time at The Goddard School, Mrs. Maria has helped in every classroom. Philosophy: Mrs. Maria believes that children are thinkers reflecting on the world. They gain knowledge by building on a path of ever-increasing knowledge and learn through the process of their efforts. Through purposeful play, they are encouraged to make choices and practice decision- making.

Education: Ms. Natasha received her degree in Marketing with a minor in Banking and Finance. Experience: Ms. Natasha has over 2 years of experience volunteering and working with children. Philosophy: Ms. Natasha believes that teachers play a vital role in children's learning and development. How they grasp what is taught to them is heavily connected to love, grace, patience, and compassion. Always give them love and a safe space.

Education: Ms. Keisha is currently pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education at Grand Canyon University. Experience: Ms. Keisha has worked in the field of education for more than 13 years and in the sector of childcare for 3 years. Philosophy: Ms. Keisha’s philosophy of teaching is that love should come first, then discipline.

Education: Ms.LaTeachia received her degree in Criminal Justice from The University of Phoenix. Experience: She has over 20 years of experience working with children. Philosophy: Ms.LaTeachia’s philosophy of teaching is that teachers should allow each child to show their uniqueness while creating an environment where they can grow.

Education: Ms. Elizabeth has her (CDA) Child Development Associate credential in Infants and Toddlers. Experience: Ms. Elizabeth has over ten years of experience working with children. Philosophy: Ms. Elizabeth’s philosophy of teaching is that what children experience is how they learn.

Education: Mrs. Karen has a bachelor’s degree in International Trade and Senior Technician in Customs Administration. Experience: While teaching Pre-k and English in Venezuela, Mrs. Karen gained over five years of experience in the classroom. She has two lovely children that she adores. Philosophy: Mrs. Karen’s philosophy of teaching is that all children have their own personality and believes that with love anything is possible when it comes to promoting the development of all children.

Education: Ms.Makanera has a degree in Education. Experience: She has over 31 years of experience working with young children. She is a lover of teaching. Philosophy: Ms.Makanera believes that all children need are capable of doing great things.

Education: Mrs. Charletta holds a TESOL certificate (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Experience: Mrs. Charletta has over 10 years of experience working with children. Philosophy: Mrs. Charletta believes children need patience, love, attention, and time.

Experience: Ms. Lupita has over 2 years of experience working with children. She has a strong passion for caring for little ones who cannot care for themselves. Philosophy: Ms. Lupita believes that every child deserves an opportunity to express themselves. All children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment in order to thrive.

Education: Ms. Diana received her bachelor’s degree in Biology. Experience: Ms. Diana has two years of experience working with children. Philosophy: Ms. Diana’s philosophy of teaching is that learning is the gateway to knowledge and knowledge is power. She also believes that children can explore novel concepts more as they grow as individuals.

Experience: Ms. Elizabeth has over 6 years of experience working with children. Philosophy: Ms. Elizabeth’s philosophy of teaching is that she believes that while teaching, it is best to create a comfortable environment where kids can be free to express their individuality.

Education: Ms. Sally has a Bachelors degree in Accounting and Business Administration. Experience: She has over 12 years of experience working with children. Philosophy: Ms. Sally believes that classrooms should be focused on the specific needs of students in order to differentiate learning.

Education/College Degree: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Experience: Ms. Marietta has 4 years with children including teens with disabilities. Philosophy On Teaching: Ms. Marietta believes that all children are unique and have something special that they can bring to their own education.

Education: Ms. Ana received college courses in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University. Experience: Ms. Ana volunteers at Los Niños Primero (preschool and summer camp) and elementary schools. Philosophy: Ms. Ana’s philosophy of teaching is that every child should have the opportunity to learn and grow further in their education.

Education: Ms.Kaelyn attends Paul Mitchell School. Experience: She has over 5 years of experience working with children from different ages. Philosophy: Ms. Kaelyn is a firm believer that with love and patience, children can do anything.

Education: Ms. Samantha is currently pursuing her CDA. She is a graduate of Riverwood. Experience: Ms. Samantha has over 5 years of experience working with children. She is a mother of 4. Philosophy: Ms. Samantha believes that the early years of a child’s life are the most critical for their development progress as they are forever growing rapidly. She wants to create a comfortable and secure environment for the children as if they were at home. She hopes to produce a stimulating, educational and fun atmosphere for children to learn and play.

Education: Ms. Jazmyne has a high school equivalency diploma from Gwinnett Experience: She has over four years of experience working with children. Philosophy: Ms. Jazmyne believes that teaching is a process of learning from students, colleagues, parents, and the community. With the help of everyone, children are more than capable to thrive.

Education: Mrs. Moriah received her degree in Criminal Justice from Monroe College. Experience: She has over seven years of experience working with young children. Philosophy: Mrs. Moriah’s philosophy of teaching is that she believes children are like arrows in the hands of warriors.

Education: Mrs. Mounika has a Computer Science degree and has received training in early childcare education courses. Experience: She has over 3 years of experience working with children. Philosophy: Mrs. Mounika believes that children are the future and they should be taught with patience and love.

Education: Mrs. Mariangela received her bachelor’s in Psychology from Rafael Urdaneta Maracaibo University in Venezuela. Experience: Mrs. Mariangela has over eight years of experience working with ADHD and Autistic Aspect Disorder children. Philosophy: Mrs. Mariangela believes that children learn by playing and expressing themselves.

Experience: Ms. Kimberly has over 3 years of experience working with children from being a tutor and teacher in the classroom. It is a rewarding experience to see children develop and grow throughout the years. Philosophy: Ms. Kimberly believes that every child learns more while they have fun.

Experience: Ms. Aniyah has over 4 years of experience working with children K-8. Philosophy: Ms. Aniyah believes that all children are unique and bring their own individuality into the classroom. She hopes to inspire and encourage each student she encounter.