Our Teachers

Education: Mr. Jay holds a B.A. in Economics and Public Policy and a J.D. from Duke University.

Experience: After 21 years of practicing law in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., Mr. Jay transitioned to early childhood education by becoming the owner of The Goddard School in Sandy Springs. His priority is ensuring parents feel confident that their children are nurtured, educated, loved, and protected. He is actively involved in the school's classrooms and daily operations. As a father, he understands the importance of providing a high-quality alternative to standard childcare.

Affiliations: Mr. Jay is a past Vice President and former Board Member of the Georgia Child Care Association

Education: Ms. Thonja holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She has obtained her Director Certification from Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and a Technical Certificate of Credit in Early Childhood Care Program Administration from Atlanta Technical College. Committed to lifelong learning, she continues her professional development in early childhood education.

Experience: Ms. Thonja began her career in the legal field before transitioning to childcare in 2007. She started as an after-school teacher and was soon promoted to Assistant Director, where she discovered a passion for administration. She joined The Goddard School in May 2008, initially as a teacher, before moving into her leadership role as Director of Education

Education: Ms. Lisa holds a Diplôme d'Études Collégiales in Languages & Literature with a certificate in bilingualism, a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. She is currently pursuing her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Experience: With over 25 years of experience working with children from preschool to high school, Ms. Lisa specializes in teaching art and global cultures. She is passionate about fostering creativity in young minds.

Teaching Philosophy: Ms. Lisa believes that there is no “one size fits all” approach to education. She celebrates the diversity of learning styles and strives to create an inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

Education: Mrs. Maria graduated from Riverwood High School and has earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential through continued education at The Goddard School.

Experience: Since joining The Goddard School in 2014, Mrs. Maria has worked in every classroom, gaining extensive experience in early childhood education.

Teaching Philosophy: Mrs. Maria believes that children are natural thinkers who reflect on the world around them. She encourages purposeful play to foster decision-making, allowing children to build knowledge through hands-on learning experiences.

Education: Ms. LaTeachia earned her degree in Criminal Justice from The University of Phoenix.

Experience: With over 20 years of experience working with children, Ms. LaTeachia has dedicated her career to fostering young minds in a nurturing environment.

Teaching Philosophy: She believes that each child is unique and should be encouraged to express their individuality while growing in a supportive and enriching classroom.

Education: Ms. Lupita has completed early childhood education training and professional development courses.

Experience: She has over two years of experience working with children and is passionate about caring for young learners.

Teaching Philosophy: Ms. Lupita believes that every child deserves a stimulating and supportive environment where they can express themselves and thrive.

Education: Ms. Alaysia has completed professional development courses in early childhood education.

Experience: She has two years of experience working with children and comes from a large family, which has shaped her nurturing and caring nature.

Teaching Philosophy: Ms. Alaysia believes that working in childcare requires a special kind of love and dedication. She enjoys shaping young minds and showing up each day with enthusiasm.

Education: Mrs. Karen holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Trade and is a Senior Technician in Customs Administration.

Experience: She has over five years of classroom teaching experience in Pre-K and English instruction in Venezuela. She is also a dedicated mother of two.

Teaching Philosophy: Mrs. Karen believes that all children have unique personalities, and with love and encouragement, anything is possible in their development.

Education: Ms. Krystal holds a Bachelor’s degree in African American Studies and Special Education.

Experience: With over twelve years of experience working with children, Ms. Krystal brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her teaching.

Teaching Philosophy: She believes that every child brings a unique gift to the classroom. Her goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment where students feel free to express themselves and learn.

Education: Ms. Maria holds a degree in Business Administration.

Experience: She has three years of experience working with children and is passionate about fostering positive learning experiences.

Teaching Philosophy: Ms. Maria believes in showing kindness and genuine care for each student. She recognizes that every child is different and has their own way of expressing themselves.

Education: Mrs. Mariangela earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rafael Urdaneta Maracaibo University in Venezuela.

Experience: With over eight years of experience working with children diagnosed with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, she is dedicated to supporting their unique learning needs.

Teaching Philosophy: She believes that children learn best through play and self-expression. Her goal is to create an inclusive classroom where every child feels empowered to explore and grow.

Education: Ms. Kaelyn is currently attending Paul Mitchell School.

Experience: With over five years of experience working with children of different ages, she enjoys the rewarding nature of teaching.

Teaching Philosophy: She believes that with love and patience, children can accomplish anything. She strives to create a positive, encouraging classroom environment.

Education: Ms. Natasha has completed professional development courses in early childhood education.

Experience: With six years of experience working with children, she is committed to fostering a supportive classroom environment.

Teaching Philosophy: She believes in the saying, “It takes a big heart to help shape little minds.” She strives to be patient, loving, and a guiding force in her students’ daily lives.

Education: Ms. Noelle has completed early childhood education training.

Experience: She is excited to be part of The Goddard School family and enjoys working with young learners.

Teaching Philosophy: She believes that every child is special and enjoys reading to students and supporting them in any way she can.

Education: Ms. Samantha is a graduate of Riverwood and is currently pursuing her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Experience: With over five years of experience working with children, she is also a mother of four.

Teaching Philosophy: She believes that the early years of a child’s life are the most critical for development. She strives to create a secure and stimulating learning environment that feels like home.

Education: Ms. Aniyah has completed training in child development and early education.

Experience: With over four years of experience working with children from kindergarten through eighth grade, she is passionate about guiding students through their learning journeys.

Teaching Philosophy: She believes that all children are unique and bring their individuality into the classroom. She hopes to inspire and encourage each student she encounters.

Education: Mr. Jonatan attended Clark Atlanta University.

Experience: Although new to the classroom, Mr. Jonatan comes from a large family where he has gained experience in caregiving and mentoring young children. He is eager to bring his enthusiasm and fresh perspective into the learning environment.

Teaching Philosophy: Mr. Jonatan believes that children learn best at their own pace and should be encouraged to express themselves freely. He is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, nurturing classroom where children feel safe and supported in their educational journey.

Education: Ms. Dao has completed professional development training in early childhood education.

Experience: With over five years of experience in the childcare field, Ms. Dao looks forward to coming to work each day to see the smiling faces of her students. She is passionate about fostering a warm and engaging classroom environment.

Teaching Philosophy: Ms. Dao believes that children absorb the energy of their teachers, which is why she always brings positivity and enthusiasm into the classroom. She strives to create a nurturing and encouraging space where children feel comfortable to learn and grow.

Education: Ms. Jacqueline graduated from North Springs High School.

Experience: She has experience working with children in various settings and is passionate about helping young learners discover their potential.

Teaching Philosophy: Ms. Jacqueline believes that every child is unique and has something special to bring to the classroom. She considers it an honor to assist children in embracing their individuality and fostering self-confidence.

Education: Ms. Linda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.

Experience: Ms. Linda has extensive teaching experience at the collegiate level and is now expanding her expertise to early childhood education. She has enjoyed working with younger students, finding it to be a rewarding and enriching experience.

Teaching Philosophy: Ms. Linda believes that education is a lifelong journey and that every child has the potential to learn and grow. She enjoys adapting her teaching style to meet the needs of different age groups and believes that hands-on learning plays a critical role in a child's development.

Education: Ms. Corvette has completed coursework in early childhood education and professional development training.

Experience: She has years of experience caring for children within her family and has transitioned into formal teaching, where her passion for education continues to grow.

Teaching Philosophy: Ms. Corvette believes that children learn at their own pace and benefit from individualized instruction. She emphasizes hands-on learning experiences that help children connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications.

Education: Ms. Loba holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

Experience: With over ten years of experience working with children, Ms. Loba is passionate about early childhood education and fostering a love for learning.

Teaching Philosophy: She believes young children learn best through hands-on experiences and exploration. She also emphasizes the importance of addressing different learning styles and incorporating diversity into the classroom.

Years of Experience: 1 year

Education: Ms. Natasha has a Bachelors in Health Science from the University of Iowa and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University.

Philosophy of Teaching: Ms. Natasha believes that there should be a level of respect and lots of love and empathy as well as positive reinforcement in the classroom.

Years of Experience: 2 years

Education: Ms. Deepika has a Bachelors in Computer Science

Philosophy of Teaching: Ms. Deepika believes in having a play- based and hands -on learning environment where she also creates a supportive atmosphere so that students can learn on their own.

Years of Experience: 5 yrs working with children.

Education: Attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden, NJ.

Philosophy of Teaching: Ms. Keylyn started working with children at the age of 15 years old and realized that she enjoyed working with children. Her philosophy of teaching is to create an environment that allows for supervised exploration. She believes that students learn through hands on and real life experiences.

Experience: Ms. Leslie has over 2 years of experience working with children. She has also cared for and looked after her siblings growing up.

Education: Ms. Leslie graduated from Riverwood High School.

Philosophy of Teaching: Ms. Leslie believes that students learn best with visual aid. Many young students watch their teachers and parents to mimic what they see. Having that visual aid as a resource is a way to boost young learners awareness.