Our Goddard School Teachers

Pinki Patel is the proud owner of The Goddard School – Hickory Flat, serving families in the Canton/Woodstock, GA community. She has been part of the Goddard family since 2016 and is passionate about providing high-quality early childhood education. Pinki understands how important it is for families to find the best, safest, and healthiest environment for their children. Alongside her dedicated team, she is committed to creating a nurturing and supportive school where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Outside of work, Pinki enjoys traveling and cherishing time with her husband, Hersh, and their two boys.

Ms. Erica has been part of The Goddard School family since October 2012. She plays a pivotal role in overseeing daily operations and ensuring the smooth functioning of the school. With many years of experience in education management, Erica is deeply committed to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment. Throughout her time at Goddard, she has worked diligently to support the staff, enrich the experience for children, and uphold the high standards that families expect from The Goddard School. Outside of school, Erica enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, shopping, and being outdoors.

Ms. Jenna is the Educational Director at The Goddard School – Hickory Flat. She has been part of the Goddard family since December 2020 and brings more than four years of experience in early childhood education. Jenna is strongly committed to fostering a nurturing and engaging environment for both children and staff. Outside of work, Jenna enjoys cooking and gardening! She holds her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, reflecting her dedication to supporting the growth and development of young learners. Before stepping into her current leadership role, Jenna served as a Lead Pre-K Teacher, where she successfully guided her classroom and helped children prepare for a smooth transition into kindergarten. Her classroom experience, combined with her leadership skills, allows her to mentor and support our team in providing the highest quality care and education for the children at The Goddard School.

Ms. Kayla has been part of The Goddard School family since January 2015 and currently serves as a Regional Director between our Hickory Flat and Prominence Point location. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting both staff and families while ensuring the smooth and successful operation of the school each day. In addition to her extensive experience in early childhood education, Kayla holds a degree in Medical Administration, which provides her with strong organizational and management skills. Her unique background and expertise allow her to effectively oversee the administrative and operational aspects of The Goddard School, helping create a positive and efficient environment where children, families, and teachers thrive. Outside of work, Kayla enjoys spending time with her family and vacationing at the beach or in the mountains.

Ms. Kristina has been with The Goddard School since October 2018 and currently serves a Regional Director between our Hickory Flat and Prominence Point location. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Education, giving her a strong foundation in child development and early learning. With her background, experience, and leadership, Kristina is dedicated to fostering a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for every child. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, visiting family in New York, and spending time with her two daughters.

Ms. Kristy has been a valued member of The Goddard School team since September 2021, serving as the Lead Infant Teacher. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and brings a deep passion for early childhood education to her role. With a warm and compassionate approach, Ms. Kristy is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where infants can thrive. She focuses on supporting each child’s developmental milestones, offering personalized emotional and educational care to meet their unique needs. Her experience and commitment to fostering growth, exploration, and curiosity ensure that every infant in her care receives a strong foundation during these important early years. Outside the classroom, Ms. Kristy enjoys watching movies and expressing her creativity through art.

Ms. Emily joined The Goddard School family in March 2023 and serves as an enthusiastic and dedicated Assistant Teacher. With a passion for early childhood education, she has worked across multiple classrooms, providing valuable support to lead teachers while helping create a nurturing and engaging environment for young learners. Emily’s adaptability, strong communication skills, and caring nature make her a key part of our teaching team. She is committed to fostering growth, confidence, and curiosity in every child, ensuring they feel supported, valued, and excited to learn each day. Outside of school, Emily enjoys going to the gym and spending time reading books.

Ms. Madison joined The Goddard School family in March 2025 and serves as the Assistant Teacher in our Infant classroom. She holds an Associate’s degree in Music Theatre and brings a creative, gentle, and nurturing spirit to her role. With a caring heart and a patient demeanor, Ms. Madison treats each baby as if they were her own, creating a comforting and secure environment where our youngest learners can grow and thrive. Her natural warmth helps infants feel safe, supported, and loved throughout their early developmental journey. Outside of school, Ms. Madison shares her love of performance and imagination by portraying Ariel, the Disney princess, at special events—bringing joy and magic to children and families.

Ms. Alyssa joined The Goddard School in February 2025 and has a strong understanding of infant milestones and early childhood development. She provides a nurturing and safe environment where infants and toddlers can explore, bond, and grow. In her flexible role, Alyssa supports different classrooms and adapts to meet each child’s individual needs—whether offering a calming presence during nap time, engaging in sensory play, or encouraging developmental milestones. Her caring approach ensures that every child feels loved and supported. Outside of school, Alyssa enjoys relaxing, spending time with her bunnies, and reading books.

Ms. Christine (Decosta) is the Lead Toddler 1 Teacher at The Goddard School and has been a valued member of our team since August 2014. With a degree in Early Childhood Education and more than 10 years of experience in child care, she has built a strong foundation in fostering the growth and development of young children. Christine is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive environment where toddlers can explore, learn, and thrive. Outside of school, she enjoys watching scary movies and reading books.

Ms. Priyanka joined The Goddard School in July 2024 and currently serves as an Assistant Teacher in the one-year-old classroom. She is actively pursuing her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and brings a calm, patient, and nurturing presence to the classroom. With a gentle and supportive approach, Ms. Priyanka helps each child feel safe, confident, and curious as they begin their early learning journey. She works closely with the lead teacher to implement age-appropriate activities that foster growth and development in a warm, engaging environment. Outside of school, Ms. Priyanka enjoys shopping and cooking.

Ms. Madison is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler 1 classroom. She joined The Goddard School team in March 2025 and is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the children in her care. Madison helps create a nurturing and engaging environment where toddlers feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore. She works closely with lead teachers to provide individualized attention and guidance to each child. Outside of work, Madison enjoys shopping and reading books!

Ms. Laurel joined The Goddard School team in February 2023 and serves as an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler 2 classroom. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and brings creativity, warmth, and dedication to her role. Laurel is committed to fostering a nurturing and positive environment where toddlers feel safe, supported, and eager to explore. With a patient and attentive approach, she helps meet each child’s developmental needs through engaging activities and individualized care. Her passion for early childhood education is evident in the guidance and encouragement she provides every day. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Laurel enjoys reading books and watching movies.

Ms. Dionne has been part of The Goddard School family since 2010 and is a tenured Infant and Toddler Teacher. With over a decade of experience, she creates a safe, enriching environment where young learners can grow emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Dionne emphasizes individualized care, supporting each child’s unique needs while encouraging curiosity, exploration, and development. From first words to first steps, she is dedicated to guiding every milestone with warmth and attention. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling.

Ms. Sydney joined The Goddard School team in November 2022 and serves as an Assistant Toddler Teacher. With experience in early childhood education, she is passionate about nurturing young minds and providing a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for toddlers. Sydney encourages emotional, cognitive, and social growth through playful learning and fosters a positive atmosphere where every child feels valued. Her patient and approachable nature helps her build strong connections with both children and families. Outside of school, she enjoys cooking and creating art.

Ms. Elizabeth has been a dedicated member of The Goddard School team for almost a year, serving as an Assistant Teacher and Floater. In her role, she has shown great flexibility and commitment, assisting various classrooms as needed while providing support to both teachers and students. Elizabeth brings a nurturing and patient approach to her work, ensuring that each child receives the attention they need to thrive in a positive and engaging learning environment. Her collaborative spirit and ability to adapt to different age groups have made her a valued part of the team. Whether it's helping with classroom activities, supporting individualized learning, or simply being there for the children when they need it, Ms. Elizabeth plays an essential role in creating a warm and encouraging atmosphere at The Goddard School.

Ms. G joined The Goddard School team in November 2023 as the Lead Toddler 1 Teacher. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and brings a vibrant, energetic approach to early childhood education. Ms. G is passionate about creating a fun, engaging, and interactive classroom where toddlers are encouraged to explore their world, build foundational skills, and grow with confidence. Her nurturing and supportive attitude helps each child feel safe, valued, and ready to learn—making her a beloved presence in the classroom. Outside of school, Ms. G enjoys shopping and watching movies in her free time.

Teacher Bio - Ms. Jacie joined The Goddard School team in October 2024 and serves as an Assistant Twos 1 Teacher. Ms. Jacie is currently pursuing her CDA (Child Development Associate). Although new to our team, she brings a passion for early childhood education and is dedicated to helping young children thrive. Jacie creates a warm and engaging classroom where children feel supported, encouraged, and excited to explore and learn. Outside of school, she enjoys painting and crafting.

Ms. Emma joined The Goddard School team in March 2024 and serves as an Assistant Teacher. With a gentle and caring nature, she supports the Lead Teacher in creating a warm, engaging environment where toddlers feel safe to explore and learn. Emma’s passion for early childhood education shows in her interactions with children, ensuring each one receives the attention and encouragement needed to thrive. Her positive energy and dedication make her a valued member of the teaching team. Outside of school, she enjoys drawing, painting, and reading.

Ms. Mar joined The Goddard School team in August 2020 and serves as the Lead Teacher for the Twos 2 class. With a passion for early childhood development, she creates a nurturing and engaging learning environment where children feel safe and excited to explore. Ms. Mar is committed to fostering a love of learning while meeting each child’s individual needs through creative, hands-on activities. Her experience, dedication, and warm approach make her a valued member of the teaching team. Outside of school, she enjoys family time, watching movies, and trying new restaurants.

Ms. Aarti joined The Goddard School team in September 2024 and serves as an Assistant Teacher in the Twos 2 classroom. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and brings enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication to her role. Working closely with the lead teacher, Ms. Aarti supports the developmental growth of her students through interactive play, creative activities, and personalized care. She is passionate about creating a positive, engaging environment where toddlers feel encouraged to explore, learn, and build important social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Her caring and supportive nature helps each child feel safe, valued, and excited to grow. Outside of school, Ms. Aarti enjoys cooking and listening to music.

Ms. Diana joined The Goddard School family in August 2025 and serves as a Resource Teacher. She is dedicated to supporting students’ individual learning needs and helping every child reach their full potential. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends and reading books.

Ms. Charlene has been a valued member of The Goddard School family since 2024. She holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and brings compassion, energy, and a deep commitment to supporting young learners. In the classroom, Ms. Charlene creates a warm, inclusive, and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to grow, explore, and develop at their own pace. Through a hands-on, play-based approach, she helps children build essential skills in language, problem-solving, cooperation, and social development—all while nurturing a lifelong love of learning. Her patient and caring nature ensures that each child feels safe, supported, and valued. Outside of school, Ms. Charlene enjoys shopping and watching movies.

Ms. Maham joined The Goddard School in August 2025 and serves as our Bridge Assistant Teacher. She brings a kind and caring spirit to the classroom each day, helping children learn and grow through play and discovery. Outside of work, Ms. Maham enjoys spending quality time with her family and her son.

Ms. Mendy is the Lead Teacher in the Preschool 1 classroom at The Goddard School and has been a valued member of our team since April 2010. With over 14 years of experience in childcare and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, she is dedicated to supporting and guiding young children in their growth and development. Ms. Mendy’s expertise, passion, and leadership make her a wonderful role model for both students and colleagues. Outside of school, she enjoys shopping, cooking, and reading books.

Ms. Stephanie joined The Goddard School family in August 2023 and serves as a Preschool Assistant Teacher. Known for her sweet and interactive approach, she creates a positive and engaging learning environment where children can explore, be creative, and develop a love for learning. Her nurturing demeanor and dedication make each day fun and enriching for the students she works with. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, creating art, and building with Legos and Diamond Dots.

Ms. Rajani joined The Goddard School family in September 2023 and serves as a Preschool 2 Co-Lead Teacher. She supports the lead teacher in creating a nurturing and engaging environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. Ms. Rajani helps foster the social, emotional, and academic development of her students through age-appropriate activities and individualized care. Her dedication and passion for early childhood education make her a valued member of the team. Outside of school, she enjoys listening to music, cooking, and shopping.

Ms. Edith joined The Goddard School family in November 2024 and serves as a Co-Lead Teacher for our Preschool 2 classroom. With years of experience in early childhood education, she brings knowledge, passion, and dedication to her role. Ms. Edith creates a positive and engaging learning environment where children can explore, grow, and develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills. As Lead Teacher, she guides students through this important stage, preparing them for their next steps in learning. Outside of school, she enjoys sleeping and shopping.

Ms. Alison is the Pre-K Lead Teacher at The Goddard School and has been part of our team since August 2015. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Elementary Education, she brings knowledge, experience, and passion to her role. Ms. Alison is dedicated to creating a nurturing and enriching learning environment where children can grow, explore, and develop the skills needed for success. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her daughters.

Ms. Dusti has been a valued member of The Goddard School team since 2014 and serves in our Private Pre-K classroom. With a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and many years of experience in education, she is passionate about nurturing young learners. Ms. Dusti believes all children are curious and capable, and with the right guidance, every child can succeed. Outside of school, she enjoys watching football games with her family.

Ms. Lera joined The Goddard School family in July 2023 and serves as the Lead Pre-K Teacher. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and brings a strong foundation of knowledge along with creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication to her role. Ms. Lera is passionate about providing a nurturing and enriching learning experience, emphasizing hands-on activities, social development, and the growth of foundational skills to support each child’s academic journey. Her positive and engaging teaching style has made her a favorite among both children and families. Outside the classroom, Ms. Lera enjoys knitting and swimming.

Ms. Madison is a Resource Teacher at The Goddard School and joined our team in November 2023. She is passionate about supporting students’ individual learning needs and works closely with teachers and children to create a nurturing, inclusive environment. Ms. Madison provides tailored educational support to help every child reach their full potential. Her dedication and expertise make her a valuable member of the Goddard community. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and shopping.

Ms. Megan joined The Goddard School family in June 2024 and provides support across multiple classrooms. She creates a consistent and nurturing environment where toddlers feel valued and encouraged to explore and learn. Ms. Megan emphasizes patience, kindness, and flexibility, working closely with lead teachers to help children develop social skills, explore new concepts, and feel confident in their learning. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends and watching movies.

Ava joined The Goddard School family in August 2025 and serves as a Resource Teacher. She is dedicated to supporting students’ individual learning needs and helping every child reach their full potential. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends and reading books.

Ms. Halle joined The Goddard School family in August 2021. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing and educational environment for young children while balancing her academic studies, reflecting her strong work ethic and passion for early childhood education. Ms. Halle’s expertise in child development and compassionate approach make her a valued member of the Goddard team. She strives to provide positive, enriching experiences for both children and their families. Outside of school, she enjoys painting and shopping.

Ms. Megan has been a teacher at The Goddard School since 2022. She provides infants with a nurturing and safe environment where they can explore and grow. With a strong foundation in early childhood development, Ms. Megan supports each child’s milestones, from their first smile to their first steps. She works closely with the lead teacher to create sensory-rich activities that encourage social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Outside of school, she enjoys watching movies, shopping, and spending time with friends.

Ms. Lucy is a versatile and dedicated assistant teacher and floater at The Goddard School. With her flexible role, she supports various classrooms, stepping in wherever needed to assist teachers and ensure a smooth learning environment. Ms. Lucy is passionate about early childhood education and is committed to helping each child grow and thrive. Her positive and caring attitude allows her to build meaningful relationships with both students and staff. Whether assisting with lesson plans, classroom activities, or providing individualized support to children, Ms. Lucy’s presence contributes greatly to the school’s welcoming and enriching atmosphere.