Our Goddard School Teachers

My name is Martin Gjini and I am the on-site owner of The Goddard School® located at 502 S. Schmale Rd, Carol Stream, IL. As a father of two children, I recognize the importance of a safe and nurturing learning environment, which is why I chose The Goddard School. I am proud to offer the opportunity for children to grow through exploration and hands-on learning. As a dedicated high school teacher for over 15 years, I strongly believe that children learn best through play and for that reason I am thrilled to be able to provide a fun, play-based learning experience for the children in my community. I would love to invite your family to tour my beautiful School in Carol Stream. I am excited to introduce you to the incredible faculty, including the Education Director, and look forward to talking with you about the School’s high-quality learning program.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, with studies in Family and Childhood Development, from Northern Illinois University Joined Goddard: 2019 Testimonial: As both the mother of two Goddard graduates and an early childhood education professional, I am passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging environment where every child can thrive. I believe in providing meaningful learning experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and independence while supporting each child’s unique strengths. It is a privilege to partner with families and mentor our talented faculty as we work together to inspire a lifelong love of learning and help every child reach their fullest potential.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University Joined Goddard: 2019 Testimonial: With over ten years’ experience teaching all age groups, I have had a passion for teaching children ever since I was a high school helper in an elementary school. I love watching children learn something new, be engaged in their learning, and explore new discoveries. It is amazing to be a part of their early childhood learning and to provide them with the tools and experiences they need for their future.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Joined Goddard: 2019 Testimonial: I have always loved children and decided in college to pursue a career working with the younger ones. As a mother of two myself, I am always amazed at the way children’s minds learn and grow. Their minds really are little sponges and early childhood is such a special time in their development. I am proud to be a part of this field and The Goddard School.

Education: Associates degree in early childhood education from Waubonsee Community College Joined Goddard: 2019 Testimonial: I have been working with children of all ages since 2014 and sincerely love what I do! Watching them grow, learn and develop in the world is an amazing experience. Being a part of a child’s development is the best and I love knowing as a teacher I’m helping them to grow into great people.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University of Chicago Joined Goddard: 2019 Testimonial: I knew from an early age that I loved children and wanted to help them grow intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Even now with over ten year’s professional experience, I love the different personalities of children and how they interact with their friends and teachers. My students always make me smile and make my days better. When they give you a hug, it’s the best feeling in the world!

Education: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Phoenix (in progress) Joined Goddard: 2019 Testimonial: I first developed a love of teaching when I was 11 years old while teaching Spanish to kindergarteners at my school, as well as volunteering in my local community center in the after school and summer camp programs. I enjoy talking to the children and hearing what they have to say. I also enjoy watching them learn and explore the world around them as they grow.

Education: Child Development Associate (Infant/Toddler) Joined Goddard: 2020 Testimonial: Though I came to Goddard with 9 years of experience working with children of all ages, I have been interested in teaching and caring for children since I was in high school. I truly enjoy teaching and working on various projects with the children. As a mother myself, it delights me to see the children smiling and happy, and I enjoy getting to know my students and their parents. I love coming to work every day and I love what I do!

Education: Bachelors in Elementary Education from Luigi Gurakuqi University of Shkoder, Albania Joined Goddard: 2022 Testimonial: All my family members have backgrounds in education, so it is in my blood! I have always loved children, and even more so after having my two boys. After previously teaching elementary school for five years, I love teaching my pre-toddlers and having a role in their development. It is so special to spend my days with the children and be able to develop a connection with them. I love being able to see them overcome certain milestones and celebrate with them and their parents.

Education: Early Childhood Education coursework through the College of DuPage Joined Goddard: 2022 Testimonial: I have always wanted to be a teacher, and I started working in early childhood settings in high school through the HERO program. With over 30 years’ experience teaching, I love watching the children grow. It brings me such joy to talk with them and see things through their eyes as they learn language and develop new experiences.

Joined Goddard: 2025 Testimonial: I have always babysat the children in my family and in high school, I was suggested for an Early Childhood Education class. When I experienced my first lesson, I immediately knew I loved taking care of my students. I love watching them grow emotionally and intellectually knowing that whenever they need help, they have someone to trust and someone they can love to help them! I know if I strive to help and teach the children, I can have the ability to shape the future of young minds.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arizona State Online (in progress) Joined Goddard: 2025 Testimonial: From a young age I’ve enjoyed spending time with kids and since I was 16 years old, I’ve had the privilege to babysit different ages. I was also an aftercare teacher at a private Catholic school where I got to work with ages 3-13. I believe observing people close to me follow this career path influenced my interest. I have loved every second of my time here at Goddard. My goal is to always be a safe space for every child and help them succeed in every way possible!

Education: Associate degree in early childhood education at Elgin Community College (in progress) Joined Goddard: 2024 Testimonial: Being the oldest of five kids, I’ve always enjoyed taking care of young children. I began teaching preschool in high school through our Early Childhood Education program, and during my senior year I was able to do an internship with a first grade classroom. After graduation I spent a year teaching at another Goddard School in 2023 and then came to Goddard Carol Stream. I love helping children grow as individuals, and they always have a way of making life more fun! Seeing the world through their eyes is thrilling, and being part of those new experiences is so rewarding.

Education: Associates degree in early childhood education in progress/CDA certificate Joined Goddard: 2020 Testimonial: I first knew teaching had my heart when I was able to take a teaching class in high school working with preschoolers. I began my professional career in 2014 working with infants and loved seeing the different milestones they achieved during their first year. Since completing my CDA I have taught two to three-year-olds and wouldn’t change teaching for anything! I absolutely love working with this age group, even on the challenging days. I love when my preschoolers get excited when learning something new, or when they are so excited to be dropped off to me in the morning!

Education: Bachelors in Elementary Education from Fan S. Noli (Albania) Joined Goddard: 2021 Testimonial: I have always loved being with children. After moving to the U.S. and raising my own 3 children, I knew I would like the opportunity to work with kids. While my journey at Goddard began as a twos teacher, I have been enjoying my time teaching preschoolers and am excited to continue to grow in my experience here at The Goddard School.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Howard University Joined Goddard: 2025 Testimonial: I have always loved nurturing kids; it’s been a constant part of my life for as long as I can remember. My childcare experience includes four summers as a teacher at Outreach Community Center, and two summers as a residential manager with CPASS Summer Academy. Beyond the classroom, I’ve also cared for children of different ages through long-term babysitting and by leading youth programs around the community. My goal is to create an environment where children feel safe, supported and excited to learn.

Education: Diploma in interior design from Nirmala Niketan Polytechnic, Mumbai, India Joined Goddard: 2021 Testimonial: I discovered my love for children and teaching when I started working with a preschool as a high school student, and later began tutoring and home-schooling. I find myself happy and in absolute enjoyment when I spend time with these curious little minds. I like to help them discover the world using their own creativity and imagination, and I want to use my abilities to teach values that children need to be a better person and enjoy learning.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in German Teaching from Cukurova University in Turkey Joined Goddard: 2024 Testimonial: My unique teaching journey includes teaching English at Helen Doron Kindergarten in Turkey and then 3 years working as a paraeducator at DoDEA. Having grown up in a big family, I have been around children of different ages all my life. Watching them grow and develop their essential skills day by day reassures me that I am doing the right thing. I take pride in bringing enthusiasm and dedication to ensure every student thrives and smiles in my classroom.

Education: Masters Degree in Physics Engineering from Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania Joined Goddard: 2023 Testimonial: I remember being at school where there were teachers, and there were GREAT teachers, those that had the ability to shape the future of young minds. This was one of the reasons why I decided to become a teacher, striving to be one of those GREAT teachers. I have always known that with a lot of effort and love I could help children to grow intellectually, emotionally, and physically.

Education: Associates in Fine Arts from College of DuPage Joined Goddard: 2024 Testimonial: I have always enjoyed working with children, and have many years of experience teaching in other childcare centers as well as tutoring art, nannying, and babysitting. I love fostering relationships with families, exercising creativity with the kids, and holding myself to always be a positive figure in their lives. It wasn’t until a parent I worked with suggested I become a teacher that I realized my potential in a classroom. I got my first teaching job and immediately fell in love. Now I get to work every day doing what I love, giving 110% into helping my students grow and learn.

School: B.A. in Early Childhood Education and Fine Arts from NOLI University, Korce, Albania Joined Goddard: 2019 Testimonial: Having come to Goddard with over fifteen years’ experience teaching children, I first realized that I wanted to be a teacher when I was a high school student. I also dreamed of being an artist. The teaching profession allows me to succeed in the fields I am passionate about; I teach my students to express themselves through fine arts and crafts.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering/Construction and Engineering and Management Branch from the University of Technology in Baghdad-Iraq Joined Goddard: 2022 Testimonial: Having been around children all my life and as a mother to my own three daughters, I love children of all ages. The most beautiful thing is the relationships that I build with the students. The bonds we form bring joy to my life and brighten my days, and seeing a child’s face light up with a big smile fills my heart with warmth. I love to be a part of their growth, and I enjoy every moment with them.

Education: Associate’s in arts from DePaul University, Bachelor’s in progress Joined Goddard: 2022 Testimonial: I have been babysitting my niece and nephews for as long as I can remember and was first able to observe a classroom while pursuing a degree in Elementary Education in college. As a teacher, one of the most enjoyable things about working with children is being able to be there for the kids and watching them grow up and develop their own personalities. Just being a part of how they navigate through the world and being there for their learning and development is also so rewarding.

Education: Degree of history and geography from University EQEREM CABEJ, Gjirokaster Albania Joined Goddard: 2025 Testimonial: I have always remembered myself wanting to be a teacher. Even when I was young, I always helped my classmates and my youngest siblings. The teachers I had growing up inspired me deeply. They made learning exciting and showed me how meaningful it is to work with children. Children bring me joy, purpose, and a sense of connection that continues to motivate me every day.

Education: Associate degree in early childhood education from College of DuPage (in progress) Joined Goddard: 2024 Testimonial: I began working with children in high school where I took child development classes, and I went on to spend a year at a different center before coming to Goddard. It is important for me to help kids enjoy their time learning; I love that not only do I teach but they also teach me a lot about understanding individuals. Seeing how creative and how much they grow brings me a sense of purpose. Every child I work with makes every day meaningful!

Education: Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana, Albania Joined Goddard: 2025 Testimonial: I am passionate about working with children and helping them learn, grow, and build confidence. My background in social work has given me valuable skills in supporting children’s social abilities and providing a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. I am proud to be a part of The Goddard School family.

Education: Degree in human services and counseling from Moody Bible Institute Joined Goddard: 2025 Testimonial: Since my college years, I have worked in an after-school program on Chicago’s South Side. I love working with children, and as a teacher, my goal is to give them as much love, attention, and care as I can. I also work at my church, and I am an active member of my community. I work with parents who have difficulty raising their kids in this country. To me, being a teacher is not just a job; it is about making a small difference and helping children realize their potential and excel at what they can do!

Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Lviv National University of Veterinary Medicine, Ukraine Joined Goddard: 2023 Testimonial: Having many years of hands-on experience caring for young children, I truly love working with them and I value the strong, trusting bond we build together. Seeing them grow, gain confidence and share their personalities brings me so much joy. Their smiles and little achievements inspire me every day. I’m grateful to be part of their early years and to support them every day with care and love.

Experience: My first experience with teaching started in high school. I helped as a student intern in the P.E. and Health Department at the high school during my senior year. During my first semester at college, I observed social studies, P.E., and health classes at the middle school and high school. Testimonial: I really enjoy working with kids; I want to help them grow and discover the world. It’s very rewarding coming to work and knowing the impact I can make with the children!