Jason graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management. He wanted to operate a business that plays an important role in the community by providing an exceptional service for children. He is excited to own a business that is centered on his most important priority - family! Jason is excited and proud to be a part of The Goddard School and is committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for the children in the neighborhood. He looks forward to getting to know you and your family as well as being a part of the community.

Lauren graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Since then, she has been in the childcare field for over fifteen years. Lauren has experience being an educator in every age group from infants to Pre-Kindergarten, but the babies are her specialty. After teaching in the classroom for several years, she moved into a management role in 2010. Lauren has now been the Executive Director at the Lincoln Park location since 2012. Lauren loves the fact that her position affords her the flexibility to spend time in every classroom, getting to know all the children and families while helping drive the education program forward. She is available to assist the teachers with everything they need from curriculum to classroom environment. Children have been Lauren’s passion since she can remember, so getting to work with them every day is so special.

Kirstin graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. During her experience at Indiana, she student taught in a Kindergarten classroom. It was an amazing experience, and she fell in love with teaching. After college, Kirstin moved to Chicago and worked as a lead teacher in a three year old classroom. She enjoyed getting to watch the children grow as learners. After about three years in the classroom, Kirstin moved up to a management position. Kirstin strives to create a nurturing yet structured environment, that allows children to grow at their own pace. Her main goal is to focus on the individual child and helping them flourish in the classroom. Kirstin strives to make classrooms fun, hands-on and creative!

Dee graduated from Loyola University with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and then attended graduate school at Erikson Institute, receiving a Master’s Degree in Child Development with an Infancy Specialization. As an undergraduate, she worked as a Developmental Psychology Research Assistant, collecting data from children in Chicago schools. It was then that she realized her passion for working with children. Dee began working at a preschool after graduating, assisting in classrooms for children with a variety of special needs. After obtaining her Master's Degree, Dee worked as a lead teacher for children between the ages of 18 months to two and a half years of age. One of the best parts about becoming a Director has been getting the opportunity to help teachers grow and to help our families feel welcome and comfortable. Dee’s favorite children’s books include "Where The Wild Things Are" and anything by Dr. Seuss. She is very excited to be a part of the team at The Goddard School!

Katie received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Florida. During her time in Florida, Katie taught many different ages. The different experiences showed Katie that she wanted to work with children for the rest of her life. After graduating, Katie moved to Chicago where she worked as a nanny, but she missed her time in the classroom. Katie believes it is important that children learn best through play while being in a safe and nurturing environment. She also believes that being a part of a child’s growth and development is an incredible opportunity and is excited to work at The Goddard School.

INFANT I - Tiera has her Child Development certificate and loves working with children. She comes from a big family and has had plenty of practice being with children. Tiera knew she wanted to be part of children’s early development and knew that a preschool setting would be the right place to do that at. Tiera's passion is arts and crafts and she loves letting little hands explore their creativity. When she’s not cuddling babies, Tiera is raising her three children and teaching them Spanish. Their favorite thing to do together is messy art!

INFANT I - Phala, known as Ms. Faye, has been working with children for over twenty years. She graduated from Mary Holmes College in Mississippi with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Faye has experience with all age groups and believes that working with children is such a joy. Communicating with new parents is one of her specialties. She loves to give advice to help them with this new transition in life. She makes sure to show each and every parent that their child is in great hands.

INFANT II - Mariah was born and raised in Chicago and comes from a big family. She has ten nieces and nephews and loves to interact with children. She was in high school when she realized that working with children is her true passion. Mariah is currently exploring all different age groups to further her education in the future. Her favorite children's books are “Dragons Love Tacos” by Adam Rubin and “Penguins Love Colors” by Sarah Aspinall. Mariah is excited to be a part of the Goddard team!

INFANT II - Alexandra, also known as Alex, was born and raised in Chicago. She has helped take care of her little brother since she was a teen. Since then, she has always worked with children in some capacity. Prior to Alex starting at Goddard, she was working with special needs children in many different settings. Alex loves to help little minds grow and flourish through play and naturalistic environment teaching. She just welcomed her own son in February 2023! Alex’s favorite book is “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” and the “Llama Llama” series. Alex is beyond excited about being part of the teaching team here at The Goddard School!

FIRST STEPS - Chloe has been in the childcare field since she was 16 years old. When she first started in childcare, it was just a summer job; but then it began to turn into something she was truly passionate about and a possible true career. Chloe has taught in every age group and loved them all, but of course her favorite age group are the toddlers. Chloe received her degree in Infants/ Toddlers in 2019. What she loves about working with toddlers is that they keep her on her toes! She loves teaching them the first steps in their education process. Chloe is also a dance instructor and loves to dance herself. She enjoys teaching her students through dance and movement!

FIRST STEPS - Ms. Christy is originally from Tennessee and moved to Chicago almost three years ago. She studied Criminal Justice at Middle Tennessee State University and Early Childhood Eduction at Volunteer State University. Christy has worked in the childcare field for over twenty years. Christy owned and operated her own daycare in Tennessee for five years. Christy is also a mother of seven children. Christy is passionate about working with children because she says children are the future and she loves to be a part of helping them grown and learn.

YOUNG TODDLERS - For as long as she can remember, Tiffany has always had a passion for teaching. She studied Elementary Education at Loyola University and Early Childhood Education at Harold Washington, and has worked in a school setting ever since. Every day in the classroom is a great learning experience not only for the children, but for the teachers as well. This is why Tiffany loves being a teacher and working with all age groups. Tiffany is excited to be part of The Goddard School family, and her goal is to make each classroom a welcoming, exciting, and trusting environment for each child to learn and grow.

TODDLERS - Margaret was born and raised in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. She has worked in schools with 2 and 3 year olds since high school and has formed lasting bonds with many families. Margaret loves watching children transform from little baby babblers to polite and confident little people. Margaret has a two year old dog named Betty who went to work with her every day at her last job. When not working, Margaret enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family. She is very excited to be part of The Goddard School!

TODDLER - Brianna graduated from Wilbur Wright College with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts. She then spent the next few years pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Malcom X College. After working at both summer camps and in the childcare field, Brianna found her passion for working with children in a school setting. She was also inspired by her mother, who has been a teacher for many years. Brianna is not only passionate about education, but she hopes that she can make an impact on each student that she teaches.

GET SET - Viri has her Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science focusing on Child Development and Criminal Justice from East-West University. Before she graduated, she began working in the field of Education as an assistant teacher at a childcare center. From a young age she always knew that she wanted to work with children, and it has become her passion. She loves teaching and helping children discover and learn new ways to navigate and grow in the classroom!

GET SET - Tatiana’s has her degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked with children as a teacher for five years and then was a nanny for five years to three wonderful children. Tatiana found her passion in childcare when she was a freshman in high school and helped in her church nursery. She also spends all her free time with her daughter and hiking during good weather days. Tatiana believes the early years of a child’s life are the most critical when it comes to their development. Tatiana is excited to work with your children and be a part of a great team!

PRESCHOOL - Shari graduated from Brandeis University with her bachelor’s degree in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and then attended the University of Chicago, where she studied at the Divinity School, obtaining a Master’s degree in Divinity. During her undergraduate degree, Shari worked at a preschool and daycare center on her university’s campus, as well as spent time working in the daycare center for children of staff at a sleep-away camp. Shari also has worked for many years at different synagogues and Hebrew schools, including the Anshe Emet Religious School in Chicago, where she has been both a teacher and a Hebrew specialist, writing curriculum and lesson plans, as well as teaching and managing other teachers. Shari loves learning and loves to foster love of learning in others, especially through games and play in a loving environment that nurtures curiosity.

PRESCHOOL - Jessica graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. After graduating, she worked for a meeting and event planning company. However, she wanted to do something more meaningful and that’s when she first thought about teaching. Jessica’s mother was a teacher for 17 years, and when she saw the impact she had on her students, she knew she wanted to have the same positive effect. Jessica became certified to teach English as a foreign language. This brought her to South Korea where she taught English at a preschool for two years. It was a wonderful experience and she learned that she wanted to continue her career in Early Childhood Education. Jessica is excited to be teaching at The Goddard School.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN - Mr. Keenan graduated from Grand Valley State University in Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality studies with a Minor in Dance. He has also received his preschool CDA teaching certificate. Dance has been a huge part of Keenan’s life and what drove him to move to the Windy City. He has worked with or trained at a wide variety of professional dance companies including Grand Rapids Ballet, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Joffrey Ballet, and Ardent Dance Company where he is currently a company member. As a result of his background, Keenan takes pride in bringing a unique and dynamic energy to school, attempting to meet children where they are at and help them grow based on their own strengths and weaknesses.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN - Leslie graduated with her degree in Child Development-Preschool Education at Malcolm X College. After graduation, Leslie started her career at The Goddard School. She was born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago and has always had a passion for working with children in the early education field. During her free time, Leslie loves to experience new places, explore the city and attend lots of concerts! She wants to make sure her students are loved and happy while at school and are having fun as well! Leslie’s creative mind loves to come up with activities that children can learn from and find new experiences. She hopes to make an impact on each and every one of the children she teaches!

JR. KINDERGARTEN - Adriana grew up in South Texas, and graduated from Texas State University - San Marcos with a bachelor's degree in Family and Child Development. While in school, she volunteered her time at the Child Development Center and worked with different age groups. After graduation, she continued her education and pursued special education courses. For the past 6 years, Adriana has also been a Spanish teacher to children of various age groups. Adriana has a passion for working with children and believes in providing a fun learning experience.

INFANT I - Maria was born and raised in Chicago. She is the youngest of six children. After growing up with so many siblings she decided she wanted to work with children at a young age. Maria has dedicated her time to taking Early Childhood Development courses at Morton College and plans to graduate with a degree in Child Development. She has been working with children for over 8 years now. Maria’s goals in her classroom are to always provide a nurturing, safe, positive, and fun environment for the children. Maria’s favorite things to do are painting, taking road trips and spending time with family and friends.

INFANT II - Ms. Crystal is originally from Brooklyn, New York but is from Puerto Rican descent. She has an associate’s degree in Criminal justice and is working on a bachelors in Child psychology. Her passion for children first began when she became a mother to two boys. She loves children whole heartedly and enjoys being able to work with them. She understands that every child is different and enjoys teaching and loving them based off their individual needs. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, vacationing and going to church with her family.

INFANT II - Ronisa was born in Mississippi and raised in Chicago. She started babysitting for families in 2009, and while in high school she took several courses in the field of Early Childhood Development. Shortly after graduation, she attended Samland Institute, where she received a Patient Care Technician certification. After working as a CNA for years, and having a daughter of her own, she knew that working with children was her calling. Ronisa is currently working on her degree in Early Childhood Education!

FIRST STEPS - Ms. Star was born and raised in Chicago. She was raised amongst teachers, nurses, and leaders. Star grew up in a big family with many cousins, and she has helped care for every one of them. During her high school years, she volunteered at multiple childcare facilities and knew right away she wanted to pursue a childcare career. Star is currently in school for early childhood education, and she is so excited to be a part of the Goddard team! Star believes children are amazing and deserve the right tools to shape their creative minds, as they are the future! One of her favorite children’s books to read is ‘Geronimo Stilton’ by Elisabetta Dami. It contains great adventures and great life lessons. When Star is not caring for children, she is cuddling with her dogs and going on adventures with her family!

YOUNG TODDLERS - Jasmine received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa. During her time in college she started working in childcare, and learned she loved working with children! Over the years, she has worked with children from six weeks to five years and finds all the age groups fun and fulfilling to work with. Jasmine loves early childhood education because the growth is so fast, and she finds it so rewarding to watch and help children reach new developmental milestones. She hopes to return to school soon to receive her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Outside of work, you can usually find Jasmine dancing. She even used to teach swing dance classes back in Iowa!

TODDLER - Jacquie graduated from DePaul University with her bachelor's degree in English Literature and Psychology. For the entirety of her life, Jacquie’s mother has worked as a preschool speech therapist, which exposed her to work in early childhood education. Jacquie spent her high school summers volunteering in 2 and 3 year old classrooms at the school where her mother worked, and more recent summers as a Team Leader and Instructor with Galileo Camps in the Chicagoland area. Working with children is something Jacquie finds so much joy in, and helping create a safe and nurturing environment is always her goal!

GET SET - Molly is originally from Libertyville, Illinois before moving to the city. She has been working with children five and younger since she was a teenager. Molly fell in love with teaching when she was in high school where she worked in a preschool classroom. After high school, Molly nannied for families so she could continue interacting with children and creating bonds with both the kids and parents.

JR. KINDERGARTEN - Jess grew up in southeastern Michigan, but always wanted to live in a big city. She moved to Chicago in 2013 and is still so in love with this city. Jess has worked as a private nanny in the past but is very excited to be working with children in a school setting. She has always had an interest in working with children, which is inspired by her grandmother and great aunts, who were all teachers. In her free time, Jess enjoys knitting gifts for her friends and family. Her favorite book is "Little Blue Truck" by Alice Schertle.

Emily is a student at DePaul University studying Elementary Education. Emily moved from the suburbs of St. Louis to Chicago. At a young age Emily knew she wanted to work with children. In her free time Emily enjoys hanging out with her friends, listening to music, and taking long walks around Lincoln Park. Emily’s favorite childhood book is “Eloise at The Plaza” by Kay Thompson. Emily is very excited to be a part of the Goddard community and is so excited to meet all of the children and families.

Karen is a current student at DePaul University studying Early Childhood Education. Karen was born and raised in the city of Chicago and is the oldest of her two sisters. Karen enjoys working with kids during their early years because it is exciting to see them transform and learn each day. Karen knew she wanted to work with kids during her time as a tutor in a preschool classroom. During her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends and going on long walks with her dog Benji. Karen’s favorite children's books are “Knuffle Bunny” and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”.

Cecilia is currently a student at Penn Foster College and she is working towards her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She is also an Infant Care Specialist with Sweet Dreams Infant Care. Cecilia specializes in helping new and existing parents with needs such as sleep deprivation, creating healthy sleep habits for newborns, and much more! Cecilia was a CNA for many years and always had a passion for caring for children. In her free time, Cecilia loves to enjoy time with her loved ones, reading, and taking hikes in beautiful nature environments. Cecilia’s favorite children’s books are “Brown Bear, Brown Bear” by Bill Martin Jr/Eric Carle and “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes” by Eric Litwin.

Sydney grew up in Chicago and is currently working on her degree in Early Childhood Education. Since she was a child herself, Sydney has loved taking care of children. Her caring nature sparked a lifelong interest in childcare. At 12, Sydney started her first babysitting business. She then volunteered one summer as a teen counselor and formed bonds with the families there, leading to working outside of the camp. Sydney is a traveling nanny, and she has traveled to Greece, Egypt, Austria, and Dubai. Before starting at Goddard, she was requested to nanny in Turkey, Rome, and Tokyo. Sydney's favorite childhood books are "Pinkalicious" and "Knuffle Bunny", which she has a signed copy of. Sydney’s favorite things to do are watch movies, go shopping and spend time with her best friends. She also loves anything related to Disney and performs Disney songs whenever her kids ask. She can’t pick a favorite age group because she finds something to love within all the ages.

Ms. Sabrina was born in San Diego, California and raised by her father in Williamsburg, Virginia. At the early age of 13, she gained a passion for learning about food from her grandmother who owned Hattie’s Café in downtown San Diego. Sabrina climbed the ladder in Food Management, working at the Resolute Café on the Fort Eustis Army Base in Virginia. She has also volunteered at multiple food pantries and worked as General Manager at several restaurants, training others for management positions. Sabrina loves children! She has 20 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, and most of them have been in the kitchen learning how to bake lunchroom cookies. She believes food should make one happy and nourish the soul as well as the body!