Our Goddard School Teachers

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.

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 six 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 - 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 - Ashley has educated and nurtured young minds for 11 years, and she obtained her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Kendall College in 2014. Even though she has a love for all ages of children, her passion is caring for infants! Ashley loves engaging with infants, and when teachable moments arise, that makes her career worthwhile! She is the oldest sister of three amazing younger brothers. Therefore, she knew she had knowledge, patience, care, and love for children! Ashley has developed so many great relationships with the parents of her students throughout her years of educating young minds, and she takes joy in every last one of her parents trusting her with the most precious thing in their life. Her drive and passion haven't gone unrecognized because in 2022, Ashley was gifted the award of "Teacher of the Year." She has a philosophy that she encourages and uses in her classroom: "Continue to reach for the stars because the sky is not your limit!"

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 - 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!

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 - Katie graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, with her degree in psychology. Through college and post graduation she worked as a full time nanny which grew her passion of working with children. Her favorite part of working with children, specifically 0-12 month olds, is watching them learn so many new things. In her free time she enjoys going for runs, walks, and using watercolor.

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 - Ryn was born and raised in central Indiana before moving to Chicago. As a child her parents always said she would grow up to be a teacher. After working in a number of other fields she realized they were right. Her favorite part of teaching is answering the different questions children come up with. She finds joy in all age groups and loves to watch children learn and grow as they get older. In her downtime she enjoys reading and spending time at home with her cat and dog.

FIRST STEPS - Aaren discovered her love of working with children while helping in her mother’s home childcare program, sparking a lifelong passion for early education. After earning her degree in Psychology, she spent several years as a Lead Preschool Teacher and Play Therapist at a Reggio-inspired, therapeutic program, where she supported children with diverse needs and collaborated closely with families and specialists. This work inspired her to pursue a Master’s in Child Development from Erikson Institute to further understand the developmental needs and experiences of young children. Since then, Aaren has worked with children from infancy to preschool in roles including Lead Teacher, Teaching Coach, and Education Manager. She’s passionate about creating warm, inclusive classrooms and building strong relationships with families. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the movies with her partner, and exploring Chicago. Aaren is excited to help young children learn at Goddard!

YOUNG 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.

YOUNG 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!

TODDLERS - Lauren moved to Chicago from northern Kentucky, but is originally from Tennessee. She has been working in early childhood for the past eight years . Lauren's passion is that children should be provided with love and support through every area of their life. She wants children to feel a sense of belonging and safety to help them to achieve their goals. Her favorite books for the classroom are “Pete the Cat” and “Tony Chestnut.”

TODDLERS - Nova grew up in Atlanta, GA and graduated from Purdue University with a B.S in Developmental and Family Science. During her time at Purdue, she worked at the Ben and Maxine Miller Child Laboratory School where she worked with children from infants to 5 years old where her love for working with children continues to grow. Outside of the classroom, you can find her at local farmers markets, cloud gazing, going for walks, hanging out with her sister, or at a museum! She thrives on making her classroom a second home for her children and is looking forward to continuing to be a positive influence!

TODDLERS - Hanna was born in Cedar Rapids and began working with children as both a nanny and a toddler gymnastics coach. Inspired by those experiences, she pursued her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at the University of Iowa, where she went on to classroom teaching. Hanna has also worked in early childhood centers and loves supporting children’s growth through play, creativity, and exploration. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, crochet, and ceramics. Her favorite children’s book is The Day the Crayons Quit! Hanna is so excited to be part of the teaching team here at The Goddard School!

GET SET - Dana has been working in early childhood education for over seven years. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she honed her skills working for the YMCA and Milwaukee Montessori School. Dana is passionate about creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow and thrive. She values building relationships with families and finds great reward in seeing the impact of her work on the children she cares for.

GET SET - Maya graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a certificate in Afro-American Studies. Ever since she was young, Maya knew she had a passion for working with children. From babysitting neighborhood kids as a young teen, to nannying for families after high school, and completing an internship during college where she provided ABA therapy to young children, all of these experiences paved the way to finding a teaching position at The Goddard School. Inspired by her mother, who has worked in schools for over 15 years, and by numerous teachers and professors who made a positive impact on her life, Maya is excited to bring that same positive energy to the classroom.

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 a 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 - Abigail is thrilled to be part of the Goddard team as a passionate early childhood educator. She has been working in early childhood education for six years and is dedicated to creating a nurturing, engaging, and inclusive environment where young children can thrive. Her teaching approach is rooted in play-based learning, social-emotional development, and hands-on exploration. She believes that children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and inspired to discover the world around them. Abigail’s passion for teaching stems from personal experience—watching her brother face challenges related to autism opened her eyes to the importance of inclusion and empathy. No child should ever feel isolated in a place meant for safety and growth. That’s why she strives to make every child feel seen, heard, and valued in her classroom. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys writing poetry, reading, and cheering on her favorite football team with her family—GO BEARS!

PRESCHOOL - Lola brings over 15 years of children's dance education experience to The Goddard School. Her boundless enthusiasm for learning and her ability to engage with young people are attributes she brings to her role as a preschool teacher. Lola's dance teaching foundation has developed in tandem with her creativity, adaptability, innovative program design, and the ability to recognize every child’s individual personality and unique strengths. Her passion for collaboration, coupled with her commitment to nurture individual learning paths using the Goddard Developmental Model, sets her on a productive path to a vibrant and inclusive environment promising a positive and enriching educational experience for her and her students. Lola's outside interests include her dog Levi, her two cats Mr. President and Mali, and her garden.

PRESCHOOL - Izabella graduated with her degree focusing on Elementary Education. She volunteered at her local Elementary School for several months before she realized she got more emotional fulfillment from the preschool ages. She then began working as a toddler teacher before going on to become the prekindergarten teacher. After working as a teacher for two and a half years, Izabella became the Director of a small childcare center in California for four years before she decided to relocate to Illinois to be closer to her family. Izabella has always known she loved children and wanted to care for them, making her career choice an easy decision.

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!

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.

PRESCHOOL - Stephen was born in Oregon and raised on the west coast. With five brothers, and 4 of them younger, he has been helping children as long as he can remember. He studied Early Childhood Education at De Anza Community College in Sunnyvale, California and has worked as a preschool teacher for three years. Stephen is passionate about building relationships with kids and with a background in music, bringing songs and practicing singing daily in the classroom. In his free time he likes to play video games, play music, write poetry, and hang out with his cat Buddy.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN - 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 - Hattie is a Missouri farm girl turned Chicago local! She has her bachelor's of Social Work from the University of Missouri, as well as a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences and a Multicultural Certificate. Hattie has always had a strong desire to work with children, something that comes naturally after being born into a large family. Although she never expected to be working in a school setting, she fell in love with it after being an after-school teacher during college and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. Hattie strives to provide students with a fun, loving, and wholesome school experience which she knows sets the foundation for the rest of each child’s life. Outside of work, you can find her tending to her ever-growing collection of houseplants, spoiling her fluffy cat, Francis, or yapping her family and friends’ ears off!

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.

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.

FIRST STEPS - Harriet was born in Chicago and grew up in Evanston with her two younger brothers. She graduated from Northwestern University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in English and Gender Studies. She discovered her passion for childcare and early education in her years spent babysitting throughout high school and college. Her favorite part of working with children is the opportunity to nurture their natural curiosity about the world around them, and she is thrilled to continue this work as a part of the Goddard community. In her free time, Harriet loves to read, write short stories, eat delicious food (anything chocolate, especially!), and explore her neighborhood of Andersonville.

INFANT II - Crystal is originally from Brooklyn, New York but is from Puerto Rican descent. She has a degree in Criminal justice and is working on a bachelor's 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 - Nicole was born in the Chicago suburbs and is currently attending DePaul University where she is studying for her masters in Elementary Education. Nicole has worked with children since she was in high school and has always known that is her passion. Her favorite thing about working with children is the opportunity to watch their personalities grow all while experiencing life in new ways everyday. When Nicole isn't working with children she enjoys being outside, spending time with her dog, her family, her friends, and anything to do with art. Nicole strives to create an environment for children that they feel they belong, supported, and confident.

FIRST STEPS - Francis moved to Chicago in 2015 after growing up in the woods of North Idaho. Francis holds two degrees in Theatre Arts, including a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Performance from The Ohio State University. Francis has worked as an assistant teacher in a variety of Early Childhood Education settings for almost a decade, embracing and exploring a range of tools including Montessori and Reggio Emilia styles of learning. Francis' training in the theatre has given them a deep understanding of the value of empathy, as well as a bright and energetic outlook in the classroom. Outside of the classroom, Francis is a professional performer and actor in Chicago's vibrant storefront theatre community, as well as a guest educator at educational institutions around the Midwest. Francis enjoys spending quality time with their wife and two cats in their beautiful Ravenswood apartment.

YOUNG TODDLERS - Chloe grew up around Chicago, Metro-Detroit, and Las Vegas. She has been working with children since she was thirteen and has been working in a school environment for three years. Prior to moving to Chicago she previously worked at a Goddard School in Michigan, where she spent her time working with children from 6 weeks up to 6 years. Her favorite thing about working with children is getting the chance to help them explore their creativity. She loves getting the chance to help create a loving and comfortable environment for them to learn and grow their confidence. In Chloe’s free time she enjoys playing guitar, painting, and hanging out with her cats Jiji and Astrea. Her favorite children's book is ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ by Maurice Sendak.

TODDLERS - Sydney is originally from Tracy, California and got her Bachelors Degree in Communication and Sociology with minors in LGBGTQ+ Studies and Applied Psychology from The University of California, Santa Barbara. During that time, she started her journey in Early Childhood Education. She worked at her campus children’s center through college and then worked as a 3s teacher in NYC after graduating! Sydney is so excited to not only be in Chicago, but also to continue her love of teaching little ones! In her free time, you can find Sydney reading, at the movie theater, at a baseball game, or trying new dinner spots with her friends! Her favorite things about teaching are all of the stories we read, all of the silliness we get to have everyday, and the close connections she gets to make with the children!

Elizabeth has been working in the education field for over seven years, focusing on child development. She holds a Master's Degree in Child Development from the Erikson Institute and specializes in working with hospitalized children and their families. During her internship at Lurie Children's Hospital, she provided tutoring services to school-aged patients. Elizabeth has a natural talent for working with children and has found a passion for working with infants over the past five years. She enjoys this stage of development where children are open, trusting, and learning to communicate and build relationships. In her free time, she finds happiness in baking, dancing, and creating beautiful nail art designs.

Kate moved here from New Orleans to pursue Arts Management and Art History at Columbia College Chicago. While pursuing art, floristry, and doula certification her drive to see the beauty in everything led her to becoming a teacher here at Goddard. Her favorite part of Resource teaching is getting to see the complexities and beauty of all ages. She deeply admires and loves giving a helping hand to our teachers.

Annette graduated from Loyola University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is from the Chicago suburb of Northbrook. When the opportunity arose to reevaluate her interests, Annette paused her studies and worked at a preschool for a year and a half to explore. It was during this time she realized her passion was teaching and caring for young children. Annette has also spent many summers as a summer camp counselor to young children and a nanny, as well. Annette’s goal is to guide and encourage children to experience a happy and healthy early childhood while in the classroom!

Danny is a senior at DePaul University, studying Film and Screenwriting. After graduating, he hopes to pursue a career in writing and producing children's media. He has experience working with young learners through leading camps and classes at a music school. Additionally, he worked as a tutor where he supported early academic development, helping children build foundational skills for elementary school. Danny loves being part of The Goddard School, where he is passionate about nurturing curiosity and learning through play. In his free time, Danny is a music enthusiast and guitar player.

Natalie grew up in Chicago and is currently attending DePaul University where she is working to get her degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Speech Language Pathology. Natalie has three years of experience as a teaching assistant in a dance studio in Chicago and is very excited to join the Goddard team. She has always known she wanted to work in childcare and found her passion through babysitting and tutoring throughout high school. Natalie has a natural talent with children and finds great joy in helping kids discover their interests and explore their curiosities. Natalie’s favorite childhood books were “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed” by Eileen Christelow and “Disney Princess Collection: A Treasury of Tales” by the Disney Book Group. In her free time she enjoys dancing, bowling with her family, reading books, or playing with her two dogs, Snoopy and Teddy.

Jesse was born and raised in Chicago. She studied Sociology at Columbia University in NYC for two years, but is back home now to finish up her undergraduate education in the city she loves most. Jesse has always enjoyed working with kids and families, specifically through babysitting and volunteering. While working at a daycare during her gap year from school, she further cemented this passion. In her free time she enjoys spending time with loved ones, making art, and being outdoors!

Ryneeka was born and raised here in Chicago. She studied Early Childhood Education and Special Education at National Louis University. She has enjoyed being around children and learning about early childhood development for as long as she can remember. She believes patience and intentionality are key to guiding children through their first social and academic experiences. She enjoys creating a nurturing and exploratory atmosphere to encourage curiosity and excitement for learning.

Roxana was born in Chicago and raised in Cicero with her family and younger sibling. She is delighted to be part of this wonderful learning community. She has a deep passion for teaching and for helping children discover their unique strengths and abilities. Roxana has earned a degree in Early Childhood Education, and she has been working with young learners for several years. Throughout her teaching journey, she has had the joy of watching children grow socially, emotionally, and academically. Every day in the classroom is an opportunity to spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and nurture confidence. Roxana loves creating a caring and inclusive environment where every child feels safe, valued, and motivated to learn. Roxana strives to build strong relationships with both her students and their families, working together to support each child’s development.

Leticia was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Arts from Harold Washington College and has been working in childcare for about six years. She has always loved being around children and helping them learn and express themselves in fun, creative ways. She believes that every child should feel supported, confident, and free to be themselves. When Leticia is not working, she is a proud dog mom who enjoys traveling, reading, and checking out new coffee shops.

Suellen is a globally experienced professional who's worked across corporate halls and classrooms alike. Originally from Georgia, she studied African American and Civil Rights History at Mount Holyoke College and the University of Georgia. She has lived and worked in the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, and several major U.S. cities, experiences that have strengthened her commitment to cross-cultural understanding, fostering strong relationships, and nurturing international perspectives to her work. Outside of her professional work, she’s a passionate cook, a devoted family-lover, and someone who can strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Suellen's favorite claim to fame? She once traveled the world as a tour manager for an independent rock band!

Paola was born in Durango, Mexico and lived there until she was eight years old. She currently lives with her partner, her son JJ, and her daughter Xiomara. Paola enjoys going for walks, reading and watching comedies and scary movies. Her family loves spending time together, especially by traveling to beach destinations and trying new restaurants!

Jeremy graduated from UW-Madison with bachelor’s degrees in English and History in 2012. He spent ten years running a small restaurant in Madison before his current pursuit of an MA in English at Loyola. Seeking to reintegrate himself into the educational sphere, using his food service experience here at The Goddard School is a perfect blend of real-world experience and future aspirations. He finds that the youthful vivacity of the children’s faces which meet him each day brings the rejuvenating joy we all seek. He appreciates the focus on play that is central to The Goddard School’s mission and thinks the strategies for early childhood care he sees enacted by the staff are enlightening and encouraging.