Our Goddard School Teachers

Ms. Rebecca holds a bachelor's degree in Child and Family Development from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Originally from North Carolina, she dedicated six years to teaching preschool and pre-K before transitioning into the roles of teacher mentor and assistant director. In August 2019, Ms. Rebecca relocated to Chicago and spent three years as the director of a Preschool in Lincoln Park before joining The Goddard School. Her true passion lies in creating a nurturing environment that supports the growth and development of children, families, and educators alike. When she's not fostering learning experiences, Ms. Rebecca enjoys exploring her culinary skills through cooking and baking, as well as cherishing quality time with her loved ones. Flourishing at The Goddard School since 2022!

Joli Thompson is originally from Colombia, South America. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Modern Languages Education and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. With over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Joli's career began as a high school teacher in Atlanta, GA. However, her true passion for working with young children led her to transition into this fulfilling field. At the core of Joli's work is her commitment to building strong, meaningful relationships with families. She strives to create a culture of open communication, mutual respect, and acceptance in every environment she contributes to. Earlier this year, Joli relocated to Chicago with her adorable goldendoodle puppy and is excited about this new chapter in her life. Outside of her professional life, Joli enjoys dancing, cooking, and embracing the outdoors through various activities.

Ms. Sarah is a passionate early childhood educator originally from the Philippines. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Family Life and Child Development and recently earned her director credentials from UCLA Extension. Since 2015, she has worked with children of all ages—from toddlers to high school students—and has also taught dance part-time, bringing creativity and energy to her teaching. She has held multiple roles in the field, including assistant teacher, lead teacher, and Assistant Director. Her teaching philosophy centers on nurturing each child’s development through meaningful interactions, inclusive practices, and play-based learning. Sarah also enjoys mentoring fellow educators and building strong partnerships with families. Outside the classroom, she loves traveling, trying new foods, and staying active with her husband. Ms. Sarah is committed to fostering positive early learning experiences and looks forward to continuing her impact in the classroom and beyond.

Ms. Becky began her journey with preschoolers as a dance and musical theatre teacher in 1989. While majoring in dance performance and musical theatre throughout high school and college, she honed her skills in the performing arts while teaching young children. After graduation, she performed as a vocal soloist at Walt Disney World before moving to Chicago to continue her professional theatre career. With over 35 years of experience, Ms. Becky has shared her passion for the arts with preschool-aged children, creating engaging learning experiences through music, movement, and performance. Each day, she visits every classroom to lead Musical Movement and Theater sessions, sparking joy and creativity in every child. She believes that the arts are essential for a child's development, serving as the foundation for academic and social skills, and emotional awareness.

Ms. Brenda is honored to be your child’s second teacher, continuing the journey you began as their first. She will support your child in exploring their world at school through engaging activities and routines, helping them grow through each developmental milestone. Ms. Brenda has been in the early childhood field since the 1980s and holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education, along with a director credential. She brings a wealth of experience from various roles, including babysitting, home daycares, nannying, and working in daycare centers. Her extensive personal and professional experience equips her to achieve her goals as a teacher. Ms. Brenda loves witnessing how children develop and flourish and is passionate about making a positive impact on each child she has the pleasure of educating in her classroom. Outside of work, Ms. Brenda enjoys listening to music, relaxing with a good book, and traveling to experience new foods and cultures.

Ms. Katherine was born in Casanare, Colombia. She earned a postgraduate degree in Tourism Business Administration. However, while still in school, she worked part-time as a preschool teacher's assistant. Her experience was very rewarding and enriching. She moved to the United States in 2022. With the birth of her first child in 2023, who awakened her love and passion for child education, she has sought ways to further her education and continue sharing her knowledge in child development. Her greatest challenge is to continue studying English as a second language; she hopes to return to school to pursue a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, going for walks, exploring parks, and traveling to new places. Watching her son grow is one of the things that fills her heart with love.

Ms. Viridiana was born in Chicago and spent much of her early childhood in Mexico after moving there at age five. Returning to the U.S. in 2012, she pursued an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts, building a career in professional kitchens as a Sous Chef Assistant at prestigious venues such as the United Center and White Sox Stadium. Her culinary experience sharpened her creativity, discipline, and teamwork. Motherhood to her two-year-old daughter sparked a new passion for early childhood education. As an in-home mom, she embraced nurturing and guiding young children’s growth, inspiring her to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Viridiana brings a warm, patient, and creative approach, dedicated to fostering safe, engaging, and supportive environments where children can thrive and develop foundational skills.

Ms. Maritza was born in Chicago and raised in Mexico, where her passion for teaching began early. While she initially aspired to become an early childhood teacher, her path shifted after returning to Chicago, where she pursued special education. In May 2023, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Special Education with a Bilingual Endorsement from Northeastern Illinois University. Since 2022, Ms. Maritza has worked with infants and toddlers, believing these early years are crucial for development and lifelong learning. Her bilingual background and cross-cultural experience shape her inclusive, nurturing approach. She strives to create a classroom where children feel safe, valued, and supported. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places, and continuing her education. Ms. Maritza is excited to grow alongside her students and support their journey every step of the way.

Ms. Erin attended the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) and is currently continuing her education to pursue a career in music. Having previously taught grades K-12, she is now venturing into the world of early childhood education. Ms. Erin is passionate about teaching because she loves helping children reach their potential. In her experience as a music teacher, she finds it incredibly rewarding and fun to sing and make music with kids. Ms. Erin enjoys music in many formats and loves working at concerts and live events. She has played the clarinet for 14 years and continues to do so. Recently, she learned how to crochet and now loves making stuffed animals for her dog, Lou, and blankets for her nieces, whom she loves spending time with.

In high school, Ms. Jasmin volunteered at a nearby elementary school for the After School Matters program, where she worked with preschoolers to foster creativity and support their academic work. During her experience in that program, she developed a passion for working with children and helping them become in tune with their creativity to learn new things. After high school, Ms. Jasmin attended Malcolm X College and graduated with an associate degree in science, with the goal of becoming a NICU nurse. While she always knew she wanted to work with children, she realized that being in the healthcare profession made her miss the connections she was able to build with students and decide to make her way back to early childhood field. Ms. Jasmin loves what she does because it allows her to create a unique environment and draw from her inner creativity. When not enjoying her time with our little friends. She loves to cook and improve her cooking skills .

Rachell Guarin was born and raised in Venezuela and moved to the U.S. in 2016 to pursue personal growth and new opportunities. With a background in community service and a lifelong dedication to helping others, she found her passion in early childhood education in 2020. Her journey as a teacher has been shaped by her experience as both an educator and a mother to her son, Samuel. Rachell creates a nurturing and engaging environment where children feel safe and excited to learn. She especially enjoys incorporating Spanish into her daily routines through songs and play. Outside of the classroom, Rachell—also known as Sheyril—loves dancing, attending church, collecting coffee mugs, and spending time with her husband and son. She is excited to keep growing in her teaching career and supporting every child’s early learning journey.

Ms. Katie, a dedicated Lead Teacher at The Goddard School for Early Childhood Development, brings a unique blend of passion and experience to her role. After earning a bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising from NIU, Ms. Katie decided to pivot to Early Childhood Development, inspired by her deep commitment to fostering young children's growth and learning. Her journey into education has been shaped by years of babysitting and nannying, experiences that have fueled her enthusiasm for working directly with children. Ms. Katie is excited to transition from these roles into the classroom, where she continues to advance her education in Early Childhood Education (ECE). Outside the classroom, Ms. Katie enjoys riding her bike, often seen cycling to and from work at The Goddard School of Roscoe Village, where she has been flourishing since 2024. Her love for singing shines through as she turns everyday moments into joyful songs.

Ms. Ana was born and raised in Chicago. She started her passion of working with kids in 2013 shortly after becoming a mother. She attendant Harry S Truman college for early childhood education and has been in the field since. Throughout her career of teaching and nannying she has dedicated herself to nurturing young minds. Ms. Ana’s affinity for children is fueled by their infectious energy, playfulness and curiosity. She loves to create lesson plans that engage children through art and play. Ms. Ana is committed to building strong connections with each child and their family and creating a safe space and an inclusive environment where children feel valued, respected, empowered and eager to explore. She enjoys to celebrate milestones and accomplishments. Beyond her dedication to early childhood education, Ms. Ana is a devoted mother to her two children and in her free time she indulges in her love for painting, running, hiking, cycling and grounding with nature.

Ms. Sahara has been in the early childhood education field since 2016, working with students of all ages. She graduated from Richard J. Daley College with a degree in Early Childhood Education and has been passionate about working with children from a very young age. Sahara believes that children should have a memorable experience while learning and growing and is dedicated to working with each family to ensure that each child's goals are being met. During her free time, Ms. Sahara enjoys spending time with her loved ones and she loves belting her heart out doing karaoke and when she is not in door she loves spending time in nature.

Ms. Yesenia has been in the early childhood education field for over 12 years. Originally from Chicago, she spent five years with her family in Madison, Wisconsin, where she graduated from Madison Memorial High School. After returning to Chicago, Ms. Yesenia became a nanny, and it was during this time that she discovered her passion for working with children. Ms. Yesenia is deeply committed to creating strong, lasting bonds with both children and their parents. She believes that every child is unique and brings their own personality into the classroom, making each day an exciting and rewarding experience. Ms. Yesenia takes great joy in watching children grow, achieve milestones, and set personal goals, feeling a strong sense of accomplishment when they succeed. Her teaching philosophy is centered around the importance of creative play. Ms. Yesenia’s artistic talents shine through in the classroom, where she encourages her students to use art as a form of learning and communication.

Ms. Jasmine is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children through her role as a kitchen manager. With a love for cooking, she takes joy in preparing nutritious meals that nourish and excite children, knowing healthy food is essential for their growth and development. Ms. Jasmine is dedicated to the well-being of young learners, believing that food plays a vital role in providing the energy and focus needed for learning. Whether supporting educational initiatives or working directly with students, she ensures that every child feels valued and cared for. Outside of work, Ms. Jasmine enjoys experimenting with new recipes and sharing her love of food with family and friends. Her dedication to children and her community reflects her commitment to creating a positive impact both in and out of the kitchen.

Sophia (she/they) is a joyful, imaginative, and compassionate educator who proudly identifies as a kid at heart. Growing up in their dad’s classroom, they saw firsthand the impact a caring teacher can have. With generations of educators in their family, Sophia developed a deep passion for nurturing strong relationships and creating meaningful, playful learning experiences. After earning a BFA in Musical Theatre from Southeast Missouri State University, Sophia moved to Chicago to pursue the arts. Along the way, they discovered a deep love for childcare. Their background in theatre and music brings creativity and empathy into the classroom. Sophia is currently working toward a CDA credential and exploring certifications to better support children with disabilities. Their goal is to build an inclusive, nurturing space where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to grow emotionally, socially, and academically.

Ms. Angie is a passionate early childhood educator with four years of experience supporting the growth and development of young children. Her journey began in political science and the restaurant industry, but she found her true calling in early education. Since then, she has embraced the joy of guiding children through early milestones with care and intention. Angie is committed to creating a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn. She believes strong relationships with children and families are key to lasting growth and success. Outside the classroom, Ms. Angie enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants, dancing, and visiting her siblings across the country. Her vibrant personality and dedication to learning make her a positive and impactful presence in every educational setting.

Ms. Beatriz is a compassionate and dedicated early childhood educator with a strong passion for working with infants. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and brings hands-on experience creating safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate classroom environments. Beatriz thrives on supporting each child’s growth through individualized care, fostering emotional and cognitive development during these critical early years. Her calm demeanor, patience, and empathy allow her to form strong bonds with both children and families. She finds joy in celebrating infants' first milestones, from social interactions to early communication. Beatriz believes in the importance of security and consistency and strives to create a space where every child feels safe, loved, and supported. Through her dedication, she aims to be a dependable, nurturing presence that helps set the foundation for lifelong learning and positive development.

Ms. Lorena, a proud Chicago native, is the eldest of three siblings—an experience that sparked her early passion for caregiving. She holds an Associate’s degree in Arts with a focus in Psychology and plans to return to school to pursue Child Psychology. Since 2019, Lorena has gained over seven years of experience working with children of all ages. Her roles have included preschool teacher assistant, toddler and infant teacher, CPS high school assistant, and most recently, a full-time nanny. Her nurturing nature, patience, and empathy allow her to connect deeply with children and support their growth at every stage. Lorena values building strong relationships with children and families and is committed to creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally supportive environment. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, attending concerts, exploring coffee shops, reading, shopping, and spending time on self-care and new hobbies.

Ms. Joselyn was born and raised in Chicago, where she earned her certification in Business Administration from Triton College. Though she explored business, her true passion was helping little minds grow. She began her journey in early childhood education as a Preschool Teacher’s Assistant and is now excited to take the next step as a Lead Teacher. Known for her nurturing and patient nature, Ms. Joselyn creates a safe and welcoming environment where children feel encouraged to express themselves. She values strong relationships with both children and families, believing that connection is key to learning. Helping children reach social, physical, and emotional milestones is always her priority. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys attending car shows, biking through the city, and spending quality time with her family. Ms. Joselyn’s warm spirit and dedication make her a trusted and impactful presence in the classroom.

Tania Pamela is thrilled to be part of The Goddard School family, bringing her passion and dedication to early childhood education. Born and raised in Chicago, Tania discovered her love for working with children at age 18. Her teaching journey began earlier while caring for her younger sister—an experience that sparked a lifelong commitment to nurturing young minds. She has worked with children of all ages, from newborns to teens, helping her develop a strong understanding of child development. As a toddler teacher, she finds joy in supporting her students as they explore, learn, and grow. She strives to create a classroom filled with safety, creativity, laughter, and meaningful learning. Outside of work, Tania enjoys baking, trying new recipes, walking, staying active at the gym, and attending concerts. Most of all, she loves spending time with her fiancé, family, and close friends.

Sara Drouche was born and raised in Algeria and moved to the United States in 2024 with a passion for growth, learning, and new opportunities. She holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance but soon discovered her true calling in early childhood education. With experience working with children of all ages, Sara is dedicated to creating safe, nurturing, and engaging environments where young learners can thrive. While she enjoys caring for children at every stage, she feels a special connection with infants, providing them with the love, warmth, and support essential in their earliest years. Her calm, compassionate nature allows her to build trust with both children and families, ensuring a strong foundation for growth and development. Outside of the classroom, Sara enjoys traveling, cooking, and focusing on personal growth. She is committed to supporting every child’s journey with patience, empathy, and care.

Stephani moved to Chicago in 2016 to study Culinary Arts and went on to build a successful career as a Sous Chef in well-known restaurants, developing strong skills in discipline, organization, leadership, and teamwork. While she thrived in the fast-paced culinary world, her true passion emerged outside the kitchen—working with children. This calling inspired her to shift into early childhood education, where she now brings creativity, dedication, and compassion to the classroom. A proud mother to a two-year-old, Stephani’s personal journey has deepened her understanding of child development and the importance of both emotional and educational support in the early years. She finds joy in nurturing curiosity, celebrating individuality, and creating safe, loving environments where children can thrive. Committed to lifelong growth as an educator, Stephani hopes to inspire children to explore, learn, and discover while building strong, supportive relationships with families.

Ms. Sophie was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, and earned her Bachelor's degree in Theater with a minor in History from Smith College. Inspired by her own teachers, she considers herself a lifelong learner with a passion for creativity and working with children. After graduation, she moved to Avignon, France, to work as an au pair, where she immersed herself in French culture and provided English tutoring—an experience that deepened her appreciation for language learning and child development. With over three years of childcare experience, including roles as a nanny, au pair, camp counselor, and tutor, Ms. Sophie brings a compassionate and well-rounded approach to early childhood education. Now based in Chicago, she is excited to share her love of the arts in the classroom and is delighted to be part of The Goddard School, where she looks forward to celebrating each child’s uniqueness while nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

Ms. Anne is a graduate of Mother Guerin High School and Triton College. After a career in finance at the Chicago Board of Trade, she transitioned into the early childhood field in 2021. In her newfound passion for early childhood education Ms. Anne realized that she loves to make a positive impact on children’s lives. Being part of a big family and being the youngest of her family of six she knew that she will always be surround by children. Teaching is something that her family has done, and she is happy to follow in their footsteps. She is thrilled to join The Goddard School and has found teaching preschool children to be both fulfilling and enjoyable. In her free time, Ms. Anne enjoys attending live music events, visiting art openings, and playing volleyball. As the youngest of six siblings and a mother of twins, Ms. Anne has a deep appreciation for big families.