Our Goddard School Teachers

Jane & Boris are the proud owners of The Goddard School in Roscoe Village! Together, they are dedicated to building a strong community through high-quality early childhood education. Jane holds degrees in Business and Psychology from Bradley University and a Master’s in Education from DePaul University. With a background as an elementary education teacher, Jane is passionate about early childhood development and fostering a love for learning in young children. Boris has degrees in Finance and Technology, as well as an MBA from the University of Chicago. Before joining Jane to open The Goddard School, Boris worked as a consultant at Accenture, where he honed his strategic and operational expertise. Beyond their professional lives, Jane and Boris are a family-focused duo. They are proud parents to two children, Nona and Maks. Their household also includes Nika, an adorable Labradoodle, and Camille, a leopard gecko that keeps things lively.

Ms. Joli Thompson, originally from Colombia, holds a bachelor's degree in Modern Languages Education and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. With more than 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, she began her career as a high school teacher in Atlanta, GA, before discovering her passion for working with young children—a path that guided her into the early childhood setting and ultimately into leadership roles, including Executive Director. Deeply committed to the transformative power of the early years, Joli focuses on creating strong educational foundations that nurture cognitive, social, and emotional development. She believes these early experiences cultivate curiosity, well-being, and a lifelong love of learning—key elements in helping children thrive.

Meredith brings more than 14 years of experience in early childhood education, including 13 years as a teacher and a year serving as an Assistant Director. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University and her Master's degree in Early Childhood Administration from National Louis University. In addition to her professional experience, Meredith is a proud mom to two children, Audrey (5) and Oliver (2) Meredith is passionate about supporting children's growth during these important early years and believes in creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and development. She is excited to collaborate with teachers, build relationships with families, and help enhance the educational experiences offered throughout our school.

Ms. Ileana is an experienced administrative professional with a strong background in office management, customer service, and preschool operations. She is known for her ability to stay organized, communicate clearly, and support busy school environments with efficiency and professionalism. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Ms. Ileana has worked closely with families, preschool students, and staff in education and service-oriented roles. These experiences strengthened her interpersonal skills and her commitment to creating welcoming, well-structured spaces for children and families. With a leadership style rooted in empathy, clarity, and reliability, Ms. Ileana brings strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a calm approach to every task.

Ms. Becky began her journey with preschoolers as a dance and musical theatre teacher over 20 years ago. 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 for over 30 years 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. 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 .

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Ms. Amanda is a dedicated and passionate childcare professional with over 13 years of experience working with children from newborn to school age. She has a genuine love for helping children grow and learn. She graduated from St. Augustine College with an associate’s degree in early childhood education. Amanda finds great joy in watching children develop their unique personalities and skills. She gets excited to spend years exploring, learning, and making memories with children. During Amanda free time she loves to spend her time with her 5 children with hiking, camping, going to the movies, and exploring new places.

Ms. Nayeli was born and raised in Chicago and earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from Loyola University Chicago. Her background includes experience working in fast-paced environments where she developed strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills that she now brings into the classroom. As a Resource Teacher, Ms. Nayeli supports multiple classrooms and works with children across different age groups throughout the school. She enjoys getting to know each classroom community and helping create a positive, safe, and engaging environment where children can learn, explore, and feel supported. Ms. Nayeli is known for her calm personality, patience, and ability to adapt wherever help is needed. She values building positive relationships with both children and staff and enjoys being part of the teamwork that keeps the school running smoothly each day. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Nayeli enjoys spending time with her family, being with her dogs, shopping, and traveli

Ms. Jade is originally from Bolivia and finds her greatest joy in working with young children. She loves being part of their world: listening to their stories, sharing laughter, and supporting their growth each day. Her natural warmth and patience help create a loving, joyful environment where children feel safe and ready to learn. She is grateful to contribute to each child’s day and is dedicated to helping them shine in their own unique way.

Ms. Alyssa is originally from Naperville and moved to Chicago 3.5 years ago. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and brings over three years of experience in early childhood education. With a genuine passion for child development, Ms. Alyssa uses her background in psychology and her RBT certification to support children’s social, emotional, and academic growth through thoughtful, individualized care. A former varsity cheerleader and track athlete, she enjoys incorporating movement, music, and hands-on learning to make each day active, engaging, and fun. Known for her bubbly personality and warm, nurturing approach, Ms. Alyssa values strong partnerships with families and is dedicated to creating a safe, joyful classroom environment where every child feels supported, confident, and excited to learn and grow.