Our Teachers

An MBA from Kellogg School of Business, Swapna is passionate about making an impact on the world. She comes from a highly educated and entrepreneurial family and believes that creating a high quality learning environment with strong family values will nurture our next generation of thinkers and thought leaders, she seeks to do this by: - Fun learning experience through play - 21st century learning - All around development (social, emotional, cognitive) - Developing individual potential and creativity Swapna and Soumya are members of the same family. They are very excited about the new school and the impact it will have on the South Loop and neighboring community (Pilsen, Bronzeville, Printers Row, Hyde Park). They believe in hiring professional staff and investing in continuous education as a priority for creating a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment. They welcome all the families and teachers to be part of their exciting journey.

Soumya is born into an entrepreneurial family. She grew up watching her family run reputable international educational institutions. She accredits her success and her grounded personality to the values she received from her family and strong foundations she had in her early childhood education. She has an MBA from Rollins College, FL and a Certificate in Early Childhood Development field from Harold Washington College, Chicago, IL. Some of the teaching philosophies that resonate with her include whole child development, intentional teaching, and purposeful play. When Soumya learnt about the Goddard philosophy and learning program, she was excited to be part of the Franchisee family as it was a perfect alignment of her family goals and vision. Through The Goddard School’s play-based curriculum, she hopes to provide Fun Learning Experience (FL.E.X.) to all the children. Soumya has passion for music, dance, and outdoor sports. At The Goddard School South Loop, she along with her family wants to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and families, engaging learning materials and enrichment programs for children to experiment and explore, and large outdoor playgrounds to have fun and learn. Soumya and Swapna are members of same family. They are very excited for their new school and the impact it will have in the community. They are focused on hiring professional staff and investing in their continuous education is a priority for creating a nurturing environment. They welcome all the families and teachers to be part of their exciting journey.

Ms. Ryan, a native of Chicago IL. With 20 years of experience in child development. She believes in order to continue to inspire learning, you must always be willing to learn. Ms. Ryan has worked with children, from ages 6 weeks to 12 years old - yet she holds a soft spot, for infants and toddlers. She completed her Early Childhood Education Degree at Rasmussen College, and since then, she has taken on a variety of roles in early childhood education across the Chicagoland area. Ms. Ryan’s love and passion for children has led her into the position of the Assistant Director at the Goddard School, where she is excited to start building, healthy relationships with families and staff. Being a teacher for so many years, has been such a rewarding experience. And now growing into this position, allows her to be a support system for the teachers, and help Goddard continue to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our families.

Ms. Keirra Whitfield, proud to be part of the Goddard family as an Early Childhood Educator. With six years in the field, including three at Goddard, I hold a CDA in Infant/Toddler care. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s in early childhood education, I'm dedicated to nurturing young minds. Recognized as the Goddard Schools Regional Teacher of the Year in 2023, I'm passionate about children's development and success. I believe in the power of play-based learning and enjoy exploring educational philosophies. Collaborating with like-minded individuals at Goddard, I continuously expand my skills. I'm excited to make a positive impact on young lives every day, creating a nurturing environment where children flourish and thrive.

Ms. Charnique has been in the ECE field for around 9 years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and in Early Childhood Education. Charnique has worked with children from 6 weeks–18 years of age in educational settings. Ms. Charnique believes that all children learn differently and that as a teacher we have to be able to teach at their level. She believes children learn through play and hands on activities. Charnique also believes the five senses is the best way to teach young children (touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing). Ms. Charnique chose to work with the Goddard school because I love the diversity and wholeness that it offers. She doesn't believe in the idea of nature vs. nurture as she feels it takes both to help a children develop into the great people. Charnique is certified in Food Handlers, Lead in water, CPR/First Aid and SBS. During her free time she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family and just being out in nature.

Ms. Heaven holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, specializing in Child and Adolescent Development. With a passion for early enrichment, she believes in introducing children to education through play, music, and hands-on activities. With over five years of teaching experience, she incorporates music into her classrooms to enhance learning. Ms. Heaven values each child's uniqueness and advocates for their development. She chose to join The Goddard School for its teaching philosophy and personalized approach to each child's needs. Certified in various areas including CPR/First Aid, she prioritizes safety and child well-being. Ms. Heaven collaborates with families to ensure every child's needs are met, fostering a supportive environment. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, photography, shopping, and spending time with her family, including her daughter who also attends The Goddard School.

My name is Mariela Barrios. I was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago and come from a large, close-knit Mexican family. Having a love for art led me to complete coursework in graphic design through the International Academy of Design and Technology. However, I have always found working with children fascinating and this motivated a career move into Early Childhood Education. I have worked in the field of ECE for 10+ years with 4yrs of experience in administration and currently working on completing a Child Care Associates credential in Preschool. Combining my two passions in art and early childhood has inspired me to pursue a career in Art Education in the future. It is my belief that children learn and acquire skills when their creativity is nurtured and encouraged. I chose to work at the Goddard School because it shows how passionate teachers and administrators are when it comes to a child’s growth and education.

Tierra Crawford is a graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a bachelor’s in sociology and recently completed a semester of coursework at Harold Washington College to earn credentials in early childhood education. Due to her educational background, she was able to obtain certifications that range from CNA training to being CPR certified. Since Tierra is the oldest of four children, she naturally gained experience in babysitting and used that knowledge along with her educational certifications to work with children in a childcare center. By doing so, she quickly discovered that aiding children in their development while building relationships with families was something she was passionate about. Ms. Tierra believes that when children are given the tools needed to support their development, their capabilities are truly endless. The Goddard standards align with her teaching beliefs, and the warm and supportive culture here, helped to make her decision to join this te

Ms. Tijuana, a Chicago native, brings over 16 years of experience in early childhood education. With studies at Olive Harvey and Harold Washington City Colleges, and Saint Xavier University, she's dedicated to fostering a positive classroom environment. Aspiring to become a Developmental Therapist, she prioritizes cognitive and socio-emotional development through innovative experiences. Excited to join The Goddard School, she looks forward to building positive relationships with families.

Ms. Vanessa's passion for childcare ignited early in life. Beginning with babysitting for family and friends, her dedication quickly earned her referrals from other parents. In high school, she pursued this interest further by completing a childcare course and obtaining CPR certification from the Red Cross. With extensive experience spanning ages 0 to 6, Ms. Vanessa deeply values the individuality of each child, fostering their unique development while instilling a love for learning and play. Her philosophy revolves around cultivating a nurturing environment where every child can flourish emotionally, socially, and academically. With eight years of childcare experience and certifications in CDA, CPR, and food handling, Ms. Vanessa is committed to continuous professional development, currently pursuing further education in early childhood education.

Ms. Asia, an experienced educator with 14 years of dedicated service, discovered her passion for working with children in Jacksonville, FL. Known for adaptability and dedication, she excels in any age group. Committed to ongoing professional development in early childhood education, she prioritizes her students' safety with certifications in SIDS, CPR, and more. Outside of work, she enjoys family time and dancing, bringing enthusiasm and warmth to the classroom every day.

Molly is currently studying at Columbia College Chicago as an Illustration major with a minor in Early Childhood Education and is expected to graduate in 2024. She greatly enjoys working with kids, and especially loves getting the opportunity to help them express their creativity. As an aspiring art teacher, Molly chose Goddard because she knew she'd receive the guidance and support that would help her embark on this career path. She also loves the way the Goddard family, treats all their students with love, respect, and true compassion, which every child deserves. Along with creating art, Molly loves Music and is always seeking out a concert or new record store.

Ms. Sandra has high school diploma and has been working in childcare field for more than 7 years. She is a mother of 9 and enjoys spending time with her children. After taking a long break taking care of her children, she is now ready to get back into the field to give her best to the future young generations. She believes all children are capable of learning and reaching their dreams if they are given right resources and care from an early age. She chose to work at Goddard because she loved Goddard’s teaching philosophy and the individualization around each child’s needs. Ms. Sandra is certified in Food Handler, SIDS and SBS, Lead in Walter, and Mandate Reporter.

Ms. Jocelyn, an educator, is passionate about nurturing young minds and creating inclusive learning environments. Currently pursuing further education in special education, she aims to better support all students. Her teaching philosophy centers on inspiration and encouragement, believing in every child's potential to thrive. Outside the classroom, she enjoys shopping and traveling, using her experiences to enrich her teaching. With dedication, creativity, and a commitment to lifelong learning, Ms. Jocelyn inspires to make a difference in her students' lives.

D’je has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development. She has 8 years of experience working with children of all age groups. She believes that children should observe/explore and have fun while learning. D’je is excited to meet her new students and parents. She is excited to be part of the Goddard Family and cherish the learning opportunities it provides her. D’je is certified in First Aid, CPR, SUID and SBS, Medication Administration, Severe Allergy Awareness and Food Handling.

Ms. Della graduated from DePaul University in 2018 with a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been working with children for over 9 years. During her college career, she had the opportunity to do plenty of internships with children from ages 3 months to 9 years. Ms. Della enjoys working with children because every child is unique. She also enjoys helping each one discover their own strengths/talents and nurture those traits through her educational approach. Her approach is learning through play and positive reinforcement. Without having those two factors, students would not enjoy and absorb the information that is being taught to them. She also enjoys seeing the world through her students' eyes because there are so many different perspectives. This allows for Ms. Della to get a better understanding of how her students process prior knowledge and adopt it. Ms. Della is certified in First Aid and CPR, Food Handling, SIDS, SUID, and AAP Safe Sleep.

Lizzette has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has more than 10 years of experience in the childcare industry working with age groups from 0-6 years old. She is a firm believer that young children thrive in an environment in which their creativity and curiosity are promoted and encouraged. She adopts the idea/theory that children are actively attempting to make sense of their own experiences by building their own knowledge and understandings of the world around them. She is an advocate of individualization play-based learning. Lizzette is very excited to become part of The Goddard Schools and meet all the wonderful families. Lizzette is certified in First Aid, CPR, SUID and SBS, Medication Administration, Severe Allergy Awareness and Food Handling.

Hello, I'm Alexis! With 4 years of experience in kitchen and floater roles in the childcare industry, I'm excited to join Goddard School. I'm drawn to its inviting staff and environment. I obtained my food service manager certification through school and plan to pursue a Master's in Nutrition and Dietetics. I hold CPR certification, am a mandated reporter, and am trained in SBS and SIDS. Ready to contribute to a healthy and nurturing environment for our students!

Ms. Betzy, dedicated educator with 2 years of experience, brings exceptional care and learning experiences to children aged 6 weeks to 14 years old. Joining The Goddard School, she finds joy in its remarkable environment. Certified in SIDS, CPR, and more, she prioritizes children's safety and well-being. Committed to nurturing and stimulating environments, she looks forward to contributing to children's growth and development at The Goddard School.

I'm Jade Kuykendall, proud Two's teacher at The Goddard School of South Loop! A top-ten graduate from Simeon Career Academy, I'm currently majoring in Early Childhood in college. With nearly 4 years of childcare experience, I'm passionate about nurturing each child's unique talents. I believe in hands-on learning and creating a positive, fun environment for growth. Trained in First Aid, CPR, Food Handling, SUID, SBS, and IL Gateways Early Childhood Education Level 1 program, I'm excited to contribute to each child's development at The Goddard School.

Vivian has B.S. in Education Studies. Vivian has diverse experiences in early childhood education, restaurant, and retail industries. She found that working with children makes her the happiest. Vivian believes students should have loving and safe environment in the classroom. She is excited to explore the creativity of the children and create a fun learning environment for them. Vivian is certified in First Aid, CPR, SUID and SBS, Medication Administration, Severe Allergy Awareness and Food Handling.

Ms. Britney's passion for working with children started at a young age. She has accumulated 8 years of valuable experience across various age groups, and she has also provided tutoring services for children aged 10-12. Currently, she is in the process of obtaining her Child Development Associate credential, which further enhances her ability to provide quality care and education to each and every one of her students. Beyond her professional pursuits, Ms. Britney has a variety of hobbies that keep her engaged and creative. She enjoys babysitting, painting, reading, and maintaining an active lifestyle by working out at the gym. Ms. Britney is thrilled to be a part of the team here at the Goddard School, and she will be working alongside Ms. Liz in the preschool room. She is genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute to your child's growth and development during their time with us.

Ciji has over 10 years of experience as kitchen staff in childcare industry. She is in the process of going back to school in the spring of 2021 to continue her education in Early Childhood. Ciji believes that children should be in a loving and safe environment and they learn best when in these environments. She also believes children learn best while having fun, through play. Ciji chose to work with The Goddard School because she likes what the school stands for and that it is very family oriented. Ciji is trained in CPR, First aid, Mandate Reporter and she has her Food Service Manager certificate.

My name is DeAnna holds an ECE Level one credential and has over 3 years of experience in early childhood. She chose to work at Goddard because she believes and has heard of the schools prestige. She believes her beliefs align with those of the Goddard school and feels her energy adds to the school’s philosophy. Ms. DeAnna's educational philosophy is that essentialism is key. It broadens the pockets of our minds and allows us to look at life as a multitude of opportunities that have the potential to open so many doors. She feels the person she is allows her to be able to teach the skills that a child will take with them forever. Ms. DeAnna is passionate about the field is because she believes there is always a teachable moment for students and teachers. Each day is different, & each day brings new joys. In her free time Ms. DeAnna enjoys traveling and has an eye for fashion. She is also certified in Medication administration, SIDS, SBS, and CPR certified.

Ms. Sarah graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in human development, specializing in elementary education. Following two enriching years teaching in a Pre-K setting, she found herself drawn to the vibrant city of Chicago, which quickly became her beloved home. Before joining the Goddard School, Ms. Sarah immersed herself in the educational landscape at UIC, where her passion for nurturing young minds blossomed. She holds a deep conviction in the individuality of each child, cherishing their diverse perspectives and contributions in the classroom. Grounded in her Human Development background, Ms. Sarah champions holistic child development, fostering engaging and creative learning environments where children flourish and thrive.

Ms. Via, an educator driven by a deep connection to children, finds inspiration in her teaching passion shared with her sister. She believes in the power of even small positive changes and values the unique strengths of each child. Creating a supportive and inclusive environment, she cherishes witnessing student growth and development. Advocating for student empowerment, she offers choices to foster confidence and independence. Ms. Via's love for reading enriches her teaching, creating enjoyable learning experiences. She prioritizes building meaningful connections with students, making learning enriching for all.