Our Goddard School Teachers

Ms. Soumya, born into an entrepreneurial family that ran reputable international educational institutions, credits her success and grounded personality to her early childhood education and family values. She is a proud mom of two Goddard students and understands firsthand what families look for in high-quality early childhood education. With an MBA, a background in Early Childhood Development, and a lifelong passion for nurturing young minds, she is dedicated to creating a safe, joyful, and enriching environment where children thrive. She values her teachers’ growth, supports their professional development, and believes in nurturing the ExtraOrdinary in every child. Her vision for The Goddard School South Loop is simple — a place where children, families, and educators feel valued, inspired, and connected. At the South Loop location, she and her family strive to offer a safe, nurturing environment, engaging learning materials, enrichment programs, and expansive outdoor play areas.

An MBA from Kellogg School of Business, Ms. 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 Ms. Swapna and Ms. 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 communities (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.

Ms. Heather has been an advocate for early childhood education throughout her professional career. With over 20 years of service in the field, her work has spanned across well respected institutions, including Head Start with Chicago Public Schools and Bright Horizons Family Solutions. From teacher to administrator, Ms. Heather continues to develop her craft and is always eager to explore new challenges. With a Masters in Early Childhood Education, and holding state teaching certification from birth through eighth grade, she is thrilled to partner with the families and teachers at The Goddard School of Chicago (South Loop). Ms. Heather continues to collaborate with all stakeholders to foster an environment where our youngest learners’ social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and linguistic areas thrive- and that will always be her top priority.  

Ms. Dee brings a wealth of experience and a diverse background to her role. A graduate of one of her country’s leading universities, she has cultivated expertise in administration and operational leadership. Her career path expanded into the nonprofit sector, where she served as Communications Officer, fervently championing the cause of quality education and workforce development. Now, Ms. Dee leads the day-to-day operations of the school, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Drawing on her background in administration and communication, she brings both structure and warmth to her role.

Ms. Asia brings 14 years of experience and a deep passion for working with children to her role as an educator. She began her journey in Jacksonville, FL, where she discovered her calling to make a positive impact on young lives. Known for her adaptability and dedication, she excels with children of all ages and continues to grow her skills through ongoing education in the early childhood field. Ms. Asia is our director designee, supporting the administration team in the front while maintaining her strong connection with the classroom. Outside of work, Ms. Asia enjoys spending time with family and friends and brings her warmth, creativity, and commitment to growth into the classroom each day.

Ms. Claire graduated from Mississippi State University in 2021 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, concentrating in Education, Reading, and General Business. Originally from Alabama, she recently moved to Chicago and is enjoying this new adventure. Her passion for working with children began with babysitting, teaching swimming lessons, and coaching, and her time in a nursery inspired her to pursue education. She loves creating a warm, engaging environment where students can grow, and in her free time she enjoys reading, sewing, outdoor activities, and exploring the city with friends.

Ms. Caitlin is a teaching artist passionate about creating a supportive environment for children to explore music and performing arts. Professionally trained at the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts in California, she has over seven years of experience teaching early childhood music, movement, violin, piano, and theatre, and has developed theatre and young women's enrichment programs at the Boys & Girls Club. Certified in Music Together and trained with the Suzuki Association, she believes connecting with music and the arts is an innate human need that enriches understanding of culture and history. As a musician, she brings empathy and insight to her teaching, tailoring each class to children’s interests and learning styles.

Ms. Vivian holds a B.S. in Education Studies and has experience in early childhood education, as well as the restaurant and retail industries, though she finds her greatest joy in working with children. She believes students thrive in a loving, safe, and supportive classroom that encourages creativity, play, and hands-on learning. Passionate about fostering meaningful educational experiences, she is certified in First Aid, CPR, SUID and SBS, Medication Administration, Severe Allergy Awareness, and Food Handling, ensuring the well-being of her students while creating a nurturing environment where they feel valued and empowered.

Ms. Tijuana, a Chicago native from Hyde Park, brings over 16 years of experience working with infants, two-year-olds, and Pre-K children. She studied Early Childhood Education at Olive Harvey and Harold Washington City Colleges of Chicago, later majoring in Speech-Language Pathology with a minor in Early Childhood Development at Saint Xavier University. Passionate about education and aspiring to become a Developmental Therapist, she is committed to creating a positive, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment. Believing that children are natural explorers, she supports their cognitive and social-emotional growth through creative experiences, while also valuing strong relationships with families as both an educator and devoted mother.

Ms. Betsy is a dedicated educator with 2 years of experience working with children from 6 weeks to 14 years old. Since joining The Goddard School, she has been loved by all the children, starting in the Bridge program and now supporting in Pre-K, where she has been truly remarkable. She is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging environment where children can thrive and chose The Goddard School for its philosophy and joyful learning atmosphere. Holding a high school diploma along with certifications in SIDS prevention, Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention, CPR, food handling, and mandated reporting, she is committed to ensuring both the safety and growth of every child in her care.

Ms. Sandra brings over seven years of childcare experience and a deep passion for nurturing young minds. As a mother of nine, she values creating a supportive, enriching environment where children can grow, thrive, and reach their potential. She chose The Goddard School for its philosophy of individualized education and its commitment to fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Certified in Food Handling, SIDS and SBS prevention, Lead in Water safety, and Mandated Reporting, Ms. Sandra ensures a safe and caring environment while making a positive impact on every child she works with.

Ms. D’je is a dedicated early childhood educator with over 12 years of experience and recently earned her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education on May 18th, in addition to her Associate of Arts degree. CPR certified, she is committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and explore. She enjoys dancing, singing, and playing volleyball, and her vibrant personality shines through her work. Excited to be with the two-year-olds, Ms. D’je looks forward to building strong connections with both the children and their families.

Ms. Arnetta has nine years of experience in the Early Childhood Education field. She chose to work with The Goddard School to help continue to enhance her ECE skills. Goddard has a system that she couldn’t agree more with, and that would be the F.L.E.X philosophy ( Fun Learning Experience). Ms. Arnetta's philosophy is grounded in the belief that play promotes social, cognitive, physical, and language development. She instills in families that children play with a purpose and each area in the classroom provides learning opportunities for them. Ms. Arnetta allows children to learn through trial and error, and understands that all children do not learn in the same way or at the same time. It is imperative to individualize teaching children, based on their own needs. Ms. Arnetta also changes the environment in the classroom, according to the interest and development of children and allows them to be social with their peers.

Ms. Charnique brings nearly a decade of experience in Early Childhood Education, supported by a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and additional coursework in the field. She has worked with children of all ages in a variety of settings and believes in adapting her teaching to each child’s unique learning style, often using sensory engagement to create a dynamic classroom experience. Inspired by The Goddard School’s diversity and educational philosophy, she is excited to contribute to its enriching community. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, spending time with loved ones, and exploring nature.

Ms. Vanessa has eight years of childcare experience and a lifelong passion for working with young children. She began babysitting early on, later completing a childcare course in high school and earning Red Cross CPR certification. With experience caring for children from birth to age six, she values each child’s individuality and is dedicated to fostering their social, emotional, and academic growth in a nurturing environment. Certified in Child Development Associate (CDA), CPR, and food handling, she ensures the highest standards of care and safety. Currently pursuing further education in early childhood, Ms. Vanessa is committed to continuous growth and to helping every child reach their fullest potential.

Ms. Via is a dedicated educator inspired by her love for children and her sister’s shared passion for teaching. She believes in the impact of small positive changes and values each child’s unique strengths, fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where students can thrive. Committed to nurturing independence and confidence, she encourages students to make choices and celebrate milestones, from first words to new skills. A passionate reader, she brings stories to life in the classroom, seeing teaching not just as instruction but as building meaningful connections and creating an enjoyable, enriching learning experience for all.

Ms. Britney has eight years of experience working with children of various ages and has also provided tutoring for elementary students. She is currently pursuing her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential to further strengthen her skills in early education. Passionate about supporting children’s growth, she has been a valued member of The Goddard School team and is excited to continue contributing to each child’s development. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys babysitting, painting, reading, and staying active at the gym.

With about five years of experience working with infants, toddlers, and young children, Ms. Miyah brings dedication and enthusiasm to her role as lead teacher in the Pre-Toddlers classroom. She studied early child development at Central Michigan University, where she discovered her passion for early education, and she enjoys creating engaging lesson plans, fostering positive learning experiences, and building strong relationships with families. She believes children thrive in safe, nurturing environments and is committed to ensuring every child feels valued and supported.

Ms. Courtney Jackson, originally from Chicago, has over four years of experience in early childhood education. She began her career in New York City as a teacher assistant while earning her Bachelor of Science in Business from St. John’s University and is now pursuing her master’s degree. With a unique blend of skills in education and business—including customer engagement, content creation, and public speaking—she is passionate about creating nurturing, engaging learning environments. Known for her positive energy and dedication, Ms. Courtney looks forward to bringing enthusiasm, creativity, and a genuine love for teaching into every classroom.

Ms. Sekani is a proud South Side Chicago native and an artist at heart, with a lifelong passion for working with children. Her love for watercolor painting and admiration for Bob Ross inspire both her art and her teaching, fostering creativity, patience, and “happy little moments” in her classroom. With years of experience, she approaches her work as a big sister to all the children she teaches, cherishing the opportunity to support them as they grow, explore, and discover who they are.

Ms. Tamia is a student at Grand Canyon University, currently in her third year as she works toward her dream of becoming a licensed occupational therapist. Her passion for working with children began five years ago when she started babysitting, and since then it has grown into a true calling. At Goddard, she focuses on creating engaging and creative learning experiences that support children’s growth, independence, and confidence. She finds deep fulfillment in watching children develop new skills and in building meaningful connections with both them and their families. Outside of school and work, Ms. Tamia enjoys journaling, cooking, and spending time with friends who share her enthusiasm for therapy and child development, which helps her stay inspired on her journey to helping children live their best lives.

Ms. Nadia has been teaching young children for the past two years and finds joy in working in a daycare setting, where play, patience, and purpose come together. From messy art projects to first-time ABCs, she treasures the small but meaningful moments that shape young hearts and minds. As the youngest daughter in her family and a proud mother to a spirited three-year-old boy, she understands how quickly the early years pass and brings that same love and energy to her classroom each day. Outside of teaching, Ms. Nadia enjoys doing hair, playing volleyball, and has a hidden talent for singing. She feels blessed to support families and be part of each child’s journey.

Ms. Morgane is a French American educator with extensive experience in childcare and teaching. As the third of five children, she gained hands-on experience caring for younger siblings from an early age. She has seven years of professional experience as a childcare worker and teacher, including four years in a nursery setting with children ages 3 months to 4 years, and three years teaching English in South Korea to students aged 6 to 15. Ms. Morgane holds a bachelor's degree in fine arts and enjoys expressing her creativity through painting, drawing, embroidery, and pottery. When not engaged in artistic pursuits, she enjoys reading.

Ms. Olive is a dedicated and passionate early childhood educator with 10 years of experience, devoted to shaping young minds and nurturing a lifelong love of learning. She takes pride in creating a supportive and engaging environment where each child can thrive and develop their unique abilities. Outside the classroom, Ms. Olive enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, often participating in outdoor activities that bring joy and connection. In her spare time, she also loves dog-sitting for furry friends, an activity her 8-year-old daughter especially enjoys and looks forward to as a shared adventure.

Ms. Melissa discovered her passion for teaching during high school when she enrolled in several teaching-related classes out of curiosity. It didn't take long for her to develop a deep fondness for working with children and fostering their growth. She eagerly participated in summer school programs and pursued further studies in education to expand her knowledge and skills. Her teaching philosophy revolves around the belief that every individual is unique, with different ways of learning and understanding. Outside of teaching, Ms. Melissa indulges in various hobbies, with a particular passion for music. She enjoys the thrill of experiencing live performances at concerts, which allows her to unwind and enrich her appreciation for music beyond the classroom.

Ms. Farai is a dedicated educator with a passion for working with children that began when she started as a summer camp counselor. Originally from South Bend, IN, she has lived in Chicago since 2018 after attending DePaul University. Ms. Farai has worked with children ranging from ages 2–14 and deeply values the genuine joy and curiosity they share with their teachers and peers. A twin whose name means “happy,” she also loves to travel, with Portugal being her favorite country visited so far.

Mr. Charlie is a creative chef with over a decade of kitchen experience and a true passion for the culinary arts. He enjoys experimenting with flavors, crafting memorable dishes, and sharing his love for food with those around him. Outside of the kitchen, he is dedicated to teaching martial arts, where he inspires students to develop discipline, confidence, and resilience. Known as a supportive colleague, Mr. Charlie values teamwork and collaboration, always seeking to encourage and uplift those he works alongside. He is also an avid traveler who embraces every opportunity to explore new places, cultures, and cuisines, believing that each journey not only broadens his perspective but also fuels his creativity both personally and professionally.

Ms. Keirra is a dedicated Early Childhood Educator at the Goddard School with seven years of experience, four of which have been with Goddard. Raised in Chicago, she holds a CDA credential in Infant/Toddler care and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Recognized as the Goddard Schools Regional Teacher of the Year in 2023, she is passionate about fostering growth through play-based learning and innovative teaching approaches. Valuing collaboration with colleagues and students, Ms. Keirra creates a nurturing, stimulating environment where children can explore, thrive, and reach their full potential.

Ms. Fe has three years of experience as an assistant teacher and spent her high school summers working as a summer camp counselor for programs throughout Chicago. She is passionate about creating engaging and supportive environments for children to learn and grow. A lover of children’s literature, her favorite book is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Outside of teaching, Ms. Fe enjoys spending time with her cat, Flo, and exploring creative activities that inspire curiosity and imagination in children.

Ms. Kaila has been working in childcare for nearly eight years and brings warmth, dedication, and joy to every classroom she supports. Before entering the field, she worked in retail, but quickly realized her true calling was with children, whose kindness, energy, and curiosity inspired her to pursue a career in early childhood education. Her journey began through the C.A.P.S. program, where she chose to follow her passion for childcare, and she has been committed to it ever since. As part of our substitute teaching team, Ms. Kaila is valued for her flexibility, nurturing presence, and ability to connect with children of all ages. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, enjoying fun outings, doing hair, getting dressed up, and making the most of sunny days with long walks.

Ms. Ami has spent over three years developing a strong passion for working with children and supporting their growth each day. Her goal is to create a warm, caring environment where love, encouragement, and kindness help every child reach their fullest potential. As both an educator and a mother to a wonderful daughter, she understands how important it is to nurture each child with patience and compassion. She finds great joy in guiding children as they learn, grow, and explore the world around them. Watching their progress fills her with pride and excitement for all that lies ahead. Families can feel confident knowing she is honored to be part of their child’s journey.

Ms. Tati is a South Side Chicago native with a strong background in child development. She studied Psychology at Illinois Wesleyan University, where she also served as a Residential Advisor for three years. With eight years of experience in childcare, she has worked with children ranging from ages 1 to 5, fostering supportive and nurturing environments that encourage growth and self-discovery. Outside of her work with children, Ms. Tati enjoys reading, dancing, listening to music, and attending concerts.