Our Goddard School Teachers

Jessica Jones, Owner – Jessica Jones is the proud on-site owner of The Goddard School located in Edwardsville, IL. While Jessica’s personal life is devoted to her family, her professional life has been devoted to business, the development of our youth, and helping successfully lead and manage people. Her ultimate goal is to continue making your family’s Goddard experience exceptional, providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for your children to become confident learners as they develop. Jessica has her master’s degree in Business Administration and an undergraduate degree in Public Relations.

Sandy Montgomery, Owner – Sandy Montgomery graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education as well as Masters Degree in Education. Sandy taught elementary Physical Education at St. Boniface School here in Edwardsville and then went on to have a career as a Senior Level Administrator and Softball Coach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for many years. Sandy is an active member of the Edwardsville community and currently works as a Realtor for 360 Prime Realty Group/HighBrow Home Team. Sandy is excited to bring an employee and child-centric culture to our school and enjoys being with her family as well as watching sports.

Ms. Jennifer graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. During her educational journey, she developed strong leadership skills through involvement in educational associations, serving as a residential assistant, and operating a growing business. Ms. Jennifer has proudly been part of The Goddard School family for 12 years and brings over twenty years of experience working with children of all ages and abilities. She is passionate about providing every child with the best possible start to their educational journey through a hands-on, play-based curriculum that supports learning in a fun and developmentally appropriate environment. She is dedicated to building strong relationships with teachers, children, and families and believes every child can learn with encouragement, motivation, and guidance.

Ms. Ciearra earned her Bachelor's in Early Care and Education from St. Louis Community College. She had been the lead teacher in the Pre-K classroom at Goddard since 2014 and loves watching her former students succeed. Ms. Ciearra has worked with children for over fourteen years and is passionate about giving all students an opportunity to learn and reach their full potential by providing them with proper guidance and resources. She believes in creating a structured classroom environment that welcomes learning through play, collaborating with peers, and promotes creative thinking. Ms. Ciearra is a CPR and First Aid certified, is trained in Medication Administration at the Early Childhood level, and is trained in Severe Allergy Readiness. In Ms. Ciearra’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling.

Ms. Miranda has nearly 20 years of experience in childcare. She holds a Master’s in Education, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction from UAGC, and is pursuing a second Master’s in Early Childhood Education Leadership. Ms. Miranda has worked in a variety of childcare settings from Early Learning Centers to private homes. Her studies have given her a deeper understanding of child development and the tools needed to provide a high-quality learning environment. She is a proud mother of two boys and spends her free time reading, cooking, and baking with them. As an avid reader, she always has a book on hand and loves to share her passion for literature with her students. Her goal is to create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child can learn and grow to reach their full potential.

Ms. Cathy earned her teaching credentials through Columbus State Community College. She has been with The Goddard School since 2017 and brings over thirty-five (35) years of experience working with children. Ms. Cathy is trained in recognizing SIDS and SBS and is certified in First Aid and CPR. In her free time, she enjoys scrapbooking and needlework.

Ms. Pattie is a teacher in our Young Toddler Classroom. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Tennessee Temple University and her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Lewis and Clark Community College. Ms. Pattie brings over forty-three (43) years of experience working with children. She is trained in SIDS and SBS prevention and is certified in CPR and First Aid. Ms. Pattie is also an active member of her community and volunteers with various organizations. In her free time, she enjoys singing, playing the piano, embroidering, and reading.

Ms. Rebecca is the Lead Teacher in our Infant Classroom. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Lewis and Clark Community College and brings over six (6) years of experience working with children. Ms. Rebecca is trained in SIDS and SBS prevention. In Ms. Rebecca’s free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Ms. Jacie is currently pursuing her Early Childhood Education degree from Grand Canyon University. She has been with The Goddard School since 2023 and brings over nine (9) years of experience working with children. Ms. Jacie is trained in recognizing SIDS and SBS and is certified in First Aid and CPR. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog, reading, knitting, and catching up on her favorite shows.

Ms. Ariel is working towards obtaining her CDA (Child Development Associate). Ms. Ariel has been with Goddard since 2024. Ms. Ariel has been working with children for over ten (10) years. Ms. Ariel is trained in SIDS, SBS, First Aid & CPR. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, reading, and spending time with her family.

Ms. Stacy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She has been with The Goddard School since 2017 and brings over forty (40) years of experience working with children. Ms. Stacy is trained in SIDS and SBS prevention and is certified in CPR and First Aid. In her free time, she enjoys reading, completing crossword puzzles, and spending time with her family.

Ms. Brianna earned her Associate of Arts Degree from Southwestern Illinois Community College in Belleville, Illinois. She has been with The Goddard School since 2021 and brings over eight (8) years of experience working with children. Ms. Brianna is trained in recognizing SIDS and SBS and is certified in First Aid and CPR. In her free time, she volunteers with the Salvation Army by ringing bells during the Christmas season and enjoys reading and spending time outdoors.

Ms. Lainey is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at McKendree University. She has been a part of The Goddard School family since 2025 and brings over six years of experience working with children. Ms. Lainey is trained in SIDS and SBS awareness and is certified in First Aid and CPR. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys hiking and spending quality time with her family. She is also involved with “Books for Brooklyn,” an organization dedicated to creating new libraries for underfunded schools.

Ms. Cat is currently pursuing her CDA (Child Development Associate) credential. She has been with The Goddard School since 2020 and brings over nine (9) years of experience working with children. Ms. Cat is trained in recognizing SIDS and SBS and is certified in First Aid and CPR. In her free time, she enjoys painting, watching movies, exploring nature, and playing video games.

Ms. Tracy is a Teacher in our Young Toddler Classroom. She holds her Toddler CDA (Child Development Associate) and brings more than forty (40) years of experience working with children. Ms. Tracy is certified in CPR and First Aid and is trained in SIDS and SBS. In her free time, Ms. Tracy enjoys reading, completing crossword puzzles, and gardening.

Ms. Elaina is currently working toward her Early Childhood Education degree at Lewis and Clark Community College. She has been with The Goddard School since 2021 and brings over fifteen (15) years of experience working with children. Ms. Elaina is trained in recognizing SIDS and SBS and is certified in First Aid and CPR. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature and spending time with her family.

Ms. Caroline is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at Lewis and Clark. She has been with The Goddard School since 2021 and brings over sixteen (16) years of experience working with children. Ms. Caroline is trained in recognizing SIDS and SBS and is certified in First Aid and CPR. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.

Ms. Sam holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Childcare Studies and joined The Goddard School in 2025. She brings over four (4) years of experience working with children and is trained in SIDS and SBS prevention, as well as certified in CPR and First Aid. In her free time, Ms. Sam enjoys reading and creating unique artwork.

Ms. Stephanie has been with The Goddard School since 2017 and brings over twenty-eight (28) years of experience working with children. She earned her degree from Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) and is Teacher Qualified. Ms. Stephanie is trained in recognizing SIDS and SBS and is certified in First Aid and CPR. She is also an active member of MEMA Metro East Mutual Aid. In her free time, Ms. Stephanie enjoys playing board games and video games, painting miniature figures, reading, and camping.

Ms. Fiona earned her degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She has been with The Goddard School since 2024 and is trained in SIDS and SBS prevention. In her free time, Ms. Fiona enjoys exploring nature and trying new coffee shops.

Ms. Cherie is currently pursuing a degree in Business from State College of Florida. Miss Cherie has been with The Goddard School since 2023. Miss Cherie has been working with children for over thirty (30) years. She is trained in SIDS and SBS. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with friends and family.

Ms. Ashlee holds an ECE Level 1 Credential through Gateways to Opportunity and brings over six (6) years of experience working with children. She is trained in SIDS and SBS prevention and is certified in CPR. In her free time, Ms. Ashlee enjoys watching movies and spending time with her family and dog.

Ms. Sophia is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). She joined The Goddard School in 2025 and has more than four (4) years of experience working with children. Ms. Sophia is trained in recognizing SIDS and SBS and is certified in CPR and First Aid. In her free time, she enjoys reading, organizing, and spending time with friends while catching up on her favorite shows.

Ms. Vanessa is currently attending SIUE, where she is pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education. She brings over four years of experience working with young children. Ms. Vanessa is trained in SIDS and SBS prevention and is CPR certified. In her free time, Ms. Vanessa enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends, and exploring local walking trails.

Ms. Megan is currently pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). She joined The Goddard School in 2025 and brings more than ten (10) years of experience working with children. Ms. Megan is trained in SIDS, SBS, CPR, and First Aid. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Ms. Nadalynn has been with Goddard since 2025. Ms. Nadalynn has been working with children for over ten (10) years. Ms. Nadalynn is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood. Ms. Nadalynn is trained in SIDS, SBS, First Aid, and CPR. In her free time, Ms. Nadalynn enjoys thrifting, antiquing, and spending time with her two children.

Ms. Sha’Mari joined The Goddard School in 2026 and brings two years of experience working with young children. She is currently attending SIUE. Ms. Sha’Mari is trained in SIDS and SBS prevention and is certified in First Aid and CPR. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and spending time with friends and family.

Ms. Lucinda brings 40 years of experience in culinary arts and 40 years of experience working with children. She has been a valued member of The Goddard School team since 2025 and holds her Illinois Food Handler Certificate. In her free time, Ms. Lucinda enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, attending church, and being with family. Her favorite recipes to make include chicken, greens, cornbread, and macaroni and cheese.

Ms. Ashley earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from SIUE and brings 10 years of experience working with children. She is certified in First Aid and CPR and trained in SIDS, SBS, and trauma-informed care. She incorporates SEL strategies into her classroom instruction. In her free time, Ms. Ashley enjoys spending time with her children, reading, watching sports, and doing arts and crafts.

Ms. Asjah has three years of experience in early childhood education, including childcare, Sunday School teaching, and babysitting. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Mississippi Valley State University. Ms. Asjah is trained in recognizing SIDS and SBS and is certified in First Aid and CPR. She enjoys spending time with family and helping children learn, grow, and thrive in a nurturing environment.

Ms. Kinsington is continuing her educational pathway in Early Childhood Education and brings 5 years of experience working with young children. She is certified in First Aid and CPR and trained in SIDS, SBS, and trauma-informed care. She is passionate about creating a nurturing and engaging classroom environment. In her free time, Ms. Kinsington enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Ms. Kourtney joined The Goddard School in 2026 and brings over three years of formal childcare experience. She is currently attending SIUE, where she is studying pediatric nursing. Ms. Kourtney is trained in SIDS and SBS prevention and is certified in First Aid and CPR. In addition to her childcare experience, she volunteers at nursing homes and memory care centers. In her free time, Ms. Kourtney enjoys crocheting, roller skating, crafting, and spending time with friends and family.

Ms. Avery earned her Associate of Science from Lewis and Clark Community College and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at SIUE. She brings 5 years of experience working with children. She is certified in First Aid and CPR and trained in SIDS, SBS, and trauma-informed care. In her free time, Ms. Avery enjoys reading, coloring, and cleaning.

Ms. Jordan brings 19 years of experience working with children and is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging, and supportive environment for every child. She is certified in First Aid and CPR and trained in SIDS, SBS, and trauma-informed care. In her free time, Ms. Jordan enjoys spending time outdoors and going on walks. She is also learning to play the guitar and roller skate!

Ms. Carly is currently attending SIUE, where she is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. She is certified in CPR and trained in SIDS, SBS, and trauma-informed care. Ms. Carly is passionate about working with children and creating a positive learning environment. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, planning, and doing crafts.