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. Throughout her educational journey, she developed strong leadership skills through her involvement in various educational associations, her work as a residential assistant, and by operating a growing business. With over twenty years of experience working with children of all ages and abilities, she is deeply passionate about providing each child with the best start to their early educational years. She believes strongly in our school’s commitment to high standards and a hands-on, play-based curriculum that fosters learning in a fun, developmentally appropriate way. Ms. Jennifer is dedicated to building a strong school community rooted in meaningful relationships between teachers, children, and families. She believes all children can learn when they are supported with motivation and direction, and she is committed to helping both students and teachers reach their

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. Morgan acquired an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from Kaskaskia College. She is concluding her bachelor’s degree in early childhood from Illinois State University. She has been with The Goddard School since 2023. She has been working with children for over (12) year. She is trained in CPR/ First Aid, SIDS, SBS, Safe sleep practices, conscious discipline, and allergy awareness. Ms. Morgan is enthusiastic about providing children with a loving, fun, and nurturing environment. She believes all children have the right to equal and individualized education. Ms. Morgan feels it is vital that children have fun, and express themselves. Learning through play allows children to investigate their surroundings build skills at a developmentally appropriate pace and build meaningful relationships. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, antique shopping, decorating, and being with her chocolate lab.

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

Ms. Pattie: Teacher, Young Toddler Classroom. Ms. Pattie earned a Bachelor's in Arts from Tennessee Temple University and an Associate's degree in Early Child Education from Lewis and Clark Community College. She comes with over forty-three (43) years of experience working with children. Ms. Pattie is CPR and First Aid certified and is trained in SIDS and SBS. She is an active member in her community as a volunteer for various organizations. In Ms. Pattie's free time, she enjoys singing, playing piano, embroidering, and reading.

Ms. Rebecca: Lead Teacher Infant Classroom- Ms. Rebecca is working towards obtaining a degree in Early Childhood Education and comes with over six (6) years of experience working with children. Ms. Rebecca is trained in SIDS and SBS. In Ms. Rebecca's free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

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

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

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

Ms. Lainey is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from McKendree University. She has been a part of The Goddard School family since 2025 and brings over six years of experience working with children. She is certified in SIDS and SBS awareness, as well as 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). Ms. Cat has been with the Goddard School since 2020. Ms. Cat has been working with children for over nine (9) years. She is trained in recognizing SIDS, SBS, First Aid & CPR. In her free time, she enjoys painting, watching movies, exploring nature, and playing video games.

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

Ms. Elaina is working towards her Early Childhood Degree from Lewis & Clark. Ms. Elaina has been with The Goddard School since 2021. Ms. Elaina has been working with children for over fifteen (15) years. She is trained in recognizing SIDS, SBS, First Aid & CPR. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature and spending time with her family.

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

Ms. Sam holds an Associate of Arts degree in Childcare Studies. Ms. Sam joined The Goddard School in 2025. She has been working with children for over four (4) years. Ms. Sam is trained in SIDS, SBS, CPR, and First Aid. In her free time, she enjoys reading and creating unique art.

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

Ms. Fiona is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Ms. Fiona has been with The Goddard School since 2024. She is trained in SIDS and SBS. She enjoys exploring nature and trying new coffee shops in her free time.

Ms. Kalee earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Child Development from Lewis and Clark Community College. She brings over ten (10) years of experience working with young children. Ms. Kalee is trained in recognizing SIDS, SBS and is certified in First Aid, CPR, and as a Food Handler. She has also completed Early Childhood Levels 1, 2, and 3, as well as Infant/Toddler Level 2 training. In her free time, Ms. Kalee enjoys reading, going on bike rides, and spending weekends thrifting for unique finds.

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: Ms. Ashlee holds an ECE Level 1 Credential from Gateways to Opportunity, and comes with over six (6) years of experience working with children. Ms. Ashlee is trained in SIDS, SBS, and CPR. In Ms. Ashlee's free time, she enjoys watching movies and spending time with her family and dog.

Ms. Sophia is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from SIUE. Ms. Sophia has been with The Goddard School since 2025. Ms. Sophia has been working with children for over four (4) years. She is trained in recognizing SIDS, SBS, First Aid & CPR. In her free time, she enjoys reading, organizing, and spending time with friends catching up on her favorite shows.

Ms. NyReile brings nine (9) years of experience working with children and has been part of the A+ Program as a tutor. She is currently working toward her degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. NyReile is trained in recognizing SIDS, SBS and is certified in First Aid, CPR, and as a Food Handler. In her free time, she enjoys making lip gloss, doing crafts, and exploring her creativity.

Ms. Tammy is currently working toward her Early Childhood CDA Credential and has been part of The Goddard School since 2022. With more than 40 years of experience working with children, she brings a wealth of knowledge and care to the classroom. She is trained in SIDS awareness, Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention, First Aid, and CPR. Outside of school, Ms. Tammy enjoys sewing, playing games with her sons, and visiting her daughter.

Ms. Vanessa is currently attending SIUE, where she is working toward her degree in Early Childhood Education. She brings with her over four years of experience working with young children. Ms. Vanessa is trained in SIDS and SBS prevention and is certified in CPR. In her free time, she 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). Ms. Megan joined The Goddard in 2025. Ms. Megan has over ten (10) years of experience working with children. She 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 trained in SIDS, SBS, First Aid & 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. Ms. Sha’Mari is currently attending SIUE. She is trained in SIDS and SBS prevention and is certified in First Aid and CPR. In her free time, Ms. Sha’Mari enjoys watching movies and spending time with friends and family.

Ms. Lucinda comes with 40 years of experience in culinary arts and 40 years of working with children. Ms. Lucinda has been with The Goddard School since 2025. She holds her Illinois Food Handler Certificate. In her free time, she loves playing with her grandkids, going to church, and spending time with family. Her favorite recipes to make are chicken, greens, cornbread, and mac and cheese.

Ms. Emily has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from SIUE and is currently attending SIUE for her Master’s in English Literature. Ms. Emily has been with Goddard since 2026. Ms. Emily has been working with children for over seven (7) years. Ms. Emily is trained in SIDS, SBS, First Aid, and CPR. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing guitar, playing games on her Switch, and writing blogs.