Our Teachers

Welcome to the Goddard school in Lockport! I am thrilled to be able to provide the Goddard school’s outstanding program to the community. As a proud parent of 3 wonderful children, I understand the importance of a fun, safe, and nurturing environment - which is the primary reason why I chose to open a Goddard school. I'm excited to provide our students with the opportunity to develop into happy and confident learners who are prepared for school and life. I invite you to visit our school and meet our incredible faculty. I look forward to meeting you and your family. Thank you for visiting our website!

Hello! My name is Kayla and the Lockport/ Homer Glen area has been my home for my entire life. My husband and I have 2 boys, Jack and Madden, and we love raising our family here and volunteering in the community. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Olivet Nazarene University with endorsements in science, art, P.E./health, and child development. Previously I taught 4th grade, but made the switch to early childhood in 2015 and fell in love! Since then, I have gained experience in teaching infants, preschool, and pre-k, as well as in administration. I'm honored to use my expertise to lead our wonderful Lockport Goddard team as we nurture all the children in our care to become confident little learners!

Hi my name is Nisha. I currently hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Management and an Associates Degree with a certificate in Child Development of Preschool Education. I have worked in child care facilities since 2014 where I’ve carried out infant and toddler feedings, implemented educational curriculum and maintained the cleanliness of the classroom. I also volunteer and work with the youth at my church, where I teach singing, dancing and about life in general. I get so much joy in seeing children's eyes light up when they learn something new. I chose this job due to the feeling I get when I realize that I am empowering the future lives of soon to be leaders. I am excited for this new role and cannot wait to see the growth within each child and how they blossom academically.

My name is Michele and I have been teaching for 32 seasoned years. I have worked for the Goddard school for the last 12 years in which I took on the role of a lead teacher after earning my CDA. I am excited to now be the Enrichment Coordinator at the Lockport location. We are proud to offer additional programs such as KinderMusik, Yogaroo and Handwriting Without Tears. I love working at the Goddard school because of the positive reputation it offers as well as the flexible and fun learning environment. My theory of teaching is children learn through play. I make it fun yet effective. I assure the safety of every child in the classroom and make sure each child learns at their own level. I am extremely happy to be a part of this team, knowing I can make a difference in a child's life.

Hello! My name is Viviana and I'm the Lead Teacher in the Get Set Room. I come from a big family. I have 5 children and 6 grandkids. I've nannied for 8 years and have worked in the child care industry for 20 years. My goal working with Get Set and with The Goddard School is to make a difference in a child's life. I have made a great impact on many families and their homes. I enjoy and have a love for taking care of children.

Hi! I'm Ms. Niya. I am so excited to be a part of the Goddard team! I have been in childcare for nine years. I have my Child Development Associate Credential and am a registered behavior technician. Being an early childhood educator brings me so much joy. I love the positive impact I can make on tiny little minds & hearts. When I'm not at school, you can find me spending time with my fiancé & our yorkie, Niklaus. I absolutely love going shopping and going out to eat. I am a huge Disney lover, so you'll catch me in a lot of Disney attire!

Hi, my name is Gabby and I was born and raised in Chicago, IL for most of my life up until recently when I moved to Lockport, IL in 2020. For the past three plus years I have been working with children from the age of newborn to 5, growing my skills in childcare. I am excited to work at The Goddard School in order to grow my skills and achieve my Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and become a teacher for young children. In my spare time I love gardening, cooking, and traveling. I am excited to start my next journey and be a part of the team at The Goddard School.

Hello, I'm Lori! I was a preschool teacher years ago, have a degree in interior design, and am a certified esthetician. I have raised 5 wonderful children who are now grown and starting families of their own. I'm also blessed with 4 grandchildren and hoping for more! I love to travel and paint in my free time. I come in a few days a week to help relieve the infant teachers for breaks. I enjoy spending time with the littlest learners and watching them grow and learn new skills.

Hello, I'm Ms. Diana! I just got my CDA not too long ago and can't wait to put my knowledge to use. I really enjoy being able to be a part of your child's life and education. I've been working with children for 2 years now and I can't wait to see what my time at Goddard brings!

I have lived in the Lockport area for most of my life. I have worked in childcare for 2 years with my main scope of experience being with infants. I have a 5 year old daughter who is my entire world. I look forward to meeting you and your little ones and helping them achieve their milestones !

Hello, my name is Paulina and I am excited to be working at Goddard. I have one daughter of my own and 3 step children. I achieved my Associate's Degree in Science from Moraine Valley Community College. One example of experience that I have is working with Special Education students in a school setting. I am excited to help your students grow here!

Hello, my name is Amjad and it is my pleasure to be the lead teacher in PreK 1. I've been working with children for 8 years. I have my Early Childhood Development diploma from MATCH Milwaukee, and my Child Development Associate. I'm so happy to be here at Goddard and look forward to working with you and your children.

Hi! My name is Emily! My goal has always been to make a difference in a child's life. These early years are so crucial to a child's lifelong development, and I strive to help them grow and change into wonderful human beings. I am currently in school for forensic criminal investigation, but plan on going back to get a second degree in education. I have been with children for 6 years now, from after school counseling to a Montessori school to Goddard. I love being offered opportunities to use my skills and expertise in new and exciting ways that benefit the classroom as a whole and each child individually.

Hello, I'm Hilda. I am a teacher assistant in the First Steps classroom here at The Goddard School. I love working with students and watching them grow every day. I am currently working on earning my associates degree in child development to advance in my teaching career. I am excited to be able to use my knowledge and skills to make a difference in your child's life.

Hi, I'm Daisy and I am a floater teacher here at Goddard. I have my CNA certificate and have a passion for caring for others. I am excited to start my child care experience and hope to create a safe space for your children.

Hello! My name is Kasia, I am a teacher’s assistant here at Goddard. I have been passionate about the development of children for the last 6 years. I am deeply excited to start my career working with young minds. Providing nurture and care to children and watching them grow has always been very important to me, coming from a large family of my own. I look forward to educating and providing the best care possible to each and every little student here at Goddard!

Hi, I'm Nayelli. I'm grateful to be starting my early childhood career here at Goddard Lockport. I enjoy watching the children grow and advance, knowing I was a positive impact in their life.

Hi! My name is Jocelyn. I am so excited to be a part of the Goddard Family. I have a son who is special needs who was diagnosed with a rare syndrome in 2020. I have also babysat and nannied many children ranging from ages 8 months - 6 years. I’m thrilled to be a teacher assistant in early childhood. I absolutely adore working with young children and seeing their curiosity and growth every day. As a parent myself, I understand the importance of building a strong partnership between home and school. I’m here to support your children’s development, create a nurturing environment, and answer any questions as a provider.

Hi! My name is Alicia, and I am an assistant teacher in the Get Set classroom. I have 3 kids of my own and over 8 years of experience working with children in a school setting. I am glad to have found a new home at The Goddard School! I love the positive environment here and know that you will too! I am looking forward to working with you to ensure your child receives the best care we can give them.

Hi, I’m Quenese. I’m a mom to 1 boy. I love watching the kids grow and develop new things especially when transitioning from the infant/ First Steps room. I recently received my CDA and am excited to use that knowledge as I lead my own classroom. I love being a part of the Goddard team and hope to impact your children’s lives in a positive way.

Hi, my name is Mariana. I’ve been here at Goddard since 2022 and I can’t see myself anywhere else. Before Goddard, I did 2 years of volunteer work at my local church teaching children in grade school. Teaching has always been my calling and I’m so excited to finally professionally pursue it here! I’m so thankful to be given the opportunity to work with young minds and help them grow and develop in a welcoming and caring environment.

Hello, I am Irene and I prepare the meals here at Goddard. I have been prepping and preparing meals for schools for over 30 years. Cooking is something that I absolutely enjoy and cannot see myself doing anything else. I chose this job because of the passion and excitement I have for cooking. I am a mom of 5 children (4 boys and 1 girl). In my spare time, I love to sing, dance, do karaoke and spend time with my family.

Hi! My name is Emily and I am so thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead my own classroom. I have taken courses at The University of Illinois Chicago and The University of Arizona Global, where I earned my Lead Teacher requirements. This is my third-year teaching preschool, but I have also taught toddler dance classes, nannied for 5 years, and worked with inner city elementary children through the YMCA. I enjoy crocheting and reading in my spare time. I am excited to help prepare your children for kindergarten and see all of their growth through the school year.

Hi. I'm Michelle and I am so excited to be teaching in the PreToddler room here at The Goddard School. I obtained my CDA in infants and I am currently pursuing Early Childhood Education to further my knowledge while working with small children. I absolutely love working with children. The most rewarding aspect of this position is seeing their own personalities blossom everyday. I am excited for this new journey and getting the opportunity to work with each of you.

Hi, I’m Rocio. I’m the assistant Pre-Toddler teacher here at The Goddard school! I enjoy working with children and helping them everyday. I’m super grateful to be working here and to be part of your child’s growth ! I enjoy spending time with my family and going on long nature walks during my free time.

Hi. My name is Sequoia and I have enjoyed working with children in different settings for over 9 years now. In 2023, I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I am currently taking classes to further my education in child life! I have a passion for working with children to support their educational, psychosocial and emotional needs. Some hobbies I enjoy are exercising, hiking, Ariel yoga and arts & crafts. I am looking forward to working with your child to help shape their future.

Hi. I'm Ashley. I will be teaching in the Preschool 1 classroom. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. For 5 years, I had the privilege of teaching special education in Wisconsin. I have a wonderful family, with two amazing boys, aged 3 and 8. Camping is something my family really enjoys doing, so every weekend we make sure to get out and enjoy it. I am looking forward to getting to know all of the children and families here at Goddard.

Hi. My name is Alexandrea but I go by Alex. I received my Associates in Applied Science of Child development at Joliet Junior College. I've been teaching in the childcare setting for about 4 years! I have experience in pretty much all classrooms, with Two's being the most recent. I chose teaching because I want to help children grow and learn. Everyday is a new day with children and there is always something different. In my spare time I like to tie dye, color, craft and spend time with friends and family. I'm excited for my new journey here at Goddard of Lockport in the Young Two's classroom!

Hi. My name is Shequita Jackson and I have 15 years of experience working in childcare. I am a mother of three daughters, step mother to 5 children and a wife. I am also a youth pastor at my church, cosmetologist and an entrepreneur CEO of hair and nail salon. I love working with small children and the youth and/ or teenagers, mainly because it is my passion to be able to reach them by being able to understand their needs and meeting their expectations. I absolutely love teaching small children. I enjoy seeing them blossom into their own individuality. I have a passion to help assist with the early development of personalities of young children and the growth of infants to their adolescence. It brings so much pleasure to my heart whenever I can help educate or assist with early childhood, as I am always eager to learn new things. I take pleasure in gaining new information, strategies, etc... to strengthen my profession.

Hello, I am Sofia! I am currently studying at Joliet Junior College for my Associate degree in Child Development. I am a creative person and I love to do my nails to express myself. Possessing this level of creativity will help me in creating a fun and engaging classroom environment. With over 3 years of experience, I've progressed from babysitting to working in a child care center. I am excited to continue my journey in early childhood education at the Goddard School!