Our Goddard School Teachers

Laura Carter has been the Director of our school since 2011. She earned a degree in Early Childhood Education and has been working in child development schools since 1996, with much of that time in an administrative or leadership role. Her vast experience includes time as a Director, Assistant Director, Preschool Supervisor, and Team Leader. As our school Executive Director, she is able to fully utilize her in-depth understanding of early childhood education, administrative experience, leadership skills, and personal abilities on a daily basis. Laura was nominated as Teacher of the Year by PSO-ICCA in 2004. As an administrator, Laura is focused on keeping teachers and children fresh and motivated, while maintaining state standards, providing a valued education, and offering a trusting and caring environment for families. She maintains a passion for results and commitment to excellence, with unwavering determination at all times.

Ms. Heather Traveling Turtles/ Pre-Kindergarten Teacher / Education: Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Roosevelt University/ Experience: Ms. Heather has been working at The Goddard School since 2012. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because of her love, compassion and commitment to both children and teaching.

Ms. Neena Swimming Seals / Lead Teacher / Education: Bachelor of Science Experience: Ms. Neena has been working at The Goddard School since 2020. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because not only does she enjoy teaching children through fun and interactive lessons, but she also enjoys the reward of being able to watch children learn and grow.

Ms. Jocelyn Clever Clownfish/ Assistant Toddler Teacher/ Education: Studying Child Life at Illinois State University / Experience: Ms. Jocelyn has been working at The Goddard School since 2022. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she understands that all children are unique and need a teacher that will cater to their individual needs in a safe and stimulating environment. Ms. Jocelyn wants to create a classroom where children can flourish and explore allowing them to reach their full potential.

Ms. Lexi Singing Seahorses / Lead Toddler Teacher / Education: Child Development Associate Credential/ Experience: Ms. Lexi has been working at The Goddard School since 2021. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she loves being able to experience children grow in their education.

Ms. Noshina Artful Octopus / Pre-Kindergarten Teacher / Education: Bachelor's in English Literature / Experience: Ms. Noshina has been working at The Goddard School since 2020. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because of how rewarding, important and significant it is to contribute to a child's overall educational development and growth.

Ms. Jennifer Artful Octopus / Assistant Pre-Kindergarten Teacher / Education: High School Diploma from East Aurora High School / Experience: Ms. Jennifer has been working at The Goddard School since 2023. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she wants to teach her students to always try their best.

Ms. Tejal Laughing Lobsters / Lead Preschool Teacher / Education: Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development and pursing a license as a Behavioral Therapist / Experience: Ms. Tejal has been working at The Goddard School since 2024. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she understands that Early Childhood Education builds the foundation for the future.

Ms. Katelyn Clever Clownfish / Lead Twos Teacher / Education: Studied at The University of Iowa and has a Child Development Associate Credential / Experience: Ms. Katie has been working at The Goddard School since 2023. She is excited to work at The Goddard School so that she can teach her philosophy on always trying your best.

Ms. Sara Traveling Turtles / Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher / Education: Graduated from Downers Grove South in 2019 and has a Child Development Associate Credential / Experience: Ms. Sara has worked at The Goddard School since 2024. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she can teach children to be the best versions of themselves.

Ms. Natasha Growing Guppies / Lead Toddler Teacher / Education: Bachelor's Degree in Economics and a Montessori Early Childhood Qualification / Experience: Ms. Natasha has been working at The Goddard School since 2024. She is excited to work at the Goddard School because teaching and nurturing children has always been her passion.

Meet Marinella and Sharon. Marinella began her career in the healthcare industry, where she developed a commitment to caring for others and supporting families during some of life’s most important moments. She realized that her true passion lay in creating a nurturing environment for children during their earliest years-a foundation that would positively shape their health, happiness, and development for years to come. This passion led her to transition into owning two Goddard Schools in Naperville. Sharon lives in the Aurora/Naperville area. She has a strong foundation in customer service and operations from years in the service industry. Sharon’s experience managing fast-paced environments taught her the importance of teamwork and creating positive experiences with a people-first approach. She strives to build strong relationships with families and a supportive, motivated team. Together, they create an empowered school culture of collaboration that feels like a community.

Ms. Paulina Dancing Dolphins / Lead Bridge Teacher / Education: Child Development Associate Credential / Experience: Ms. Paulina has been working at The Goddard School since 2024. She is excited to work at The Goddard School so that she can provide an educational experience that strengthens each child's growth and development.

Ms. Jenny / Sleeping Starfish Lead Infant Teacher / Education: Child Development Associate Credential / Experience: Ms. Jenny has been working at The Goddard School since 2024. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she is able to witness each infant reach new milestones every day.

Ms. Shelby Assistant Support Teacher / Education: High School Diploma from Plainfield Central High School, an Associate Degree from Eastern Gateway Community College and currently studying at Southern New Hampshire University / Experience: Ms. Shelby has been working at The Goddard School since 2023. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes children teach us just as much as we teach them.

Ms. Sheeba Lead Support Teacher / Education: Child Development Associate Credential / Experience: Ms. Sheeba has been working at The Goddard School since 2024. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she wants to be able to provide a sincere and nurturing environment for every child.

Ms. Zaina Clever Clownfish Lead Twos Teacher/ Education: Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education Certificate and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education / Experience: Ms. Zaina has been working at The Goddard School since 2024. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes every child is unique and deserves the chance to grow and learn at their own pace.

Ms. Andrea Dancing Dolphins Assistant Bridge Teacher / Education: High School Diploma from Saint Clement High School and currently pursuing a General Education Degree from Saddleback Community College / Experience: Ms. Andrea has been working at The Goddard School since 2023. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she is able to provide children with the tools and skills they need to thrive.