Our Teachers

Meet the Co-owners of The Goddard School, Marinella and Sharon.

Laura Carter has been working for The Goddard 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. Melissa is a director at The Goddard School. She has lived in Naperville for over 29 years and has raised 2 boys through the 204-school district. Ms. Melissa earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Illinois with a master’s in special education from the University of Louisville. She specializes in curriculum and individualizing instruction. Ms. Melissa has been working with children since 1989 as both a teacher and administrator. She believes it is important to connect exploration and hands on learning to all four areas of development (cognitive, physical, language, and social/emotional). In her free time, Ms. Melissa loves to attend her son’s baseball games and spend time with her family and her dogs.

Ms. Stephanie is a Director at The Goddard School. She has her Associates Degree in general studies and is almost finished with her Bachelor's Degree in early childhood education. Ms. Stephanie has been working in ECE for over twelve years. She believes that children learn best in a loving structured environment. In her free time, Ms. Stephanie loves to spend time with her 18 year old daughter.

Ms. Ashley Climbing Cubs/First Steps Teacher/Education: Ms. Ashley has her Child Development Associate Credential with a specialty in infants and toddlers/Experience: Ms. Ashley is excited to work at The Goddard School because she feels it is important to emphasize their individual strengths in order to help them learn and grow better.

Ms. Alyssa/ Teacher/ Education: Ms. Alyssa is pursuing degrees in early education and criminal justice/ College/University: Waubonsie Community College/ Ms. Alyssa has been working with children since 2020. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes a classroom should be full of activities that allow for learning through exploration.

Ms. Shannon Romping Rhinos/ Lead Pre-Toddler Teacher/ Education: Ms. Shannon has her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work/ Experience: Ms. Shannon has been working with children since 1998. Ms. Shannon is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes that children learn by exploring at an early age through play.

Ms. NaShondra Snuggle Bears/ Lead Teacher Degree/Education: Ms. Nashondra has her Associates degree in early childhood education/ College/University: University of Arizona Global/ Experience: She has been working with children since 2016. Ms. NaShondra is excited to work at the Goddard School because she believes that it is extremely important for teachers to love the children as if they are their own. She believes children learn by exploration and hands on sensory activities.

Ms. Sheeba Romping Rhinos/Assistant Teacher/Education: Ms. Sheeba has her associates degree in Commerce. She is currently pursuing her Child Development Credential with a specialty in infants and toddlers/College: Karachi University/ Experience: Ms. Sheeba has worked with children since 2023. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes the classroom should be a positive environment that is a safe place for children to learn and explore.

Ms. Helen Learning Lions/ Toddler Teacher/ Education: Ms. Helen is pursuing her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with a specialty in infants and toddlers/ College/University: College of Dupage/ Experience: Ms. Helen has been working with children since 2018. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes it is important to weave creativity into every subject area. Ms. Helen is also fluent in Spanish.

Ms. Naszira Zany Zebras/ Lead Teacher/ Education: Ms. Naszira has a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) with a specialty in infants and toddlers/ College/University: Joliet Jr. College/ Experience: Ms. Naszira has been working with children since 2021. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes it is a teacher's job to provide a safe, warm, and loving environment for children to grow and reach their highest potential. Ms. Naszira is also fluent in Spanish.

Ms. Maribel Zany Zebras/ Lead Get Set Teacher/ Education: Ms. Maribel has her Child Development Credential (CDA) in Early Childhood with a specialty in Toddlers/ Experience: Ms. Maribel has been working with children since 2019. Ms. Maribel is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes that all children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment. She wants to provide challenging and engaging activities that encourage physical, mental, and social growth. Ms. Maribel is also fluent in Spanish.

Ms. Shelby/ Assistant Support Teacher/ Education: Ms. Shelby is currently pursuing a degree in criminal justice/ Experience: Ms. Shelby has been working with children since 2019. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she enjoys working with children and believes that they need an interactive learning environment.

Ms. Abbey Galloping Giraffes/ Lead Preschool Teacher/ Degree/Education: Ms. Abbey has her Child Development Credential (CDA) with a specialty in Preschool/Pre-K/ Experience: Ms. Abbey has been working with children since 2021. She is very excited to be working at The Goddard School because she believes children have different learning styles and personalities, and deserve individualized attention.

Ms. Maya Earnest Elephants/ Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher/ Education: Ms. Maya has a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a bachelor's degree in early childhood education/ College/University: Oakland University and Penn Foster College/ Experience: Ms. Maya has been working with children since 2016. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes it is important to build on each child's strengths, interests, skills, and knowledge. She knows it is a teacher's job to provide opportunities for children to explore, discover, create, and imagine. Ms. Maya is also fluent in Hindi.

Ms. Nidhi Earnest Elephants/ Assistant teacher Pre-Kindergarten/ Education: Ms. Nidhi has her Bachelors and Masters Degree in Biotechnology/ College/University: Charan Singh University/ Ms. Nidhi has been working with children since 2018. She is very excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes that children learn through play. She says, "The more they explore, the more they learn and gain confidence in their skills". Ms. Nidhi is also fluent in Hindi.

Ms. Marisol Learning Lions/Assistant teacher/ Education: Ms. Marisol has her Medical Assistant Degree and is currently pursuing new opportunities in education. Ms. Marisol is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes early childhood education plays a vital role in children's development and can connect with the children. Ms. Marisol is also fluent in Spanish.

Ms. Andrea Support/Teacher/Education: pursuing classes in early childhood education/ College/University: Saddleback College/ Experience: Ms. Andrea has been working with children since 2021. She has experience working with both elderly people and children. Ms. Andrea is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes that life is all about learning and the building blocks of learning start in the early ages.

Ms. Olivia/ Assistant Support teacher/ Education: Ms. Olivia is currently working on a degree in Marketing/ College/University: College of Dupage/ Experience: Ms. Olivia has been working with children since 2022. Ms. Olivia is excited to work at The Goddard School because she wants to help children explore and help make a difference in their future. She believes that “no child should be left behind” and wants everyone feels comfortable in their eductional environment.

Ms. Rhianna / Assistant Support teacher/ Education: Ms. Rhianna is currently working on a Credential in Early Childhood Education/ Experience: Ms. Rhianna has been working with children since 2021. Ms. Rhianna is excited to work at The Goddard School because she wants to help children reach their full potential. She believes that children need a positive engaging learning environment.

Ms. Tiehua / Assistant Support teacher/ Education: Ms. Tiehua has a Master of Law from The University of Illinois/ Experience: Ms. Tiehua has been working with children since 1999. Ms. Tiehua is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes that children thrive on love, care, and inquiry.

Ms. Kiley/ Lead Preschool Teacher/ Education: Ms. Kiley has her Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) in early childhood education with a specialty in 3-5 year olds/ Experience: Ms. Kiley has been working with children since 2018. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes in teaching children creatively to motivate kids to learn and aquire the skills they need.

Ms. Olivia Office Manager/ Education: Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Illinois State University. Ms. Olivia has worked with children since 2015. She is excited to work at The Goddard School to be able to create a supportive relationship with parents and staff while also providing leadership to school administrative activites.

Ms. Chandrika / Assistant Support teacher/ Education: Ms. Chandrika has a BA from India/ Experience: Ms. Chandrika has been working with children since 2008. Ms. Chandrika is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes that all students are unique and that it is the teachers job to help students embrace new information through hands on experiences.

Ms. Jita / Jammin' Gators/ Assistant Preschool Teacher/ Degree/Education: Ms. Jita has her Bachelor's Degree in Science and Technology and has completed her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from William Rainey Harper College. Experience: Ms. Jita has been working with children since 2018 and is excited to be working at The Goddard School because she wants to use her best of knowledge and implement the moral lessons she can teach.