Our Goddard School Teachers

Meet Co-owners, 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 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, attention to detail, 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. Melissa is a director at The Goddard School. She has lived in Naperville for over 29 years and has raised 2 boys through district 204. 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. She is passionate about curriculum that is developmentally appropriate, incorporates early learning standards, uses effective assessment strategies, and uses authentic materials that make learning meaningful. Melissa has been working with children since 1989 as both a teacher and administrator. She fosters an environment of respect, trust, and teamwork. Most importantly, she hopes to empower others and inspire the education community.

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. 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. Karrina Earnest Elephants/ Lead teacher Pre-kindergarten/ Education: Ms. Karrina has her associates degree in early childhood education/ College/University: College of Dupage/ Ms. Karrina has been working with children since 2016. She is very excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes in a gentle hands on approach to learning. She strives to create a learning environment that fosters children's trust and emotional security. She is patient and understanding with a focus on children’s individual needs.. Ms. Karrina also enjoys traveling the states to help children during mission trips in her off time.

Ms. Jita Jammin' Gators/ Lead Pre-Kindergarten 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.

Ms. Cristina / Assistant Support teacher/ Education: Ms. Cristina is working on a degree in Early Childhood Education at Joliet Jr. College/ Experience: Ms. Cristina has been working with children since 2022. Ms. Cristina is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes that all students should be treated with respect and thrive in a positive learning environment.

Ms. Nidhi Terrific Toucans/ Lead teacher Preschool/ Education: Ms. Nidhi has her Child Development Credential with a specialty in Preschool/Pre-K as well as a 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. Ashley Galloping Giraffes/Preschool Teacher/Education: Ms. Ashley has her Child Development Associate Credential/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. Sanjukta / Assistant Support teacher/ Education: Ms. Sanjukta has a BA in English Literature from India and a Masters in Human Resource from University of Delhi/ Experience: Ms. Sanjukta has been working with children since 2017. Ms. Sanjukta is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes that children learn best through exploration and hands on experiences.

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. Helen Zany Zebras/ Bridge 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. Maribel Learning Lions/ Lead Toddler 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. 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. Alyssa Romping Rhinos 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. Aneesa / Assistant teacher/ Education: Ms. Aneesa has a BA in Liberal Arts/ Experience: Ms. Aneesa has been working with children since 2024. Ms. Aneesa is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes in fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and nurturing the whole child.

Ms. Shannon Climbing Cubs/ Lead First-Steps 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. 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. 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. 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. Reshmi / Lead Support Teacher/ Education: Ms. Reshmi has a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Education/Experience: Ms. Reshmi has been working with children since 2016. Ms. Reshmi is excited to work at The Goddard School because her teaching philosophy centers on child-centered learning and creating a safe-loving environment. She feels it is important to have a supportive environment that builds confidence in children. She enjoys building warm connections with families.

Ms. Namrata / Assistant Support teacher/ Education: Ms. Namrata has a bachelor's degree in commerce/Experience: Ms. Namrata has been working with children since 2022. Ms. Namrata is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes that children learn best through exploration and hands on experiences. She wants children to feel comfortable at school with an importance in communication between home and school. In her off time, Ms. Namrata spends time with her husband and daughter.

Ms. Lucy oversees the daily operations of the school's kitchen, ensuring safe and nutritious meals are prepared and served according to DCFS and Health Department guidelines. She oversees food preparation and kitchen operations, maintains cleanliness, and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations.