Jane & Boris are the proud owners of The Goddard School in Plainfield! Together, they are dedicated to building a strong community through high-quality early childhood education. Jane holds degrees in Business and Psychology from Bradley University and a Master’s in Education from DePaul University. With a background as an elementary education teacher, Jane is passionate about early childhood development and fostering a love for learning in young children. Boris has degrees in Finance and Technology, as well as an MBA from the University of Chicago. Before joining Jane to open The Goddard School, Boris worked as a consultant at Accenture, where he honed his strategic and operational expertise. Beyond their professional lives, Jane and Boris are a family-focused duo. They are proud parents to two children, Nona and Maks. Their household also includes Nika, an adorable Labradoodle, and Camille, a leopard gecko that keeps things lively.

Ms. Nicole graduated from Governors State University Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Psychology. She then took additional courses from UCLA to continue her education in working with children and to enhance her leadership skills. Ms. Nicole has more than 10 years of experience working in the Early Education field both in the classroom and in leadership. Ms. Nicole also was named "Teacher of the Year" in 2020! After marrying her husband in 2020, she proudly welcomed her son, Declan, who is now a regular at Goddard!

Ms. Alyssa loves working with children! She began nannying during the summertime at 18 years old. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with her bachelor’s degree in Family Individual Development. Ms. Alyssa started her career at KinderCare in 2014 and taught Pre-K and Preschool. She then moved to Michigan for some time and taught at the Goddard School there. While at the Goddard School, she started in their toddler room and moved to Pre-K. When Ms. Alyssa returned to Illinois and began nannying for multiple children of a wide range of ages. A fun fact about Ms. Alyssa is that she has a daughter that she enjoys spending all of her time with! She looks forward to creating lots of memories for your little ones and helping them blossom along the way!

With a passion for early childhood education that began in 2008, Ms. Michele brings years of experience, dedication, and heart to her role as Assistant Director. She holds an associate’s degree in arts and has continued her studies in Early Childhood Education at National Louis University, always striving to grow as an educator and leader. Ms. Michele loves creating enriching, playful environments where children can explore, imagine, and grow. Her interests in art, music, and science shine through in the classroom, inspiring curiosity and creativity in every child she works with. Outside of work, Ms. Michele enjoys spending time outdoors—camping, kayaking, and hiking with her family. She’s a proud mom to three wonderful daughters and shares a busy, love-filled home with two dogs and two cats. She is looking forward to watching each child grow, learn, and blossom during their time here.

Ms. Tiffany has her associate degree from Joliet Junior College. She has over eight years working with children ages six weeks to school aged children. Ms. Tiffany especially enjoys teaching our tiniest learners in the infant room. Ms. Tiffany says her favorite part of teaching children is seeing their smiling faces. During her free time, she enjoys hanging out at home relaxing and spending time with her niece and nephew!

Ms. Yumna is an experienced lead teacher with over 5 years in the classroom and a dedication to Early Childhood Education since 2011. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from the College of DuPage and is also a Certified Child Development Associate (CDA). Passionate about working with the youngest learners, Ms. Yumna is devoted to fostering progress in all aspects of a child's development—academic, social, language, and motor skills. She thrives on the challenge of creating a positive, enjoyable learning environment that supports each child's growth. In her personal life, Ms. Yumna enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family. Ms. Yumna looks forward to collaborating with parents as partners in their child's growth and development.

Ms. Jessica is thrilled to be teaching here at the Goddard School! With an associate degree in education and teaching and over 8 years of preschool teaching experience and 5 years in childcare, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. Ms. Jessica's passion lies in making learning enjoyable for preschoolers, often incorporating hands-on activities and lively songs. Her favorite preschool books include any from the Llama Llama series. Witnessing the moment when ideas click in a child's mind and celebrating their accomplishments brings her immense joy. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Jessica enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family and friends. Having recently moved to the state of Illinois and Plainfield, she is eager to explore and discover the wonderful aspects that make Plainfield unique.

Ms. Aliona is a passionate educator with a deep love for languages and a heart for inspiring young minds. She holds a degree in Secondary Education, specializing in teaching French and Italian. With over a decade of experience working with teenagers since 2011, Ms. Aliona has honed her skills in creating engaging and nurturing learning environments. After moving to the United States, Ms. Aliona expanded her horizons and immersed herself in early childhood education for over a year. Her diverse background in education allows her to bring a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to her current role. As a proud parent of two wonderful children, Ms. Aliona understands firsthand the importance of a positive and supportive environment for a child’s growth and development. She is dedicated to fostering a loving and stimulating atmosphere where children can thrive, explore their potential, and cultivate a lifelong love for learning.

Ms. Maddie is an enthusiastic and dedicated educator who recently joined the Goddard School community. She graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Health Sciences, specializing in Speech and Hearing. Currently, she is pursuing additional coursework in preparation for her Master’s in Nursing with a focus on Neuroscience, a field she finds deeply inspiring. Ms. Maddie’s passion for working with children drives her every day. She is continually amazed by the curiosity and creativity of young minds and takes great joy in helping them explore, learn, and grow. She is committed to fostering a nurturing and engaging classroom environment where each child feels supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Ms. Maddie looks forward to getting to know the unique and wonderful children in her care. She is excited to be part of their educational journey and is eager to celebrate their individual needs!

Ms. Christina combines her passion for education with her love for nurturing young minds. With an associate degree in Arts from Moraine Valley and her current pursuit of a degree in Elementary Education at National Louis University, Christina brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her classroom. Her five years of experience as a paraprofessional in the Plainfield school district have deepened her commitment to inspiring children and fostering a love of learning. At home, Christina enjoys family life with her husband, a dedicated Deputy Sheriff for Cook County, and their three wonderful daughters. Ms. Christina believes that a classroom should be a sanctuary of safety and growth, where children are encouraged to help every child in her care thrive and reach their fullest potential.

Ms. Shana is a proud graduate of Northern Illinois University with a degree in Elementary Education. With over 14 years of experience in early childhood education, she began her journey in ECE in 2011, working with children of all ages before finding her true passion in Pre-K. She dedicated over a decade to preparing young learners for success before transitioning to an office coordinator role at a local park district. Ms. Shana is thrilled to return to the classroom at The Goddard School in Plainfield. She is committed to fostering a nurturing, engaging environment that encourages exploration and creativity. With a passion for early learning, strong communication skills, and a dedication to each child's success, Ms. Shana is excited to inspire and support young learners every day.

Ms. Jasmin is currently taking classes at Joliet Junior College to earn her degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Jasmin thought she wanted to be a pediatrician, but quickly realized that she did not like intensive math courses and decided to continue her education with a degree in which she could pursue teaching. Jasmin believes that being around her younger siblings and her experience nannying only helped her love for children grow. She hopes to impact each child’s life in a positive manner by helping them grow both academically and socially. During her free time Jasmin loves reading, baking, and playing music!

Meet Ms. Mackenzie! Mackenzie graduated high school from Plainfield North High school in 2023. She will be attending University of Western Michigan to study Early Childhood Education. Growing up, Mackenzie was always around children due to her mom owning an at home daycare. Helping out as much as she could, she found her passion in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Mackenzie started to nanny and babysit at the age of 14 and knew right away this was the career for her! Ms. Mackenzie thoroughly enjoys spending time with your wonderful children and cannot wait to create more memories and help them grow to their full potential!

Ms. Emily is a recent graduate from Bolingbrook High School whose passion for working with children has blossomed into a captivating journey. Throughout her last two years of high school, Ms. Emily was enrolled in a program at Wilco, where she learned invaluable real-life skills, particularly in the enchanting realm of preschool education. With a heart full of enthusiasm and a mind brimming with practical know-how, Ms. Emily is set to continue her educational journey at Joliet Junior College, pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. Her commitment goes beyond textbooks; she eagerly anticipates the opportunity to learn side by side with the children she's dedicated to nurturing. Thrilled about the prospect of being a catalyst in the growth of these young minds, Ms. Emily is delighted to contribute her skills and knowledge as she joins the esteemed team at the Goddard School.

Ms. Kyeana brings to the table a wealth of expertise, boasting over four years of dedicated experience in the realm of child development. A proud alumna of Well High School, she seamlessly weaves her passion for education with a personal touch. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Kyeana finds joy in watching movies, indulging in retail therapy, and embarking on family vacations with her husband and son, who is also part of the vibrant community at Goddard. Her heart for working with children transcends mere profession; it's a calling grounded in the sincere desire to be a positive force in their lives and to forge lasting connections. Ms. Kyeana is not just an educator; she is a cultivator of relationships and a beacon of inspiration for the young minds under her care.

Ms. Surbhi is a dedicated educator driven by a profound love for nurturing young minds. Armed with a master's degree in human resources and social welfare, Ms. Surbhi's journey into teaching began in the enchanting realm of early childhood, where her true calling was discovered. As a parent of two wonderful children, she deeply understands the importance of fostering a positive environment for little ones to thrive. When not shaping futures in the classroom, Ms. Surbhi can be found cherishing moments with her family, tending to her garden, or unleashing creativity through crafting and painting. What ignites her passion for teaching is witnessing the boundless potential in every child—their curiosity, enthusiasm, and capacity for growth inspire her each day. Ms. Surbhi invites you to join her on this journey of learning, growth, and discovery, where together, we'll nurture the brightest futures for our children.

Mr. Reese is currently immersed in his educational journey at Joliet Junior College. With a remarkable seven-year tenure in Scouting, Reese achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, demonstrating resilience and leadership skills that he now brings to his academic pursuits. Amidst the lively atmosphere of his family home, where he shares cherished moments with three beloved siblings, a loyal canine companion, a friendly feline, and two adorable pigs, Reese finds inspiration in the joy of family bonds. His passion for storytelling and writing infuses his days with creativity and imagination, sparking smiles and wonder in all who encounter his tales. An avid collector of mugs, Reese delights in the simple pleasures of life and finds solace in the warmth of a cozy cup. With a heart brimming with compassion and a vision focused on nurturing young minds, Reese aspires to embark on a career in early childhood education. Driven by his profound desire to instill knowledge and kindness in fu

Ms. Jo is a vibrant and fun-loving art enthusiast who finds immense joy in working with children who deeply values the spontaneity and humor that kids bring into her life and is passionate about fostering an environment where their creativity can flourish. Currently, Jo is attending the University of Saint Francis, where she is diligently pursuing a degree in Art Education. Her ambition is to become an art teacher who inspires young minds to express themselves through innovative and unique artistic expressions. Jo is committed to creating a positive and supportive space where children can explore their creativity without boundaries. She believes that every child has an inner artist just waiting to be discovered and is dedicated to helping them unlock their potential in a nurturing and encouraging atmosphere. With a deep love for art and a heart full of enthusiasm for working with kids, Jo is excited about the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of her young learners!

Ms. Skylar is excited to be graduating Spring of 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in art and is eager to continue her educational journey by pursuing a master’s degree in education. Her passion for working with children has blossomed over the years through her involvement at her church in Georgia, where she found immense joy in helping young minds grow, explore, and thrive. Skylar is thrilled to bring her creative background into the classroom, with a focus on fostering a warm, supportive, and engaging environment. She looks forward to making each child feel valued and inspired, while nurturing their curiosity and love for learning.

Ms. Alma is an enthusiastic and caring member of the daycare team who is passionate about nurturing young minds. Graduating from East Aurora High School in 2022 with a "Seal of Biliteracy," Alma has a strong ability to connect with children and families from diverse backgrounds. With two years of experience in retail, she has developed essential skills like patience, responsibility, and attention to detail, all of which she brings into her work with children. Alma finds true joy in seeing the smiles and happiness on children's faces as they engage, play, and grow together.

Meet Ms. Kristina! With over 10 years of experience in childcare, including nannying and teaching in various centers, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. Ms. Kristina is dedicated to creating a nurturing and engaging environment where children can thrive as they reach important milestones. She loves exploring her creative side through photography, diving into computer games, and listening to music. When she’s not working, she cherishes quality time with her family, which includes her two wonderful children—a son and a daughter—and their furry companion, a beloved dog. A fun fact about Ms. Kristina is that she was a gymnast for an impressive 15 years! This dedication to hard work and perseverance shines through in her approach to teaching and supporting young learners. Committed to her professional growth, Ms. Kristina plans to continue her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education!

Ms. Ume brings over six years of passion and experience in early childhood education to our school. Having taught in Pakistan, she combines a global perspective with deep expertise in fostering young learners’ development. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Allama Iqbal Open University and has earned three specialized diplomas in Montessori teaching methods from the Pakistan Montessori Council. Her hands-on experience in early childhood education has given her a profound understanding of child development, emphasizing the crucial role of play in learning. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Ume's background in retail has honed her focus, attention to detail, responsibility, and patience—qualities she seamlessly integrates into her teaching approach. Ms. Ume is excited to create a nurturing and engaging environment where your children can learn, grow, and explore the world around them. She looks forward to being a part of your child’s journey and supporting their unique needs!

Ms. Dawn is a proud mom of two energetic boys who are also part of the Goddard family, making her connection to our school extra special. She cherishes spending quality time with her family, whether they’re cooking up delicious meals together, creating art through drawing, or simply enjoying each other's company. Ms. Dawn initially pursued pre-pharmacy studies at Joliet Junior College but discovered her true calling in Early Childhood Education. With over seven years of experience in the field, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a warm, nurturing approach to her role as a teacher. Her background also includes compassionate caregiving for special needs adults and seniors, which has given her unique insight and patience that she incorporates into her teaching. One of Ms. Dawn’s favorite childhood characters is Stitch from Lilo & Stitch. Much like Stitch, Ms. Dawn embodies the spirit of ‘ohana, fostering a sense of family and belonging in her classroom!

Ms. Dilini has been dedicated to nurturing and educating children since 2014. With a Bachelor of Arts in History from the esteemed University of Peradeniya, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep appreciation for learning into the classroom. As a mother herself, Ms. Dilini understands the importance of creating a warm and welcoming environment where children feel safe, valued, and free to explore their curiosity. She firmly believes that a classroom should be a haven for interaction, growth, and discovery, fostering a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. When she’s not in the classroom, Ms. Dilini enjoys immersing herself in the world of books. Her passion for reading inspires her to share stories and spark imagination in young minds. Ms. Dilini is excited to partner with families in supporting their children’s growth and development, making every day a positive and enriching experience!

Ms. Britney has been passionate about working with children since 2021 when she first began her career in early childhood education. She started in a daycare setting, working closely with toddlers in the 2-3-year-old classroom, where she fostered a love for learning through play and hands-on activities. Eager to expand her impact, Ms. Britney earned her paraprofessional license and transitioned to a therapeutic day school, where she worked with young elementary-aged children with Autism. She gained valuable experience supporting nonverbal children, helping them communicate through assistive devices, and creating a nurturing environment tailored to their unique needs. She later worked with older students in a 4th/5th-grade classroom before returning to her true passion—working with younger elementary children. With her experience in both early childhood education and special education, Ms. Britney is dedicated to creating a warm, inclusive, and engaging environment!

Caring for children has always been a big part of Ms. Katrina’s life. From an early age, she found joy in babysitting for family and friends, quickly becoming the person everyone called when they needed a trusted and nurturing caregiver. Her dedication to childcare deepened through her experience with her younger brother, who has autism. While there were challenges along the way, she believes this experience has shaped her patience, compassion, and understanding of the unique needs of every child. During high school, Ms. Katrina took part in a hands-on Intro to Teaching course through the Grundee Area Vocational Center (GAVC), where she had the opportunity to work closely with kindergarten and third-grade classrooms. This experience confirmed her love for teaching and strengthened her desire to make a difference in children's lives. Ms. Katrina has always dreamed of fostering children and providing them with a loving, nurturing home. Her heart is truly in helping little ones grow!

Ms. Kaylee has been dedicated to working with children for over 13 years, gaining valuable experience with every age group along the way. She finds immense joy in watching children learn, grow, and develop in their own unique ways. Seeing their excitement as they reach new milestones and gain confidence in themselves is what makes her passion for teaching so fulfilling. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Kaylee loves spending time outdoors. She enjoys taking her dog on long walks, hitting the golf course with friends and family, and making the most of sunny days by the river—whether it’s boating, fishing, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature. She is excited to bring her energy, experience, and love for teaching into the classroom every day!

Ms. Reina has been dedicated to working with children since she was 15 years old, beginning her journey through babysitting. She has always had a deep passion for teaching and believes strongly in making sure every child receives the same love and care at school that they would from their own family. She cares for each child as if they were her own, always striving to create a warm and supportive environment. Outside of the classroom, she has a passion for photography and loves capturing life's special moments. Ms. Reina believes that every child has the capability to become independent and confident. She is committed to encouraging and teaching independence, while patiently guiding children through the emotions and steps needed to get there. Her goal is to help every child grow not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

Ms. Cindy began working in Early Childhood Education over two years ago and quickly developed a passion for supporting young minds as they grow. She is currently studying psychology in college with the goal of becoming a child therapist. Cindy has experience working with all age groups and has served as a co-teacher in Infant through Pre-K classrooms. She is especially passionate about building strong connections and secure attachments with the children in her care. Cindy is also a proud mother of two young children. Since joining the Goddard family, Cindy has felt warmly welcomed and is excited to continue growing and making a positive impact at the center.

Ms. Stephanie is currently working toward her degree in Elementary Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her passion for teaching began early—growing up in a home where her mother ran a daycare and later became a teacher at Grande Park Elementary. Surrounded by children from a young age, Stephanie naturally stepped into a caregiver role as the oldest of three siblings and started babysitting over eight years ago. Since the fall of 2016, she has been a dedicated volunteer at Grande Park Elementary, where she’s gained valuable classroom experience and confirmed her desire to become an educator. Ms. Stephanie loves building connections with children and creating a warm, supportive learning environment. In her free time, she enjoys being with friends and family, traveling, walking her dogs, and watching baseball. Her caring nature and dedication to helping children grow make her a wonderful addition to our Goddard family!