Meet Our Goddard Family

Our expertly trained and experienced teachers and staff blend the highest standards in early childhood education and development with nurturing care to help your child have fun while growing physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

Careers

If you want to help shape the hearts and minds of young children in a fun, nurturing environment, we’d love to have you work with us! We’re always looking for great teachers to join our family.

Check Out Our Job Listings

Warm, Nurturing & Highly Trusted

Learning happens best in a warm and nurturing environment, which is why our teachers take the time to make sure your little one feels safe and cared for every day to help them develop a lifelong love of learning. 

Expertise & Skills

Our caring teachers are highly experienced in the best methods to support your child with teachable moments of exploration, discovery and learning each and every day. 

  • Ms Elizabeth

    Ms Elizabeth

    Executive Director
    Ms. Liz has been in Early Childhood Education for over 10 years. She studied at Rock Valley College and Kendall College in Chicago, where she focused on Early Childhood Education. Previously, Ms. Liz worked as a center director for 11 years and taught Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten classes. Liz brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her ultimate goal is to provide unwavering support and guidance to everyone within Goddard. She is thrilled to build new relationships with the families and students at The Goddard School of Plainfield.
  • Ms Jessica

    Ms Jessica

    Director of Education
    Ms. Jessica graduated with a degree in Health and Human Sciences with an emphasis in Child Development from Northern Illinois University. Ms. Jessica has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 15 years. Her favorite thing about working in education are the relationship’s that she forms with the children, families, and staff. Ms. Jessica resides in Plainfield with her husband Chris, and two daughters, Laila and Amelia. Laila and Amelia are also students at the Goddard School! As a family they enjoy taking walks and going on bike rides, trying out local restaurants and watching Disney movies. Ms. Jessica is excited to be a part of the Goddard Family!
  • Ms Nicole

    Ms Nicole

    Director of Operations
    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 Jada

    Ms Jada

    Lead Teacher
    Ms. Jada is currently studying at Joliet Junior College to earn a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been working in childcare for over 6 years and has worked with the youth in her church as well. She is the proud mother to her amazing son, Malachi, who also attends Goddard! Ms. Jada enjoys educating our tiniest learners and helping them grow! In her spare time she enjoys shopping, music, traveling, graphic design and spending time with her god children.
  • Ms Sheila

    Ms Sheila

    Lead Teacher
    Ms. Sheila has been working with children for over 22 years. Ms. Sheila has previously worked with children ages two to three years old and also has nanny experience. Additionally, Ms. Sheila has three children of her own, who are her entire world and who Ms. Sheila spends most of her free time with. Ms. Sheila loves shaping children's minds and she decided when she was a little girl that she wanted to make herself a career in early childhood education. Ms. Sheila received her CDA in 2018 and is continuing her education to receive a degree in Early Childhood Education.
  • Ms Tiffany

    Ms Tiffany

    Lead Teacher
    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 Jade

    Ms Jade

    Lead Teacher
    Ms. Jade been working with children since 2015 where she started her career with children as a nanny. Ms. Jade graduated from Lockport Township High School in 2017 and from Hair Professionals for Esthetics in August 2022. After finishing school, Ms. Jade chose to take a break from college to give herself a chance to dig a little deeper into her other passions. Currently, Ms. Jade is attending Elmhurst College to finish her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Her hobbies include cuddling up in bed with her dog Rosy and son Beckham (who is a Goddard regular), shopping, and baking! Ms. Jade is excited to get to know your little ones and have a great time learning with them!
  • Ms Gisselle

    Ms Gisselle

    Lead Teacher
    Ms.Gisselle has several years of experience caring for children in the early education field. Her passion for teaching children began with nannying, and she continued pursuing that passion and took a job at an early childhood center. Ms.Gisselle has worked with children whose ages range from infants up to four years of age. Her favorite part of teaching is shaping children’s minds and allowing them to be creative and open to any adventures that may arise! She recently received her CDA in October 2022. Ms.Gisselle’s main goal is to teach children to become independent and to enjoy learning because she truly believes that learning is fun and exciting!
  • Ms Alyssa

    Ms Alyssa

    Lead Teacher
    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!
  • Ms Daniella

    Ms Daniella

    LEAD TEACHER
    Ms. Daniella has a strong passion for social emotional learning, inclusivity, and neurodiversity. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Aurora University in Social Work and specialized in Child Welfare and in schools. After graduating, Ms. Daniella worked for DCFS as a caseworker, an ABA Behavior Therapist, and currently works as a school Social Worker in the Oswego School District. In Ms. Daniella’s free time, she enjoys yoga, bike riding, and spending time with friends and family. Ms. Daniella looks forward to creating strong connections between students and families at The Goddard School of Plainfield.
  • Ms Angelica

    Ms Angelica

    Lead Teacher
    Ms. Angelica is currently studying at Waubonsee Community College to earn a degree in Education. In the past, she has worked as a nanny for her family and friends. Ms. Angelica is excited to enrich children’s lives with her exciting lesson plans and everything that she is currently learning in her classes! Her favorite book is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and any of Dr. Seuss' books!
  • Ms Lillian

    Ms Lillian

    Assistant Teacher
    Ms. Lily is our intern here at Goddard! She is a Senior at Joliet Catholic Academy and loves working with all our children! Ms. Lily is an avid dancer and has experience teaching children’s dance classes and being an assistant teacher. Ms. Lily plans on getting her degree to become a Child Psychologist. Her favorite part of working with children is watching the various interactions and reactions children have throughout their day!
  • Mr Isaias

    Mr Isaias

    Assistant Teacher
    Mr. Isa has been working with children for over 10 years, and in the early childhood education field for over 4 years. Mr. Isa is currently working towards a degree in early childhood education. As an assistant, Mr. Isa helps lead teachers achieve maximum success with their lessons and overall operations. Mr. Isa approaches teaching young children with an “embrace the unexpected” attitude. He puts the "fun" in fundamental learning! Isa loves watching the children express themselves creatively and watching them enjoy learning. His favorite part of teaching is watching the children’s’ faces when they have that “aha” moment during a lesson.
  • Ms Jasmin

    Ms Jasmin

    Assistant Teacher
    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!
  • Ms Mackenzie

    Ms Mackenzie

    Assistant Teacher
    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 Liliana

    Ms Liliana

    Chef
    Chef Lily graduated Culinary School in 2006. Since graduating, Chef Lily has worked in various settings ranging from high end restaurants in Chicago to school cafeterias in the suburbs. During the pandemic of 2020, Lily became a chef at an early childhood center, where she discovered her love for teaching and children, and also teaching children how to cook! Chef Lily believes in helping the children learn how to express themselves through the culinary arts and that there is no strict "recipe" to follow when it comes to learning!
  • Ms Brianna

    Ms Brianna

    Assistant Teacher
    Meet Ms. Bri! Bri's passion for coaching and mentoring children began during her sophomore year of high school, where she discovered a natural talent for imparting the fundamentals of basketball to eager young minds. Bri graduated from Minooka Community High School and then devoted herself to the YMCA summer camp program. It was there that she honed her exceptional abilities in creating exciting and enriching activities for kids of all ages. Bri's dedication to working with children led her to pursue a degree in Elementary Education, so that she can continue to inspire and uplift young learners for years to come. Her ultimate dream is to lead her own high school or AAU basketball team, sharing her expertise and love for the sport with a new generation of athletes.
  •  Kara

    Kara

    Lead Teacher
    Ms. Kara be a Senior at Illinois State University this upcoming fall! Ms. Kara graduated from Minooka Community High School in 2020. Ms. Kara is seeking a Business Administration degree with a double minor in both Spanish and Psychology at Illinois State. She has been working with children of all ages for the past 10 years! After graduating college, she would love to attend Law School and become a Family Lawyer! The most rewarding experience for Ms. Kara so far while working with children is to establish a connection and allowing each child to always reach their goals because it is so important to see them grow in their own ways!
  • Ms Philomena

    Ms Philomena

    Assistant Teacher
    Mina is driven by a deep passion for working with children and gaining insight into their unique perspectives on the world. Building strong relationships with both students and parents is a top priority for her. Currently, Mina is pursuing her studies at JJC, with the goal of transferring to the University of St. Francis to earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She brings prior experience as an after-school counselor at the YMCA, which has honed her skills in nurturing young minds. Mina eagerly anticipates her time in the classroom, where she has already gained invaluable insights and is excited about the opportunity for further personal and professional growth alongside the children.
  • Ms Yumna

    Ms Yumna

    Lead Teacher
    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.
  •  Emily

    Emily

    Assistant Teacher
    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.
  •  SharmilaDevi

    SharmilaDevi

    Assistant Teacher
    With a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from India, Ms. Sharmila brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for nurturing young minds. Her journey into childcare began as a result of her commitment to understanding and shaping children's growth. Ms. Sharmila is not just a caregiver; she's a caring educator who creates a nurturing and stimulating environment at The Goddard School. She designs engaging activities, ensuring your children learn and explore in a fun and creative manner. Devoted to early childhood development, Ms. Sharmila values the importance of these formative years. As a family-oriented individual, she cherishes every moment with her loved ones and extends the same warmth to the children she cares for.
  •  Jessica

    Jessica

    Lead Teacher
    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.
  •  Vittoria

    Vittoria

    Assistant Teacher
    Ms. Vittoria has been involved in high level care of children from newborn to adolescent for over 25 years as a nanny, daycare specialist, and mother of three spectacular kids. Her passion for early childhood development is unparalleled, and she has always set herself apart in her work with infants with profound visual and auditory impairments. Vittoria is one of those rare individuals that can identify with and communicate effectively with young children on their level in a myriad of environments. Her core belief that all children learn through the establishment of trust, love, and in the fostering of a safe and consistent environment allows her to nurture young minds while providing the structure that is needed to connect effectively. Ms. Vittoria joins the Goddard school after working at District 202 in Plainfield.
  •  Kyeana

    Kyeana

    Assistant Teacher
    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.
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