Our Goddard School Teachers

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 bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then took additional courses from UCLA and JJC 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! Ms. Nicole also has two young children who are regulars here at Goddard, Declan and Riley!

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. Kara earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Illinois State University, along with double minors in Spanish and Psychology. She brings more than a decade of experience working with children and a true passion for supporting their development. Ms. Kara believes that children thrive when they feel known, respected, and encouraged. She enjoys creating meaningful relationships with each child and learning about their individual interests, strengths, and goals. Her approach is centered around patience, encouragement, and providing children with the tools they need to grow with confidence. She looks forward to creating lasting memories with students and families while helping children have a positive and enriching school experience!

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. Lauryn holds her Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Science from Illinois State University, where she developed a deep understanding of child and family dynamics. As part of her graduate program, she completed an impactful internship with DCFS, supporting children and families in the foster care system—an experience that further fueled her dedication to early childhood development. Since 2016, Ms. Lauryn has been working in the early childhood education field, gaining hands-on experience with a wide range of age groups. While she has loved each step of her journey, her heart truly belongs to working with toddlers. She finds great joy in witnessing their curiosity, growth, and daily discoveries and considers it a privilege to be part of such an important stage in their development. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Lauryn is all about making memories with the people she loves. Whether she's adventuring through Disney World with her family or diving into a good book!

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!

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. 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.

Ms. Brittany is very excited to begin her journey at The Goddard School! She brings over 10 years of experience in childcare, with a background that includes nannying and working one-on-one with children with autism. Her dedication to supporting children through all stages of development is rooted in both her professional experiences and her passion for helping little ones thrive. Ms. Brittany holds an Associate’s Degree from Joliet Junior College and a Bachelor’s Degree from Aurora University. She is eager to bring her knowledge and enthusiasm into the classroom, guiding children as they reach important milestones and celebrating each success along the way. Outside of the classroom, Brittany loves spending time outdoors and sharing adventures with her son, showing him the many wonders of the world. She strongly believes that children teach just as much as they learn, and she is committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where every child can grow, explore, and shine.

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. 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. 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. Brenda is excited to begin her journey in early childhood education by bringing her warm, nurturing spirit into our school kitchen. With a genuine love for children and a passion for creating meals that brighten their day, she hopes to make every child feel special—with both a smile and a delicious plate of food. As a proud mom of two children who are also part of the Goddard family, Ms. Brenda understands the importance of building a caring, safe, and positive environment. She believes food can be a wonderful teacher and hopes to help children understand that all types of food can be good for our bodies—even if they’re not always our favorites. She also values cleanliness and is excited to show children how important it is to keep our food prep and eating spaces tidy and safe. In her free time, Ms. Brenda enjoys curling up with a good book and spending quality time relaxing at home with her family!

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. Hailey has been working in childcare for seven years and brings both passion and experience to the classroom. After graduating high school in 2019, she earned her Child Development Associate credential in 2021 and is continuing her education at Joliet Junior College, where she is studying to become a pediatric sonographer. Her love of working with children continues to inspire her as she grows in both her career and education. In the classroom, Ms. Hailey’s top priority is creating a fun, welcoming, and comfortable learning environment where every child feels supported and encouraged to explore new skills. She enjoys celebrating each milestone, whether big or small, and takes pride in helping children develop confidence and joy in learning. Ms. Hailey is excited to be part of your child’s journey this year and looks forward to making it a wonderful and memorable experience!

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. 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. Eleni has several years’ experience working with children and absolutely loves being part of their growth and development. While most of her experience has been with preschool-aged children, she has also worked with little ones as young as six weeks and children up to twelve years old. A proud graduate of Minooka Community High School’s Class of 2022, Ms. Eleni went on to earn her Associate’s degree in Art from Joliet Junior College and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at Lewis University. Her goal is to become a first-grade teacher. Ms. Eleni is passionate about creating a warm, engaging, and creative learning environment where every child can explore, learn, and shine.

Ms. Karla has over six years of experience working in early childhood education and truly enjoys supporting children as they grow and learn. She believes in creating a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children feel comfortable exploring, building confidence, and developing at their own pace. One of her favorite parts of working with children is watching them reach milestones and discover their unique personalities. Karla is RBT certified and brings a calm, patient, and thoughtful approach to her work with children. She understands that every child is different and enjoys finding creative and intentional ways to support each child’s individual needs. She values consistency, positive guidance, and meaningful interactions throughout the day. Creativity is an important part of who Karla is. She loves being crafty and enjoys creating balloon decorations and hands-on activities that help make classroom spaces feel welcoming, joyful, and engaging!

Ms. Amy discovered her passion for working with children in high school, where she took two years of child development courses and quickly realized that early childhood education was her calling. Inspired to make a meaningful difference in young lives, she continued her studies at Moraine Valley College, determined to help nurture and guide the leaders of tomorrow. For over 31 years, Ms. Amy has worked in preschool and ECE settings, gaining a wealth of experience and insight into the unique needs of each child. She loves creating a joyful, engaging learning environment where children feel excited to explore, try new things, and develop their confidence. Watching each child grow, learn, and reach new milestones is what she finds most rewarding about teaching. Outside the classroom, Ms. Amy is a devoted wife and mother of two. She enjoys spending quality time with her family through dinners, game nights, and walks, and she finds relaxation and joy in tending to her garden!

With over 10 years of experience working with children, Ms. Ashlyn has developed a true passion for helping little ones grow and thrive. She finds great joy in creating a warm, loving, and nurturing environment where infants feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore the world around them. In the classroom, Ms. Ashlyn loves watching each child reach new milestones and discover their unique personalities. She values the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with both children and their families, ensuring that every child receives individualized care and attention. Her gentle and patient approach helps create a calm, comforting space where little ones can learn through play, music, and sensory experiences. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Ashlyn enjoys spending time with her wife and their two dogs, reading, and being with her extended family. A fun fact about Ms. Ashlyn is that she loves taking her dogs out for pup cups and cozying up with a good book on her days off.

Ms. Madison has her Associate’s Degree in Social Work and is passionate about supporting children as they learn, grow, and develop confidence in themselves. Her journey working with children began through years of babysitting, where she discovered how much she loves helping little ones build independence, explore new skills, and celebrate their accomplishments. Ms. Madison is dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing classroom environment where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. She believes that strong relationships with both children and families are the foundation of a successful early learning experience and looks forward to building those connections with our school community. When she is not in the classroom, Ms. Madison enjoys spending time with her brothers and friends. You can often find her at the movie theater, searching for hidden treasures while thrifting, or curled up with a good book!

Ms. Rachel has always had a passion for early childhood education and helping children learn, grow, and feel confident in who they are. Her love for working with children began during her sophomore year of high school when she joined the Toybox Preschool Program, where she gained valuable hands-on experience supporting young learners. She continued developing her skills while working as an assistant in a before- and after-school care program, where she discovered just how meaningful it is to be part of a child’s early years. Dedicated to continuing her education and growing as an educator, Ms. Rachel completed the Arizona Early Childhood Apprenticeship Pathway Institute and earned her certification as a Childcare Development Specialist. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing classroom environment where every child feels safe, supported, and excited to explore!

Ms. Sofia is currently attending the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she is studying Elementary and Middle Education with an emphasis in Adaptive Education. Her dedication to academics earned her a spot on the Dean’s List during her first two semesters. Coming from a family of educators, Ms. Sofia has always had a passion for teaching and helping children grow. She brings valuable experience working in school-age programs, serving as an after-school care worker, volunteering as a summer camp counselor, and babysitting for more than five years. These experiences helped inspire her future career in education. Ms. Sofia loves building meaningful connections with children and families and strives to create a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels supported, confident, and encouraged to reach their full potential. One of her favorite children's books is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom because of its bright colors, playful rhythm, and engaging storytelling.

Ms. Rini holds a Master’s degree in science and a Bachelor's degree in Education, and has experience working with children in early childhood settings. She is passionate about helping young children learn through play and enjoys hands-on experiences that encourage creativity and curiosity. She believes that every child is unique and deserves a nurturing environment filled with love, encouragement, and support as they grow and develop. Her goal is to help each child build confidence, discover new skills, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time in nature, exploring new places, and making memories with my family. She is also a proud mother of two wonderful daughters, and she loves spending quality time with them and creating special memories together. Ms. Rini looks forward to building strong relationships with children and families at The Goddard School!

Ms. Madison has been babysitting since she was 13 years old and has always had a passion for working with children. Her love for early childhood education was inspired by her mom, who is a teacher. Watching her mom's dedication and passion for her students inspired her to pursue a career working with young children. While in high school, she took child development classes, which further strengthened her passion for early childhood education. She enjoys every age group and loves helping children learn, grow, and reach new milestones. She is currently attending Joliet Junior College to earn her degree in Early Childhood Education, with the goal of becoming a kindergarten teacher. She is passionate about supporting children during these important early years of development and is excited to help them build the skills, confidence, and love of learning that will benefit them for years to come.

Ms. Vicky is a dedicated Early Childhood teacher from Shorewood, Illinois. With over five years of experience working with children in a daycare setting, she holds an Associate Degree in General Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Joliet Junior College. Ms. Vicky also holds a Illinois Paraprofessional License and Early Childhood Education Level 1 Credential. Through her classroom experiences, Vicky has developed a genuine passion for early childhood education, positive leadership, and building strong, supportive teams. She strives to create a welcoming environment where children feel encouraged to learn, explore, and grow. A true lifelong learner, Ms. Vicky is currently continuing her education in Meeting and Event Planning/Hospitality with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Outside of work and school, Ms. Vicky loves spending time with her 4-year-old daughter and being the best mom she can be!

Ms. Sheema is a caring and enthusiastic teacher, who is passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn and grow. She enjoys connecting with children through creativity, hands-on activities, and meaningful experiences. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Sheema enjoys cooking, crafting, and spending quality time with her family. In her free time, she runs Shermanz Crafts, a creative hobby that allows her to share her passion for crafting and participate in vendor events on weekends. Ms. Sheema is excited to bring her creativity, kindness, and love for children to The Goddard School community and looks forward to helping each child feel confident, cared for, and excited to learn!

Ms. Dee has a passion for caring for children that began at a young age as the oldest of eight siblings. She is continuing her education in Early Childhood Education and is dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels safe, respected, and encouraged to learn. As a proud mom to three daughters and grandma to a granddaughter who is part of the Goddard family, she understands the importance of providing care and education that is an extension of the love each child receives at home. When she is not in the classroom, Ms. Dee enjoys spending time with her family, reading, creating art, watching a good movie, gardening, and riding motorcycles with her husband!