Our Teachers

Johann Hunter is the on-site owner of The Goddard School located in Saugus. Johann and her husband Mark have a daughter and two young sons. They recognize the importance of a safe and nurturing learning environment. Johann is excited to be able to provide Goddard's outstanding program to the children in the community. Subsequent to earning her Bachelor's degree in Economics and MBA in Business Management Johann found herself entrenched in the educational development of her oldest son. As a result, Johann developed a passion for early childhood education and, understands the importance of these critical foundational years. She looks forward to sharing her passion with the families of Saugus and the surrounding communities.

Mark Anthony Hunter is the co-owner of The Goddard School of Saugus. Mark and his wife, Johann, have a daughter and two young sons. They recognize the importance of a safe and nurturing learning environment. Mark and Johann are excited to be able to provide Goddard's outstanding program to the children in the community. Their goal is to be a resource for families as well as a school community where parents can share information and learn from each other. Favorite children's book: Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio

Being a parent of two children in the Goddard program, I'm passionate about providing families a safe and nurturing environment for their children to learn and grow. I have over a decade of experience managing a small family business in the North Shore. From this experience I plan to bring effective communication, enthusiasm and creativity to make the Goddard School the trusted premium daycare in the Saugus community. I am married with 2 children under the age of 4. I enjoy spending time with my family and horse back riding outside of work. I am excited for this opportunity to contribute to the growth and happiness of every family at the Goddard School. I look forward to getting to know each child and family and working together to create a nurturing and supportive community.

Ms. Kristen is the Director of the Goddard School of Saugus. Kristen has a Bachelor's degree from Lesley University and over 18 years of experience in early education. She previously served as the Assistant Director at another childcare center. Ms. Kristen is also the proud mom of 3 kiddos and lives locally in the Melrose district.

Ms. Ashley has held many roles during her career from teacher to director, in both non- and for-profit early education settings. She has over 17 years of experience in education. Ashley has taught in both elementary and early childhood classrooms and previously supervised Bright Horizons and YMCA early childhood schools and programs. Ashley enjoys her role as a Director because it provides the best of both worlds: inspiring educators to provide meaningful experiences for children, and igniting children's life-long love of learning, all while forming close relationships with children and their families. Ashley received a BS in Early Childhood Education and BA in English from Salem State University. Ashley holds a Massachusetts Teaching License from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in grades Pre-K through 2, as well as certifications through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

Mr. Chris studied Early Childhood Education at The Ohio State University and Wheelock College. He has been working in Early Childhood Education for 14 years. Through this time he has worked with children from infancy to middle adolescence. His passion is to create a strong foundation for learning through developing a safe supportive environment for children. He lives in Newton with his wife; Melissa, daughter; Grace, and dog; Nelly. He enjoys learning about child development and psychology, as well as spending time with his family.

Ms. Poovei is a teacher in our PreK Classroom. She has a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and then received her teacher certification from Penn Foster College. “I love teaching Pre-Kindergarten children because they are more independent, funny, creative, loveable, curious, and their interactions with family and those around them will help shape their personality and their ways of thinking and moving.” In her free time she loves painting and spending time with her wonderful husband and two amazing children. Part of our Family since: February 2019

Ms. Donna is a teacher in our K-Prep Classroom. She is an EEC certified teacher for both infant/toddler and Preschool. “I love when the children are happy and smiling when they learn something new.” Ms. Donna loves to teach children new things. Favorite Children’s Book: “Cat in the Hat” By Dr. Seuss Part of our Family since: August 2024

Ms. Kat is a teacher in our Preschool classrooms. She is EEC certified in infant/todder and preschool. “My favorite thing about teaching is that I enjoy watching them grow not only physically, but cognitively and socially. I enjoy watching them becoming independent and the excitement they get when they accomplish things on their own. Most of all being the reason a child smiles. I can tap into my inner child and see the world through the children's views." In her free time she enjoys watching Bravo shows, walks, the gym, traveling and laughing with friends and family. Favorite Children’s Book: The Napping House and Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham Part of our Family since: August 2023

Ms. Bella is a lead teacher in our Preschool Classroom. Currently, she is a student at Salem State University where she is majoring in Early Childhood Education. “I love watching the children grown and thrive in learning new skills!” Favorite Children’s Book: Pete the Cat books Part of our Family since: June 2022

Ms. Yenifer is a teacher in our Preschool 1 Classroom. She studied Earlier Childhood Education. “my favorite thing about teaching is seeing the progress of each child. I enjoy playing, reading, learning from them and being a part of the new generation.” In her free time she enjoys walking and reading. Favorite Children’s Book: Pete the Cat Collection Part of our Family since: April 2024

Ms. Michelle is a Teacher in our Preschool classroom. She has been in the Early Childhood Education field for over 33 years and she has her associate’s degree in child development (CDA). “The best thing about teaching is seeing the smiles on the children’s faces when they mastered a new skill. I love watching how they grow and develop from the beginning to the end of the school year.” Michelle has 2 white labrador retrievers and in her free time she loves to walk on the beach with her husband and her dogs. Favorite Children’s Book: “Sadie the Snowman”, “The Mitten” and “The Magic Fish” Part of our Family since: September 2024

Ms. Rim is an assistant teacher supporting all our classrooms. She has her associate’s degree and is working towards her EEC Certificate. Her favorite thing about teaching is seeing how clever kids are. In her free time, she loves cooking different kinds of food and watching series on Netflix. Favorite Children’s Book: “Llama Llama” books Part of our Family since: December 2024

Ms. Hue is a teacher in our Toddlers Classroom. She studied Early Childhood Education at North Shore Community College. “The best thing about being a teacher is watching the children grow!” “I love being a part of a community that helps children learn and grow. My favorite age group is older Toddlers and young PreSchoolers because they are so full of curiosity and I have so much fun playing with them – they can be so silly sometimes!” She is a mom of 3 teenagers and in her free time she enjoys walking, cooking and playing with her kiddoes. Favorite Children’s Book Author: Dr. Seuss Part of our Family since: April 2019

Ms. Ana is a teacher in our Preschool 2 Classroom. She is currently pursuing her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. “My favorite thing about teaching is making a positive impact on children’s lives. I love to teach but I also love to learn, and I discover something net everyday.” In her free time she enjoys diving into a good book, discovering new dining spots and exploring new destinations. Favorite Children’s Book: Dr. Seuss Books Part of our Family since: August 2023

Ms. Sam is a teacher in our Get Set Classroom. She attended Northern Essex Community College where she received her Teacher Certification. “My favorite thing about teaching is watching the kids grow and turn into their own little people.” In her free time she enjoys the beach, the woods, dogs and coffee. Favorite Children’s Book: So Many Cats! Beatrice Schenk de Regniers Part of our Family since: June 2022

Ms. Sophie is a teacher in our Toddler Classroom. “Watching the children grow and seeing their personalities more.” I Love Mo Williams, his books are funny and I enjoy reading it to the kids Part of our Family since: July 2022

Ms. Aileen is a teacher in our Toddlers Classroom. She is a graduate of Lynn Classical High School. “My favorite thing about teaching is building bonds and relationships with the children and their parents. I love getting to be a part of their lives and watch them grow.” In her free time she enjoys spending time with her little sister and bake all kinds of desserts. Favorite Children’s Book: Dr. Seuss Books Part of our Family since: February 2024

Ms. Sarah is a teacher in our Toddlers Classroom. She as an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked in group settings with children as well as supporting families one-on-one. “My favorite age group is Toddlers because they are open to explore and always willing to try new exciting activities.” She is a mom to her amazing son, and he makes her smile and laugh every day. In her free time she enjoys hiking, going to the beach, chasing sunsets and trying any new outdoor adventure with her husband and son! Part of our Family since: December 2021

Ms. Alba is a teacher in our First Steps Classroom. She is a graduate of Urban College. Her favorite thing about teaching: “I love this job because I love children. I like to teach them to sing and dance. I also love to decorate the classroom.” In her free time she enjoys listening to music, watching movies and going to the beach. Favorite Children’s Book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Part of our Family since: January 2023

Ms. Natally is a Teacher in our Toddler Classroom Part of our Family Since:

Ms. Mei is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler classrooms. “Teaching offers a nurturing environment where students can truly thrive, find their voice, and build their self-confidence. It plays a significant role in shaping children’s lives, fostering hope and inspiration in their journeys of growth.” Favorite Children’s Book: “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” By Eric Carle Part of our Family since: September 2024

Ms. Marina is a teacher in our Infant 2 Classroom. She is currently enrolled at Northshore Community College. “My favorite thing about teaching is seeing the kids accomplish different milestones while growing, it makes me so happy and proud of them.” In her free time, she enjoys journaling and painting. Favorite Children’s Book: “Oh, the Places You'll Go!” Part of our Family since: January 2024

Ms. Aminta is a teacher in our Infant Classroom. “I Love what I do! The best thing about teaching is seeing the students thrive with their growth and development right in front of me. Their smiles can light up my day if it’s a gloomy one. I love getting to take notes and photos and share them with their families.” She is also a swim instructor and has a bearded dragon. Favorite Children’s Book: Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss Part of our Family since: September 2023

Ms. Krista is a Floating teacher who supports all of our classrooms. “The best thing about teaching is getting to know the kids!” Favorite Children’s Book: If You Give A Mouse A Cookie by Laura Numeroff Part of our Family since: September 2021

Ms. Dominica is a Floating Teacher and helps prepare the snacks for the classrooms. “The best thing about teaching is getting to bond with the children and bringing them positivity every day.” She loves the children and people she works with! Favorite Children’s Book: “On the Night You Were Born” by Nancy TIllman Part of our Family since: September 2023

Ms. Eileen is a Floating Assistant. Most recently, she worked for a large Pharmaceutical Company in Cambridge until retirement. “I have always wanted to work with children, and this was the perfect opportunity to do so. I am finding that it is more enjoyable than I had ever imagined!” She has a son, daughter and two grandsons that she spends most of her free time with. She also enjoys football, hockey, and taking our dog for log walks. Part of our Family since: October 2021

Ms. Marina is a Floating Assistant. Currently attends Malden Catholic High School. "My favorite age group is preschool because I love watching their personalities develop and seeing the grow. Working with the children and seeing them happy makes me happy! Aside from school and work, I love to go on walks and watch Disney movies and travel!" Part of our Family since: March 2022

Ms. Savannah is a Floating Assistant. “My favorite thing about teaching is seeing the kids similes every day!” She is always happy to be at work! Favorite Children’s Book Author: Dr. Seuss Part of our Family since: May 2023