Our Goddard School Teachers

Hello! We are the Kempl family: Kristine, Kevin, Mason and Soren . We are previous (and current) Goddard parents, which led us on this journey to open a Goddard School to share our experience with local families and provide the opportunity for each child to build a strong foundation for school and life. Kristine has a Masters in Occupational Therapy, which focuses on developing or rehabilitating appropriate emotional and motor development across the lifespan. Kevin has a background in business management and entrepreneurship. We believe every child should have the opportunity to excel in a safe, nurturing and enriching environment. We are excited to partner with you and provide an inclusive space for your child to learn and grow. We would love to be an extension of your family! We look forward to hearing from you! Warmest regards, Kevin & Kristine Kempl Phone: 248-313-4102 Email: Novi2MI@GoddardSchools.com

Hi, my name is Ashley and I am so excited to be the Program Director here at Goddard. I have a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education Administration along with many years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. I have worked in every position from an assistant teacher to a lead teacher and with every age group from Infants through Pre-K. I have been a Program Director for over 8 years. I have 2 children; Madilyn who is 13 and Jedidiah who is 6. In my free time you can find me with my children, wonderful boyfriend and step son, spending time outdoors, going up north, or watching movies. My guilty pleasure is reality TV, all things Christmas, and I love to cook!

Ms. Bethany is our schools wonderful Assistant Director! She helps in all areas of the school from curriculum implementation to event planning. She has been working with children for over 7 years and has a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. Outside of work you will find her reading a book. She has a very adorable dog named Fiona. Ms. Bethany's favorite dessert is ice cream.

Ms. Sharmika is our Lead PreK 1 Teacher! She has her CDA, a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, and is currently working toward her Master’s degree in Early Childhood & Community Health. She has been working with children for over 15 years. Ms. Sharmika’s favorite activities to do with children are science experiments and art projects. She enjoys working with kids because she loves watching children grow, learn new skills, and gain confidence in themselves. She believes children learn best through hands-on experiences and play. A fun fact about Ms. Sharmika is that she loves monster trucks and professional wrestling! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and making new memories together. Her favorite children’s books are any of the “Little Critter” books!

Ms. Alexis is our Assistant Teacher! She is currently working on her CDA and has worked with children for over 9 years. Some of Ms. Alexis’s favorite activities to do with the children are art projects, coloring, reading, and sensory play. She enjoys working with children because she loves watching children learn, grow, and discover new things every day. A fun fact about Ms. Alexis is that she has fed lemurs before! In her free time, she enjoys reading, building LEGOs, and attending sporting events. Her favorite children's book is “Is Your Mama a Llama?”.

Ms. Rakshanda is our Assistant Pre-K 1 Teacher! She is currently working toward her CDA and has worked with children for over 8 years. Some of Ms. Rakshanda’s favorite activities to do with the children are reading books, creating art projects, and practicing phonics skills. She enjoys working in childcare because she finds it incredibly rewarding and loves having the opportunity to be a positive role model while they are experiencing the world first hand. A fun fact about Ms. Rakshanda is that she loves keeping things organized and speaks four languages! In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, cleaning, and working out. Her favorite books to read with the class are the “Little Critter” stories!

Mrs. Lisa is our Assistant Infant Teacher. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and has been working with children for 38 years. Mrs. Lisa wants all families to know that she will love and care for your child each day. Ms. Lisa’s favorite activities with children are those that involve sensory and motor skill development. She enjoys working with children because she loves watching them grow, learn, and develop their own unique personalities. A fun fact about Ms. Lisa is that she loves fishing and visiting the library! Her favorite children’s book is Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi.

Ms. Kat is our Lead Toddler 3 Teacher! She has her CDA and has worked with children for over 8 years. Ms. Kat’s favorite activities to do with the children are running outside on the playground, dancing, and being silly! She enjoys working with children because she loves watching them grow and become more independent each day. A fun fact about Ms. Kat is that her favorite colors are yellow and pink! In her free time, she enjoys coloring and playing with her dog, Amaya. Her favorite book to read with her class is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

Ms. Alex is our Lead Toddler 2 Teacher! She has her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication. She joined our team on opening day in 2022 and has over 11 years of experience working with children. Ms. Alex’s favorite activities to do with the children are art projects and sensory activities. She loves working with children because she believes it is more than just a job and that children become an important part of her life. She enjoys building meaningful connections, caring for each child, and watching them grow, learn, and reach new milestones. A fun fact about Ms. Alex is that she grew up in Greece! In her free time, she enjoys traveling, biking, swimming, and watching movies with her family. Her favorite children’s book is “Pete the Cat”!

Ms. Amanda is our Lead First Steps Teacher! She has worked with children for over 7 years and has been a valued member of our Goddard family for 4 years. Some of Ms. Amanda’s favorite activities to do with the children are sensory and art activities. She enjoys working with children because she loves seeing their faces light up when they arrive each day, watching their confidence grow, and celebrating those special “lightbulb” moments when they master a new skill. A fun fact about Ms. Amanda is that she has 5 nephews and 1 niece! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going camping, and watching movies. Her favorite books to read with the children are Anything by Eric Carle and Love You Forever.

Ms. Joan is our Assistant Toddler 2 Teacher. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literacy. She has been working with children for over 30 years and has been working with us since the school opened in 2022! Ms. Joan’s favorite activities to do with children are arts and crafts, sensory play, and dramatic play. She enjoys working with children because she loves seeing them smile, learn something new, and be kind to the world around them. A few fun facts about Ms. Joan are that she has traveled extensively and lived in Alaska. She has also worked as an editor and copywriter. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, gardening, and creating arts and crafts. Her favorite children’s book is “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein.

Ms. Barbara is one of our very helpful All School Assistants. She has been working with children for over 5 years and has a daughter of her own. She loves working with children because she loves to be a part of their progress and blooming personalities from early childhood. Fun fact about Ms. Barbara is that she is from Hungary. In her free time she enjoys hiking, reading and art projects.

Ms. Jenny is our Assistant Pre-K 2 Teacher! She has been working with children for over 46 years and has been working with us since the school opened in 2022! Ms. Jenny’s favorite activities with children are science projects, gardening, and art. She is also our school’s gardening expert. She takes care of our garden and enjoys sharing her love of nature with the children. She enjoys working with children because she loves how eager they are to learn. A fun fact about Ms. Jenny is that she knows how to sew and cook! In her free time, she enjoys learning about cats and dogs. Ms. Jenny’s favorite children’s book is “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”.

Ms. Emily is our Co-Lead Infant Teacher. She is currently working on her Infant/Toddler CDA and has been working with children for 5 years. Ms. Emily’s favorite activities with children are creating art projects and reading stories. She enjoys working with children because she loves seeing how proud they are when they learn something new. A fun fact about Ms. Emily is that she owns ducks! In her free time, she enjoys caring for her animals, spending time outdoors, and being with her family. Her favorite children’s book is Where the Wild Things Are.

Ms. Lorna is our Lead Preschool Teacher! She has a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning and has been working with children for over 3 years. Ms. Lorna’s favorite activities with children are art projects and math activities. She enjoys working with children because she loves engaging in activities with them and helping them learn through play. A fun fact about Ms. Lorna is that she is from Brazil and enjoys cold weather! In her free time, she likes visiting coffee shops, going to the mall, watching movies, and taking family trips. Ms. Lorna’s favorite children’s books are classic stories such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Little Red Riding Hood.

Ms. Jordyn has worked with children in various ways over the last several years. One of her favorite activities to do with children is arts and crafts, she enjoys seeing their different art styles and their excitement over what they have created. Ms. Jordyn became a teacher because she loves being part of children's early stages of life and being able to support and watch them grow. Ms. Jordyn's friendly personality and willingness to always help makes her a great fit in our office alongside our Director and Assistant Director. Fun fact about Ms. Jordyn, she just moved to Michigan from California!

Ms. Alyssa is our Lead Get Set Teacher! She is curly working on her CDA and has worked with children for over 5 years! Ms. Alyssa has wanted to teach for her whole like and fell in love with Early Education! Some of Ms. Alyssa’s favorite activities to do with the children are science experiments and creative art projects! She enjoys working with children because she loves to witness them reach their goals and milestones. A fun fact about Ms. Alyssa is that she has two dogs, two cats, and a snake! During her free time, she enjoys drawing, embroidery, bird watching, and reading with her wife! Her favorite children’s book to read to the children is Frog and Toad.

Ms. Alysa is our Assistant Toddler 2 teacher! She has worked with children for over 3 years! One of Ms. Alysa’s favorite activities to do with the children is coloring! She enjoys working with children because she loves to see them grow and learn new things everyday! A fun fact about Ms. Alysa is that she has a daughter and her father is a paster! In her free time she loves to bake and go shopping. One of her favorite children’s book is “Dr. Seuss Oh the Places You’ll Go”!

Ms. Liz is our Lead Toddler 1 Teacher! She has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, her Teaching License, and over 20 years of experience working with children. Ms. Liz’s favorite activities to do with the children are sensory activities and art projects. She loves working with children because she enjoys watching them grow, learn, and discover new things each day. A fun fact about Ms. Liz is that her favorite color is black! In her free time, she enjoys redoing things and giving them a fresh, new look. Her favorite children’s book is Winnie the Pooh!

Ms. Jessica is our Assistant Toddler 3 Teacher. She has been working with children for over 4 years and is always excited to build new connections with the children and families in her classroom. Ms. Jessica’s favorite activities with children are hands on learning experiences and playing games outside. She enjoys working with children because she loves watching them grow, develop, and learn new things. A fun fact about Ms. Jessica is that she loves learning new languages! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her nieces and being outdoors. Her favorite children’s book is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”.

Ms. Kendal is our Co-Lead Infant Teacher! She is currently working toward her CDA and has been working with children for 3 years. Ms. Kendal’s favorite activities with children are nature-based activities and arts and crafts. She enjoys working with children because she loves watching their growth and development. A fun fact about Ms. Kendal is that she can play the piano! In her free time, she enjoys reading and trying new foods. Her favorite children’s book is A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

Ms. Amanda is our Assistant First Step teacher! She has worked with children for over 15 years! Some of her favorite activities to do with the children are circle time and arts & crafts! She enjoys working with children because she loves to build a connection with them and loves watching them learn! A fun fact about Ms. Amanda is that she is a twin! During her free time she enjoys hiking, outdoor markets, and spending time with her family and friends! Some of Ms. Amanda’s favorite children’s books are “Oh the Places You’ll Go” and “Dr. Seuss”.

Ms. Ashley is our Assistant Toddler 1 Teacher! She has an associate degree in General Studies and is currently working toward her degree in Pediatric Nursing. She has also been working with children for over 4 years. Ms. Ashley’s favorite activities with children are those that involve sensory play. She enjoys working with children because she loves watching them grow and learn, and she appreciates being a small part of their development. A fun fact about Ms. Ashley is that she is always the shortest person wherever she goes! In her free time, she enjoys painting, watching TV, and sleeping.

Ms. Rachel is our Lead Pre-K 2 Teacher! She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and has been working with children for over 3 years. Ms. Rachel’s favorite activities with children are drawing and creating art with chalk. She enjoys working with children because she loves the conversations she has with them and watching them grow throughout the year. A fun fact about Ms. Rachel is that she has a cat named Lily! In her free time, she enjoys drawing, playing cards, and trying new coffee drinks. Ms. Rachel’s favorite children’s book is “Frog and Toad”.

Ms. Bri is our Lead Summer Camp Teacher! She has her associates in art and is currently working toward a Bachelors degree! She has worked in childcare for over 6 years! Ms. Bri says that she feels the most fulfilled while teaching and helping children grow! Some of Ms. Bri’s favorite activities to do with the children is art projects, science projects, and sensory activities! She enjoys working with children because she loves to watch them grow and gain new skills! A fun fact about Ms. Bri is that she was in choir for 6 years in Middle School and High School! During her free time she enjoys painting, crafting, cooking, and being outdoors! Her favorite children’s book to read to the children is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”!

Ms. Martha is one of our all school assistants. She loves fostering children's social and emotional development and enjoys their spontaneity, energy, and enthusiasm. Ms. Martha enjoys listening to music and reading in her free time. Fun fact, Ms. Martha grew up in Mexico!

Ms. Kayla is one of our assistant teachers! She has always had a love for children and watching them grow. Ms. Kayla enjoys doing arts and crafts with the children in the classroom. In her free time she enjoys writing and learning about history. Her favorite color is green and the most important things to her in her life are love and family.

Ms. Taylor is our Assistant Prek 1 teacher! She is currently working on her CDA and has worked with children for over 10 years! Some of Ms. Taylor’s favorite activities to do with the children is art and science activities! She enjoys working with children because she loves to make new and everlasting memories with them! A fun fact about Ms. Taylor is that she is a self publishing author! In her free time she enjoys writing and playing video games! Her favorite children’s books are Goosebumps and “Pete the Cat”!

Ms. Michelle is one of our Floater Teachers! She has worked with children for over 21 years! Ms. Michelle says that she cares about the children she teaches and treats them like they are family! Some of Ms. Michelles favorite activities to do with the children are reading books, singing, dancing, and doing art projects with them! She enjoys working with children because she loves to have fun with them, show them that she cares about them to make them happy. A fun fact about Ms. Michelle is that she feels younger than she is! In her free time she enjoys reading, watching movies, working out, and going on nature walks. Her favorite children’s book is Pete the Cat.

Ms. Kacee is our Assistant Toddler 1 Teacher! She is currently working toward her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and has over 3 years of experience working with children. Ms. Kacee’s favorite activities to do with the children are sensory activities and art projects. She enjoys working with children because she loves being a part of their growth and helping each child learn new skills along the way. A fun fact about Ms. Kacee is that her favorite color is purple! In her free time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her dog. Her favorite children’s book is “Little Excavator”.

Ms. Priya is our Assistant First Steps Teacher! She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and has been working with children for over 4 years. Some of Ms. Priya’s favorite activities with children are art projects, singing, and reading books. She enjoys working with children because she loves helping them learn new things and discover the world around them. In her free time, Ms. Priya enjoys traveling, cooking, and gardening. Her favorite children’s books are Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and Goodnight Moon.

Ms. Ashley is our Assistant Toddler 3 Teacher. She is currently working toward her associates degree and has been working with children for over 5 years. Ms. Ashley’s favorite activities to do with children are drawing and playing with them. She enjoys working with children because she loves being able to watch them grow and learn while building meaningful relationships with them. A fun fact about Ms. Ashley is that she speaks Spanish! In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym. Her favorite children’s books are the “Pete the Cat” series.

Ms. Caroline is our Assistant Preschool Teacher! She has worked with children for over 4 years. Some of Ms. Caroline's favorite activities to do with children are art projects and dancing. She enjoys working with children because she loves watching their progress and seeing them learn new skills. A fun fact about Ms. Caroline is that she loves camping and hiking in her free time! Her favorite children's book is If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

Ms. Noelle is our Assistant Toddler 1 Teacher! She has been working with children for over 10 years. Ms. Noelle’s favorite activity with children is reading. She enjoys working with children because she loves seeing them learn new things and watching them grow and develop. A fun fact about Ms. Noelle is that she has two dogs who are brothers and two cats! In her free time, she enjoys playing video games. Ms. Noelle’s favorite children’s book is Where the Wild Things Are.

Ms. Nyssa is our Assistant Preschool Teacher! She has her CDA and has worked with children for over 3 years! Some of her favorite activities to do with children are painting and reading books! She enjoys working with children because she loves the never-ending stories they come up with! A fun fact about Ms. Nyssa is that she grew up in South Texas and she loves scary movies! During her free time, she enjoys being outdoors or cooking something different! She also has 2 dogs named Bunny and Rio, plus a cat named Woody! Her favorite children’s book to read is “I Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch.