I was trained as a neuroscientist and as an educator. I volunteered at a preschool when I was 20 years old at U of M. I have published a peer-reviewed article on brain development as a graduate student at MSU. We are a family-owned and operated school, always looking out for the best interest of the child. We are building an educational community in Rochester Hills. We have two children, and I am very active in their upbringing. We focus on learning through play while maintaining high standards for safety and security. All of our lead teachers have an associate's degree in early childhood and many have bachelor's degrees. The first thing we look at when hiring is that the teacher is warm and loving and cares about the educational process. We hope to take care of your children as if they are our own. Building trust is extremely important to us as a school family. Please click on "Book a Tour" to visit our school in person.

Hello everyone,  My name is Neda Habbal. I am so excited to be joining the team at Goddard School! I was born and raised in Illinois. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where I pursued my bachelor's in Human Development and Learning. I have always had such immense passion for early childhood education because this is where I truly believe children gain their love for education. Children gain their sense of identity through the art of play, which is such a beautiful concept. After graduation, I worked as a TA at a Montessori school and later moved to a lead role position at Guidepost Montessori. My experiences working in a classroom gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of allowing a child the freedom to express themselves through creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression and, as a teacher, providing the proper environment that encourages this!

Hello, my name is Luiza Mici. I have over ten years of experience in the field of education, holding a Bachelor's degree in English and a CDA in Early Childhood Education. I am currently continuing my studies in Communication Sciences and Disorders with the goal of becoming a Speech Pathologist. As a multilingual individual, I have a passion for learning about new cultures and traveling. I cherish my time with children and find great joy in being around them. Educating young children and helping them grow is a sacred and fulfilling calling.

My name is Alexandra, but feel free to call me Miss Alex! I am the lead teacher in First Steps 2. I started working in childcare 20 years ago when I was in graduate school. I have previously been a lead for First Steps, as well as a lead infant teacher. I have also received extensive training in infant and toddler care. I am married and have a wonderful son, who I love to spend my free time with reading, playing video games, and getting outside.

Hello, my name is Aaliyah and I am very excited to be joining the Goddard School of Rochester Hills. I have been a babysitter since I was a teenager. I love working with kids and watching them grow and develop new skills. The kids I cared for have given me many positive experiences. I hope to make great relationships with the staff, parents, and children during my time here at Goddard. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and watching my niece, it brings me joy and warms my heart. I am a very hardworking person and I believe I can do anything I put my mind to. I am very excited to see what new adventures I will encounter from being a part of this team and how much it will open up a new world of understanding for me to learn and grow as a person and a teacher!

My name is Fabiana De Faria. I have been working as a teacher for over 28 years, always in the Early Childhood Education. In the first 10 years of my career, I taught preschool children and then I specialized and worked for another 14 years with children with special needs in preschool age, which is my passion. I have an Associate’s Degree in Pedagogy with a Specialization in Preschool and another Specialization in Special Education. I also have the CDA Certificate. I am married and have a beautiful daughter. I like to walk and travel. I love keeping up and supporting children's development, learning from them every day and I am delighted to be part of the Goddard Schools team.

Hi! My name is Amber. I am currently attending Schoolcraft College for my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. I have always known that wanted to work with children. I've worked in previous centers as well as babysitting when I was younger. In my free time, I love to read and spend time with my family. I am very excited to be apart of the team here at Goddard, and I can't wait to meet you all!

My name is Grace, I am from Malaysia, which is an ethnically diverse country, and in those terms, somewhat like the U.S. Before pursuing my career in preschool child care, I had five years of experience as a Para-Educator at a local elementary school. If time permits, I would like to pursue getting my Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate to enhance my caregiving background skills. I enjoy taking care of children and helping them learn new things and developing well-rounded people skills. It is always a positive experience when the children let me know they are happy to see me and to be with me; I then know I am doing a good job. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and husband going to skating competitions, trying new restaurants, and the movies.

Hi, my name is Desiree! I graduated from GVSU after studying elementary education with specialization in early childhood education. I have 3 years of childcare experience and 1 year of elementary experience. I have worked with many different age groups and found many things to love about them all! Watching children learn new things each day and knowing I can be a positive influence brings me so much joy. I love to read, write, draw, and travel. I can’t wait to become part of the Goddard community and your child’s educational journey!

Hello! My name is Ms. Paola! I finished my university studies in 2018 and graduated as a computer and systems engineer. While I was in high school, I worked as a subdirector at a private computer institute and taught a course called Microcomputer Operator where I taught basic programs starting with typing, Windows, Word, Excel, etc. Then I moved to the United States where I worked as an Assistant Teacher at a childcare center. I have a large family which gave me a lot of experience taking care of my nieces and nephews. I am from Nicaragua so my native language is Spanish! I am learning English through in-person classes as well as online!

Hi, My name is Brianna! I have been working in child care as an assistant teacher for over 4 years now with ages from infant to school-aged. I have also worked with children with Autism in an in-home and office setting for 6 months. I have my CPR certification, and I love working with babies! I am working on obtaining my CDA for Preschool and Pre-K. My favorite thing to do is go shopping and watch movies on my off days. I love teaching and nurturing all ages and plan to do so for the rest of my career.

Hello! My name is Hayeong! I graduated from Oakland University with an Elementary Education major. I have been working with children since 2017. Since I was 15, I just wanted to teach kids because I love kids and when I taught kids and saw them smiling, I was proud of myself. The most important reason why I want to teach is that teaching kid makes my heart warm. When I see young children, I want to share my knowledge of education with them so that their future selves can lead them down the right path to becoming good people. In my free time, I love going to watch movies with my family and friends. I am so glad to be a part of the Goddard School team and very excited to meet your child!

Hola! I am Ms.April I recently moved here 4 years ago from Texas. I have been in early childhood education for 4 years. I always loved working with kids since I was in high school. I am a mom of a 4-year-old boy which has given me more experience, love, and patience. Also as a hobby, I went to cosmetology school, but my main career will always be in early childhood education. I am glad to be part of the Goddard School.

Upcoming, I will be graduating with my Bachelor's in Early Childhood and Behavioral Health from Oakland University. I transferred there from Central Michigan University where I got plenty of experience with different daycares from Infants to preschool as I did my internships. Before working here, I worked with behavioral health in teen girls. I really enjoy working at Goddard! The environment for the kids and teachers is always safe and open with creativity, not only does Goddard focus on the children but the family as well. Outside of work, I enjoy playing piano, making music, sports, and painting. I do a lot of volunteering at my university; right now I'm with their leadership development program. I’m so glad I get the chance to be a part of your child’s life while we help them grow and learn and make so many amazing memories. I’m so excited to continue to see everyone and myself grow together.

Hi there! My name is Katie. I have worked previously with children on the Autism spectrum, providing 1 on 1 therapy. I was a part of that field for 5 years and decided I wanted to make the jump into teaching. I have always loved children and helping them grow and learn. My favorite thing is when a child achieves a new skill and watching the joy radiate! When I'm not at school, you can find me with my husband, spending time reading, or crocheting. I am so excited to see where my adventures at Goddard take me next. Thank you so much for trusting me and allowing me to spend time with your sweet babies every day.

Hi there! I'm Meghan! I graduated form Oakland University in 2022 with a Bachelors in Psychology. I have worked in the social work field with at-risk youth for the past 3 years, and recently decided to take a breather and pivot over to education! I have always loved working with kids and watching them grow and learn every day. I hope one day to obtain my CDA! In my free time I like to read, spend time with my fiancé, and play with my niece Coco (she's a mini dachshund)! I am so excited to be a part of the Goddard family and to see your children blossom.

Hello, My name is Sabrina. I have been working with children since I was 17 years old. I have been a swim instructor, swim school manager, and currently teach Music at Expressions Music Academy as well! I have always loved working with kids, which is why when I started my collegiate career I first chose a Music Education degree. In time I realized that wasn’t the right fit and will be graduating this summer from Oakland University with a Political Science Major and a Music Minor. I am so excited to be joining the team here a Goddard!

Hello! I was born in Iraq in 1974. I graduated with a diploma teacher's degree back in Iraq. I also have a certificate in Childs Psychology. I’ve been a teacher from 2005 till 2014. I’m competent, distinguished, and energetic! I cannot wait to get to know your families more!

My name is Ishita. I graduated in arts from India. I have been with Goddard Elementary for almost 2 years. I love working with children. I have one daughter who keeps me very busy with various activities. In my free time, I enjoy baking and cooking.

Hi! My name is Ms. Kasey. I was born and raised in Texas and moved to Michigan 3 years ago. I have a wonderful husband who I have been married to for 26 years. We have a daughter (23), and twin boys (13). I've been working with preschool-aged children for 13 years (ages birth to 4 years old). I have a degree in Arts/Early Childhood Education. It is a pleasure and honor to be part of your child's life!

My name is Shahana and I have been working in childcare for seven years. I love working with kids because they have so much energy and I enjoy watching them develop new skills throughout the year. In my free time, I spend time with my family, play badminton and go for walks.