Our Goddard School Teachers

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.

Hi, I’m Taylor Hentgen! My family and I are from Michigan, and that’s where I spent most of my early years. However, I also had the opportunity to spend some time in Chicago. I studied Child Development at Michigan State University (Go Green!) and earned my master’s in Early Childhood Education with a focus on Administration and Advocacy from Erikson Institute in Chicago. I have been in the early childhood field since 2014. I’m passionate about early childhood because I believe these years lay the foundation for who children will become. My leadership style is rooted in relatability and support. I love sharing classroom ideas and strategies to help teachers thrive. Outside of work, I enjoy cycling, walking outdoors, fishing, and spending time with family. I look forward to meeting your family!

Hello, my name is Luiza Mici. I have over twelve 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.

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!

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 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 Katie, and I am the Lead Teacher in our Toddler 1 classroom. I was born and raised in Colorado, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Event Planning. As a mother of two, my passion for working with children grew naturally and led me into the field of early childhood education. I truly enjoy supporting young learners as they explore and begin to understand the world around them. Being part of each child’s growth and development is incredibly rewarding, and I feel grateful to make a positive impact in their early years every day.

Hi, my name is Faith! I have worked in early childhood education since 2021. I also have experience working with children with autism spectrum disorder. I am currently continuing my education at Macomb Community College, working towards my associate degree in early childhood education. I have always loved working with children and often spent my time babysitting when I was younger. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and reading. I look forward to getting to know you and your kiddo! 

Hello! My name is Hayeong, and I graduated from Oakland University with a major in Elementary Education. I have been working with children since 2017 and have always had a passion for teaching. Ever since I was young, I’ve loved helping children learn and grow, and seeing their smiles brings me so much joy and pride. Teaching truly warms my heart, and I’m dedicated to guiding children as they develop into kind, confident, and curious learners. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies with my family and friends. I’m so happy to be part of The Goddard School team and can’t wait to meet your child!

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!

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.

My name is Tiffany, and I am excited to be a part of the Goddard community! I bring over six years of early childhood experience, working with children of various ages, from infants to school-age kids. I believe in creating environments where children are encouraged to take ownership of their learning through choice, curiosity, and meaningful experiences. Building strong relationships with children and getting to know them personally helps us understand and support their individual learning styles. Thank you for allowing me to care for and nurture your little ones.

Hello families. My name is Ms. Elise, and I am so excited to be your child's Lead Teacher in the Early Preschool room. I am originally from Curitiba, Brazil, and I moved to Michigan in 2017. I bring over 5 years of experience working with toddlers and preschoolers, and I am currently continuing my education at Oakland Community College, where I'm working toward my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. I also complete regular professional development through MiRegistry and CCEI, focusing on child development, positive guidance, observation, and curriculum planning. These trainings help me provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom where children can learn, grow, and explore every day. My favorite part of working with this age group is watching children become more independent, use their words to express feelings, and discover their own creativity.

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!

Hello! My name is Ms. Carli! I am so excited to be joining this Goddard School family! I was born and raised in Pennsylvania but my family moved here from Texas about a year ago. I have been working in childcare since 2013 and love it! Over the years, I have worked with every age from infant to seniors in high school. I have also worked with special education programs in an elementary school for the past 3 years focusing on autistic behavior intervention. I have two amazing kiddos, my son is 10 years old and my daughter is almost 1! In my spare time, I love to go on adventures exploring new areas with my kids and husband. Photography, music, and everything Disney are some of my favorite things. I look forward to getting to know your family and being a part of your childs journey!

Hi! My name is Mrs. Karpagavalli but everyone calls me "Abby". I was born and raised in India and moved to Michigan 8 years ago. I completed my Master's in business Administration in 2016. I began my work career in early childhood while pursuing my masters and I love it. I have a caring husband and beautiful daughter (7yrs) who keeps me occupied. Outside the classroom, I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, cooking, exploring new places and picking up new hobbies. I believe each day is a new day that brings forth new opportunities. I'm excited to serve Goddard School with a mindset to support, uplift and empower our students.

Hello, my name is Erin Nahinurk, and I am the Pre-K 1/GSRP teacher. I bring over 25 years of experience working with young children, ranging from toddlers through school-age. Throughout my career, I have developed a strong passion for early childhood education and supporting children’s growth and development. I have also served as a Director at a Christian center for two years, where I gained valuable leadership and administrative experience. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement from a college in North Dakota. After relocating to Michigan in 2002, I continued my professional growth by returning to school in 2011 to obtain my Childcare Administration credentials. In 2015, I also earned my ministry license. In addition, I have experience working with children with special needs and am committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing learning environment for all students. I joined The Goddard School in November 2025

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.

Hello, my name is Jenna, and I am a Pre-K2 GSRP teacher. I am currently in my final year of studying for my degree in Education. In my free time, I enjoy doing pilates, going for walks, and reading books. I truly love being a teacher and feel grateful for the opportunity to help your child learn, grow, and thrive every day.

I started working in childhood with different ages since 2018. I have had experience with all ages of children for 10 years. I have a degree in early childhood education. I love crafting, spending time with family, friends and, my dog who is a golden doodle. I also love binge watching tv shows. I have been in Rochester hills my whole life. 

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.

Hello all, I'm Ms. Thamires and I am so excited to be part of the Goddard School team. I came from Brazil around 6 months ago, and I`m loving this experience to live in the States, and learning this amazing new culture my love is just growing here meeting these new kids, I love kids and when I became a mother it was double confirmed. I am married and have a 3-year-old daughter our big love. I am sure we have an important mission to educate them and show the infinite opportunities that life can offer, creating important memories and daily evolution. I feel privileged to be in this incredible school and mission with kids that I loved from the first moment I arrived here, and it will be a privilege for me.

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.

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!

Hi all! My name is Ms. Figueroa. This is my first year with Goddard Schools, I live in Troy with my husband Chris and my three children Nikki (15), Chris (12) and Dany (7). I started in childhood education since 2013, I love teaching, as an ESL elementary teacher in Mexico, I enjoy learning, exploring, reading, having fun and be part of become a better person during the first years of their children’s life’s it’s very grateful. I go for vacations to Mexico, visit my parents and my two sisters in Mexico, eating tacos and tamales, visiting my friends. I like listening to music, painting and watching tv. I enjoy fall season, seeing all the colors in the autumn leaves, chilly weather and preparing hot cocoa!

I am from St. Clair Shores. I grew up in the Troy/Rochester area. I have my family nearby. I started working in September 2001 in early childhood education. I have a passion for helping others so later I recievied my education mastering in social work and then worked in field. I went to Maddonna University for my bachelor's and Eastern Michigan for my masters degree.Years later, I had my son whom I am so grateful for who made me decide to go back to early childhood because I really enjoyed being around childhood and that's where I thrive. I really enjoy working with all ages of childhood. It's so fun to watch them grow and development. My hobbies include diamond art painting, reading and spending time with my family and friends. You will catch me every weekend cheering on my son in soccer games and tournaments!

Hello, My name is Ms. Ally. This is my first year as an assistant teacher here at Goddard schools. I was born and raised in Michigan but completed my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Atlanta, GA, where I lived for 4 years. I officially got my start in childcare as a camp counselor, but I’ve been a bossy older sister for most of my life. After four years of working just at a summer camp I decided to pursue childcare and education full time after graduating college. I am passionate about helping people of all ages learn and explore in a fun environment. I enjoy finding ways to use my love of art to create fun activities for children and a beautiful space for them to learn. In my spare time to I enjoy nature walks, painting, reading, and trying to convince people to watch the PWHL (women’s hockey). Also Go Red Wings!

Hello! My name is Rana, and I’m so happy to be a part of the Goddard School. I completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. I have built rapport with countless of children and love conversing with each and every one. I have three kids -two in college and one at an International Bachelorette school, and am married to my loving husband. My hobbies include going to the gym, meeting with the friends, and hanging out with my children. I am excited to play an active role in the care of children and promoting a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Hello, my name is Raghed, but you can also call me Rose. I moved here about four years ago from California where I worked with kids for three years of all ages. I don’t have any kids of my own but I’m an aunt to eight kids. I’ve always loved being around children and being part of their learning and growth. In my free time, I enjoy doing fun activities with my husband & our friends whether it’s going out, doing actives or just spending time together. My goal is to create a safe, fun, and comforting space where kids feel happy and parents feel at ease.

My name is Madison , and I am so excited to be apart of the Goddard community! I have over five years of childcare experience. I’ve worked with many ages from infants to fifth grade! I worked for two years with emotionally impaired children at a public school in Waterford and fell in love. I believe every child deserves kindness and patience especially when they’re having big feelings! I have an adorable cat named shadow who is my whole world. I like to travel and spend time with family whenever I can. I am passionate about child hood development and watching children grow and thrive. I am looking forward to being apart of your child’s journey.