Jody McManus was inspired to open The Goddard School after falling in love with a Goddard School her daughter attended. Jody has a bachelor’s degree in psychology & a minor in business. She has two children, Morgan & Brayden. Jody is committed to providing a learning environment that fosters creativity, independence, critical thinking skills, resilience & a love of learning. She believes learning must be individualized to meet children where they are to help them achieve their full potential. The Goddard School in Rock Hill offers an array of industry-leading curriculum programs, including Chess and Spanish. They also prioritize the development of social/ emotional skills. With extensive training in “Conscience Discipline,” Goddard faculty help students learn to self-regulate and manage their emotions, which is key to their future success. Ultimately, Jody’s goal is for every graduate to feel confident, be inquisitive and remain excited about learning in kindergarten and beyond.

Ms. Lacey is the Director of Education for our school. She has a Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood and Speech Language Pathology from Missouri State University. Ms. Lacey has worked with children since 2006 in the capacity of Teacher, Assistant Director, Director, Therapist and as a Mother. What she truly enjoys and finds rewarding is the connection made with both the students and their families.

Ms. Kerry is the Assistant Director of our school. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Work from UMSL. Ms. Kerry has worked with children since 2012 and joined our school in September 2015. She enjoys spending time with her husband and her two sons, Isaac and Jacob. Ms. Kerry also enjoys camping, reading, and puzzles.

Ms. Kaitlin is a Lead Teacher in our Infant Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Webster University. Ms. Kaitlin has worked with children since 2010. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and baking. Her favorite color is lime green. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching children’s excitement when they learn something new and are successful. She is very excited to have her daughter just down the hall and a part of the Goddard School family.

Ms. Abigail is an Assistant Teacher in our Infant Classroom. She is currently a student at Fontbonne University pursuing her degree in Fine Arts with aspirations of becoming an Art Therapist in order to contribute to children's well-being through creative expression. As a teacher, Ms. Abigail enjoys watching children learn and grow which she finds very fulfilling. A fun fact about her is that one of her favorite hobbies is jewelry making.

Ms. Olivia is a Lead Teacher in our school. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Mizzou. She has the most experience working with infants and two-year olds. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the children develop and grow. Ms. Olivia finds it very rewarding to watch a child become more articulate, demonstrate more advanced fine and gross motor skills as well as overall progression in development. A fun fact about Ms. Olivia is that she has two dogs, both of which she rescued from the side of the road.

Ms. Halee is the Lead Teacher in our First Steps Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Ms. Halee has worked with young children in a learning environment, since 2016. Her favorite things about teaching young ones are seeing them use what they have learned, being able to interact with them personally, and the ability to put a smile on their little faces. A fun fact about Ms. Halee is that she loves tea so much that she begins and ends each day with a cup of it.

Ms. Emily is an Assistant Teacher in our First Steps Classroom. She is currently attending St. Louis Community College as she obtains her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Her favorite aspect about teaching is the joy she gets as she creates a safe and fun space for all the children to learn. A fun fact about Ms. Emily is that she has seven siblings and she loves to bake.

Ms. Deriyah is an Assistant Teacher in our First Steps Classroom. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree at Harris-Stowe State University. She has experience working with children through babysitting, church nursery and vacation bible school. Her favorite part about teaching is being a part of the childrens learning experience. A fun fact about Ms. Deriyah is that she loves to dance and play sand volleyball.

Ms. Lucy is the Lead Teacher in our Young Toddler Classroom. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Webster University. Ms. Lucy has been working with children since 2006 and has been with our school since 2013, teaching in the Choo Choo Station Classroom for almost all of that time. Her favorite thing about teaching is connecting with the children and helping them progress in their skills and language throughout their time within that classroom. Outside of school, Ms. Lucy enjoys spending time with her husband, Ryker, son, Leo, and their pets Paisley and Zeus. She also loves taking group fitness classes, cooking, organizing and creating products for Teachers Pay Teachers.

Ms. Ellen is a Lead Teacher in our school. She comes to us with her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from Southeast Missouri State University. Ms. Ellen has worked with young children for 16 years in the capacity of a babysitter, assistant teacher, student-educator, and also as a lead teacher. She enjoys teaching because she loves helping children mold their minds. A fun fact about Ms. Ellen is that her brother lives in Germany.

Ms. Nicole is an Assistant Teacher in our Young Toddler classroom. She is currently exploring options for futhering her education in Early Childhood Education. She has many years of experience babysitting and raising a child of her own. Her favorite part about teaching is the excitement on a child's face when they learn a new skill. A fun fact about Ms. Nicole is that she has two cats and one dog.

Ms. Kianna is a Lead Teacher in our Toddler Classroom. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Harris-Stowe University. Ms. Kianna has worked with children since 2018 in both an assistant and lead teacher capacity. She finds the greatest joy in teaching when seeing children get so excited to learn new things. A fun fact about her is that she has a twin sister.

Ms. Allyssa is a Lead Teacher in our Toddler Classroom. She has a Nationally Accredited Child Development Associates. Allyssa began working in child care in 2007, but has had a lifetime love of children and teaching. She is a jewelry artist in her spare time and loves to go camping, fishing and floating. Ms. Allyssa has five siblings that she enjoys spending time with along with twelve nieces and nephews. She has three cats and a big Ol' Gunnar dog. Her favorite aspect of working with children is seeing the "light bulb" go off and taking advantage of those "teachable moments".

Ms. Malia is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler Classroom. She is a mother of four children and an aunt to several more. She has worked with children for many years in her Church Nursery, Vacation Bible School, and as a Sunday School Teacher to 3rd and 4th graders. Her favorite thing about teaching is letting kids express themselves and showing them other ways of learning. Some of Ms. Malia's favorite things to do are crafts and puzzles.

Ms. Alisa is an Assistant Teacher in our Get Set Classroom. She joined our Goddard family in July 2018 and has worked to form connections with each and every child in her care. Ms. Alisa attended Lindenwood University for two years and has also been certified in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). She is currently pursuing her Master's in MBTS. When not at Goddard, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son by hiking new trails throughout the state of Missouri and hanging with their animals. 

Ms. Caitlin is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education from Central Methodist University and will graduate in May 2024. She has been working with children since 2017 through student teaching and working as a nanny. Ms. Caitlin's favorite thing about teaching is making a positive impact on students and getting to know each child as an individual. In her spare time Ms. Caitlin likes to spend time with her husband and their daughter, Willow, and go to the gym.

Ms. Dalicia is an Assistant Teacher in our Get Set Classroom and a Chess Teacher for Preschool and Junior K. She is currently a student studying general studies at St. Louis Community College. Ms. Dalicia comes to us with several years of experience working with children and most recently as a YMCA before and after care group leader. Her favorite aspect about teaching is being able to say that she helped ‘shape’ a young mind in the best way possible. A fun fact about Ms. Dalicia is that she loves to dance.

Ms. Abigail is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. She comes to us with her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology from Webster University. Ms. Abigail has extensive experience working with both children and adults. She has worked for years with young children and also for over nine years in an assisted living center. Seeing the excitement children have about learning something new is what Ms. Abigail enjoys the most and is looking forward to seeing in the classroom. A fun fact about her is that both her husband and herself are obsessed with Disneyland.

Ms. Taylor is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri. She comes to us with over five years experience working with children through student teaching, leading cheer camps and substitute teaching. Her favorite things about teaching include providing a safe space for all children and sharing her love of learning. Ms. Taylor also has a pet bearded dragon named Liz.

Ms. Sherice is an Assistant Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. She has worked with kids since 2013 as a babysitter and nanny for all ages. Her favorite thing about teaching is being in a positive role for a child's development and knowing she is making an impact in the best way possible. Ms. Sherice loves seeing the childrens' fun personalities and how they express themselves. A fun fact about Ms. Sherice is that she has been plant-based for over 10 years and has a strong commitment to self-care, health and wellness.

Ms. Alexis is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. She comes to us with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Southeast Missouri State and in 2017, she obtained a medical assisting certification. Ms. Alexis has worked with children since 2007 in various capacities such as being a mother of 5 children, as a summer camp counselor, and also a toddler teacher. Her favorite aspect of teaching is being involved with each child's growth and using her creativity to make learning fun and exciting. A fun fact about Ms. Alexis is that she has always desired to be a traveling food critic.

Ms. Beth is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Family Development from the University of Central Missouri. She has been working with children since 2016 as a preschool teacher and nanny. Her favorite thing about teaching is seeing children learn something new and experience the excitement with them. Ms. Beth lived in Japan for two months and enjoys spending time with her husband.

Ms. Carrie is a Lead Teacher in our Junior K Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Studies from Webster University. Ms. Carrie has worked with children since 2005 and joined The Goddard School in 2014. Ms. Carrie has previously worked with the Education Department at the Magic House. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their son, James.

Ms. Anishika is a Lead Teacher in our Junior K Classroom. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Harris-Stowe State University. Ms. Anishika has several years of experience working with children as a mentor, class helper, assistant, and lead teacher. Her favorite about teaching is being able to learn and grow with the students and help them find who they are through teaching. A fun fact about Ms. Anishika is that she is very energetic and she loves to go swimming.

Ms. Jahnari is an Assistant Teacher in our Junior K Classroom. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Missouri State University. She is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Family Development. Ms. Jahnari has been working with children since 2019. Her favorite thing about teaching is building relationships and watching children get excited about learning. Ms. Jahnari loves baking and trying new restaurants or dishes.

Ms. Teri is a Lead Teacher in our Junior K Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Behavioral Science from Missouri Baptist University. Ms. Teri has previously worked in elementary school districts but it was her love for Early Childhood Education that brought her to Goddard in 2013. Ms. Teri enjoys spending time with her son fishing, camping, exploring nature and playing video games. She also spends time doing art, crafting and working as a leader of a youth group and singing in church choir.

Ms. Kate is a Lead Teacher in our Junior K Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri- St. Louis. She started working with children as a volunteer at a Child Development Center while in High School. While pursuing her degree in Psychology she worked as an assistant teacher at the Child Development Center. Her favorite thing about teaching is being able to help children understand the world around them. She loves that every day working with children is different and enjoys the variety. A fun fact about Ms. Kate is that she has two cats, named Mitzi and Simon.

Mr. Alex is a Substitute Teacher for our school. He is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education at Maryville University. He started working with children in 2021. Mr. Alex has experience as a Pre Kindergarten Teacher, Direct Support Professional, Boy Scout Leader, Swim Instructor and Lifeguard. His favorite thing about teaching is seeing the children grow and learn. A fun fact about Mr. Alex is that he summitted Granite Peak in 2022.

Ms. Sarah is the Spanish Teacher for our School. She studied Anthropology and Spanish at Truman State University. She has been studying Spanish for thirteen years and did anthropological field work in Chile. She has been working with children for over ten years, as a babysitter, swim instructor and in the Preschool setting. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing the joy of self discovery and self confidence on a child's face. Ms. Sarah enjoys spending time with her dog, Wrigley, and two cats, Perseus and Hercules.

Mr. Dave is the Goddard School in Rock Hill's chef. He has been working at Goddard since 2012. He enjoys coming up with new ways to get the children to try nutritious snacks and meals.

Ms. Maia is a Substitute Teacher for our school. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Harris-Stowe University. She has experience working with children in both daycare and summer camp settings. Her favorite thing about teaching is seeing the growth and excitement of children when they learn something new. A fun fact about Ms. Maia is that she is on a Hip Hop Dance team called the Golden Hornets.

Ms. Malaia is a Substitute Teacher for our school. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at Mckendree University. Ms. Malaia has experience with infant to preschool age through babysitting and substitute teaching. She loves coming to work and seeing all of the children's happy faces. A fun fact about Ms. Malaia is that her middle name is Princess.

Ms. Amoni is a Substitute Teacher for our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology from Harris-Stowe State University. Ms. Amoni joined our school to gain experience in an early childhood education setting. She has three siblings and four younger cousins and has several years of experience in babysitting.

Ms. Dazsa is a Substitute Teacher for our school. She started her degree in Human Services at Saint Louis Community College. Ms. Dazsa began babysitting in 2014 and has experience with children of all ages and abilities. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching kids grow and make connections while learning. A fun fact about Ms. Dazsa is that the spelling of her name comes from a famous actress, Zsa Zsa Gabor.

Ms. Meghan is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a Music Education Degree at Webster University. She has been working with children since 2019 both as a tutor and a volunteer, assisting children in afterschool activities. Ms. Meghan's favorite thing about teaching is helping children learn and grow. A fun fact about Ms. Meghan is that she can play the guitar and the flute.