Our Teachers

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Dalicia is an Assistant Teacher in our Preschool 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. 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. 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.

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. 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. 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. Malia is a Substitute Teacher for our entire school. She is currently attending Missouri State University and striving to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Malia comes to us with over six years of experience working with young children. Her favorite aspects about teaching young students is having a hand in helping them grow and learn, but also seeing the connection of understanding light up their eyes. Fun fact about Ms. Malia is that she has a dog named Sumo.

Ms. Sophie is a substitute teacher for our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Secondary Education at Mizzou. She has been working with children since 2018 as a camp counselor, childcare worker, preschool teacher and tutor. Ms. Sophie's favorite thing about teaching is watching the children grow. In her spare time Ms. Sophie enjoys cooking and baking for her friends and family.

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.

Ms. Serenity is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Nursing at Florida A&M University, in hopes of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Ms. Serenity has experience in a direct care setting for adults but loves children and has experience babysitting. Her favorite thing about teaching is creating an interactive environment with kindness and patience while having fun. A fun fact about Ms. Serenity is that she loves tennis and all things pink.

Ms. Caitlin is an Assistant Teacher for our school. She has a Bachelor's in English from Missouri State University including many Early Childhood Education courses. Ms. Caitlin has been working with children since 2018 as an Early Childhood Education Assistant Teacher, Nanny and in a practicum setting. She loves watching children learn new things in their own unique and creative way. A fun fact about Ms. Caitlin is that she fosters dogs while they are waiting for their forever home.

Ms. Claire is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in English and Visual Communications at Loyola University Chicago. Ms. Claire has several years experience with elementary and middle school students in a summer camp setting. Her favorite thing about teaching is connecting with each student and watching them grow. A fun fact about Ms. Claire is that she tries a new dessert each week; sometimes she bakes them herself.

Ms. Caitlin is an Assistant Teacher for our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary and Special Education at DePaul University. Ms. Caitlin has been working with children since 2017 as a camp counselor, tutor, referee and student teacher. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the children have "light-bulb" moments when they learn how to do something they never thought they could. A fun fact about Ms. Caitlin is that she works for a box office company in Chicago and was able to see Taylor Swift in concert twice!

Ms. Carly is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Interpersonal Communication with a minor in Elementary Education at Mizzou. Ms. Carly has worked with children since 2020, her experience comes from babysitting, summer camp programs, aftercare programs, and classrooms ranging from first to fifth grade. Her favorite thing about teaching is creating fun, positive, and memorable experiences for children. A fun fact about Ms. Carly is that she knows how to play the Ukulele!

Ms. Grace is an Assistant Teacher for our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology and Dance at Saint Louis University. Ms. Grace has been working with children since 2019 as a Camp Counselor and Nanny. Her favorite things about teaching are seeing the progress in the students, learning from her students, and finding new ways to engage with them. A fun fact about Ms. Grace is that her name was unofficially Kate for about 24 hours.

Ms. Ashley is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Political Science at Mizzou. Ms. Ashley grew up with younger siblings and has been working with children ever since. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the progress unfold and helping children learn new things. A fun fact about Ms. Ashley is that she has been in dance since age two and has experience teaching dance as well.

Ms. Aislyn is an Assistant Teacher for our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Musical Theater and Communications at Lindenwood. Ms. Aislyn is new to teaching, but she enjoys interacting with kids and being a guiding hand while they learn. Ms. Aislyn believes that most children like to be independent and she just wants to be someone they can count on for support.

Ms. Sophie is an Assistant Teacher for our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Services, with a minor in Psychology, at the University of Bloomington. Ms. Sophie has been babysitting since 2015 and has experience as a camp counselor, teacher and volunteer since 2022. Her favorite thing about working with children is having the ability to make a positive impact in their lives. A fun fact about Ms. Sophie is that she ran her first half-marathon in May of 2024.

Ms. Jordan is an Assistant Teacher for our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at Mizzou. She has been working with children since 2020 as a Teacher's Assistant, Before and Aftercare Teacher and a Mizzou PAL. Ms. Jordan's favorite thing about teaching is getting to know her students, their likes and what they get excited for at school. A fun fact about Ms. Jordan is that she has a car named Buttercup and a dog named Sasha.

Ms. Michelle is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She has a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Missouri- Saint Louis. Ms. Michelle started working with children in 2017 as a Teacher's Assistant helping with fun activities. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the children develop skills and learning their likes and dislikes and how they change over time. A fun fact about Ms. Michelle is that she enjoys horror movies.