Our Goddard School Teachers

Lisa and Frank Cariello are the on-site owners of The Goddard School of Apex on Green Level West Road (an extension of High House Road). We are proud to be part of the Apex and West Cary area. We have been on-site owners of The Goddard School for the past twenty years. Lisa holds a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois and spent 16 years as a research and project engineer. Frank is a Meteorologist with a BS degree from Northern Illinois University. He spent 20 years on-air in both television and radio. Arriving in Cary, NC in 2002, we had three children in care at The Goddard School. We understand the peace of mind that a secure, friendly center with great early childhood experiences can bring a family. We opened our first center in 2005 in Apex. While our boys have moved on, we look forward to continuing to bring the Goddard experience to families in Apex and Cary.

Mrs. Darita Jefferson leads The Goddard School as Co-Director. She holds an Associates Degree from Central Carolina Community College, has her Level II Administrative Credential and over 15 years experience in Early Childhood Education. She joined The Goddard School in March 2021. Rita has been described as "a true early childhood educator" and "a great leader." When she is away from the school, her passion is her family. We are very grateful to have Rita leading our team.

Mrs. Amy Herring leads The Goddard School as Co-Director. She holds a Bachelors of Arts from Palm Beach Atlantic University and joined The Goddard School in October 2024. Mrs. Amy has 28 years of experience teaching and administration and is a Level 3 Administrator. She loves to watch children grow in all areas of development. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Mrs. Beyke leads our administrative team as the curriculum coordinator. She graduated from East Carolina University in 2006 with her Bachelor's Degree in Family Relations and Child Development. Mrs. Beyke has previously worked at Goddard School since January 2007 as a teacher, Assistant Director and Curriculum Director/Coordinator. She loves working with children and teachers to assist in making learning fun for all. She also enjoys learning new styles and ways to implement a variety of resources and curriculum into the classrooms and at home.

Ms. Sadie is a lead teacher in the Woodpeckers classroom. She holds her NC early childhood credentials and has taken many ECE classes as she pursues her degree. Ms. Sadie joined the Goddard School in 2022 with over 2 years experience working in the early childhood and as a music teacher. Ms. Sadie enjoys introducing learning through play to her students and fostering healthy development. Outside of school, Sadie can often be found on the dance floor as she is an avid line dancer.

Ms. Meri is a lead teacher in our Turtles classroom. Ms. Meri joined the Goddard School in August 2021. She has over 30 years of classroom experience with infants and toddlers and has experience as a training coordinator and holds an Associates in Early Childhood Education from Suffolk County Community College. Meri enjoys watching sports and is an avid State Fan. Go Pack! Her favorite book to read to the infants is Goodnight Moon.

Ms. Teresa is a lead teacher in the Turtles classroom. She joined the Goddard School in June 2025, with over 30 years of experience with infants and toddlers. Ms. Teresa also has experience as a developmental play coach and owned her own center for over 20 years. Outside of school, Ms. Teresa loves to bowl and enjoys movies. "Goodnight Moon" is her favorite book to read to her students.

Ms. Chantelle is a lead teacher in the Treefrogs classroom and joined our school in 2026. She holds infant and toddler CDA and attended Southern Maine Community College studying Early Childhood Education. Ms. Chantelle has over 5 years of experience working with infants and toddlers and was most recently an assistant director at a childcare center. Chantelle is an avid reader and enjoys taking walks. Her favorite children's book is "I'll love you until the bats say boo."

Ms. Swati is a lead teacher in the Treefrogs classrooms. She joined The Goddard School in March 2026, with over 7 years of experience working with toddlers in preschool setting. Swati feels it is important to understand each individual child and their needs. Her goal is to create a safe, caring environment where children are not afraid to explore. Swati is also a mom of two children and loves spending time with them especially at the beach.

Ms. Crystal is a lead teacher in the Dragonflies classroom. She joined the Goddard School in 2022 with 5 years of previous child care experience, including 3 years with The Goddard School of Raleigh. Ms. Crystal holds Early Childhood Credentials. She also has experience teaching in the public school systems for K-5 grade. Crystal makes great connections with the children in her class. It is fun to see how their faces light up when they see her.

Ms. Kayla is a lead teacher in our Dragonfly classroom. She joined our school in 2026 with over five years experience in early childhood, including the past two years at a Goddard School in Colorado. She is currently working on her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Kayla believes that a classroom should feel safe, inviting and encouraging. The most important thing a teacher can do is show the children love and care.

Ms. Aniya is a lead teacher in the Woodchucks classroom. She joined the Goddard School in August 2021 and holds NC Early Childhood Education Credentials. Ms. Aniya loves to help children grow, learn, and particularly understand their feelings. Her favorite book to read to her students is "Corduroy." In her free time, she loves to bowl.

Ms. Faith is a lead teacher in the Woodchucks classroom. She joined the Goddard School in August 2024 and has been loved by our Woodchuck students ever since. Faith holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She majored in Studio Art and Art History and is one of our in-house artists. Outside of school, she enjoys reading and walking. Her favorite children's book is "Stellaluna".

Ms. Danaja is a lead teacher in the Rabbits classroom. She joined The Goddard School in November 2025. Ms. Danaja holds a Bachelors of English and has over 4 years of teaching in a preschool setting, including working with toddlers. Outside of school, she enjoys writing poetry and short stories. She can also be found spending time with her son often taking walks around the local lakes.

Ms. Chiffon (Joy) is a lead teacher in the Bluejays classroom. She joined the Goddard School in September 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, a Master of Psychology and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology. In her free time, Joy loves to play with her Yorkie puppy and to read.

Ms. Sarah is a lead teacher in our Bluejays classroom and joined our school in 2026. Sarah is currently studying Early Childhood Education and has taught toddlers and preschool students for over four years. Sarah's goal is to build a relationship with each child. She believe that a child must be nurtured and cared for before they are open to learning. Her favorite book to read to her class is "How the Crayons Saved the Earth." Sarah also enjoys playing the piano and has played for many years.

Ms. Tonya is a lead teacher in the Otters classroom. She holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from the University of Mount Olive. She joined The Goddard School in November of 2020 with over ten years experience. Tonya truly enjoys working with children. There are always lots of science experiments and projects as well as tons of hugs in the Otters class.

Ms. Imani is a lead teacher in our Otters classroom and joined our school in 2026. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Virginia State University. She has six years experience working with children in different settings, including a preschool program lead and daycare director. Imani believes every child learns and develops at their own pace and deserves a safe, caring and inclusive environment where they feel respected and encouraged.

Ms. Myrna is a lead teacher in the Woodpeckers classroom, She joined the Goddard School in May 2024. She holds a Bachelors of Psychology from Western Connecticut State University and a Masters in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. Myrna enjoys crafting in her free time and has shared many beautiful cards with us. Her favorite book to read with her students is Pete the Cat because it brings much joy and laughter to the children.

Ms. Emma is lead teacher in the Foxes classroom since September 2023. She holds a Bachelors in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of New Hampshire. She brings previous experience teaching Pre-K and was also an ABA tutor. Ms. Emma enjoys providing her students with a safe learning environment to foster their emotional growth. When not at school, Emma enjoys traveling and taking walks with her dogs.

Ms. Diane (Dee) is a lead teacher in our Fox classroom. She joined the Goddard School in May 2024. Ms. Dee holds her NC Early Childhood Credentials and over 20 years of experience working with all age groups. Dee has many interests outside of school. She enjoys attending concerts and museums. She loves to learn about science and in particular animals. She trained dogs for many years.

Ms. Smita is a lead teacher in the Owl classroom. She joined The Goddard School in January 2022, with over 15 years of experience teaching Pre-kindergarten. Ms. Smita holds a Bachelor of Education and a Masters in Mathematics. Smita has many talents. She is also an artist. Smita paints and teaches art classes outside of school and at times teaches holds a design class for her co-workers and our school families.

Ms. LaCretia is a lead teacher in the Owls classroom. She joined the Goddard School in July 2025 and holds a Bachelors of Arts in Human Services. She has over 18 years of experience working in the early childhood field, primarily with preschool and Pre-K. Ms. Lacretia is also a level III administrator with experience as a team lead and an early childhood center director. LaCretia loves the outdoors and especially horseback riding. She can often be found on a trail ride.

Ms. Asha joined The Goddard school in January 2020. She assists all of our classrooms but can often be found in our Pre-Kindergarten and preschool rooms. She holds a Masters of Art in English Literature as well as her NC Early Childhood Credentials. Her passion is to make learning fun and her personality lights up the rooms where she is assisting. Asha has two daughters and enjoys taking walks with them. Her favorite quote is: To love others you must first love yourself. -Leo Buscaglia

Ms. Marnie assists in all our classrooms but can often be found in our preschool rooms. She joined The Goddard School in 2022. Ms. Marnie holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in Spanish Language and Culture. She has taught elementary school for many years as well as experience with the preschool ages. Ms. Marnie enjoys seeing the smiles and personalities shine of her students.

Ms. Aniya is a resource teacher for all our classrooms, but can typically be found in toddler rooms. She joined The Goddard School in January 2025 and is currently working to further her education. Aniya is a musician. She is a vocalist and plays the cello. We enjoy when she performs for us.

Ms. Delaney assists in all of our age groups. She can typically be found in our toddler and preschool classrooms. Delaney joined our school in 2025. Recently, Delaney graduated from Apex High School and plans to further her education in early childhood education. Delaney enjoys playing vollyball and watching movies.

Ms. Nevaeh assists in all our rooms but can often be found with our Toddler age groups. She joined our school in 2026 after working in a preschool for a year. Nevaeh makes children a priority in her life at work and at home. She often has stories about her Godchild and spends time working with her church's youth ministry. Neveah also loves to sing and go dancing.

Ms. Alyssa assists in all our classrooms. She joined our school in 2026 after working as a Toddler teacher for two years. While she is here, she is working on continuing her education. Alyssa has an infectious smile that makes all our students light up when they see her. When not at school, Alyssa can often be found on the golf course.