Our Goddard School Teachers

Hank and Mikaela relocated to the Asheville area in 2016 from Athens and Atlanta Georgia. While living in Athens, Mikaela earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Master of Art in Early Childhood Education, and an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She spent the past twelve years teaching in public schools and the last five she has been serving the families and children of Asheville City Schools. Hank holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Leeds School of Business at The University of Colorado at Boulder. He has experience in owning, managing, and operating small businesses. He has spent the last 8 years working in Textiles in addition to gaining valuable business experience as a board member. Hank and Mikaela are proud to be opening a Goddard School in the wonderful community of Asheville (Biltmore Lake). They are committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for the children in this community.

Lisa McKnight is originally from Medellín, Colombia, and grew up in Chapel Hill, NC. She has completed undergraduate and graduate studies in inclusive early childhood education through Western Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In the past, she has served as co-chair of the Buncombe County Equity in Early Education committee and a participant in the Western North Carolina Early Childhood Coalition. She has worked in Early Head Start & Head Start programs and preschool special education services for local school systems. She is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in nonprofit management through Arizona State University. Lisa’s favorite aspect of working in early childhood education is supporting teachers and forming connections with young children and their families.

Laine Kovac is the dedicated Director of Operations at The Goddard School of Asheville, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the childcare industry since 2008. With a background in Child Development, marketing, and facility operations, Laine has served in various roles within childcare centers, from toddler teacher to Marketing and Business Manager to Assistant Director. Prior to joining The Goddard School, Laine also served as a Summer Camp Director for country clubs and resorts. She finds great fulfillment in working in Early Childhood Education, believing that it sets children up for success socially, emotionally, and educationally. Originally from Jacksonville, FL, Laine moved to Asheville in 2018 and has since made it her home. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, exploring nature, creating art, and spending quality time with her two daughters, ages 9 and 5.

Jessica Bachar is the Director of Education and hails from Asheville. She has been an educator for over 25 years, teaching both elementary and preschool in the public and private sectors. She has a B.A. in Psychology, a N.C. Teaching License in Elementary Education, K-6, and a master's in education, K-6 Literacy. Jessica believes that the basis of early childhood education and learning is through hands-on experience and thoughtful play. She is a proponent of encouraging a child’s wonder through exploration and questioning. Miss Jessica is excited to have joined the Goddard family and is looking forward to working with the students and staff here. She lives in West Asheville with her teenage son, Jagger and her Basset hound.

Ms. Edith is the lead teacher in the Toddler 1 class at The Goddard School of Asheville. She has a passion for working with children and discovered it during her high school years. She is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood from AB Tech and aims to build strong relationships with children and parents, while supporting their learning and development. She is excited to share her experiences and help create a positive environment for everyone involved!

Ms. Annie Scott, originally from a suburb of Chicago, relocated to Asheville to be closer to her family. With over 10 years of childcare experience, Annie’s journey began with vacation Bible school, babysitting, and eventually full-time nannying. She holds a Bachelor of General Studies in Liberal Arts & Sciences from the University of Kansas, where she focused on Child Development and pre-nursing. Annie has experience working with children of all ages, from 6 weeks old to early tweens, and finds great fulfillment in supporting children during their pivotal developmental years. Discovering Goddard Schools was an exciting opportunity for Annie, and she looks forward to fostering growth in the toddlers she works with. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, reading, and photographing nature.

Ms. Kerrigan serves as the Assistant Teacher in the Toddler 2 classroom. She brings over three years of experience working in a nursery environment with children ranging in age from 3 months to 8 years. Her calm, nurturing approach and strong background in early childhood care support the developmental needs of young learners. In addition to her work in early education, Ms. Kerrigan is a mother of two young girls and has spent over seven years pursuing family photography as a creative hobby. Her passion for capturing meaningful moments carries into her teaching style, where she values connection, curiosity, and individualized care.

Audry Scott is the Lead Teacher in the Twos 1 classroom and has been an integral part of the Goddard School community since its opening in March 2022. With over four years of experience in early childhood education and a background in Human Services from Montreat College, Audry brings a strong foundation of knowledge and a passion for nurturing young learners. Audry holds an Early Learning Credential and has a natural talent for creating a supportive and engaging environment where children can thrive. Her dedication and consistency have made her a beloved teacher among the children and families she serves. In her free time, Audry enjoys reading, swimming, and playing board games with friends. She is committed to helping children learn, grow, and develop essential skills during their time at the Goddard School.

Savannah Noble joined The Goddard School of Asheville with a strong background in early childhood education and a passion for helping children grow and thrive. She graduated from Western Carolina University in 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. With over four years of experience in childcare, Savannah brings patience, creativity, and a nurturing spirit to the classroom. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, reading, and traveling. She also shares her home with two affectionate Siamese cats who keep life fun and lively.

Crystal Hernandez is the Lead Teacher in the Twos 2 classroom and has been a valued member of the Goddard School team since August 2022. She joined shortly after relocating to Asheville from Florida, bringing with her five years of experience in early childhood education. Throughout her career, Crystal has worked in various centers, specializing in the care and development of infants through two-year-olds. Crystal is passionate about fostering curiosity and growth in young children. She delights in engaging them in conversations about new topics and cherishes their excitement as they connect with and explore new ideas. Her classroom is a joyful space where students enjoy singing, playing, and reading under her guidance. Crystal’s warmth, creativity, and dedication make her a beloved teacher among her students and their families.

Ashley Guy moved to Asheville in 1990 and has called it home ever since. She has completed college courses in Early Childhood Education and brings experience working with children from infancy through pre-K, as well as her perspective as a mother to two daughters. Ashley is passionate about fostering a nurturing environment for young learners and enjoys reading, cooking, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

Corrinne “Rin” Andrews is the Lead Teacher in the Bridge classroom at The Goddard School. She has several years of childcare experience, working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and holds her Early Childhood Education Credential. Rin loves creating a classroom environment that encourages curiosity, independence, and creativity, and her warm and nurturing nature has quickly earned her the affection of the children. Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, she has lived in Asheville since the age of 10 and continues to be inspired by the way children think, play, and imagine. In her free time, Rin enjoys music, fashion, art, and sculpting.

Ms. Gabi is a passionate early childhood educator with experience working with young children. Originally from New York, she moved to Asheville in August 2023 and brings a unique blend of classroom and dance teaching experience to The Goddard School of Asheville. Ms. Gabi is dedicated to understanding how children learn and is excited to continue her professional growth in this field. In her free time, she enjoys coffee, video games, and dancing. Ms. Gabi is looking forward to making a positive impact on her students and learning from the Goddard School community.

Edlin Bernal, originally from Querétaro, Mexico, brings over seven years of experience working with preschool-aged children to her role as lead teacher. Her primary goal is to support children’s development across all areas of learning, helping them discover and explore the world during this critical stage of life. Passionate about fostering curiosity and guiding young minds, Edlin finds joy in witnessing children grow and thrive. Outside the classroom, she cherishes time with her family, including her teenage children, Arlin (17) and Ángel (18), who inspire her daily. Edlin also enjoys shopping and hiking with her loved ones. She is delighted to be part of The Goddard School of Asheville, where she can contribute to the meaningful growth and development of young learners.

Originally from South Florida, Skye Sigman brings a wide range of experience in early childhood care and education to The Goddard School. Her journey began in her church’s nursery and continued through roles in Vacation Bible School, elementary math tutoring, and over a year at a preschool before relocating to Asheville in August 2023. She has worked with children from infancy through age 10 and is passionate about supporting their learning and development. In her free time, Skye enjoys music, dancing, art, and solving sudoku puzzles.

Kimaya Guthrie is a passionate teacher at The Goddard School of Asheville. Originally from Chapel Hill, NC, Kimaya has called Western North Carolina home for the past 6 years. She holds a BA in Psychology from UNCA, with a minor in human rights. With over 5 years of experience working as a Nanny and Camp Counselor, Kimaya has found her true calling in education. Her favorite part of working with children is helping them grow into their sense of self-confidence and curiosity. Outside of the classroom, Kimaya enjoys spending time with her three beloved pets: a dog named Willow, a bearded dragon named Misha, and a tortoise named Francis. She is an outdoor enthusiast who loves exploring nature, identifying plants, and searching for wildlife while hiking and swimming in the ocean. With her enthusiasm for learning and love for the natural world, Kimaya inspires her students to embrace the wonders of the world around them.

Ms. Marielle is the assistant teacher in Preschool 2 and was previously the assistant in the Twos 2 class. Originally from Georgia, she has called North Carolina home since fifth grade. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Mars Hill University and has experience working with children in various settings, including Vacation Bible School, church nurseries, nannying, and elementary schools. She loves the energy and curiosity young learners bring and is dedicated to creating a joyful, safe, and enriching environment. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys video games, board games, singing, collecting movies and shows, and strolling through the Biltmore with her mom. Most importantly, she recently welcomed a baby girl to her family!

Ms. Marie joined The Goddard School of Asheville in June 2022 and has been a standout educator ever since, earning the Teacher of the Month award in 2024. She holds a North Carolina Early Childhood Education Credential and is pursuing an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, with plans to achieve a master’s degree in the future. Known for her creativity in teaching, Ms. Marie designs engaging, hands-on lessons that spark curiosity and foster a love of learning in her students. Her patience and passion for teaching shine through, especially when introducing children to the wonders of science. Before settling in Asheville, Ms. Marie fostered children, worked as a veterinary technician, and lived across the country, bringing a wealth of unique experiences to her classroom. She is also an animal lover, caring for four dogs, two cats, and fostering animals through the Asheville Humane

Ms. Emily Glover, a Colorado native, joined The Goddard School of Asheville in June 2022 after relocating from Denver, where she worked as an assistant teacher at another Goddard School. With nine years of experience in childcare, she has worked with a wide range of ages as a teacher in before-and-after school programs, a camp counselor, a nanny, and a preschool teacher. Ms. Emily’s dedication and reliability have made her an invaluable part of the team, earning her the role of closer for the admin team. Her warm and enthusiastic approach helps create a nurturing and engaging environment for the Pre-K 1 students. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Emily enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, playing with her puppy Maisie, and sewing.

Ms. Daniela Cojocaru, originally from Moldova, Europe, has been a valued member of The Goddard School of Asheville community since 2019. With experience in childcare centers, nannying, summer camps, and Sunday School, she has developed a well-rounded approach to teaching and has grown into her unique and engaging teaching style. Loved by her peers and students alike, Ms. Daniela was honored as the first Teacher of the Month in 2024, a testament to her dedication and impact. Passionate about learning through play, Ms. Daniela is committed to creating a fun, nurturing environment where students thrive. She speaks three languages and brings a global perspective to her classroom, fostering curiosity and creativity. Outside of school, Ms. Daniela enjoys hiking, cooking, photography, traveling, and event planning.

Ms. Bre, originally from Candler, NC, brings a strong passion for working with children to her role as an Assistant Teacher at The Goddard School of Asheville. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lenoir-Rhyne University and has valuable experience in babysitting and supporting children on the Autism Spectrum. Although new to early childhood education, Ms. Bre is eager to learn and grow in this rewarding field. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her beloved pets—her cat, Zira, and her dog, Callie. She is thrilled to be part of the Pre-K 2 classroom and looks forward to nurturing young learners on their educational journey.

Michelle Blair was born and raised in Asheville and has over four years of experience in early childhood education. She is working diligently to earn her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and her Infant/Toddler Childcare Certificate. She has worked in child care centers and church nurseries caring for infants and preschool aged children. She loves watching the children grow and develop, which happens so quickly in infancy! Ms. Michelle began working at the Goddard School in the spring of 2022 because she was open to new opportunities and growth for herself. She has two sons and a daughter, as well as a Walker Coon Hound and a Shitzu. Ms. Michelle enjoys reading and painting ceramics in her free time.

Ms. Kristen is support staff and brings with her a passion for working with young children and creating a positive impact on their lives. Although new to the childcare field, Kristen has lived in WNC since 1997 and has a deep love for nature and wildlife. When she's not in the classroom, Kristen enjoys birdwatching, tending to her garden, and watching the deer that frequent her yard. She shares her home with a 3-year-old dog and a 7-year-old cat, who bring joy and companionship to her life. Kristen is enthusiastic about helping children learn and grow and is excited for the opportunity to contribute to their development at The Goddard School of Asheville.

Grace Dwyer-Mauro brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role in the preschool and Pre-K classrooms at Goddard. Recently relocating to the Asheville area, Grace is a licensed Occupational Therapist with seven years of experience in school-based practice, serving children from Kindergarten to high school in New York. Before becoming an OT, Grace was a lead nursery school teacher, where she discovered her love for creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that brought books and concepts to life for young learners. Her background uniquely combines therapeutic expertise with a deep appreciation for the creativity and joy of early childhood education. Outside of work, Grace enjoys singing, theater, crafting (especially quilting), and hiking. She is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to support the preschool and Pre-K classrooms at Goddard.

Carole Fogal is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience teaching 4th and 5th grade at Black Mountain Elementary in Buncombe County Schools. She also spent four years working with students on the autism spectrum in a TEACCH classroom. After retiring in 2023, she realized how much she missed working with children and returned to education to support their growth and learning. Carole holds a degree in Elementary Education from Mars Hill University and is a licensed K-6 educator. A longtime resident of Weaverville, she has also been a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader for her children’s troops. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading, and traveling with her beagle, Honey.

Alexa brings over 10 years of experience working with infants and toddlers through both childcare centers and nannying. She has completed coursework in early childhood education, including American Sign Language and developmental psychology. Alexa is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and explore through curiosity and play. In her free time, she enjoys reading, making jewelry, and spending time in nature.

Ms. Itzel brings over six years of experience working with children of various ages through internships, tutoring, and classroom teaching. She earned her Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from AB Tech and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree through Western Carolina University’s distance education program. With hands-on experience as a lead teacher for toddlers, two-year-olds, and three-year-olds, Ms. Itzel is passionate about creating a safe, inclusive environment where every child feels valued and heard. She also believes in building strong, trusting relationships with families to support each child’s growth and development.

Madison recently moved back to the area from Greenville, SC, but she’s originally from the charming mountain town of Cashiers, NC. She earned her B.S.B.A. in Business Administration and Law from Western Carolina University in 2021. After spending some time working in a financial office, Madison discovered her true passion for early childhood education and made the switch to childcare. With over three years of experience in the field, Madison brings warmth, patience, and a genuine love for nurturing little ones to our Infant team. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her wife, their two dogs, and their cat. She describes herself as a “hobby hobbit” — always picking up new interests — but her favorites include reading, building LEGOs, and collecting trinkets. A fun fact about Madison: she graduated from a public high school with a class of just 20 students!

Annabella was raised in Saluda, NC, and has always been inspired by her family’s passion for helping others learn and grow. She began working with children at 15 as a counselor at an overnight YMCA camp and went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2025. Throughout college, she worked as a childcare art teacher at the YMCA, where she loved helping children express their emotions through creativity, and has continued working with kids through art and photography events. Annabella is now pursuing her certification in Early Childhood Education at AB Tech, with plans to continue toward a master’s in art therapy.