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.

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. Suzanne White brings more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education, including classroom teaching and over 20 years in leadership and administrative roles. She is passionate about supporting children, families, and educators while creating nurturing environments where young learners can thrive. A lifelong resident of Western North Carolina, Ms. Suzanne grew up in Asheville and now lives in Canton with her husband of 31 years. Together, they have raised two daughters and are proud grandparents to three grandchildren, with a fourth expected later this year. Ms. Suzanne is dedicated to building strong relationships with families and believes that a successful early education experience begins with a strong school-home partnership. She is excited to join The Goddard School family and looks forward to getting to know each child, family, and team member while helping create an exceptional experience for all.

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.

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. Marielle is a teacher in our First Steps classroom, where she works with our older infants as they grow, explore, and reach important developmental milestones. 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 through church nurseries, nannying, Vacation Bible School, and elementary schools. Ms. Marielle loves fostering curiosity and creating a warm, nurturing environment for young learners. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys video games, board games, singing, collecting movies and shows, and visiting the Biltmore with her mom. She is also the proud mom of a toddler.

Ms. Toni-Ann Wright has been an early childhood educator for more than 10 years. Her passion for teaching began as she watched and assisted her grandmother, who owned and operated a daycare center in Queens, New York, for over two decades. Ms. Toni-Ann has earned numerous awards and certificates throughout her career, including her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Early Childhood Education. While she has experience teaching children from infancy through preschool, her true passion is working with infants. She loves creating a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment where children can learn and grow. Ms. Toni-Ann finds joy in helping little ones explore the world around them through play, discovery, and meaningful interactions.

Ms. Emma is the Lead Teacher in our Toddler 1 classroom. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and holds a North Carolina Birth–Kindergarten Teaching License. With four years of experience in early childhood education, she is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging environment where children feel supported as they learn and grow. Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Ms. Emma has lived in Asheville for the past two years and loves being part of the local community. She enjoys building strong relationships with children and families and helping young learners develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Ms. Chastity is a teacher in the Toddler 2 classroom and brings experience working with children as an after-school teacher during the school year and a summer camp counselor. Growing up in a large family with nine siblings—many of them younger—helped shape her nurturing nature and love for working with young children. Ms. Chastity enjoys creating engaging, hands-on experiences for toddlers and has a special interest in arts and crafts, as well as spending time outdoors on warm days. She is passionate about supporting children as they learn, explore, and grow in a safe and caring environment. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Chastity loves spending time with her two cats and her dog.

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.

Ms. Tiffany brings years of experience and a strong connection to her community to the Twos classroom. A Leicester resident since 1993, she began her early childhood education studies at AB Tech in 2008, earning her Early Childhood Credential, Early Childhood Certificate, School-Age Certificate, and an A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education in 2011. Ms. Tiffany has worked in childcare since October 2011, primarily with two- and two-and-a-half-year-olds, and has additional experience in NC Pre-K. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where young children feel supported as they grow and learn. Ms. Tiffany is a proud mom of three. In her free time, she enjoys watching TV and movies and reading.

Ms. Meagan Robles was born and raised in Brevard, North Carolina, and attended UNC Charlotte on a vocal scholarship. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in childcare and autism therapy, supporting young children with patience, compassion, and dedication. As a proud mom of two daughters, Ms. Meagan understands the importance of creating a nurturing, supportive classroom where every child can thrive. Outside of school, she enjoys attending church, watching movies with her girls, singing karaoke, and exploring waterfalls throughout Western North Carolina. Ms. Meagan is passionate about helping children grow and loves being part of their early learning journey.

Ms. Kerrigan serves as the Lead Teacher in the Bridge classroom. She brings over 4 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.

Nadia Shostak is excited to begin her journey in early childhood education and is proud to be learning and growing with the team at The Goddard School. A member of the Class of 2023, Nadia brings a natural love for children, creativity, and a strong desire to provide a positive, nurturing environment for every child she meets. Nadia has extensive hands-on experience caring for her four nephews and two nieces and has also spent time teaching young children through her church’s Sunday School program. She enjoys helping little ones explore, learn, and build confidence. In her free time, Nadia loves expressing herself through art. She has created caricatures and provided face painting for children’s festivals, combining her creativity with her passion for making kids smile.

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.

Ms. Edith is the lead teacher in the Preschool 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!

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.

Tammy Hyatt brings over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, along with previous experience as a Program Coordinator. She is passionate about creating a warm, creative, and engaging classroom environment where children feel supported as they learn and grow. Ms. Tammy especially enjoys encouraging creativity through art, music, and interactive activities that help children build confidence and develop a love of learning. In her free time, she enjoys reading and listening to audiobooks, which inspire new ideas she brings into the classroom. She is dedicated to supporting both children and families with care and enthusiasm.

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. Maggi Carroll is excited to serve as the Interim Pre-K 1 teacher this summer. She brings more than 20 years of experience teaching preschool and special education. Ms. Maggi holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, a Master's degree in Elementary Education, and a North Carolina Birth–Kindergarten teaching license. She is passionate about helping young children learn, grow, and build confidence as they prepare for their next educational adventures. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Maggi enjoys spending time with her family. She has been married for nine years and has two children and two stepchildren. In her free time, she enjoys painting and spending time with friends from her church community. Favorite Quote: "We are born makers. We move what we're learning from our heads to our hearts through our hands." — Brené Brown

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.

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.

Originally from Honduras, Ms. Mónica brings over three years of experience working with young children. Before joining The Goddard School, she served as a Toddler Teacher, where she developed a passion for creating positive, nurturing, and engaging classroom environments. Ms. Mónica believes that every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and valued while learning and exploring at their own pace. She takes great joy in watching children grow, discover new skills, and build confidence through everyday experiences. She also values open communication and strong partnerships with families, recognizing that collaboration is key to supporting each child’s development and success.

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. Formerly the Pre-K 1 assistant teacher, Ms. Emily now serves part-time as office support, assisting with administrative tasks and providing classroom support as needed. With over 10 years of childcare experience, she is known for her positive interactions with children and families, as well as her fun and engaging personality. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and sewing.

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.

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.

Dustin Anderson is a member of The Goddard School team, serving as afternoon support staff primarily in the Pre-K 1 and Pre-K 2 classrooms. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Carolina University and brings over 15 years of experience teaching students in Kindergarten through 4th grade. Dustin has been recognized for his excellence in education, including being named Teacher of the Year in 2021 at Avery’s Creek Elementary and receiving the 2022 BCAE Lovable Leader Award. His passion for teaching and supporting children’s growth makes him a wonderful addition to our school community. Outside of the classroom, Dustin enjoys spending time with family and friends and watching the Dallas Cowboys.

Ms. Keri is a valued member of our support staff at The Goddard School, bringing nearly three decades of experience in early childhood education since 1996. She loves helping children work through challenges and finds great joy in celebrating their accomplishments alongside them. Ms. Keri’s warm, encouraging approach helps children feel supported as they build confidence and reach new milestones. Her favorite children’s book is The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone.