Meet Our Goddard Family

Our expertly trained and experienced teachers and staff blend the highest standards in early childhood education and development with nurturing care to help your child have fun while growing physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

Careers

If you want to help shape the hearts and minds of young children in a fun, nurturing environment, we’d love to have you work with us! We’re always looking for great teachers to join our family.

Check Out Our Job Listings

Warm, Nurturing & Highly Trusted

Learning happens best in a warm and nurturing environment, which is why our teachers take the time to make sure your little one feels safe and cared for every day to help them develop a lifelong love of learning. 

Expertise & Skills

Our caring teachers are highly experienced in the best methods to support your child with teachable moments of exploration, discovery and learning each and every day. 

  • Ms Susan

    Ms Susan

    Owner
    Dr. Susan Monbarren opened The Goddard School in Ballantyne in 2005. She holds her Doctorate degree in Chiropractic Medicine and a Bachelors Degree in Communication. Dr. Susan is directly involved with the everyday operation of the school. She has a great capacity for ensuring Goddard families receive the highest standard in Early Childhood Education. She provides all of the support the school needs to qualify for Goddard’s Circle of Excellence and our 5 Star Licensure. Dr. Monbarren invites you and your family to tour our facility to learn more about The Goddard School in Ballantyne, our nurturing environment and educational curriculum.
  • Ms Tana

    Ms Tana

    Director
    I’m Tana, and I am the Director of The Goddard School-Ballantyne. I am a graduate of Western Carolina where I graduated with honors and hold a Bachelors Degree in Birth to Kindergarten. I also hold a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Studies. I have worked in the field of Early Childhood for 25 years as an Owner, Administrator, and as a Teacher. I joined The Goddard School in 2010, and I love working with our wonderful staff of teachers and of course all of our students. I believe a child’s school experience at an early age forms his/her attitude towards school and sets the pace for the student's lifelong love of learning. The Goddard School is the perfect place for a young child to be introduced to school and develop that positive experience! I enjoy coming to work every day and working with our families and our students. Children have a way of making every day a "Good Day".
  •  Leslie

    Leslie

    Assistant Director
    Hello! My name is Leslie and I am the Assistant Director for the Goddard School at Ballantyne. I am a native of Charlotte receiving my Bachelor's in Elementary Education at UNC Charlotte and later a level 3 Certification for Administration in Early Childhood Development. I have been involved in the educational field since 2010, taking a special interest in early childhood education. My experiences are in both public and private childcare providing group and individual care. All children deserve to learn in an environment that contributes to healthy social-emotional development and a confidence in themselves and their educational team. I am so proud to be a part of the Goddard School and look forward to working with your family as we build strong foundations for successful academic futures together.
  •  Alek

    Alek

    Co-Lead Teacher
    Hello! My name is Aleksandra (Alek), and I am the Co-Lead teacher in the Infant room. I grew up in Russia and completed my education there. I graduated from the Social-Pedagogical College in the city of Samara. My degree is in Early Childhood Development and Education. I also hold a degree in Linguistics and I speak three languages (Russian, German and English). I have been in the educational field for over ten years and I have always enjoyed working with young children. I have one child of my own, Paul, who is now 21 and attending college here in Charlotte. I look forward to meeting your child and I am so thankful to be apart of the Goddard School.
  • Ms Bethany

    Ms Bethany

    Co-Lead Teacher
    Hi! My name is Bethany and I am the Co-Lead Teacher in the TK Classroom. I grew up in Twinsburg, Ohio but moved to Sarasota, Florida where I earned a degree in Education. During my time in Florida, I taught Pre-K for three years and developed a love for teaching. I joined the Goddard team shortly after in 2013. I am excited to work with your child and watch them develop over this last year before Kindergarten.
  •  Chantel

    Chantel

    Co-Lead Teacher
    Hello! My name is Chantel and I am the co-lead teacher in the Preschool 2 classroom. I was born and raised in Queens, New York before moving to Florida for college. I attended The University of North Florida where I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with a concentration in Social Welfare. Soon after graduating, I relocated to Charlotte to further my teaching career. I have been apart of the Goddard Family since 2015 and teaching since 2011. I am looking forward to teaching your child and being a part of their growth and development!
  •  Christina

    Christina

    Lead Teacher First Steps
    Hello, my name is Christina McHam and I am co-lead teacher in the First Steps classroom. I am originally from Ohio. I received my BFA from Winthrop University. I have 5+ years of experience working with young children ranging from infant to 2 years. I love early childhood education and being able to watch the children grow into their personalities. I have been apart of the Goddard Family since 2016, and look forward to many more years working with your children.
  •  Edna

    Edna

    Lead Teacher
    Hello, my name is Edna Gillis and I am a co-lead teacher in the infant classroom. I am married with two children, a son (40 years) and a daughter (33 years). I have one grandson who is 19 years old. I enjoy spending time with family, going to the beach and relaxing. I hold a degree in Early Childhood and have been working in childcare for 15 years. I enjoy each child’s face as they discover a new idea or accomplish a new task. I chose to work with The Goddard School because I can tell it isn’t just a job, there is a level of professionalism and respect that you may not see at every school. Our staff have such soft hearts for our children here. I have enjoyed working with my team in the infant room and helping parents (especially our new parents) feel comfortable and informed in a quality childcare environment.
  •  Franny

    Franny

    Co-Lead
    Hello! My name is Franny Alvarez and I am a co-teacher in the Young Toddler classroom. I was raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador and moved to Miami, Florida when I was married in 2000. My Bachelor’s degree is in Science and I hold a certificate in Infant/Toddler Education. I have been teaching children for over 13 years. I have a passion for learning from and working with toddlers. I am so excited to share new ideas and lessons with your child. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the Goddard School and look forward to having a wonderful experience with the children and my co-teachers.
  •  Shelby

    Shelby

    Teacher
    Hello! My name is Shelby Lazenby and I am a lead teacher in the Toddler Classroom. I graduated from Appalachian State University with a bachelor's degree in public health and a minor in social work. I have always been passionate about the health, safety, and education of the youth in my community. I was drawn to be a teacher at the Goddard School through the philosophy behind our curriculum. Promoting learning through children's interests and play helps children develop cognitively and physically. I want children to find the same joy in school as I do. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading and spending quality time with friends and family. I look forward to getting to know your child and your family!
  •  Girle

    Girle

    Teacher
    Hello! My name is Girle and I am the Co-Lead teacher in Preschool 2. I am married with two children of my own. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology that I earned while living in the Philippines. My background is working in special education and I have always enjoyed teaching in the classroom! I have also started pursuing a graduate degree in Special Education that I continue to work towards as a working parent. In addition to teaching, I have had the pleasure of working as a school counselor and learned to foster foundational skills children need to thrive and excel in the classroom. The goal I set for my classroom is providing a space where your child is valued and loved. Welcome to Preschool at Goddard!
  •  Kelly

    Kelly

    Co-Lead Teacher
    Hello! My name is Kelly and I am a co-lead teacher in the Pre-K2 classroom. I am a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I have been a teacher for over 25 years and have always enjoyed the opportunities that being a teacher gives. I take personal pride in promoting each child's developmental skills. I look forward to meeting you and your child and I am very grateful to be a part of the Goddard family!
  • Ms Kristina

    Ms Kristina

    Co-Lead Teacher
    Hello! My name is Kristina and I am a Co-Lead teacher in the Get Set classroom. I relocated to the Carolinas from upstate New York. I attended Dutchess Community College where I studied Liberal Arts and I earned my degree in Child Development through New York State Educational Incentive Program. I have since obtained my certification as a North Carolina Lead teacher. I have over 24 years of experience working with children of various ages. I have been apart of the Goddard Family since 2012 and I am happy to be a part of your child's education.
  • Ms Nancy

    Ms Nancy

    Co-Lead Teacher
    Hi! My name is Nancy Stinson and I am a co-lead teacher in the Infant classroom. I have three children of my own. We moved to the Carolinas in 2007. I have been working with children of all ages for 30 years and in the Special Education field for 15 years. I have completed additional courses to advance my career in Early Childhood Education and to provide the best possible care for your little ones. I have been a part of the Goddard family for over 10 years and look forward to teaching your children.
  •  Shoma

    Shoma

    Lead Teacher
    Hello! I am Shoma Sengupta, a co-lead teacher in Pre-K 1. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Administration and I am currently pursuing my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Leadership. I have been working in Early Childcare for over 6 six years. I am a mother of two and proactively manage my time to make as much time for my family as possible. I am also very active in the community with multiple charity organizations. I have had the pleasure to author a book, “Reinforce Positivity in Life” which I was delighted to see sell on Amazon. I enjoy teaching and all of my time with my young students. I enjoy getting to know the children’s learning styles and taking multiple approaches to meet their educational needs. Our classroom has a safe, nurturing and secure environment for each of our students.
  •  Kerrie

    Kerrie

    Kitchen/Resource
    HI! My name is Kerri and I am apart of the Resource Team and Food Service Management at the Goddard School at Ballantyne. I have experience and an educational background in business and restaurant management with focus in Safe Serve food practices. I spent many years at home with my two children and that experience, along with my love for children led me to the Goddard school in 2018. Creating a safe learning environment where children can thrive and build healthy relationships in their "village" is very important to me. I am so happy to apart of your child's village!
  •  Pamela

    Pamela

    Educational Support Staff
    Hello! My name is Pam and I am a part of the Educational Support Staff. I have extensive experience and training working with children of all ages for over a decade. I am married and have raised three children of my own! I am passionate about the well being and education of all children and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Goddard team and to meet and teach your child!
  •  Latanya

    Latanya

    Teacher
    Hello! My name is LaTanya Blackwell and I joined the Goddard Team as a co-lead teacher in the Get Set classroom in July of 2021. Our classroom is full of excitement. Each day we implement a schedule that gives children the ability to try something new every day. We learn through song, play, art, literacy and so much more! I am a mother to 5 children, 2 girls and 3 young men. In September of 2019 I married the love of my life and we blended our families into a big family of 9! My work with children began in 2004 when I received my degree in Early Childhood along with additional certifications for Early Childhood nutrition, SIDS and pediatric CPR/First Aid.
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