Our Goddard School Teachers

My name is Shannon Starbuck, and I am the Director of The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I have a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. Research shows that the first five years of life are critical to a child’s development and I love partnering with families in creating a strong foundation for their child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. I am also passionate about supporting teachers to ensure effectiveness and excellence! When I am not here at school, I love spending time with my family and attending East Carolina Football games! Go Pirates!

My name is Janna Elliott, I am the Director of Operations at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I am a Registered Nurse and soccer mom! I worked as a nurse for 25 years while at the same time homeschooling my four daughters. As a teacher, individualizing their experiences and learning opportunities according to their interests was an integral part of their personal growth and educational development. I continue to believe and am thrilled to continue that strategy with our students here at Goddard! I love teaching and working with children of all ages but especially the formative years of early education. When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family and grandchildren, reading great books, and watching my daughter play soccer for UAB!

My name is Akeya, and I am a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I have my Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and I studied at Liberty University! In addition, I am currently working on my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I love working with children because I enjoy providing a strong foundation of learning and it is incredible to watch them grow. My son went to Pre-K here at the Goddard school! I enjoy being with my family and traveling!

My name is Areli, and I am a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I have 3 siblings who I love and have given me experience with children. I love working with children because I believe they are our future and I want to be a part of their learning experience. When I am not teaching, I like to read, run, and ride my bike. Something interesting about me, I speak Spanish and like to sing songs in Spanish!

My name is Mahaley, and I am a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I love working with children because I like seeing them grow and watching their individual personalities come out. I also feel like you can learn a lot from them as well. When I am not teaching, I like to hang out with friends or stay at home with my dog. I have always wanted to work with children, and I am so thankful to be at the Goddard School!

My name is Megan, and I am a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I have my master’s degree in education, and I studied at National University. I love working with them because they are fun to be around. I also love watching them grow and learn every day. When I am not teaching, I like to spend time with my own family. I have a husband and two little girls of my own!

My name is Sarah, and I am a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I have my bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Intervention and I studied at Walsh University. I love working with children because I love watching them learn and grow. My students make me laugh everyday and encourage me to use my imagination! When I am not teaching, I like to go to the beach, read, go on road trips, and enjoy Ohio State sporting events (Go Buckeyes)!

My name is Chelsea, and I am a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I have my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Intervention, and I studied at Walsh University! In addition, I have my NC state credentials in the field of Early Childhood Education. Working with children is my passion. I love how fun, curious, and eager to learn they are (they keep me young)! I believe preschool is the foundation of a successful learning experience for every child and my goal is to always make learning fun and engaging. When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling, shopping, watching sports (Go Buckeyes!), taking trips to the beach, watching tv and spending time with family and friends.

My name is Tori, and I am on staff at the Goddard School in Brier Creek. I support in all classrooms and in the office. I am currently in school working towards my early childhood credentials. Working with children is my passion because they are so impressionable and kind! When I am not working, I love being with my family and my puppy. I also like art and being creative!

Kruti is the proud owner of The Goddard School® of Raleigh Brier Creek. Kruti has been part of the Triangle community since 2001. She is deeply committed to creating a positive, enriching environment where children can grow, explore, and thrive. With a Master’s degree in Molecular and Microbiology, Kruti brings a scientific perspective to early childhood education. Her background helps shape her approach, emphasizing curiosity, discovery, and a love of learning. Kruti's passion for nurturing both the academic and emotional development of children drives her to create an atmosphere where each child can reach their full potential. Kruti is dedicated to ensuring that The Goddard School® of Brier Creek is a place where families feel welcome, supported, and valued.

My name is TahKeira, and I am a Lead teacher at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I have my early childhood credentials. I love working with children because it gives me an opportunity to watch them grow and become confident in themselves. It also gives me a chance to be creative! When I am not teaching, I like to do some retail therapy, and I also enjoy hanging out with my boyfriend and friends. I have such a big heart, and I really love kids!

My name is Nancy, and I am a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I love working with children because I love being part of their early learning development. When I am not teaching, I like to hike, play videogames, read books, watch tv shows like Master Chef because I also love cooking. I am bilingual in both English and Spanish.

My name is Yanci, and I am a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I love working with children because kids are fun, full of energy, and say the wildest things unapologetically! When I am not teaching, I like to paint especially on a rainy day. That's when I feel most inspired. Family time is very important, so quality time with them is a must!

My name is Alisson, and I am a Lead Teacher at The Goddard school in Brier Creek. I am currently attending Wake Tech for elementary education. I love working with children and seeing the excitement they have when they learn something new, and all the hugs! When I am not teaching I like to sew, hang out with my sisters, bake, and go to the pool.

My name is Cynthia, and I am a Floater at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. My Bachelors degree is in Illustration and Graphic Design and I studied at Marywood University. I love working with children. I love working with children because it is so much fun seeing them learn, experience, try and achieve new things. Their joy is contagious! When I am not teaching, I like to walk, exercise, read, create art, and spend time with family and friends.

My name is Tianna, and I am a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. My bachelor's degree is in applied education and I studied at NC State University. I love working with children because I love the joy of seeing a child learn something new. Children are so creative, they always keep me imaginative! When I am not teaching, I like to spend time reading with a good book, or practicing my artistic skills.

My name is Katherine, and I am a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I am currently in school at Wake Tech for business administration and I am minoring in Early Childhood. I love working with children because the opportunity to watch them grow is such a beautiful thing. To also be able to create a bond and perhaps become their safe space is unmatched. When I am not teaching, I like to spend time with my family and kick the ball around with my dog. I am very excited to be a teacher at Goddard. I can't wait to meet you and your little one. Children and their growth are my passion. We all deserve the ability to learn while having fun.

My name is Sanaa, and I am a Floater at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I am currently attending UNC Greensboro for political science. I love working with children because I love watching them develop their own personality and seeing them hit different milestones. I love knowing that in a way I helped this newer generation learn and grow. When I am not teaching, I like to bake, read, watch movies/tv shows, paint, and go on road trips.

My name is Ashley, and I am a Floater at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I love working with children because they encourage us to use our imagination and find new ways to do things! They are so pure and full of energy, it's bittersweet watching them grow up and be independent. It is rewarding knowing we are making a difference in their lives.

My name is Ashley, and I am a Floater at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I am currently in school at Winston-Salem State University for early childhood. I love working with children because they bring so much joy to me. It's very hard to have a bad day when I am around the most amazing kids ever! I enjoy watching them grow each and every day and it's rewarding to be able to be a part of their development. When I am not teaching, I like to spend time with my family, shop at Target/Walmart and catch up on sleep! I genuinely enjoy being a part of your little ones lives and watching them grow!

My name is Mileydi, and I am an Assistant Teacher at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I love working with children because I enjoy seeing all the creativity and different personalities each child has. When I am not teaching, I like to spend time with my family. I like to be very present in my younger sisters' lives.

My name is Kasia, and I am a Floater at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. My bachelor's degree is in early childhood education and my master's degree in care and educational pedagogy. I love working with children because I like to see how they are growing and blooming. When I am not teaching, I like to hike, garden, and watch my son play soccer. I am a soccer mom and I have a dog and two cats.

My name is Lillian, and I am a Floater at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. My bachelor's degree is in French and international studies and I studied at NC State University. I love working with children because they are fun, honest, and full of personality, which makes every day different and exciting. When I am not teaching, I like to read, cross stitch, and hang out with friends.

My name is Kiea, and I am a Floater at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I am currently in school at Wake Tech for early childhood education and teacher prep. I love working with children because I get to see growth happen in real time, help shape who they become, build strong emotional connections, and I get to make a difference! When I am not teaching I like to spend time with family and friends, cook, and listen to music.

My name is Grace, and I am a Floater at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. My bachelor's degree is in literary studies and I studied at Queens University of Charlotte. I love working with children because every day is different, and even the small moments can make a big impact. I love helping children learn and grow. Their curiosity, honesty, and creativity make the environment rewarding and meaningful! When I am not teaching, I like to play tennis, read books, and work on publishing a book! I also love to take hikes and visit museums.

My name is Caroline, and I am a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. My bachelor's degree is in political science and I studied at NC State. I love working with children because I love blending structured support with creative, imaginative play to foster a joyful environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. When I am not teaching I like to explore the great outdoors with my family, especially hiking and kayaking. Back at home, I love winding down in the kitchen by baking delicious treats. It's all about making memories with my loved ones. As a parent myself, I understand how important peace of mind is when it comes to your child's care. I am committed to maintaining a safe, patient, and highly communicative environment for your child.

My name is Lillie, and I am a Floater at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I am currently in school at NC State for psychology. I love working with children because I love being involved in their creativity and imagination! When I am not teaching, I like to read, travel, attend NC State sports games, and spend time with family and friends!

My name is Kelly, and I am a Floater at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I love working with children because I enjoy watching them learn, grow, and discover the world around them. Watching them develop into their own little people is magical. When I am not teaching, I like to spend time with my family, read a good book, train dogs, and bake sourdough bread. I love being outdoors, and going on new adventures especially with those I love.

My name is Eva, and I am a Floater at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I am currently in school at North Carolina Central University for early childhood education. I love working with children because they bring a joy of no other into my day. When I am not teaching, I like to go to pilates and I enjoy cooking new meals.

My name is Brenda, and I am a Floater at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I love working with children! When I am not teaching, I like to be a mom and spend time with my three girls.

My name is Rebecca, and I am a Floater at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. My master's degree is in biostatistics and I studied at UNC Chapel Hill. I love working with children because they are so much fun to be around and I like helping their little minds grow! When I am not teaching, I like to read, play with my cats, bake, and play videogames.

My name is Nikki, and I am a Floater at The Goddard school in Brier Creek. My associate's degree is in medical billing and I studied at Wake Tech. I am currently in school at Stepful for pharmacy tech. I love working with children because I love watching them learn, grow, and develop their own personalities. I enjoy creating a safe space where children feel comfortable expressing themselves. When I am not teaching, I like to spend time with family, baking, watching k-dramas, trying new food, going out for dinner, and relaxing at home. I believe every child deserves patience, encouragement, understanding, and the opportunity to learn in an environment where they feel safe and supported.

My name is Semi, and I am a Floater at The Goddard School in Brier Creek. I have my early childhood credentials. I love working with children because I love being part of a child's journey in learning and growing. When I am not working I like to spend time with my family, crochet, and travel.