Our Goddard School Teachers

Rachelle Hughes is the proud on-site owner of The Goddard School of Raleigh North Hills. She's advocated for ECE since 2003, including roles as a licensed Developmental Specialist, a Clinical Curriculum Specialist at a university for over six years, and most recently Director of Operations of The Goddard School of Raleigh Ridge for over eight years. She's earned her BA in Child Life, MS in Special Education, and is currently pursuing her Ed.D at UNC Chapel Hill. She loves the energy that is abuzz in early learning settings, where relationships and partnership are prioritized at the foundation. She's a member of NAEYC and a presenter for its affiliate, NCAEYC. She also serves on the Program Committee at Poe Health. She enjoys traveling with her husband and their four children to National Parks. They spoil a dog (Moses) and two cats (Tang & Tim). She is a certified beekeeper who hosts backyard and community garden apiaries. She is overjoyed to create this community with you!

Ms. Alicia comes to The Goddard School of Raleigh North Hills with nearly six years of Goddard School experience from our Raleigh Ridge location where she served as our Center Designee and Lead Toddler Teacher since 2020. She earned her bachelor's degree from Winston-Salem State University and joined the field of early childhood education in 2018. She brings 8 years of experience to our program. Her strengths lie creating warm, responsive environments and communication. She has also been a Goddard Mom since 2022. She can't wait to welcome you into our Goddard community!

Hi, I’m Ms. Kayla! I am proud to be a part of the leadership team here as Center Designee. I joined The Goddard School in 2022 and have loved being a part of this community ever since! In my role, I help ensure that our students and staff feel supported, cared for, and set up for success each day. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UNC Charlotte with a minor in Sociology. I also an the recipient of the 2026 Mary Y. Bridgers Early Childhood Educator Award! I have always loved working with children, and one of the most rewarding parts of what I do is getting to watch them learn, grow, and discover who they are. Outside of school, I love spending time with my husband and our dog, traveling to new places, and listening and dancing to music. I’m so grateful to be part of The Goddard School family and to have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with our children, families, and staff!

Hi, I’m Ms. Brittani! I’ve been in early childhood education since 2012, with most of my experience spent right where I love to be...the infant classroom! I have my CDA and have completed specialized infant and toddler coursework through Weber State University. My favorite moments are the snuggles and watching little faces light up as they experience something for the very first time. I’m also an avid reader, and my favorite children’s book is Three Nasty Gnarlies by Keith Graves because of its sweet message about self-esteem and seeing beauty in everyone.

Hi, I’m Ms. Dee, and I’ve been working in Early Childhood Education since 2018. I love watching children learn, grow, and reach new milestones. Teaching is so meaningful to me because I know I’m making a positive impact in their lives and helping them build a strong foundation for the future. One of my favorite children’s books is Dream Big, Little One. I’m excited to create a loving and encouraging environment where every child can learn and shine!

Hi, I’m Ms. Meghan! I’ve been in early childhood education since 2021 and have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. One of my favorite parts of working with young children is watching how much they learn and grow each day while building special bonds along the way. I love getting to witness all of those exciting first moments and milestones, knowing I get to play a small part in each child’s journey! Outside of the classroom, you can find me cheering on my favorite dancers because I’m currently obsessed with Dancing with the Stars!

Hi, I’m Ms. Hope! I have been working in early childhood education since 2018 and especially love being part of the incredible growth that happens during the infant years. From intentional smiles and first rolls to crawling, first steps, and early words, I love having the opportunity to witness so many special “firsts.” Teaching also gives me the chance to be creative, inspire little learners, and watch them become amazed by what they can do. My favorite children’s book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle.

Hi, I’m Ms. Olivia! I earned my bachelor's in Sociology from East Carolina University. I have always enjoyed being around children and seeing the world through their eyes. One of my favorite parts of working with children is watching their personalities grow and celebrating the little accomplishments they make every day! I am excited to create meaningful experiences that help children feel confident, cared for, and excited to learn!

Hi, I’m Ms. Lisa! I have been working in early childhood education since 2006. I love watching toddlers learn new things, grow in confidence, and experience the excitement of accomplishing something new. The hugs, smiles, and little milestones make each day so special, and I love creating meaningful memories along the way. My favorite children’s book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Hi, I’m Ms. Brittany! While this is my first experience working in an early childhood education school, caring for children has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember! I have always loved creating a safe, happy, and loving environment where little ones can learn and grow. My favorite part of working with toddlers is getting to celebrate all of their exciting milestones, big and small! I love building special bonds with each child and watching their confidence and independence grow as they discover new things. My favorite children’s book is Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems!

Hi, I’m Ms. Megan! I’ve been an early childhood educator since 2011, and the toddler years are one of my favorite stages to be a part of. So much changes between 12 and 24 months, and I love having a front-row seat as children discover new skills, gain independence, and let their personalities shine! Outside of the classroom, I’m a huge animal lover and a proud cat mom to MiMi and Melody. You can also find me reading a Freida McFadden book, and my favorite children’s book is Llama Llama Red Pajama.

Hi, I’m Ms. Yawa! I have been working in early childhood education since 2023 and hold my North Carolina Early Childhood Credential. I love the toddler years because they are full of big discoveries, growing independence, and so much language development! I enjoy creating hands-on environments where children can explore, build new skills, and find magic in everyday experiences. When I’m not in the classroom, you can usually find me in the kitchen baking and experimenting with new recipes...a love I enjoy bringing into our sensory experiences, too!

Hi, I’m Ms. Iyanna! I have been serving children for eight years and teaching early childhood for the past two. I’m currently pursuing degrees in BirthKindergarten Education and Teaching Preparation at Wake Technical Community College. I absolutely love the energy, curiosity, and unlimited PAZAZZ of two-year-olds! My goal is to fill my classroom with joy, quality learning, structure, and lots of love. I’m a lifelong learner, a BIG fan of reading aloud, and a real-life fairy princess who can almost always be found watching Disney+!

Hi, I’m Ms. Jessica! I have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2021, and I love watching children grow, become more independent, and explore the world around them. Teaching gives me the opportunity to help guide the next generation and encourage them to become kind, confident, and wonderful individuals. One of my favorite children’s books is Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! by Dr. Seuss. I am currently finalizing my transcripts for my EDU 119 certification.

Hi, I’m Ms. Jordan! I’ve been in early childhood education since 2017 and have completed EDU 119. One of my favorite things about working with young children is seeing just how curious they are about the world around them and how excited they are to learn something new! I love building meaningful bonds with both the children and their families, and there’s nothing more rewarding than getting to watch each child learn, grow, and become their own little person. My favorite children’s book is Little Blue Truck. It’s always a fun one to read together!

Hi, I’m Ms. Dezni! I have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2021, and one of my favorite parts is watching children grow and develop right before my eyes. I love seeing their creativity and skills blossom, from their first simple scribbles to drawing shapes, letters, and even people. I strive to create a safe and nurturing space where children feel confident to explore, learn, and be themselves. Knowing I can play a positive role in their early development is what makes teaching so meaningful to me. A fun fact about me is that I was born on Friday the 13th!

Hi, I’m Ms. Ariel! I have worked in early childhood education since 2007 and hold a bachelor’s degree in Human Sciences with a concentration in Child Development and Family Relations. Teaching children has been the love of my life! Each year brings new personalities, challenges, and opportunities to grow. My favorite part is seeing the world through children’s imaginations, a special kind of wonder we often lose as adults. I also love reading Mo Willems’ Pigeon and Elephant & Piggie books

Hi, I’m Mr. Charlie! I have been working in early childhood education since 2022 and am excited to support our school as both a Resource Teacher and Kitchen & Sanitation Specialist. Whether I’m helping behind the scenes or spending time in the classrooms, I love being part of an environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. One of my favorite things is watching children discover something new and seeing their confidence and independence grow along the way. My favorite children’s book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

Hi, I’m Ms. Antoinette! I’ve worked with preschool-aged children for many years, and what began as a passion has grown into a lifelong calling. I love watching children learn, explore, and discover their unique gifts. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, visiting the beach, attending church, and spending time with my family and friends, especially my son, Kishon. I’m looking forward to a wonderful year filled with learning, laughter, and lots of love!

Hi, I’m Ms. Kania! This is my first year in early childhood education, and I’m excited to serve as a Resource Teacher! I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and am currently pursuing my master’s in Counseling Psychology with a focus on children and adolescents. I love seeing children’s personalities emerge, hearing their budding opinions, and encouraging their curiosity about the world around them. As Whitney Houston said, “I believe the children are our future,” and I love knowing I get to play a small part in inspiring who they may become. My favorite children’s book is The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka.