Our Goddard School Teachers

After owning separate successful businesses, Jon and his wife, Ami, moved to Raleigh in 2010 from Colorado with the intention of starting a family business together. This would also allow their two young children to be closer to their grandparents. Jon and Ami quickly realized a shortage of private, quality childhood education centers for their own children. They learned about Goddard and their opportunity to provide children the opportunity to grow through exploration and hands-on learning. They recognize the importance of a safe and nurturing learning environment. We are excited and proud to be a part of The Goddard School and the Raleigh Community and are committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for children in the Triangle”

Hi, I'm Ms. Rachelle, the Center Director on Ridge Rd. I have earned my BA in Child and Family Development with a Child Life Emphasis in 2003. I have also completed a Graduate Certificate in Early Intervention in 2014. My areas of research include evidence-based strategies, like Dialogic Reading, Advanced Milieu Teaching, and Shaping. I have eight years of clinical experience working in a laboratory preschool on a university campus, where I taught three- to five-year-old children in addition to doing research in the classrooms and mentoring early childhood education majors. Part of my time there was also spent helping to develop a STEAM- based curriculum. My personal strengths lie in science and math, but I am most passionate about staff and leadership development within the field. I look forward to pulling from my experience and passion to help develop our team and steer them toward success. I appreciate the opportunity to partner with you and make a positive impact in your life.

Kristen first joined our team in 2018 as Assistant Director for three years. In early 2025, she rejoined our team as Director of Education. Kristen is an Air Force veteran. In addition to her service, she earned a Master's degree in Special Education and has over 15 years of experience in early childhood education from teaching through administration. We are excited to learn and grow alongside her!

Hi, I'm Ms. Cynthia! I bring over 20 years of early childhood experience to the team. My strengths are in following a child's lead, engagement, and parent connection. I have earned an Associate's degree in early childhood education.

Hi, I'm Ms. Alicia! I became a teacher because I want to make a difference in a child's life. Seeing that lightbulb go off when they have learned something new makes me so happy! My goals for the classroom are to bring joy to the children every day, and make sure they are having fun while learning! I am also training as a Center Designee to develop my leadership skills. I can't wait to meet you!

Hi, I'm Ms. Amanda. I am rejoining the team after returning from having my daughter. I have earned a certificate in Early Childhood Education. I look forward to bringing my passion for working with young children to the toddler classroom.

Hi, I'm Ms. Samaiya! I have been working with children since 2007 and spent 9 years in the classroom as a Lead Teacher after graduating from the UNC-Greensboro in 2012. I served as the Assistant Director here for nearly three years but returned to the classroom as that is where my passion lies. I am truly enjoy teaching and helping all children learn and grow. I still look forward to collaborating with teachers and families to foster the development of the children in our program each day and for years to come! I can't wait to meet you!

Hi, I'm Ms. Skylar! My hometown is Jacksonville, NC. I have earned my Associates degree. I have always loved working with children and find joy in seeing them learn about the world around them. I hope to create a structured, safe, and fun environment to help children grow. One of my favorite books is "Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes.

Hi, I'm Ms. Jessica! I'm originally from right here in Raleigh, NC! I've wanted to be a teacher since I was a teenager, and my goal is to work my way up to being a lead teacher in a classroom! I earned my NC Credentials and started as a Goddard Great as a Resource Teacher, where now I am an Assistant Teacher. I continue to work toward my goals. I can't wait to meet you!

Hi, I'm Ms. Margaret! I chose the Early Childhood field because I love working with children! I enjoy watching them grow and learn new things! My goal for the classroom is to provide a happy and safe environment where the children thrive as they continue to learn and grow, developing well rounded and respectful human beings. I can't wait to meet you!

Hi, I'm Ms. Bri! I have earned an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. I became a teacher to make a positive impact on the next generation. I want to help children reach their full potential and create life-long learners. My goal is to create a fun, safe and exciting environment that encourages curiosity and a hunger for learning. One of my favorite children's stories is "Put Me in the Zoo" by Robert Lopshire.

Hi, I'm Ms. Priscilla! I wanted to become a teacher to help develop children in a safe and nurturing environment, and also to make a positive impact on their lives. My goals for the classroom are to help the children be positive, eager to learn, and work together as team players. I can't wait to meet you!

Hi, I'm Ms. Zoe! I am originally from Blooming Grove, Texas. I earned my NC Credentials in 2022. I have been working with children since 2008, joining as a Goddard Great in 2018. I love to see children grow developmentally and succeed. When they succeed, I feel like I did as well. In the classroom my goal is to see them all grow and learn in a fun, loving environment.

Hi, I'm Maria! I have earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education. I have been working with children from a young age, with over 15 years of experience. Even as a child, I pretended everything was a baby. My goals for the classroom are to create an environment where all children feel welcome and loved. Also, an environment where all children love to learn and grow.

Hi, I'm Kayla! I have earned an Associate's Degree and am working toward my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at UNC-Charlotte. I enjoy working with children. They are full of life and I am happy knowing I play a role in who they are and will become. My goals are to provide a safe classroom with a positive learning environment where kindness and growth are a priority.

Hi, I'm Tya! I have earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. I have been working in this field since 2017. I love nurturing children and doing my part to make the world a better place. My goals for the classroom are to create a healthy environment for positive child development; learn and have fun with children; and build trust with children and parents. My favorite children's books are "Rainbow Fish" and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar".

Hi, I'm Ms. Dee! I've earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and have two years of early childhood experience. I bring the energy! I have served as a support in the Pre-K program as I gain experience preparing children for Kindergarten and beyond.

Mary has earned a Bachelor's Degree in an outside field but holds an Associate's degree in early childhood education. She came to our program with ten years of experience caring for infants privately. She enjoys singing in her choir and for our babies. We're excited to have her enter our program!

Trin has earned her Associates degree in early childhood education and completes her Bachelor's Degree at Meredith College in May 2025. She joined our team with one year of prior licensed childcare experience. She serves as a wonderful support in North America as she is learning the competencies of best practice in our field. We are excited to have Trin as a Goddard Great!

Ms. Kenya began our program as an intern from ECU where she recently earned her Bachelor's degree in early childhood education. To gain experience in best practice, she is being mentored by Ms. Skylar in our Twos program. Kenya brings a positive attitude and willingness to learn. She is excited to partner with your family.

Ms. Ayana brings a wealth of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology to our infant/toddler team. Her calm approach helps welcome friends to the classroom each morning. She embodies our mission to provide warm, responsive care. She is excited to partner with your family!