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”

Kristen first joined our team in 2018 as Assistant Director for three years. In early 2025, she rejoined our team as Director of Education. In 2026, she began serving as our Director of Operations. 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!

Ms. Tara joined The Goddard School of Raleigh Ridge in early 2026 as our Director of Education. She moved to the area from Massachusetts with over 30 years of experience in early childhood education that included teaching in a Montessori program. She leads with empathy and prioritizes social emotional learning as a cornerstone for whole child development. We are eager to see her elevate our program through staff development and support. You'll find it hard not to laugh around 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. 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. 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 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 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.

Hi, I'm Mary! I have 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!

Hi, I'm Trin! I have 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!

Hi, I'm Anissa! I have earned my North Carolina Credentials in Early Childhood Education and have worked with children for over 20 years. My goal is to ensure that each child meets and exceeds developmental milestones while having fun in a safe, nurturing environment. I am passionate about helping children build confidence and develop new skills.

Hello, I'm Justine! I hold an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and am currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I am passionate about helping children learn, grow, and reach their full potential. My goal is to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment where every student feels valued and supported. I strive to encourage creativity, foster critical thinking skills, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Watching children develop confidence and achieve new milestones brings me great joy, and I am committed to helping each student succeed both academically and personally.

Hello, I'm Michele! I hold an Associate Degree in Teacher Education. After my children got older, I decided to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education because I missed the joy of teaching young children and the special bonds that are formed with them. I am passionate about creating a fun, safe, and nurturing classroom environment where children feel supported and encouraged to learn. My goal is to foster sharing, cooperation, and kindness while helping each child develop a lifelong love of learning. I look forward to guiding young learners as they grow, explore, and discover the world around them.

Hi, I'm Monea! I have earned an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and have eight years of experience working with children. I truly enjoy watching the children in my class grow, learn, and reach new milestones, knowing that I play a role in helping shape their future. My goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and motivated to learn.

Hello, I'm Portia! I hold an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and have a passion for working with young children. I strive to ensure that every child feels loved, valued, and supported as they learn and grow. My goal is to help children achieve their developmental milestones while building confidence, independence, and a love of learning. I am dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment where each child can explore, discover, and reach their full potential. I look forward to partnering with families to support every child's growth and success.

Hi, I'm Sharmetta! I have earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and have dedicated 26 years to working with young children. I am passionate about helping little ones grow, learn, and develop a lifelong love of learning. My goal is to create a nurturing and supportive environment where children can build independence, confidence, problem-solving abilities, and early literacy skills.

Hi, I'm Zugeily! I recently graduated with my Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. I am passionate about working with young children and enjoy watching them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. In my classroom, I strive to create a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to succeed. My goal is to inspire a lifelong love of learning in each of the children I teach while helping them reach their full potential.

Hi, I'm Karen! I hold an Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy and am currently working toward earning my NBCOT license to pursue a career in Pediatric Therapy. I am passionate about working with children and supporting their growth and development. I bring energy, patience, and creativity to every interaction, helping children feel confident, capable, and encouraged as they learn and explore. My goal is to create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn each day. I also strive to support the lead teachers in every way possible while fostering curiosity, promoting positive relationships, and helping each child reach their full potential. I look forward to being a positive part of each child's learning journey.

Hi, I'm Noella! I am currently a high school student and have a passion for working with children. I love helping children learn, grow, and develop in a positive and supportive environment. Watching them gain new skills and confidence is incredibly rewarding. My goal is to create a positive, encouraging, and nurturing learning environment where every child feels welcomed, valued, and supported. I strive to help children build confidence, explore their creativity, and enjoy learning through fun and engaging experiences.

Hi, I'm Ty! I am a current college student working on my Bachelor's degree. I support all classrooms, but primary focus on preschool and Pre-K programs. My goal is to provide warm, responsive care and meaningful one-on-one engagement to help the student I am working with thrive.

Hi, I'm I'yanna! I am originally from Garner, North Carolina, and I am passionate about working with young children. I became a teacher because I wanted to provide children with a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where they can learn new things, build trusting relationships with their caregivers, and develop meaningful friendships. My goal is to create an engaging classroom where children feel happy, supported, and excited to learn each day. I strive to encourage curiosity, confidence, and positive social interactions while helping each child grow and reach their fullest potential. I look forward to being a positive part of their learning journey and helping them develop a lifelong love of learning.

Hi, I'm Kseniya! I recently graduated from high school and will be attending Johnston Community College. I am excited to be a part of this team and look forward to working with children every day. My passion is helping children learn, grow, and build confidence during their most important developmental years. I believe that every child deserves a supportive environment where they feel safe, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. My goal is to create a positive, nurturing learning environment where every child feels welcomed, respected, and excited to learn through play, exploration, and meaningful experiences. I look forward to helping children develop new skills, gain confidence, and have fun while learning each day!

Hi, I'm Shanacee! I have always been passionate about working with children. Growing up, I spent a lot of time babysitting for family and friends, which helped me develop a love for caring for and supporting young learners. One of the most rewarding parts of working with children is watching them learn, grow, and achieve important developmental milestones. My goal is to create an environment where every child feels safe, respected, and valued. I strive to make learning fun, engaging, and exciting so that children can build confidence, explore their interests, and reach their full potential.

Hi, I'm Alex! I have an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and many years of experience working with young children. I became a teacher because I love helping children learn, grow, and build confidence as they discover the world around them. My goal is to create a safe, caring, and engaging classroom where every child feels valued, supported, and excited to learn. I believe children learn best through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity and creativity. I look forward to helping each child develop new skills, reach important milestones, and have fun while learning every day!