Our Goddard School Teachers

Crystal brings over a decade of experience and a passion for early childhood education. She began her Goddard journey in 2010 as a Preschool Teacher at The Goddard School of Lewis Center, later serving as Director for six years. In 2021, she became the Executive Director of The Goddard School of Reynoldsburg, excelling in curriculum development, quality assurance, and faculty training before taking on co-ownership of Grandview. Crystal holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and advanced certifications in social-emotional learning and classroom management. She is also the proud mother of two daughters, Lily and Arya, both of whom attended The Goddard School, giving her a personal perspective on the value of a nurturing and high-quality educational environment. Her hands-on leadership and dedication ensure that The Goddard School of Grandview provides an exceptional experience for children, families, and staff.

Kyle and Ruth Arbaugh are the proud owners of The Goddard School of Grandview, Reynoldsburg, and Lewis Center. As parents of two young children who attend Goddard, they are deeply committed to providing exceptional education and care for young children. Ruth brings over a decade of experience as an elementary school teacher and Dean of a private elementary school. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University, along with certifications from Harvard and Yale. Kyle, a former technology entrepreneur, spent 15 years building innovative businesses, including a financial education platform for young adults. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Marketing from Ohio Northern University. They are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive, parents feel supported, and teachers are empowered to inspire the next generation.

Ms. Melanie, a mother of two grown children, has dedicated her life to early childhood education, beginning her journey in the field at the age of 16. She holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently completing her Bachelor's Degree in Educational Studies. Ms. Melanie brings a wealth of experience, having worked with children of all ages and served as an administrator. Her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds shines through in all she does. One of her most cherished moments is receiving heartfelt gifts from children, such as a handpicked flower or a lovingly drawn picture. To her, these small tokens symbolize "the most precious gift a child can give."

Ms. Seqoya has worked in the childcare field for a decade and holds a BA in Political Science from Ohio State University. She is currently pursuing her Infant and Toddler CDA to deepen her expertise. She delights in the small moments of joy children bring and appreciates their ability to find wonder in everyday experiences. In her free time, she enjoys creating art, watching anime, and taking nature walks.

Miss Sam comes to The Goddard School of Grandview with over 10 years of experience in childcare including 5 years working with children who have Autism. She has her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from The Ohio State University. She has two beautiful children Audrey and Liam and has been married for 8 years to her highschool sweetheart. Her favorite part of teaching children is watching them grow and learn new skills. In her free time she enjoys doing arts and crafts and watching documentaries of all varieties. Ms. Sam’s favorite children's book would have to be The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen.

Miss Angelena, also known as Lena, has been a part of The Goddard School family for over three years and has earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. She loves working with children and finds joy in watching them grow, learn, and reach new milestones. One of her favorite parts of teaching is seeing the excitement in children’s eyes as they discover something new and gain confidence in their abilities. In her free time, Miss Angelena enjoys spending time with her family, going out to eat, shopping, or relaxing at home. She is also a proud dog mom to three energetic pups—Gizzy, Nala, and Daisy—who keep her busy outside of school. Miss Angelena is excited to continue growing alongside her students and building meaningful connections with children and families.

Ms. Maddie comes to The Goddard School as a graduate of Ohio University with an Associate’s in Individualized Studies of Real Estate and Business. She brings over seven years of experience working with children of all ages, from infants to Pre-K, and loves watching each child reach their first milestones and develop their unique personalities. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Maddie enjoys cooking, painting, reading, and discovering new coffee shops. Her favorite children’s books are the Froggy series, which she loves sharing with her students. She looks forward to nurturing your little ones and supporting their growth and learning.

Miss Kate joins The Goddard School with over five years of experience in Early Childhood Education and is currently working toward earning her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. She has a deep passion for working with infants and finds great joy in nurturing their development during these foundational years. Miss Kate believes that every positive interaction can help shape a better world, and she is committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of the children she cares for. In her free time, she enjoys painting and spending quality time with her fiancé, three children, and their three beloved cats.

Ms. Taelyr has been a part of The Goddard School family for three years and is currently working toward her degree in Early Childhood Education. She loves coming to work each day to see little smiles, hugs, and hear “Ms. Taelyr!” Building bonds where children feel safe, happy, and valued is her favorite part of teaching. Always a “kids person,” she enjoyed babysitting and spending time with her cousins growing up. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Taelyr enjoys playing the violin, exploring new places, shopping, and visiting COSI with her son, Zayn. She shares her home with her fiancé, Kairan, and loves reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio. She is excited to continue growing in her career and being part of the Goddard family.

Miss Benecia has been a part of The Goddard School family for over four years and is currently working toward a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about supporting children in their growth—cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically—and finds joy in nurturing her students while building strong, lasting relationships with families. Outside of the classroom, Miss Benecia is a proud mom of two and shares her life with her loving husband. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and creating lasting memories through new adventures. Working with children is both her purpose and her joy, and she looks forward to continuing to grow alongside her students.

Ms. Gabby has been a part of The Goddard School team for over two years and is currently working toward a degree in Pediatrics. She is passionate about supporting children’s growth and development and believes that teachers learn just as much from children as children learn from them. Outside of the classroom, Miss Gabby enjoys spending time with her two bunnies and her ferret, whom she adores, as well as relaxing with her supportive partner. In her free time, she loves horseback riding during the summer and, on cooler days, can often be found knitting or reading in her cozy corner. Miss Gabby is excited to continue growing alongside your little ones and supporting them as they learn and discover the world around them.

Miss Honesty comes to The Goddard School with over three years of experience in early childhood education. Throughout her time in the field, she has worked with children of all ages—from infants to school-age—and has grown to deeply appreciate the unique magic each stage of childhood brings. Miss Honesty finds joy in the little moments, like the sound of children laughing together at the lunch table or the excitement on their faces when a friend arrives. In her free time, she enjoys making memories with her daughter as they visit family, try out new arts and crafts, and explore Columbus’ beautiful Metro Parks. Miss Honesty’s favorite children’s books are the Llama Llama series and Neither, which hold a special place in her heart thanks to the memories of reading them together as a parent.

Ms. Latifa has over two years of experience working with young children and truly enjoys being part of their everyday learning and development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is currently working toward her PhD in Law. In the classroom, Ms. Latifa focuses on creating a caring, welcoming environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Outside of school, Ms. Latifa loves spending time with her daughter, shopping together, and making custom signs. Her favorite children’s book is Corduroy, which she loves for its sweet message and gentle lessons. Ms. Latifa is excited to join the Goddard community and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with the children and families she works with.

Ms. Katie has been a part of The Goddard School family for over two years and comes with more than three years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She is currently pursuing her degree in the same field at The Ohio State University and has a passion for helping young children grow, explore, and discover the world around them. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Katie enjoys baking, crafting, and spending time with her cat, Megatron. She finds joy in children’s unfiltered honesty, infectious laughter, and watching their personalities blossom. Being a part of their growth and development each day is what makes her work so rewarding.

Ms. Christy comes to The Goddard School from Cleveland, Ohio. She earned a degree in Advertising from Kent State University before feeling a pull toward early childhood education. She brings one year of professional experience in a childcare center prior to joining our team and is passionate about shaping young minds while providing a warm, loving environment for children. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Christy enjoys relaxing at home or spending time on the golf course with her fiancé. Her favorite childhood book is If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, a story she finds increasingly relatable as she gets older. She looks forward to growing alongside her students and building meaningful connections with each family.

Miss Ajiauh has been a part of The Goddard School team for over two years and brings the same nurturing energy from her big, loving family into the classroom each day. She is currently working toward earning her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is passionate about supporting children as they grow and learn. One of her favorite parts of teaching is watching children discover who they are becoming and celebrating each step along their journey. Outside of the classroom, Miss Ajiauh enjoys trying new and delicious foods and getting lost in a good book. At home, she is kept company by her pet turtle, Meatball, and her playful cat, Aries. Miss Ajiauh feels honored to be a part of each child’s unique learning experience and looks forward to growing alongside them.

Miss Olivia holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and is currently pursuing a master’s in Counseling. She has three years of experience in early childhood education and psychological services. Coming from a large Italian family, Miss Olivia has always loved being around children and especially enjoys watching them grow in confidence as they develop new skills. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, painting, hiking, lifting weights, and spending time with loved ones. Her favorite food is rigatoni alla vodka with chicken, her favorite color is pink, and she loves the children’s book The Giving Tree. Miss Olivia is passionate about supporting children’s growth and learning every day.

Miss Emma graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ohio University with degrees in Global Studies (Africa) and Dance Performance and Choreography. She is passionate about encouraging curiosity and creativity through vivid visual imagery that inspires learning. Emma also volunteers with mental health peer recovery and youth aftercare programs, reflecting her strong commitment to child advocacy. She finds joy in watching children develop their sense of self and loves being part of their growth. Outside of teaching, she enjoys dance, yoga, bubble baths, and cooking. Her favorite food is dumplings, her favorite color is red, and she loves many children’s books. Emma is excited to share years of play, discovery, and learning with her students.

Miss Randi comes to The Goddard School with a degree in Early Childhood Education and over 19 years of teaching experience. She is passionate about working with children and loves witnessing their “aha” moments—those special times when something just clicks. Miss Randi finds daily inspiration in her students and believes they teach her just as much as she teaches them. Outside of the classroom, Miss Randi enjoys cooking, gardening, shopping, and spending time at home with her beautiful daughter, Lena, and her husband, Ryan. They also share their home with three energetic dogs—Gizzy, Nala, and Daisy May. Miss Randi is excited to get to know each family, nurture a love for learning, and watch her students grow and thrive.

Ms. Gabby has been a part of The Goddard School family for over two years and brings experience as an art teacher in a local school district. She is currently in her senior year at The Ohio State University, working toward a degree in Pre-Med with a minor in Psychology. She loves watching children grow and feels inspired by their excitement as they discover new things. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Gabby shares her home with her two feisty cats, Momo and Tai, who keep her on her toes. In her free time, she enjoys creating art, running marathons, hiking, and meeting new people. Her favorite childhood book is Miss Nelson Is Missing! by Harry Allard, a story she loves sharing with her students.

Ms. Claire was born and raised in Grandview Heights, Ohio and brings several years of experience in the education field. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from The Ohio State University and is passionate about working with children, especially witnessing those “Ah-Ha” moments when something just clicks. Ms. Claire feels honored to be a part of each child’s growth and believes that supporting their development is one of the greatest gifts. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Claire enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as relaxing at home with her cats. She is excited to be a part of The Goddard School family and looks forward to growing alongside her students.

Ms. Alexandra has been with our school since its opening in the spring of 2019. She has been all over our building during her time with us, learning and growing in the field of Early Childhood Education and cultivating a deep passion for teaching. Ms. Alex is a Columbus native who enjoys visiting local restaurants and businesses, photography, and traveling. Ms. Alex believes that even the wisest mind has something yet to learn, and strives to grow in knowledge right alongside the children in her care. Ms. Alex is dedicated to providing a warm and nurturing environment for children, families, and staff alike.

Ms. Zeng has been a part of The Goddard School family for over three and a half years. She loves working with children and thrives on their energy, especially during those “light bulb” moments when something just clicks. Seeing children grow and interact with one another is what makes her work so rewarding. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Zeng shares her home with her partner, two dogs—Vinny and Lucy Liu—one cat, Uno (a one-eyed Bengal), and two fish tanks. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, creating art, exploring insects, going on random adventures, or simply relaxing in the sun on a beach. Ms. Zeng looks forward to building meaningful relationships with families and supporting the growth and learning of every child in her care.