Our Teachers

My husband, Derik, and I live in Upper Arlington with our daughters Eleanor and Abigail. Prior to joining the Goddard family, I had a 20-year career as a retail merchandising executive. It was my experience as a working mom in search of a high quality, nurturing environment for my daughter that led me on my remarkable journey to Goddard. It was hard to know how to select the best program for Eleanor and we ended up having a bad experience with her first school. Then we found Goddard and saw how much of a difference the teachers, the care, and the curriculum made. This experience inspired me to dedicate myself to providing the very best in early childhood care and learning and to provide a sense of peace and security to you, the families, who leave the best part of yourselves with us every day. I am excited to get to know you, and especially to know your children. Please reach out to me any time, my door is always open.

Ms. Sarah joined our Goddard School family in 2009 at the Westerville III location. She began her journey with us as our Private Kindergarten teacher, was promoted to Assistant Director in 2011 and Director in 2024. Sarah earned her Bachelor's of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Ashland University. Her philosophy is that fairness in teaching is not based on each child getting exactly the same but getting what they need. Ms. Sarah and her husband live in New Albany with their two little girls. "A teacher nourishes the soul of a child for a lifetime."

Ms. Lindsey has been a cherished member of our Goddard family since July 2008. Initially joining as a toddler teacher, she has gained experience with every age group over the years. In 2024, Ms. Lindsey was promoted to Assistant Director. She is currently pursuing a Child Development Associate Credential and holds the belief that every child is unique, learning in their own distinct way. She emphasizes the importance of creating a fun, hands-on learning environment, considering it one of the most crucial aspects of teaching.

Ms. Shaina has been a member of our Goddard family since 2009. She holds her Child Development Associate Credential from the Council for Professional Recognition with a Preschool Endorsement. Ms. Shaina is hands-on and believes a teacher should be on the floor with the children. She feels it is necessary to follow parents' guidelines for their children. Ms. Shaina's favorite children's book is Hiccupotamus by Aaron Zenz.

Ms. Lila has been dedicated to childcare since 2007. She believes that every child is special and needs to feel safe and loved. Ms. Lila finds joy in working with children and loves teaching in a creative, hands-on manner. We have been incredibly fortunate to have Ms. Lila as part of our team since 2012. Ms. Lila's favorite children's book is Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Kim brings many years of experience in childcare to our team. She believes that every child is a unique individual with their own feelings and thoughts to share. According to Ms. Kim, the most important thing a teacher can do is encourage children to work positively with their peers. Ms. Kim has been a valued member of our Goddard family since 2013. She lives in New Albany with her husband and two children. Ms. Kim's favorite children's book is Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney.

Ms. Joanna holds her Bachelor of Specialized Studies in Child Development from Ohio University. She has been working in childcare since 2010 and became a member of our team in the fall of 2014. Ms. Joanna believes that children are curious, caring, blooming flowers and that they each bring something different to the classroom. Ms. Joanna's favorite children's book is Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown.

Ms. Shelby joined our family in October of 2019. She believes that teachers should feel the need to help children and that teaching takes a lot of understanding. Ms. Shelby has experience working with children in a Monetssori environment along with a quiet, calm, patient vibe. She is the perfect addition to our preschool classroom. Ms. Shelby's favorite children's book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Ally joined our Goddard family in May of 2021. She believes that children are amazing, smart and curious. Ms. Ally thinks it's important that teachers remind themselves that children are always learning; they learn from what they see and hear. Ms. Ally believes that it is important to make sure children know when they are doing a great job but also to let children know when their choices are not safe. She believes that the most important thing a teacher can do is be understanding and patient. Ms. Ally's favorite children's book is Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. "Be the teacher you needed when you were younger."

Ms. Annie joined our Goddard team in August 2021. She believes all children are born curios and have the desire to learn and grow in their curiosities. She hopes to help her students fulfill their learning goals in order to fulfill her own goals as a teacher. Ms. Annie 's favorite children's book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. "The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery." - Mark Van Doren

Ms. Arnie joined our school family in April 2022. She earned a bachelor of elementary education from Cebu Normal University in 2011 and has been working with infants in New Albany since 2016. Ms. Arnie believes that all children deserve love and appreciation and hopes to give her students a variety of activities that will help them grow and develop. She lives in the area with her husband and little girl. "Every child deserves a champion - an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be." - Rita Pierson

Ms. Haley joined our school is September 2022. When working with kids, Ms. Haley hopes to make everything a learning experience as children are very active and curious learners. She believes that learning environments should provide lots of opportunities for hands-on activities. Ms. Haley's favorite children's book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. "If some students are unresponsive, maybe you can't teach them yet, but you can love them. And if you can love them today, maybe you can teach them tomorrow."

Ms. Alexis earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Capital University. She has over five years of experience volunteering with children ages six weeks to five years and joined our school family in January 2023. Ms. Alexis believes in fostering a child's independence and never taking a break from learning. She wants to help children believe in themselves and learn to make their own good choices. "When one teaches, two learn."

Ms. Stephanie has been working in childcare since 2006 and joined our Goddard family at the Westerville location in 2008. She earned a Child Development Associate Credential in 2010. Ms. Stephanie encourages her students to come to school with a positive attitude and strives to develop connections with every child in the classroom. She aims to ensure that her students' basic needs are met so they feel happy, comfortable, safe and welcomed to school. Throughout her career, Ms. Stephanie has held virtually every position within a school. The knowledge and experience she brings make her a valuable member of our team. Ms. Stephanie's favorite children's book is Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathman.

Ms. Alyssa believes the most important thing a teacher can do is teach kids to be kind and hard working. She hopes to slow down and take her time with each child. Once you start to know an individual child, they start to open up and you know how to help that particular child. Ms. Alyssa thinks all children are smart, crave knowledge and want to have fun. She officially joined our team in August 2018 but has been a part of the family for more than a decade as a daughter of one of our other teachers and a former preschool student of Ms. Coleen. Ms. Alyssa's favorite children's book is Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems. "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin

Ms. Cat joined our team in October 2023. She has a quiet nature and enjoys spending much of her day focusing on small groups and individual children within the classroom. Ms. Cat sees how much the children care for one another and hopes to help students understand rules as well as guide them in making safe, kind choices. Ms. Cat's favorite children's book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. "A good teacher is like a candle, it consumes itself to light the way for others."

Ms. Leah joined our school in November 2023. She believes it is most important for a teacher to connect with each child and make them all feel special. Ms. Leah understands that children are always reacting to their environment and that they need warm, nurturing, creative spaces to help them grow. Ms. Leah's favorite children's book is Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar. "Our job is not to tell children what to be but to show them the possibilities of being" - Horatio Clare

Ms. Maddie hopes that all of her students will feel included. She believes that patience and kindness are the key to a successful day. After starting her career in nursing, Maddie felt a desire to work with children full time and joined our school in January 2024. Ms. Maddie's favorite children's book is Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss. "The more you read, the more things you'll know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

Ms. Jillian hopes to always be patient with children. She enjoys watching them learn and grow and wants to do all she can to aid in that. Ms. Jillian believes that it is a teacher's job to protect, love and support kids while they are away from their family during the day. She joined our team in January 2023. Her favorite children's book is Charlotte's Web. "A good education can change anyone, a good teacher can change everything."

Ms. Jordan understands that teachers have to have patience and give guidance. She knows that children want someone to look up to. She joined our school in January 2024. "Great teachers empathize with kids, respect them and believe that each one has something that can be built upon." - Ann Lieberman

Ms. Elaina studied early childhood at Columbus State Community College and has experience as a martial arts instructor before joining our school in January 2024. She believes that it is important to support children in all of their needs because the leaders and teachers present in early childhood shape a child's learning style and motivation. Ms. Elaina's favorite children's book is If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff. "A teacher's job is to take a bunch of live wires and see that they are well-grounded" - Darwin Martin

Ms. Kaylee feels that teachers can learn just as much from their students as students learn from their teachers. She believes in the importance of being mindful and open to a mutual learning environment. Ms. Kaylee strives to be kind, listen to her students' needs, and always treat them with respect and love. She joined our team in March 2024. Her favorite children's book is The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. "The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don't tell you what to see."

Ms. Joslyn joined our team in 2024. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an Education minor from the Ohio State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work also from OSU. Ms. Joslyn believes in positive and gentle teaching methods, using redirection when needed. She emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with children and their families to provide the best care possible. Ms. Joslyn's favorite children's book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. "The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery."

Ms. Taylor joined our school in January 2024. She wants to act as a guide for her students by providing hands-on activities, encouraging the children to make decisions and let curiosity direct their learning. Ms. Taylor believes that the most important thing a teacher can do is help the kids have a successful day. Her favorite children's book is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. "It's the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom."

Ms. Jennifer joined our team in August 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood development. She believes that all children are growing and learning every day, and that even the smallest moments can be powerful teaching opportunities. Before joining us, Ms. Jennifer had been actively involved with the Girl Scouts of America since 2012. Ms. Jennifer's favorite children's book is Widget by Clare Turlay Newberry. "They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel."

Ms. Kiara has been working in childcare since 2013 and specifically as an infant teacher since 2016. She joined our team in 2024. She understands that each child grows and learns at their own pace and in their own way. She believes that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, as we are all learning every day. Ms. Kiara's favorite children's book is If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. "In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn"