Our Teachers

We are Ruth & Kyle Arbaugh, the proud owners of The Goddard School of Lewis Center and The Goddard School of Reynoldsburg. We have two young children who both attend Goddard and have dedicated our lives to the education and care of young children. As owners we bring a unique education and business background to our Schools. Ruth was the Dean of a private elementary school and elementary school teacher for over a decade before we joined the Goddard family. She has a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University as well as additional certification from Harvard University and Yale University. Kyle grew up in Northeast Ohio and spent 15 years as a technology entrepreneur. Prior to our Goddard School ownership his most recent venture was a financial education platform. He attended Ohio Northern University and has a Bachelors of Science in Business Management and Marketing. Our passion is to build a School that helps develop young minds and create a welcoming community for all our parents, students and teachers.

Miss Erin has been a valued part of The Goddard School team for 12 years and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Wittenberg University. Teaching has always been her passion—she dreamed of being a teacher since childhood, when she would play “school” with her stuffed animals. Her favorite part of working with children is witnessing those magical “a-ha” moments, when their eyes light up with excitement as they master new skills. Miss Erin’s favorite children’s books are the Berenstain Bears series and Pigeon books by Mo Willems. She has fond memories of reading Berenstain Bears stories every night before bed and, as a teacher, has developed a love for Mo Willems’ books, especially the Pigeon series. She finds them perfect for lively read-alouds, and they provide wonderful opportunities to teach across different content areas in a fun, engaging way.

Miss Sara joins the Goddard School as a proud graduate of The Ohio State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Human Ecology and Early Childhood Education. Since 2005, she has been a valued part of the Lewis Center location, beginning her journey in the Older Toddler classroom and now serving as Program Director. Miss Sara brings a contagious enthusiasm for learning and is committed to providing new, enriching experiences for every child in our program. Her favorite part of working with young children is engaging in conversations with them, listening to their unique perspectives and insights. Outside of school, she cherishes time with her family, both near and far, and enjoys crafting, camping, hiking, and reading. Her favorite children’s books are the Little Critter series by Mercer Mayer, which she loves for the heartwarming adventures and valuable life lessons they offer.

Miss Makayla is our dedicated and passionate Kindergarten teacher at the Goddard School. She embarked on her journey in Early Childhood Education by graduating from The Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in the field and obtaining her teaching license. Joining the Goddard School in 2020, Miss Makayla has since become an integral part of the school community. One of the things that truly sets Miss Makayla apart is her love for engaging children in hands-on activities. She firmly believes that active learning is crucial for young minds to thrive and develop. It brings her immense joy to witness the growth and progress her students make as they participate in interactive experiences. In her free time, you’ll find her enjoying time outdoors and being around friends and family. Her hobbies include hiking with her dog, crafting, crocheting, and painting.

Ms. Z has been a valued part of the Goddard School team since 2013. With an undergraduate degree in English, she is passionate about teaching and loves witnessing the wonder and curiosity that children bring to the world. Ms. Z especially enjoys working with PreK students, fostering their excitement for learning and helping them develop essential skills for kindergarten and beyond. When she's not in the classroom, she enjoys quality time with her two children, friends, and family. Her hobbies include bowling, painting, savoring delicious chocolate, and reading.

Miss Aleah has devoted seven years to early childhood education and is currently advancing her expertise by pursuing a degree in Elementary and Special Education, along with a CDA in Preschool. She has a natural love for working with young children, inspired by their enthusiasm and curiosity. Witnessing their joy as they learn and explore new things is one of her greatest rewards. Her favorite children’s book is Where the Wild Things Are, and she also enjoys the Magic Treehouse series for its sense of adventure. Outside of work, Miss Aleah treasures time with her two playful puppies and close-knit family.

Miss Bryce has been a dedicated teacher at the Goddard School since 2017. She finds joy in the classroom, especially in the preschool environment, where she loves seeing young minds light up with curiosity and wonder. For Miss Bryce, there’s nothing more rewarding than helping preschoolers discover new skills, build friendships, and grow in confidence as they explore the world around them. Her favorite book, Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug by Jonathan Stutzman, inspires her with its message of perseverance and determination to achieve one’s goals. Outside of school, Miss Bryce loves relaxing with Netflix, cuddling with her dog, and spending quality time with her husband, family, and, most importantly, her son.

Miss Tracey has been an integral part of The Goddard School since 2014, bringing with her over 30 years of experience working with infants. Holding an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, she is truly dedicated to nurturing and supporting the development of the youngest learners. Miss Tracey finds great joy in witnessing the daily growth and learning of the babies under her care. One of her favorite children's books is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Eric Carle, as it aids children in associating colors and meanings with objects. During her free time, Miss Tracey indulges in outdoor activities such as hiking and gardening, and enjoys gathering around campfires with loved ones.

Miss Jasmine, a member of the Goddard School community since 2022, is known for her unwavering love for infants. With an impressive five years of experience in Infant classrooms and an additional three years in early childhood education and youth intervention, she brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her role. Miss Jasmine holds a Bachelor's Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. She firmly believes that combining patience, warmth, and a deep understanding of infant development is essential in creating a nurturing environment for each and every infant in her care.

Miss Hannah brings over five years of experience in early childhood education, complemented by her certification from the Early Childhood CDA program. Her background has equipped her with the knowledge and skills essential for nurturing young learners. She finds immense joy in watching children grow and develop throughout the school year. Outside of work, Miss Hannah enjoys reading, spending quality time with family and friends, and playing basketball. A devoted fan, she enthusiastically supports her favorite team, the Indiana Hoosiers! Her favorite childhood book, Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman, remains close to her heart as it was her treasured bedtime story.

With over eight years of experience in Early Childhood education, Miss Amanda brings both dedication and expertise to create a nurturing and enriching learning environment for her students. She is currently studying Elementary Education at Franklin University and has a special passion for working with toddlers. She finds immense joy in witnessing their boundless curiosity, creativity, and rapid developmental growth. Their energy and enthusiasm for learning inspire her daily and deepen her commitment to guiding young minds during this pivotal stage of development. Outside of school, Miss Amanda enjoys reading, knitting, and spending time with her two beloved dogs. She has a strong passion for art and music and constantly seeks to expand her skills and knowledge.

Miss Neva, a graduate of Ohio University with a degree in English, brings a rich background in early childhood education, particularly with toddlers. She finds immense joy in witnessing each child’s growth and is dedicated to creating a dynamic learning environment through interactive and engaging activities. Beyond the classroom, Miss Neva enjoys an active lifestyle, especially taking long walks with her dog. She has a special fondness for the classic children’s book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, and is thrilled to foster a warm, stimulating environment that nurtures both academic and social development for every child in her care.

Miss Lily is a recent graduate of Miami University, bringing a fresh perspective and a boundless enthusiasm to her role. Before joining us, she worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and is now eager to channel her passion into working with preschool students. Miss Lily thrives on engaging with her students and delights in the unique perspectives they bring to the classroom. She finds great joy in facilitating their learning through hands-on activities, creative projects, and meaningful conversations. Her belief that every child has the potential for remarkable discoveries fuels her dedication to their educational journey.

Miss Kayla brings over six years of invaluable experience in the field of childcare. Being part of a child's growth, development, and education holds immense significance for her. While she has experience working with children of all age groups, toddlers hold a special place in her heart as her absolute favorites! Outside of school, Miss Kayla enjoys spending quality time with her 12-year-old Yorkie named Teddy, indulging in her passion for painting, and moments at the beach. Miss Kayla eagerly anticipates building connections with her students and embarking on exciting journeys of exploration and learning together!

Ms. Leanna brings six years of teaching experience and holds a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She has taught at the elementary level for three years and has valuable experience working with older toddlers and prekindergarten children. Driven by a passion for nurturing young minds, Ms. Leanna is dedicated to helping children grow and thrive. In her classroom, she fosters a joyful and engaging atmosphere through reading, singing, and playful interactions with her students. Outside the classroom, Ms. Leanna enjoys cooking, getting lost in a good book, watching Disney movies, and spending time with her husband and their son.