Our Goddard School Teachers

We are Ruth and Kyle Arbaugh, the proud owners of The Goddard Schools of Lewis Center, Westerville (Polaris), Grandview, and Reynoldsburg. We have two young children who attend The Goddard School of Lewis Center 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 an elementary teacher for over a decade. She has a B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State, as well as certification from Harvard and Yale. Kyle grew up in Northeast Ohio and spent 15 years as a technology entrepreneur; his most recent venture was a financial education platform. He holds a B.S. in Business Management and Marketing from Ohio Northern. Our passion is to build Schools that help develop young minds and create a welcoming community for all parents, students, and teachers.

Miss Sara is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University, where she earned her degree in Human Ecology and Early Childhood Education. Since 2005, she has been a dedicated member of the Goddard School in Lewis Center, beginning in the Twos classroom and growing into her role as Co-Owner and Executive Director. With nearly two decades of experience, Miss Sara oversees all aspects of school operations, ensuring classrooms run smoothly, teachers feel supported, and families are welcomed as true partners. She is passionate about maintaining the highest standards of safety, curriculum, and care, while fostering a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Miss Sara especially loves engaging in conversations with children, listening to their unique ideas and perspectives. Outside of school, she enjoys time with family, crafting, camping, hiking, and reading. Her favorite books are the Little Critter series by Mercer Mayer for their heartwarming adventures and timeless less

Miss Jasmine has been a dedicated member of the Goddard School community since 2022. With over eight years of combined experience in Infant classrooms, early childhood education, and youth intervention, she brings a deep understanding of child development and strong leadership to her role. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and has a passion for supporting both children and staff. Known for her warmth, patience, and professionalism, Miss Jasmine is committed to creating an environment where children thrive and educators feel empowered. In her role as Director of Operations, she oversees the daily functions of the school with a focus on excellence, collaboration, and nurturing care for every child and family we serve.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

Ms. Laura is a warm and creative early childhood educator with a background in Fine Art from the Columbus College of Art & Design. Her journey began as an Art Teacher, where her passion for young children’s creativity led her into early education. As Bridge Lead Teacher, she fosters a nurturing, hands-on learning environment where children feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. Ms. Laura values collaboration with families and colleagues, building a joyful classroom rooted in trust, exploration, and artistic expression.

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 Emily, a proud University of Dayton graduate, brings energy, warmth, and dedication to our Toddler classroom. She nurtures each child through hands-on learning and playful exploration, creating a space where they feel safe, supported, and excited to grow. Her genuine love for early childhood education shines through in her daily interactions and strong relationships with families.

Miss Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Franklin University, bringing a wealth of knowledge in child development and a keen understanding of early childhood needs. Her passion for nurturing young children goes beyond academics, as she is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive environment where infants can thrive emotionally, socially, and cognitively. She is especially attentive to each child’s individual milestones, working closely with families to ensure a consistent and holistic approach to early learning. With her nurturing personality and genuine enthusiasm for the growth of every child, Miss Elizabeth is an invaluable part of our early childhood program.

Miss Tara brings a deep well of experience and compassion to the classroom. With eight years of experience as a paraprofessional and a degree in Psychology, she has a strong foundation in child development and classroom support. As a proud mother of three, she naturally blends nurturing care with professional insight. Toddlers hold a special place in Miss Tara’s heart, and she considers this age group her favorite to teach. She is passionate about supporting children through these important formative years—helping them grow emotionally, socially, and academically. Known for her calm and patient presence, Miss Tara creates a classroom environment where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to learn. Her approach is grounded in empathy, consistency, and a genuine love for early childhood education, making her a trusted guide for both children and families.