Our Goddard School Teachers

Sara Cooper is the Head of School & Managing Partner at The Goddard School of Lewis Center. She leads the daily operations, educational execution, and team development while fostering the close-knit, family-centered culture the school is known for. Sara has been part of the Lewis Center campus for more than 20 years, beginning as a Toddler Teacher and growing into her current leadership role. Her deep knowledge of the school, its families, and its traditions allows her to maintain consistency while continuously strengthening classroom quality and team performance. As a parent of three children who attended Goddard, Sara understands the trust families place in the school each day. She is passionate about building strong relationships with parents and staff and creating a warm, connected community where children feel secure, supported, and excited to learn.

Kyle Arbaugh is the Owner of The Goddard Schools of Grandview, Lewis Center, Westerville (Polaris), and Reynoldsburg. He leads the organization’s long-term vision, growth strategy, and operational innovation to ensure each school delivers an exceptional and forward-thinking early childhood experience. Kyle works closely with leadership teams to strengthen systems, elevate talent, invest in facilities, and continuously improve how the schools serve families and support teachers. His focus is building an organization designed to deliver consistent excellence as it grows - schools that are not only high-performing today, but positioned for sustainable success in the years ahead. As a father of two young children who attend Goddard, Kyle is deeply committed to creating stable, modern, and community-centered campuses where families feel confident and children thrive. He believes strong schools strengthen neighborhoods and is committed to investing in the communities each campus serves.

Ruth Arbaugh is the Owner & Educational Leader of The Goddard Schools of Grandview, Lewis Center, Westerville (Polaris) and Reynoldsburg. She oversees the educational program, school culture, and quality standards across all locations to ensure every classroom reflects the excellence families expect. Ruth works closely with each Head of School and teaching team to maintain strong curriculum execution, consistent classroom structure, and a positive, nurturing environment for children. She regularly evaluates classroom performance, curriculum implementation, and family experience to ensure consistency and continuous improvement. She is deeply committed to developing teachers, strengthening leadership within each building, and creating a culture where high expectations and genuine care go hand in hand. As a parent of two young children who attend Goddard, Ruth holds the schools to the same standards she expects for her own family.

Martina Cisneros is the Director of School Development for The Goddard Schools of Grandview, Lewis Center, Westerville (Polaris) and Reynoldsburg. She works across all campuses to support leadership teams, strengthen operations, and ensure each school consistently delivers a high-quality experience for children and families. Martina plays a key role in developing school leaders, supporting new initiatives, and guiding the successful launch and growth of future campuses. She partners closely with staff, families, and community stakeholders to maintain alignment, elevate standards, and foster strong relationships throughout the organization. Her focus is building sustainable systems and empowered leaders so every Goddard location operates with consistency, professionalism, and care.

Jasmine serves as the Director of Operations at The Goddard School. She oversees daily school operations, administrative systems, and staff coordination to ensure a safe, organized, and high-performing environment for children and families. Since joining the Goddard community in 2022, Jasmine has brought more than eight years of experience in Infant classrooms, early childhood education, and youth intervention. She leads with proactive, transparent communication that strengthens trust between families and the school and ensures parents feel informed and supported at every stage. Jasmine holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. As a parent of two children who attended the school, she understands firsthand the importance of consistency, safety, and strong partnership between home and classroom. She is committed to maintaining high standards and a culture where professionalism and nurturing care go hand in hand.

Zainab serves as the PreK Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator at The Goddard School. She leads curriculum alignment across the school while guiding her PreK students through a structured and engaging program designed to prepare them confidently for kindergarten. Since joining Goddard in 2013, Zainab has been instrumental in strengthening lesson planning, classroom consistency, and academic progression across age groups. Her background in English supports a strong focus on early literacy, communication skills, and critical thinking. In her PreK classroom, Zainab fosters curiosity, independence, and a love of learning while ensuring students build the foundational skills necessary for long-term success. As a parent of two, she values the importance of structure, encouragement, and high expectations in early childhood education.

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 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.

Miss 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, Miss 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, son, and daughter.

Miss Lily is a graduate of Miami University, bringing 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 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.

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 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. Bridge students 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.

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 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 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. Miss Laura values collaboration with families and colleagues, building a joyful classroom rooted in trust, exploration, and artistic expression.