Our Goddard School 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 each and every one of you, and especially to know your children. Please reach out to me any time, my door is always open.

I joined The Goddard School family in 2020 and am proud to serve as the Center Director. I hold a bachelor’s degree in visual communication technology and a master’s in educational technology leadership. In 2024, I received the Aim4Excellence National Director Credential from the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Education. With over a decade of experience in early childhood education, I am passionate about fostering a love of learning in young children and supporting the teachers who guide them every day. I take great joy in combining my classroom experience with my leadership role to create a nurturing, engaging, and fun environment for both children and staff. My goal is to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and excited to learn — while building strong partnerships with families along the way. It’s a privilege to be part of such an incredible team here at Goddard!

Hello! I joined the Goddard family in 2020 and serve as one of our Assistant Directors. I'm currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education and am a proud Olentangy School District alumna. With over 10 years of experience (I started out as an Infant Teacher!), I am passionate about early learning and family connections. As a mom to a busy 3-year-old, I bring both professional expertise and real-life parenting perspective to my role. I love supporting teachers, partnering with families, and helping create the warm, high-quality experience The Goddard School of Powell is known for.

My name is Alissa, I joined the Goddard family in 2022 and I am one of the Assistant Directors! I was born and raised in Southwest Florida where I attended Florida Gulf Coast University for Early Childhood Education, and have been working in the Early childhood field since 2017. Once I started, I fell in love and never looked back! My husband and I have 3 beautiful and energetic girls, Oaklynn, Maylee & Lillienna (all under 5 years old!). Needless to say, they keep me on my toes! I am so grateful to have my children here at Goddard with me and to be a part of such an amazing team!

My name is Brittany and I am the lead Infant teacher! I joined the Goddard family in 2021. I graduated from Delaware Hayes High School and am currently working to obtain my Associates in Child Development. I have been working with children for many years in various roles in the Early Childhood industry. I have worked with children the ages of 8 weeks old up to school-age. I chose to work with infants because I love watching them hit numerous milestones and being involved in their early stages of learning. I love connecting with families and giving the absolute best care towards my babies!

My name is Naomi and I am one of the Infant assistant teachers! I joined the Goddard family in 2022 and have been working with young children for many years in various roles both in early childhood education and as a private nanny. I wanted to get back into a classroom and was thrilled to have the opportunity to work in the Infant classroom as I adore babies. I chose to work at The Goddard School of Powell because I love Goddard’s values. Though it can be challenging at times, working with young children is a very rewarding and fulfilling career. I hope that my students always know they are safe and loved and that I am here to support, guide and encourage them every day.

Hi! My name is Rebecca, and I am one of the Infant assistant teachers! I have been with Goddard since 2023! I attended Delaware Area Career Center and received my Associates in Child Development in 2020. I love Goddard because of the structure, commitment to developing strong social-emotional skills through Goddard's Life Lesson Library and the use of Conscious Discipline techniques, and to make a difference in children’s lives. I look forward to meeting you and your family and helping your little one develop and grow!

Hello! My name is Nevaeh, and I have been the lead teacher in the First Steps Classroom since 2023. I'm currently in school studying education at The Ohio State University. As an educator I want to support my students through their development and be a safe place for them when they need it. I look forward to building a relationship with all the students in my room!

My name is Beth, and I have been the assistant teacher in the First Steps classroom since 2023! I got my bachelors degree in Child and Family Community services from Bowling Green and have been working with children ever since! I have 2 daughters who also work in the early childhood field! As an educator, my goal is for each child to feel secure and cared for enough to explore and experience the world around them!

My name is Ms. Nicole, and I am the lead teacher in the Toddler classroom! I chose to work at Goddard in 2023 because I value how everyone is treated like family. I am a mom of three and have always loved working with children. I just love watching my students grow and develop their personalities. They have such pure hearts! My goal for our classroom is for our students to feel loved and cared for while we support their development in age appropriate and fun ways.

My name is Ms. Michelle, I have been the assistant teacher in the Toddler classroom since 2024! I was born and raised here in Columbus, OH and am a huge Buckeyes fan. I've worked in childcare for the past 4 years but I knew I wanted to be a teacher even when I was in middle school. My teachers had such a positive impact on my life and I hope to have the same positive impact on my students. My goal is to create a nurturing environment where all students can learn and grow. I love how each day brings something different, and look forward to building great relationships with both you and your child.

My name is Ms. Abbi, I'm the lead Get Set teacher! I've been working in the Early Childhood Education field since 2014 and have my Child Development Associates. I've absolutely loved every minute of being a teacher! My goal as an educator of young children is to ensure every child in my care feels validated, loved and nurtured. Encouraging children to learn through play has always been something I am passionate about, and I am so excited to have the opportunity to watch your little one learn and grow!

My name is Ms. Ruby and I am Lead teacher in the Bridge classroom. I joined the Goddard family in 2019. I received my Bachelor of Science from Madurai Kamaraj University. My passion for children has led me to spend most of my life dedicated to teaching little ones and supporting their families. It's a great reward to know that I have a positive impact on a child’s life. I love watching my students explore, learn, and grow into caring and compassionate children. As I approach each day my goal is to make it a great one for my students and to help them learn something new while building their self-confidence and independence.

My name is Mr. Dan. I have a bachelors in technology education and have been working with children and their families for over 10 years in a variety of youth programs and summer camps. My family and I moved to Columbus in 2022 shortly after having our first child. Since then, I've been committed to working with young children in early childhood education. My goal is to help spark my students' curiosity and encourage exploration of the world around them. I've seen firsthand the impact a strong education and sense of adventure can have in my own children, and hope to provide the same impact for the students in my classroom. Now as a father of two, I appreciate the family atmosphere here at Goddard and look forward to contributing to the school’s goals.

Hi! My name is Maddie and I am a teacher in the Preschool classroom. I graduated from Bishop Watterson Connections Academy in 2018 and joined the Goddard family in 2023. I taught toddlers for 5 years and am excited to continue my professional development in the preschool classroom! I am married and have one fur baby named Hazel. I want every one of my students to leave my class feeling confident and loved while feeling safe to explore new environments and love learning. Children are eager to learn, and I love to be a part of who they become in the future.

My name is Heather and I am the lead Prekindergarten teacher. I've been with The Goddard School of Powell since 2009! I graduated from St. Mary’s College where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology. I appreciate the flexibility Goddard promotes with its FLEX learning program and how it allows us to adapt to the interests of our students. Children are eager to learn, and I love to be a part of who they become in the future. When children move onto the next classroom, I want them to have a love of learning, the confidence to try new things, and a sense of independence.

My name is Ms. Katelyn and I am the Kindergarten teacher! I joined the Goddard family in 2021. I have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and I hold my state of Ohio elementary teaching license for PreK-3rd grade. I have over ten years of teaching experience and I was born to teach! It's so rewarding to see a child have their “lightbulb” moment. My goal is to help children grow socially and emotionally, help them to understand their place in the world, and to feel loved in my class. I want children to love being a kid! I want them to have fun and make friends and memories that last forever. I’m looking forward to learning and growing with your child this year!