I’ve proudly owned and operated The Goddard School (Polaris) since 1999 and remain an active, daily presence in the school. With over two decades of experience in early childhood education, I’m deeply committed to creating a nurturing, safe, and enriching environment where children can thrive. After earning my degree from Miami University in 1994, I worked in educational technology with companies like DataBeam, Lotus, and IBM. I now serve as principal of our school, which operates as both a private preschool and a non-public charter elementary school under the Ohio Department of Education. I’m lucky to share this journey with my wife Teresa, a top realtor in Central Ohio, and our two daughters—Breia, a buyer’s agent, and Mariah, an esthetician and entrepreneur. Our granddaughter Scarlett is a student here and loves being our unofficial “product tester.” As a family, we lead an active, joyful life—and I’m honored to be part of so many children’s early learning journeys.

Miss Kelly grew up in Bryan, Ohio, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from Ohio University. Her love for working with children inspired her to return to school at Ohio Dominican University, where she obtained her Ohio teaching license. She has experience with children of all ages—from infants to school-aged—and brings both creativity and structure to every classroom she touches. Kelly joined The Goddard School (Polaris) in February 2013 as a Lead Teacher. Over the years, she has grown into a trusted leader, serving as QA Liaison, Assistant Director, and now Director. Her dedication to early childhood education and commitment to supporting both teachers and families make her an invaluable part of our school community. Kelly leads with compassion, consistency, and a genuine passion for helping every child succeed.

I’m thrilled to continue growing within The Goddard School (Polaris) family! I joined the team in January 2017 and have loved every moment—especially my time as a Lead Infant Teacher, where I spent over four years nurturing and guiding our youngest learners. I hold an Associate’s degree from Columbus State and bring a deep passion for early childhood education. My journey has been filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments in the classroom. When the opportunity arose to step into the Assistant Director role, it felt like a natural next step. I’m excited to take on this new challenge, expand my knowledge in administration, and support our amazing teachers, families, and students in new ways. My goal is to bring the same positivity, energy, and heart to this role that I’ve always brought to the classroom.

I’m a proud wife, mom of four, and Nana to five wonderful grandchildren. I’ve had the joy of working with children of all ages for over 35 years, and for the past 15 years, I’ve focused on caring for infants—which has become my true passion. I joined our school in August 2023 and have loved being part of such a supportive and loving environment. I strive to create a calm, nurturing space where babies feel safe, comforted, and encouraged as they grow and explore. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking, singing, playing the piano, and doing my best to keep my mind, body, and spirit healthy. I’m so excited to continue this journey with the Goddard family and look forward to building lasting connections with our children and their families.

I’ve been working with children for over 20 years, with experience ranging from infants to school-age—though infants have truly become my specialty over the past decade. I joined The Goddard School (Polaris) in August 2015 and feel so lucky to spend my days helping little ones grow, learn, and feel loved. I studied Early Childhood Development at Columbus State and am currently enrolled in the Child Development Associate (CDA) program through Action for Children in Columbus to continue strengthening my skills. I’m a proud mom to my 16-year-old son, Luke, and our spirited beagle, Abbey, who keeps life interesting! I’m a lifelong Buckeye fan and grew up right here in the Columbus/Westerville area. I look forward to getting to know your children and am excited for all the sweet moments and milestones we’ll share together.

Hello! My name is Miss Pratima, and I’m originally from Nepal. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Nursing and have three years of experience working in emergency departments in both India and Nepal. I also have about a year's experience as a Lead Infant teacher at Primrose before taking an extended maternity leave. I come from a loving family and am a proud mother to one daughter and one son. As a parent, I truly understand the importance of creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children. I’m a caring and responsible individual who genuinely enjoys spending time with kids. I’ve always had a passion for helping children learn and grow through play, creativity, and consistent routines.

I’m originally from Tamilnadu, India, and joined our school in August 2023. I hold a Master’s degree in Mathematics and a Bachelor’s in Education, and I’ve always had a passion for working with children. While I’ve loved teaching math over the years, I’ve found so much joy in nurturing little ones and supporting their earliest stages of development. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a child’s first learning experiences and to help create a warm, loving environment where they feel safe and encouraged. Outside of the classroom, I stay busy with my wonderful family—my 9-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter keep me on my toes and fill my days with laughter. I’m so happy to be part of the Goddard family and excited to grow alongside your children.

I joined our school in May 2022 and am currently studying Nursing at Otterbein University. I’ve been caring for children—especially babies and toddlers—for nearly eight years through babysitting and nannying, and I’ve found a true passion in supporting infants during their earliest stages of development. My long-term goal is to become a registered nurse in the NICU, and every day in the classroom brings me closer to that dream. I love building bonds with our families, watching each child grow, and helping create a nurturing environment where they feel safe, loved, and encouraged. It’s a joy to be part of the Goddard family and to work alongside such a dedicated and caring team.

I joined our school in August 2023 and am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at The Ohio State University. I’ve always had a passion for working with children and have been nannying and babysitting for over five years. I find so much joy in helping little ones grow, explore, and discover the world around them—it’s truly inspiring to be part of their early development. I’m excited to bring my energy and care into the classroom each day and to help create a nurturing, supportive environment for our infants. Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors and being with my friends. I’m so happy to be a part of the Goddard family and look forward to building strong connections with the children and families in our care.

I’ve lived in Columbus my whole life and joined our school in March 2021. Working with young children has always been a big part of my life. I’ve volunteered in my church’s nursery for over 10 years, spent five years babysitting, and have more than four years of professional experience in early childhood education. I love the energy and curiosity toddlers bring to each day and feel honored to help guide them through such an important stage of growth. My ultimate goal is to become a special education elementary teacher, and every day in the classroom brings me one step closer. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my dog Leo—named after the Ninja Turtle!—and exploring all that our community has to offer. I’m so grateful to be a part of the Goddard family and to play a role in your child’s early learning journey.

I’m so excited to be part of the Goddard family. I’m originally from Columbus and the oldest of four siblings, so caring for little ones has always come naturally to me. I’m also a proud aunt and love spending time with my nieces and nephew. Family means everything to me—including my two sweet dogs, Benny and Adonis! In my free time, I enjoy music, crafting of all kinds, and making memories with the people I love most. I have a deep passion for working with children and find so much joy in helping them learn, grow, and explore their world. Joining the toddler classroom has been a wonderful experience, and I look forward to building strong, caring relationships with each child and family. I’m truly honored to be part of your little one’s journey here at Goddard!

I joined our school in October 2022 and have truly enjoyed being back in the classroom with young children. Before joining Goddard, I worked as a Therapeutic Program Worker for four years, but I missed the joy and energy that comes from working with little ones. My goal is to continue my education and eventually teach in Special Education, a field I’m passionate about. At home, I love spending time with my husband, our daughter, and our two cats—Cornbread and Goober. In my free time, you’ll often find me hanging out with friends, watching hockey (Go Bruins!), or simply enjoying family time. I’m so excited to be a part of the Goddard family and honored to help your children learn, grow, and reach new milestones in a safe, caring environment.

I joined our school in November 2024, but my journey in early childhood education started long before that. I come from a family devoted to teaching—my mother spent her career in childcare and often brought me along, sparking my love for working with children from a young age. I’ve been caring for and teaching little ones since I was 15, and I’ve always felt a deep passion for nurturing young minds and helping them grow. My goal is to inspire creativity, encourage independent thinking, and support each child’s unique learning journey. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my daughter and our close-knit family. I’m so excited to be part of the Goddard family and look forward to building strong, lasting relationships with the children and families in our care.

Hello! I moved to Columbus four years ago from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My passion for working with children began while babysitting my niece and nephews, which inspired me to pursue a career in early childhood education. I’m currently studying Early Childhood Education at Columbus State Community College. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and I love playing with my dog, Valor, and my cat, Minx! I’m thrilled to begin my teaching journey at The Goddard School and look forward to supporting your children as they learn and grow.

Hi! My name is Sammy. I’m a former hairdresser with a deep passion for working with children. One of my favorite parts of being a stylist was creating a calm, safe space where little ones could feel comfortable and enjoy their haircuts. I have a strong interest in supporting children with autism and special needs, and I’m excited to continue developing my skills in that area. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, I moved to Columbus after graduating from high school. In my free time, I enjoy reading, creating art, and playing games. I’m so excited to get to know you and your little ones, and I look forward to growing with the Goddard family!

I’ve been part of our school family since October 2022. I’ve been working in child care for over three years, and it didn’t take long for me to discover that teaching is truly my passion. Babysitting alongside my sister first sparked my interest in working with children, and I’ve loved growing in this field ever since. I’m currently pursuing my teaching degree at Columbus State and look forward to continuing my journey in early childhood education. In the classroom, I love building meaningful connections with each child and helping them grow through curiosity, play, and encouragement. Outside of school, I enjoy painting—it’s my favorite creative outlet and a fun way to unwind. I’m so happy to be part of our school and honored to be part of your child’s learning and development!

My journey at our school began in May 2019, and it’s been a wonderful place to grow both personally and professionally. I studied Early Childhood Education at Central Ohio Technical College and am currently working toward my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Teaching has always been a passion of mine—I love helping children learn, explore, and build confidence in themselves every day. At home, I’m the middle child of five siblings, so I’ve always been surrounded by energy and connection. I also adore animals and have a sweet cat named Missy who keeps me company. It brings me so much joy to contribute to the nurturing and educational environment we’ve built here, and I’m excited to be part of your child’s early learning journey.

I became part of our school community in September 2022 and have truly enjoyed being part of such a caring and welcoming environment. I come from a very traditional and orthodox Indian family and moved to the U.S. eight years ago. Caring for children has always come naturally to me—especially as a mom to two wonderful kids, ages 8 and 5. I love building strong, nurturing connections with the children in our classroom and supporting their growth through patience and encouragement. Outside of school, I enjoy going on road trips and vacations with my family, watching movies, and listening to music to unwind. It’s a joy to be part of your child’s early learning journey, and I’m proud to contribute to the supportive and enriching environment we offer here at our school.

Hi! My name is Hawa, and I’ve been part of the Goddard family since May 2024. I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Speech and Language at the University of Cincinnati. As the oldest daughter in my family, I’ve naturally taken on a nurturing role—especially with my two younger sisters. That early experience helped spark my love for working with children. Outside of work, I enjoy trying new things and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. I bring that same excitement and curiosity into the classroom, always looking for fun and creative ways to engage with the kids.

I recently joined this schools community and have loved becoming a part of such a warm and welcoming environment. Originally from India, I moved to the U.S. seven years ago, embracing new experiences while staying connected to my roots. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering, and in my free time can be found cooking, watching movies, and spending quality time with my family. Being around children brings me so much joy; it has been a wonderful experience engaging with their curiosity, energy, and creativity. As a mother to a lively three-year-old, I understand the excitement, curiosity, and challenges that young learners bring every day. I strive to create a joyful and engaging classroom where children feel confident to explore, express themselves, and grow in nurturing space.

Since joining our school in February 2002, I’ve had the privilege of helping young learners grow into confident, capable students. I hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential focused on preschool-aged children and continue to build my early childhood education knowledge through ongoing training and development. My classroom is always full of energy, curiosity, and a love for learning—and I strive to create an environment where every child feels encouraged to explore and succeed. In 2021, I was honored to receive the Midwest Teacher of the Year award, a recognition I’m incredibly proud of. I also lead our school’s Hooked on Phonics literacy tutoring program, helping to build strong reading foundations in fun and engaging ways. Outside the classroom, I’m known for my school spirit—and yes, I’m a loyal Buckeye fan! It’s been an amazing journey to be part of this community and to play a role in so many children’s early education experiences.

I became part of our school in February 2023 and have truly enjoyed being part of such a vibrant, nurturing environment. I’m originally from Indore, India, and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I’ve always had a love for teaching—especially sharing my culture by teaching children our Indian language, Hindi. At home, I have a wonderful family with two energetic children who keep me busy with their many activities. I find so much joy in working with young children and watching their eyes light up when they discover something new—it’s one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, watching movies, doing yoga, and browsing Pinterest for creative ideas. But most of all, I love spending time with my family. I’m so happy to be part of your child’s learning journey and to help create a classroom full of curiosity, creativity, and care.

I joined our school in November 2024 and bring with me a background in both education and childcare. I'm currently in my third year as an Intervention Specialist in Columbus and have worked in childcare for over six years. I truly enjoy working with children of all ages and find so much joy in watching them grow, discover, and reach new milestones. Each day brings something new, and I love being part of a team that helps create a safe and supportive environment for every child. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my dog and cat, attending Blue Jackets games, watching football, and playing the guitar. I’m excited to be part of our school community and to build meaningful connections with the amazing children and families we serve.

I have been working in Early Childhood Education for about two years. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati and am currently pursuing my Master’s degree from Tiffin University in the Science of Psychology. I’ve always had a passion for working with children and find great joy in watching them learn and grow. I’m excited to be a part of The Goddard School and to support each child’s development during these important early years!

I joined our school in November 2024 and am thrilled to step into the role of Lead Kindergarten Teacher beginning July 2025. I will graduate from Denison University in May with a degree in Educational Studies and a minor in Spanish, along with an active Ohio teaching license. While leading the kindergarten classroom, I’ll also be pursuing my Master’s in Education through Miami University—continuing my commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, I’ve been working with children since 2019, and each experience has deepened my love for teaching and building meaningful connections with students and families. I’m passionate about creating a classroom environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to learn. Outside of school, I enjoy crocheting and traveling with my family. I’m also the proud dog mom to two energetic golden doodles, Prince and Kobi! I’m so excited to be part of your child’s educational journey here at our school.

I became part of our school community in May 2023 and am currently studying Early Childhood Education at The Ohio State University. Having lived in the Westerville/Worthington area my whole life, I feel fortunate to be working in the same community that shaped me. My passion for teaching continues to grow each day, and I love being part of a team that nurtures and encourages young learners. In my free time, I enjoy working out, listening to music, and taking my dog Koda on long walks. Being outdoors and staying active helps me recharge and brings balance to my day. I’m so excited to be on this journey toward becoming a teacher and feel honored to support your children as they learn and grow here at our school.

I’m so excited to be part of The Goddard school! I’m originally from Tamilnadu, India and moved to the U.S a year ago. I am a proud mommy of two kids who are 12 and 6 years old. I hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science and have worked in software companies for about 5 years. When there was learning loss happening during the pandemic, I stepped in and designed lesson plans for my kids during COVID. This eventually led me to teaching and tutoring children of different age groups. I am also a substitute teacher working with the Olentangy Local school district. Outside of my work, I enjoy cooking balanced meals, baking, practicing yoga, and helping my kids in academics. I am looking forward to support each child in their learning journey and make a meaningful impact!

My teaching journey at our school began in May 2022, and I’m so excited to continue growing in this supportive and fun environment. I’m 23 years old and currently attend The Ohio State University—Go Bucks! I’ve always loved working with children, starting with babysitting when I was younger and later tutoring classmates as I got older. Each experience has helped shape my passion for education and supporting young learners. At home, I have a cat named Meg who is truly my pride and joy. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, trying out new hobbies, and winding down with a good Netflix series. I’m so grateful to be part of a team that values each child’s unique growth, and I’m excited to be a part of your child’s learning journey here at our school.