Meet Our Goddard Family

Our expertly trained and experienced teachers and staff blend the highest standards in early childhood education and development with nurturing care to help your child have fun while growing physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

Careers

If you want to help shape the hearts and minds of young children in a fun, nurturing environment, we’d love to have you work with us! We’re always looking for great teachers to join our family.

Check Out Our Job Listings

Warm, Nurturing & Highly Trusted

Learning happens best in a warm and nurturing environment, which is why our teachers take the time to make sure your little one feels safe and cared for every day to help them develop a lifelong love of learning. 

Expertise & Skills

Our caring teachers are highly experienced in the best methods to support your child with teachable moments of exploration, discovery and learning each and every day. 

  •  Steve

    Steve

    Owner
    I have been the original owner of The Goddard School (Polaris) since its construction in 1999 and I'm an on-site active presence in the school daily. After earning my Bachelor’s degree from Miami University in 1994, I marketed technology used for education for DataBeam Corporation, Lotus Software, and IBM's eLearning division. I am the principal of this charter school. The Goddard School (Polaris) operates both as a private preschool and a non-public charter elementary school under the Ohio Department of Education. I have an amazing wife, Teresa, and two talented and beautiful step-daughters, Breia and Mariah, and beautiful & fun granddaughter, Scarlett. My wife excels in real estate (LuxeHomeTeam.net), Breia is a property manager and Mariah is an esthetician with her own salon in Dublin (BareBeauty.skin). Scarlett is a student at our school and our #1 preschool product tester. We all enjoy a very active business and family life.
  •  Kelly

    Kelly

    Educational Director
    Miss Kelly grew up in Bryan, Ohio and graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. Later she went back to school at Ohio Dominican University to obtain her Ohio teaching license. Kelly has teaching experience with children from infancy to school-aged. She joined Goddard as a Lead Teacher, and within 5 years has held the roles of Lead Teacher, QA Liaison, Assistant Director, and now Director.
  •  Sarah

    Sarah

    Assistant Director
    I am so excited to advance within the Goddard Family! I have an Associates degree from Columbus State and over 4 years experience working with our youngest group, the infants! I am eager for a new challenge and the opportunity to learn a whole new world in administration.
  •  Kaylee

    Kaylee

    Assistant Director
    Hello Goddard School! My name is Kathryn Vance, but I go by Kaylee. I am from a small town called Centerburg here in Ohio. I studied Education at the Ohio State University. I am proud to say I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree and had the honor of being on the Dean's list during my studies. I am passionate about working with children and find it incredibly rewarding to help them learn and grow. In my free time I enjoy reading, running, and spending time with my family.
  •  Shannon

    Shannon

    Lead Infant 1 Teacher
    Hi, I'm Ms. Shannon! I have four children of my own and three very active dogs. Fun fact: One, the puppy, is actually part wolf! I have worked with children as a stay at home mom, as a private nanny, and while running my own in-house daycare. I'm so excited to be back working with babies and am ready to put my knowledge and experience to the test!
  •  Anna

    Anna

    Assistant Infant Teacher
    Hi, I'm Miss Anna! I have lived in Columbus my whole life. I have a dog named Leo after the Ninja Turtles. I have volunteered for my church's nursey for 10 years and I have previously worked in Early Childhood Education for over 4 years. Prior to that I had babysat children for 5 years. In the future I plan to start college in order to obtain a degree to work as a special education elementary teacher!
  •  Jen

    Jen

    Infant 2 Assistant Teacher
    I have been working with children for 20 years, from infants to school-age, specializing in Infants for the past ten years. I attended Columbus State where I was enrolled in their Early Childhood Development Education program. I am currently enrolled in the CDA, Child Development Associate program, through Action For Children Columbus. I have a 16 year old named Luke, and a beagle named Abbey who keeps me very busy! I am a huge OSU fan, and I grew up in the Columbus/Westerville area. I look forward to getting to know your children, and I am excited for the new adventures we will experience together.
  •  Tylea

    Tylea

    Lead Infant 2 Teacher
    Hi! My name is Tylea, I have been working with children ever since my nephew was born 11 years ago. Outside of work you can find me being as active as possible, whether that's in the gym or playing basketball. I also love anything Disney or Marvel! I am so excited to be working with children again!
  •  Courtney

    Courtney

    Assistant Teacher
    I am so excited to join the Goddard family. I am the oldest of three children and have been babysitting for ten years. I graduated form Otterbein University in 2017 with Bachelors in Public Relations and Gender Studies. In my spare time I love spending time with my family and friends and watching Disney movies!
  •  Senah

    Senah

    Assistant Teacher
    Hi, my name is Senah! My husband and I recently moved here from Philadelphia where I graduated from Temple University with a degree in Psychology. In school I took many Child Development classes which solidified my love for working with children. I have also spent years as a summer camp staff member and a nanny which is where I quickly found working with children to be extremely fulfilling! Outside of work I enjoy frisbee in all forms, board games, reading and writing, as well as attending church. I am so excited to help your children learn and grow!
  • Miss Rachel

    Miss Rachel

    Kindergarten Teacher
    Hello, my name is Rachel! I am so excited to be your Kindergarten teacher. I have taught Kindergarten for years, as well as preschool and 5th grade. I have taught in classrooms in Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Haiti. I attended and graduated from Westerville North High School and The Kentucky Christian University with a degree in Elementary Education. I have a 13-year-old son named Benjamin who is in the 8th grade, as well as 2 cats named Smokie and Bandit. We love to read Harry Potter books and watch Marvel movies together.
  •  Pavani

    Pavani

    Assistant Teacher
    Hi, my name is Pavani! I come from a very orthodox and traditional Indian Family. I came to the U.S. 8 years ago. I love taking care of children, and have two of my own, ages 8 and 5. I l like going on vacation with my family, especially long road trips. I like to watch movies and listen to music in my free time.
  •  John

    John

    Lead PreK Teacher
    Joined our family in February 2002. John has his CDA that focuses on preschool aged children and continues to build his ECE education and knowledge by attending a variety of early childhood trainings. John enjoys his small classroom that is always full of life and developing lifelong learners.
  •  Payton

    Payton

    Lead Preschool Teacher
    My name is Miss Payton. I studied Early Childhood at Central Ohio Technical College. I am the middle of 5 siblings. I have a pet Bunny named Noel. I absolutely love working with children and watching them grow! I am excited to be working here at The Goddard School.
  •  Abby

    Abby

    Assistant Teacher
    Hello, my name is Abby! I am 20 years old and currently attend The Ohio State University. Go Bucks! I have been working with children for many years, from babysitting when I was young to tutoring classmates as I got older. I have a cat named Meg, who is my pride and joy. My favorite things to do are hang out with friends, try new hobbies, and watch Netflix! I am so excited to start my teaching journey here at The Goddard School!
  •  Avery

    Avery

    Assistant Teacher
    Hello, I am Miss Avery! I am currently studying Nursing as a first year student at Otterbein University. I have been babysitting/nannying children, specifically babies and toddlers for almost 8 years now. I really enjoy working with babies and in the future I want to be a registered nurse in the NICU. I love meeting the new families and helping children learn and grow.
  •  Ana

    Ana

    Lead Twos Teacher
    Hi my name is Ana! I use to work with children then decided to work for the state for a few years. I was a Therapeutic Program Worker for 4 years but I've decided I want to come back to working with kids. I want to go back to school soon so I can teach in Special Education. I have two cats, Cornbread and Goober. In my free time I love to hang out with my friends and with my boyfriend, Boston. I also love watching hockey. Go Bruins! I'm excited to be working with Goddard and even more excited to help your kids learn and grow.
  •  Marissa

    Marissa

    Assistant Teacher
    Hello, my name is Marissa! I have been working in child care for 2 years and quickly learned after babysitting with my sister that I wanted to become a teacher. I am currently going to Columbus State for my teaching degree. In my free time I love to paint!
  •  Kiara

    Kiara

    Assistant Teacher
    Hello, my name is Kiara! I have seven brothers and was raised just outside of Licking County. I am currently looking at new options to continue my college education, but am leaning towards MTSU for a focus in Elementary School Counseling. I have mentored with my mom, who is an Intervention Specialist, since I was young and felt the calling to teach children right away! I am so excited learn and grow with the children here at The Goddard School!
  •  Emily

    Emily

    Lead Toddler Teacher
    Hi, I'm Miss Emily! I started working with children 4 years ago at my church. Shortly after that my nephew was born and I absolutely fell in love with him. When I'm not working, I'm outside walking or hiking. I enjoy anything with art as well! I'm so excited to work with you and your children at The Goddard School!
  •  Hannah

    Hannah

    Assistant Teacher
    Hi, my name is Hannah and I am so excited to be working at The Goddard School, helping kids to learn and grow! I am the oldest sibling, and have 2 little brothers. I just recently graduated from Olentangy Orange High School as "Best Artist of the District!" I love art and animals, especially sharks. I really enjoy working with kids and can't wait to meet the amazing ones in my new classroom!
  •  Alyssa

    Alyssa

    Assistant Teacher
    Coming Soon...
  •  Manisha

    Manisha

    Assistant Teacher
    Hi, my name is Manisha! I have a lovely family with two children who keep me very busy with their various activities. I am from Indore, India and have my Bachelors in Computer Science. I have taught so many kids our Indian language, Hindi. I love working with children and seeing their eyes light up when they discover something new! In my free time I enjoy cooking, watching movies, scanning Pinterest for cool ideas, doing yoga, and spending time with my family.
  •  Gabby

    Gabby

    Assistant Teacher
    Hi, my name is Gabby! I am currently attending The Ohio State University to get my Bachelor's in Psychology. I really enjoy working with kids and have been nannying and watching kids for over 5 years. In my free time I love being outside and spending time with my friends!
  •  Kat

    Kat

    Assistant Teacher
    I Love art, video games and the outdoors! I just graduated from Westerville South, class of 2023! During high school I was a student leader for our suicide prevention program call Hope Squad. We helped our peers understand mental health and learn strategies to help oneself and others when in need. My dream is to become a social worker for children and help them through their adolescence no matter how hard things seem. I am excited to work with your child and help them grow!
  •  Ujwala

    Ujwala

    Assistant Teacher
    My name is Ujwala Kukkudapu. I am from India. I have completed my Masters in Chemistry and Bachelor's in Science. Teaching is my passion hence I went back to receive my Bachelors in Education as well. Cooking is my hobby, I love to try making different recipes in my free time. I have 2 girls , ages 10 and 8.
  •  Archana

    Archana

    Assistant Teacher
    Hi, I'm Archana! I'm from Tamilnadu, India and have my masters in Mathematics and bachelor's in Education. I have always loved working with kids and enjoy teaching math. I have a 9 year old son and 5 year old daughter.
  •  Erin

    Erin

    Assistant Teacher
    Hi, my name is Erin! I'm a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati studying business and education. I have been working with children for 3 years now and I cherish all of the knowledge they have given me. I am very excited to help children learn and grow here at Goddard!
  •  Devi

    Devi

    Assistant Teacher
    Hi! I have my Bachelor's in electronics. I worked as a Medical Transcriptionist for 5 years. I have two great kids at home. I have grown a passion for learning about children's development and found a job as a teacher in early childhood. I am excited to work with the children and families here at Goddard. I am happy to be a part of their growth and development. In my free time, I love to hang out with my family, travel to new places, and experience new cultures!
  •  Kathy

    Kathy

    Assistant Infant Teacher
    Hi my name is Kathy. I am a wife, momma of four, and a nana to five grandchildren. I have worked with children of all ages for over 35 years. The last 15 years I have been with infants. I love to cook, sing, play piano, and I try my best to practice keeping my mind, body, and soul healthy. I'm so excited to start here and be a part of the Goddard family!
  •  Laisha

    Laisha

    Assistant Teacher
    Hi, my name is Laisha! I am currently studying at The Ohio State University, majoring in Early Childhood Education. I have lived within the Westerville/ Worthington community my entire life. In my free time I love to workout, listen to music, and take my dog Koda on walks. I love working with children and watching them grow, so I am super excited to begin my journey as a teacher here at The Goddard School!
  •  Jaya

    Jaya

    Assistant Teacher
    Hi, my name is Jaya Govindaraj. I am from Chennai, India, and have my bachelors in Commerce and masters in Business Administration. I have two kids of my own. My hobbies at home are cooking, watching movies, listening to music, and spending time with my family! I love working with children and am very excited to meet the Toddlers in my room!
  •  Sumner

    Sumner

    Assistant Teacher
    Hello, my name is Sumner and I am so excited to work with your kiddos! I received my Bachelor's Degree of Fine Arts in Studio Art from the Ohio State University in 2022, and graduated Cum Laude. Along with being a teacher I am a printmaker and photographer. I am originally from Sugar Land, Texas, so I am a southern girl at heart! I live in Dublin with my partner, Selena, and our two cats Binx and Oogie Boogie. In my free time I enjoy reading, continuing my craft in printmaking, and hiking with my partner and our friends! Growing up I always had an amazing teacher who would encourage and push me to be better so I strive to be that teacher now, guiding children toward their desired path and being a part of their support system.
  •  Arianna

    Arianna

    Assistant Teacher
    Coming Soon...
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