Our Teachers

Cholan received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Madras, a master’s degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Ohio University and an MBA from the University of Portland. Most recently, he has held senior executive positions at various technology firms in the Portland metro area. “I am excited and proud to be a part of The Goddard School and am committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for the children in the neighborhood,” says Cholan.

Temperance has been working with children since 2010. She knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a teacher; her first-grade teacher made it exciting to come to school each day. From then on, she helped her teachers over the years and volunteered. For the past eight years she has primarily worked with infants and toddlers before stepping into the role of Assistant Director 3 years ago. Temperance is originally from California where she earned her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from College of the Canyons and her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University. When not at work she enjoys art, volleyball, and spending time with her family and her dog ZO. Temperance recently joined the Goddard team and is looking forward to helping the families and children. Her daily goal is to advocate for a safe and enriching environment for the children to grow and develop.

Margie has been working with children since she was 18 years old. She has a Bachelors in Education with a minor in Early Childhood Development. She has three grown children and three grandsons. Margie has worked with children of all ages, focused mainly on Pre-K through Kindergarten. Originally from Phila, Pa she has also lived in Florida, Georgia, Seattle and now calls Portland home. Margie enjoys her many plants, hiking, reading, live music, traveling, cooking and most especially gardening. Margie believes that children are all unique and as such should be able to explore all different ways to learn. Watching her students laugh, grow and show kindness to the world around them is what brings a smile to her face. Margie is a 10+ year Breast Cancer Survivor and is still going strong. She has been a lead teacher, head teacher and Director in the past and is looking forward to working directly with students and their families.

Briceyda was born and raised in the Portland area where she graduated from Benson High School and later earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) degree. Briceyda grew up in a big family with 6 siblings and an American Eskimo named Olaf. She enjoys being outdoors and walking her dog. Briceyda fell in love with working with children in high school and has six years of experience. As she continues to teach, she works to provide children with a safe environment where they can learn and explore. Briceyda is happy to be a part of the Goddard team for the past 4 years creating relationships with her kiddos and watching them grow.

Atira has always enjoyed working with young children. She comes from a large family with younger siblings. She graduated from high school and has completed one college term at PCC in Early Childhood Education. Atira is continuing to work with The Goddard School as she works toward her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Atira was born and raised in the Aloha/Beaverton area and lives with her younger brother. In her free time she enjoys knitting, going to concerts and painting. Atira loves to watch children use their vast imaginations to build and create. She believes that as a teacher she should meet children where they are and build from there. She is passionate about helping her students develop a sense of self confidence and independence. Atira is excited to be part of The Goddard Team and work closely with the children and their families.

Dalila has been interested in working with children her entire life. She took a few early childhood education classes throughout high school. After graduating, she started her journey. She is planning to attain her Child Development Associates degree. Dalila comes from a big family, and loves to spend time with her little nephews. Other than being their aunt, she is honored and thrilled to also be able to be a part of their early education. She enjoys all outdoor activities, traveling, trying new hobbies, and eating lots of delicious food. Dalila likes to make people laugh and make the best of each day. She is excited to be working at the Goddard School and getting to know all the students and families.

Omega recently moved from California and is attending college at PCC studying Biology. She primarily works with our 2-year-olds and fills in were needed. Omega has a fun-loving personality that children enjoy and always has a smile on her face. Omega is the youngest of six kids and enjoys painting, collecting rocks, and anime. She has recently joined the Goddard team and is excited to dive in and teach the children. She enjoys learning the interests of her children and using that in her everyday teaching.

Hope graduated from Blue Field State with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Hope is originally from Pasadena Ca and moved to Oregon after visiting the state a few times and loving the atmosphere. Fun fact, she is the tallest in her family and enjoys going to concerts, playing rugby, and spending time with loved ones. Hope grew up with a family of educators and found herself an opportunity to teach. For the past four years she has been working with children of all ages. She believes that children are little sponges that continually take from the environment around them. As a teacher she believes her role is to ensure their environment is as fulfilling as possible. She’s excited to work for the Goddard team and dive into Oregon teaching to help children grow.

Bella always knew that she wanted to be a teacher. Since she was 5 years old Bella had a Kindergarten and Preschool teacher who made her feel the safest and most supported in all her endeavors. After graduating High School, she went to work with children at Trackers Earth and private in home nannying. Bella is from the Portland area and has a cat named Kipper and enjoys hiking and art. Bella is also trained in outdoor survival and can identify most plants as medical or edible. Bella joined the Goddard team a year ago and each day looks forward to being the support system for the children. She believes that the approach to teaching through play and inquiry leads to more self-teaching later in life and makes learning an exciting opportunity. She can’t wait to see what the children have to say.

Lily comes to the Goddard school from Maryland. She moved to Portland to be with her partner who also works in Early Childhood Development. She hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of her students each day. Lily believes that children learn through play and by modeling good behaviors. In her free time, Lily enjoys karaoke, traveling, sight-seeing and hanging out with her partner. Lily is also musically inclined and can play the piano, guitar, and cello. Lily is excited to watch the children grow.

Misty recently joined the Goddard team and is excited to support the children and her co-teachers. Misty believes that hands on learning is the best way to teach children. Misty has been married for 22 years and has 3 children (two girls and one boy). In her spare time, she enjoys to color and get crafty.

Audri comes to Goddard School having graduated from PCC. Audri enjoys working with children in the Infant and First Steps classrooms. This is their first position in a center-based facility and they love working with our youngest students. Audri displays great attention to detail and values their connection with students and families. Audri is from Hillsboro and still resides there. Audri believes in a gentle and play based learning approach in her classroom. They are excited to be here at The Goddard School helping our one year olds to grow and learn each day.

Chloe enjoys working with younger children and chose teaching to make a difference. She has taken a few courses at Oregon State University and has some Preschool experience. Chloe grew up in Hawaii and then in Las Vegas. She moved to Portland for a better environment. In her free time Chloe enjoys hanging out with her friends and swimming. Chloe is excited to work at Goddard Schools for the structure it provides for the children.

Ellie comes to The Goddard School by way of New York, California and now Portland. Ellie graduated from High School and focused on various Community Based trainings as well as teaching Art. Her teaching philosophy is that every child is unique and it is important to meet each of them at their own level of understanding. In her free time Ellie loves to cook. Her passions include creating art and making music. Ellie comes from a big family but now lives with her dog and cat. Ellie is excited to work with the one year olds and add to a loving and skillful space.

Sam graduated high school and studied Music Education and Music Theory. Sam loves interacting with the younger students here at The Goddard School. He believes hands on learning is the best approach to teach young children. Sam lives with his partner Bella and their three cats, Kipper, Zoe and Ophie. Originally from Newberg Or, he now resides in Portland because he wanted to live in the big city. In his free time Sam collects video games and plays the guitar. Sam is excited to work with and teach these younger children the skills they need to learn and grow.

Sarah is a recent college graduate with her Bachelor's Degree in Humanities and Communications. Sarah decided to work at The Goddard School because teaching is her family's business. Sarah came to Portland by way of San Diego, Ca. to find a good work environment and live with her sister. Sarah is a second degree Black Belt. In her free time Sarah enjoys crocheting and listening to music. Sarah is most excited to work with younger children with all different levels of experience. Sarah believes that she can help support future generations.

Liv comes to The Goddard School from another center-based facility here in Portland. She graduated High School and has taken some college courses. Liv has 7 years of experience working with children. Her belief is that all children are individuals and as such they need to be taught as individuals. In her free time, Liv enjoys doing crafts and taking walks in the sunshine. Liv also enjoys coaching youth gymnastics. Liv is most excited to spend time with our tiniest learners in the Infant classroom and be a consistent adult in their lives when they are away from home.