Our Teachers

My name is Danny Smith, and I am privileged to serve as the on-site owner of the Chester Springs Goddard School. As the brother of franchisees Megan and Michael Thompson of the Goddard Schools of Springs House and Horsham, I am deeply committed to creating an enriching environment that nurtures children's innate curiosity and love for learning. I am dedicated to providing a stimulating curriculum that supports holistic development. Drawing inspiration from my family's valuable insights, I am driven by a genuine passion for fostering growth in others. Our school proudly caters to families in the Chester Springs, Downingtown, and Glenmoore areas, and we warmly welcome the opportunity to extend our Goddard Chester Springs family to include yours!

Michelle began working at Goddard in 2017 while she earned her graduate degree. She has nearly ten years of childcare experience coupled with several years of childcare management experience. Michelle has her undergraduate degree from Albright College in English and her graduate degree from Gwynedd Mercy University in Elementary Education. Michelle enjoys children of all ages, and they never fail to make her laugh. Her favorite children’s book is “Leo the Late Bloomer” by Robert Kraus.

Candy began working at Goddard in the beginning of 2020. Candy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Chester University. She has two adult children and worked in childcare throughout high school and college. When her children went off to college, she realized she missed watching children learn and grow, so she got back into the childcare field. She also worked as a veterinary technician due to her love of animals. Her favorite children’s book is “The Stray Dog” by Marc Simont.

Miss Alex is our Bridge teacher and office specialist. When Miss Alex isn’t in our Bridge classroom, she aids in closing operations and performs a variety of office tasks. She has a degree from the University of Pittsburgh and has been working in childcare for several years. In Miss Alex’s free time, she enjoys cosmetology, cooking, baking, reading, and traveling. A fun fact about Miss Alex is that she is an avid Dungeons and Dragons player! Her favorite children’s book is "Jazzbo and Googy" by Matt Novak.

Miss Karri is our Pre-Kindergarten teacher and has been with us for over 10 years. Miss Karri has an associate degree in early childhood education. She has taught all ages within the building and prefers our Pre-K classroom because of their personalities. She enjoys baking, cooking, and spending time with her husband and their two children. Miss Karri collects teddy bears; she has stuffed teddy bears, figurines, and toys. Her favorite children’s book is "Corduroy" by Don Freeman.

Miss Ranjani joined our school in January of 2022. She enjoys spending time in all of our classrooms, and loves working with young children because she gets to help shape the future leaders of tomorrow. In her spare time she enjoys shopping, spending time with her family and cooking!

Miss Lynn is our Preschool 1 teacher and has been with us since February 2023. She has been in education for nearly 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Immaculata University. In Miss Lynn’s free time, you can find her taking nature walks with her chihuahua, Piccolo, or taking care of her foster horses at Ryerss Horse Farm. Miss Lynn used to be a professional equestrian. Her favorite children’s book is Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner.

Miss Shaianne is our lead teacher in the Bridge classroom and holds a Preschool CDA. She is currently attending school at Harcum College for early childhood education and has nearly 10 years of experience in childcare. When she’s not attending school, she enjoys gaming and spending time with her son. Her favorite children’s book is “Knuffle Bunny” by Mo Willems.

Miss Susan is our Preschool 2 lead teacher and holds an associate degree in early childhood education and is working towards her bachelors degree. She has been in childcare for over five years. Miss Susan enjoys hiking, kayaking, biking, taking her dogs swimming, and spending time at home cooking and baking. Miss Susan has several dogs and a parrot, Baby, that is a year older than her. Miss Susan is also a former Orienteering Champion. Her favorite children’s book is anything from the Pete the Cat series by James and Kimberly Dean.

Miss Erica is our twos teacher and holds a degree from Albright College. She has been with Goddard for nearly 10 years. She loves being around children and her family; she has six nephews and one niece. Miss Erica also enjoys reading and crafting. Her favorite children’s book is “Llama Llama Red Pajama” by Anna Dewdney.