Our Goddard School Teachers

Ms. Penny became the proud owner of the Goddard School in 2018 along with her husband Mr. David. Education has been a life-long passion, especially in the area of early learning. Ms. Penny has a dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Education and Fine Arts from Southern Illinois University. Ms. Penny received her Masters in Education Administration in 2001 and begin a 17 year career in Education Leadership. In 2010 upon receiving her Ed.S. she focused on professional development for teachers at the District Office level. In addition to education Ms. Penny loves community service, volunteering, riding her motorcycle, scuba diving and travel.

Mr. David became the owner of the Goddard School in 2018. His passion for education and children is shared with his wife and co-owner Ms. Penny. Mr. David is a retired Navy Master Chief and holds a business degree. In addition to providing support to the Goddard School on the operations side he also works in management at BOMAG in Ridgeway South, Carolina. When Mr. David is not working he enjoys philanthropy, volunteering, riding his motorcycle, scuba diving and travel.

Ms. Jamie is our Executive Director of Operations. She started at the first location in Fort Mill in March 2009. Ms. Jamie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a focus in Early Intervention from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. She earned her Directors' Credentials in 2012. As the Executive Director of Operations Ms. Jamie handles all aspects of the daily operations, licensing and supervises all employees.

Ms. Brooke is our Director of Operations. She joined Goddard in June 2020. Since then, she has earned her Associates of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from York Technical College. In 2024, she also earned her Director’s Credential. She has had a passion for education ever since she was a young girl and watched her mom as a teacher and director. She spends her spare time with her husband and son. Together they enjoy camping, the outdoors, and their love for hobby farming.

We welcomed Andrena in August 2022. As Education Director, Andrena leads with vision and integrity, supporting educators through professional development initiatives and driving continuous improvement across curriculum and pedagogy. Andrena is a seasoned Education Director passionate about nurturing young minds. Over the past 18 years, she has worked with educators to cultivate enriching learning environments for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, guiding curriculum development, staff mentoring, and family engagement with equal parts expertise and heart. Whether implementing play-based learning or guiding behavioral strategies for pre-k learners, her hands-on leadership empowers both teachers and students to achieve their highest potential.

Ms. Kennedy joined us February 2026. She is a passionate and dedicated educator currently pursuing a degree in Educational Studies with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. She currently serves as a children’s church educator, where she enjoys guiding and supporting children’s spiritual and personal growth in a positive and nurturing environment. Ms. Kennedy is committed to creating an engaging classroom where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Inspired by the work of Abraham Maslow, she believes in supporting children’s holistic development by ensuring their social, emotional, and academic needs are met so they can thrive. She also values building strong, collaborative relationships with parents and families, believing that when educators and families work together, children experience greater success. Her goal as a teacher is to nurture curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning while helping each child reach their fullest potential.

Ms. Maddie joined us in February 2025. Hello Families, I am Ms. Maddie. I'm thrilled to be a part of your child’s early learning journey! I truly believe that every child is unique, with their own strengths, interests, and talents. My goal is to create a classroom environment where each child feels valued, supported, and inspired to explore, learn, and grow. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I’m so excited to witness the incredible growth ahead and celebrate all the new milestones your little ones will reach this year!

Ms. Christal joined The Goddard School in March 2026 and brings more than five years of experience in childcare and early childhood education. She is passionate about teaching and dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to learn. Ms. Christal takes pride in helping children reach important developmental milestones while building their confidence, independence, and love for learning. She especially enjoys incorporating creative arts, hands-on activities, and imaginative play into the classroom to help children express themselves and explore new ideas. Ms. Christal believes every child learns differently and strives to provide meaningful experiences that support each child’s individual growth socially, emotionally, and academically. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, exploring creative activities, and continuing to grow in her passion for early childhood education.

Ms. Ashonté joined our school in March 2026 and is excited to be part of each child’s learning journey. She is passionate about working with young children and creating a nurturing, engaging environment where children feel safe, supported, and confident each day. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology from Johnson & Wales University and is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration at Winthrop University. Her background in psychology helps her support each child’s individual needs and development. Ms. Ashonté is dedicated to building strong relationships with her students and families and creating a positive classroom where children can learn, play, and thrive. Outside the classroom, she enjoys cooking and working toward her personal and professional goals.

Ms. Quanisha joined us August 2025. Hello! My name is Quanisha Houston, and I’m thrilled to be a part of your child’s educational journey. With 9 years of experience working with children of various ages, I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where students can grow into confident, independent individuals. Building strong relationships with both children and families is at the heart of my teaching philosophy. I’m looking forward to getting to know you and your family—let’s make this a year full of learning, laughter, and fun!

Ms. Kelley has a Masters of Social Work from Winthrop University. She has always felt a calling to help individuals by providing them with the support and tools they need to be successful. Miss Kelley has a history of working with children at after school programs and summer camps. She is passionate about the arts as she pursued a minor in theatre performance and during her down time loves to watch and play various sports. She looks forward to spending time getting to know each of the kids to develop meaningful and lasting relationships that promote success. 

We welcome Ms. Jessica in December 2022 to the Goddard Family. Ms. Jessica earned her Associates Degree in Arts in 2018. She has also earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family studies with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop University. Ms. Jessica fell in love with working with young children through her large family. She said, it is an exciting feeling to be a part of the growth process of young children. She is a firm believer in exploration/play-based education as children learn by doing. Best stated by Albert Einstein “Play is the highest form of research”. Ms. Jessica is beyond excited to be apart of the Goddard Family and to be able to teach such wonderful children as well as getting to know the families of these amazing kiddos.

Ms. Nawal joined the Goddard team in August 2025. A lifelong lover of mathematics and literature, she is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Law, with minors in Psychology and Political Science. As the eldest sibling in a homeschool environment, Ms. Nawal naturally stepped into both student and teacher roles, fostering a passion for education rooted in care and connection. Her favorite subjects to teach are Algebra II and creative writing, where she brings both structure and imagination to the classroom. For Ms. Nawal, education extends beyond textbooks—it's about nurturing the whole child. Inspired by the personalized support she received growing up, she believes deeply in a teaching approach built on love, attentiveness, and a genuine understanding of each student’s unique needs. Ms. Nawal is thrilled to continue her teaching journey with the Goddard family and looks forward to another enriching school year!

Ms. Zyrelle joined us in May 2025. Born in Alaska and raised around the world in a military family, including time in Germany, Ms. Zyrelle had the unique opportunity to grow up in diverse and culturally rich environments. Her parents, both former military and now faith leaders, instilled in her a strong foundation of service, discipline, and compassion. Inspired by their commitment to integrity and community leadership, Ms. Zyrelle is passionate about nurturing young minds and celebrating each child’s individual journey. With leadership experience as a manager and supervisor, she is dedicated to creating a thoughtful, inclusive, and stimulating classroom atmosphere.

Ms. Jordan joined us in February 2026. Ms. Jordan is excited to be part of your child’s learning journey. She is passionate about working with children and loves nurturing young minds, building strong connections, and helping children feel safe, loved, and confident each day. She enjoys teaching self-help skills that build independence and confidence. Ms. Jordan believes every child is unique and strives to create a warm, supportive classroom where children can explore, learn, and grow through play and meaningful relationships. Ms. Jordan plans to continue her education in Early Childhood Education to further grow as an educator. She looks forward to partnering with families and supporting each child as they learn and shine.

Ms. Arkia joined us in December 2024. Ms. Arkia is a proud native of Fort Lawn, South Carolina. She earned her degree in Mass Communication with a minor in Humanities from Winthrop University. In her free time, Ms. Arkia enjoys traveling, spending quality time with her family, and giving back to her community. She is passionate about mentoring teens and making a positive impact wherever she can. With a nurturing spirit and a deep love for children, Ms. Arkia is thrilled to be part of The Goddard School family. She looks forward to creating meaningful connections and supporting each child’s growth and development.

Ms.Alyssa joined our Goddard team June 2023. Prior to working with Goddard, she worked with Chester and York County public school systems as a substitute teacher. Growing up, she enjoyed being a tutor and was often booked and busy as a babysitter. This was the very beginning of her love for children & teaching! Currently, Alyssa is enrolled at York Technical College in pursuit of her Associates in Arts and will continue her education to obtain her Psychology degree. Ms.Alyssa believes the impact of a teacher and a nurturing environment lasts a lifetime. Ms.Alyssa hopes that she continues to be in a position to help children grow emotionally, socially and intellectually.

Ms. Allison joined Goddard in February of 2024. She earned her BA in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina. She has spent the past 20 years home schooling her 5 children. She believes that a child's education is the foundation for their entire life. Educating and watching a child grow and flourish through a personalized education is key to unlocking their true potential. She firmly believes that children learn through positive reinforcement, patience, and aspiring to always make education enjoyable. Ms. Allison enjoys traveling the world, cooking, reading in her spare time, but most of all spending time with her children. She is very excited to be a part of the Goddard family.

Ms. Angela joined us in June 2025. My name is Angela Jenkins, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Goddard team! I’m a proud graduate of USC Upstate, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Child Advocacy. I bring with me four years of experience in early childhood education and a heartfelt passion for supporting and enriching the lives of children. Outside the classroom, I enjoy traveling, reading, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I’m guided by the belief that every child has a light waiting to be seen and a voice longing to be heard—and I’m committed to creating a space where both can shine. I’m so excited to be part of your child’s learning journey!

Ms. Addisyn joined us February 2026. Addisyn is a dedicated floater at The Goddard School of Rock Hill, where she brings warmth, patience, and enthusiasm to the classroom each day. She has always enjoyed working with children and has a natural passion for helping them to learn and grow. Growing up with two younger siblings and many younger cousins, Addisyn has always loved spending time caring for and mentoring children. In addition to her work at Goddard, she volunteers in her church's nursery, and children's classes. Addisyn is also actively involved in ministry through her church and other churches, participating in VBS programs and serving children in less fortunate areas in the US. She is passionate about making a positive impact and creating a safe, nurturing environment wherever she serves.

Ms. Keirstin joined us April 2026. She has gained valuable hands-on experience caring for children through both her involvement at church and her responsibilities at home. At her church, she regularly assists with supervising and engaging children of various ages by leading activities, ensuring their safety, and fostering a positive, welcoming environment. These experiences have strengthened her patience, communication skills, and ability to effectively manage groups of children. At home, Ms. Keirstin cares for her younger siblings, providing her with consistent, real-life experience in managing daily routines, preparing meals, and keeping children entertained and supported. These responsibilities have helped her develop into a reliable, attentive, and adaptable teacher who is comfortable working with children in a variety of situations.