Our Goddard School Teachers

Bill and Melanie are the owners of The Goddard School of Simpsonville, The Goddard School of Greenville, and The Goddard School of Greenville at Pelham Road. Bill and Melanie have three wonderful children named Miller, Alexander, and Parker. Melanie is from Hilton Head Island, SC. She attended The University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Management and Master of Arts in Marketing Education and also earned a Certificate in Learning Disabilities from The College of Charleston. Melanie has many years of experience teaching students at different levels (preschool, elementary, high school, college) and combines her love of giving back with her experience of high standards in education. Also an alumni of the University of South Carolina, Bill holds a Retail Management Degree and has over 25 years experience in retail and business operations. Bill and Melanie look forward to offering a safe and nurturing environment where your children have fun while learning.

Ms. Shawn, originally from California, now resides in the Greenville area with her husband and two sons, ages 3 and 11. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Maryland University and has 20 years of experience working with children, ranging from infants to school-age. Now serving as a director, Ms. Shawn is deeply passionate about early childhood education and believes these formative years are essential for building a strong foundation for future success. She loves watching children’s curiosity and excitement as they explore new ideas, solve problems, and grow. Ms. Shawn is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, especially hiking, sightseeing in the mountains, and making lasting memories with her two sons while enjoying nature together.

Ms. Jennifer hails from Dayton, Ohio, and made the move to Greenville for family—to be closer to her nephews and to enjoy the better weather here. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership from Wright State University. With a rich background in education, Ms. Jennifer taught all ages from 2008 to 2014 before stepping into a Director role in 2014. She's deeply passionate about creating a safe and happy environment where every child is excited to come to school and grow. Outside of work, Ms. Jennifer cherishes time with her two daughters, Cameron and Taylor. She's a big fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, loves being outdoors, and enjoys trying new foods.

Ms. CJ was born in Downers Grove, IL, and raised in southwest Michigan. After moving to Fort Myers, FL, in 2021 to be closer to family, she and her husband fell in love with Greenville during a wedding visit and moved here in 2022. She earned a BA in Elementary English Language Arts Education from Hope College in MI and is certified to teach K-8. Ms. CJ taught 1st and 2nd grade before joining Goddard, where she taught First Steps and transitioned to Assistant Director. She is passionate about teaching emotional intelligence, believing children need space to process their feelings and build emotional regulation. Outside of work, Ms. CJ enjoys spending time with her family, especially her daughter. She’s a fan of video games, reading, and musical theater, having participated in over 25 musicals as a child. She’s excited to continue supporting children’s growth at Goddard.

Ms. Bailey is originally from Columbia, South Carolina, and moved to the Greenville area nearly five years ago. She loves the community, the mountains, and the beauty of the Upstate! She attended Brevard College and Liberty University, where she studied education and social work. Currently, she is finishing her degree in Early Childhood Education at Liberty University. With over 10 years of experience working with children from infancy through high school, including special needs, she is passionate about building positive relationships and fostering independence in her students. Outside the classroom, Ms. Bailey enjoys stargazing, traveling, and cheering on the South Carolina Gamecocks and Duke Blue Devils!

Ms. Michalea is originally from Shamong, New Jersey, and moved to Greenville in 2007 with her family. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and has 5 years of experience working with school-aged children. Ms. Michalea is passionate about supporting different learning styles to ensure every student can connect with the material in a way that works best for them. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Michalea enjoys spending time outdoors, especially going on walks with her two dogs, Woody and Millie. She also loves spending time with friends and is a dedicated fan of both the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Ms. Kim is originally from North Carolina and moved to Greenville with her family in 2003. Ms. Kim attended Western Carolina University and received a Bachelor's in Sociology and Psychology, with a focus in Child Psychology. Ms. Kim's previous experience includes teaching at a local preschool, Director of a preschool program and Director of the Extended Day Program at Bell's Crossing Elementary. Ms. Kim joined The Goddard School of Simpsonville's management team in 2007. She is now the Regional Director of The Goddard School of Simpsonville, SC and Greenville, SC. She splits her time between these two schools. Ms. Kim mentors other Goddard School Directors around the country and has become an amazing resource for many schools within the franchise. Ms. Kim was recognized for her amazing talents, dedication, and hard work by being awarded the 2017 National Goddard School Director of the Year award.

Chef Lisa, originally from Chicago, relocated to the Greenville area to be nearer to her family. With over 20 years of experience in the culinary industry, she is enthusiastic about sharing her passion for food with the students at our school. Chef Lisa’s Italian heritage has greatly influenced her cooking, and she has dedicated many years to perfecting recipes passed down from her grandmother. She looks forward to introducing the children to recipes they will love while also encouraging them to explore and appreciate a variety of new and diverse foods.

Ms. Hope is originally from Cheraw, SC, and now lives in Gray Court. She graduated from Greenwood High School and attended Piedmont Tech for college courses. With over 20 years of experience working with children, Ms. Hope has worked with all age groups, but her true passion is caring for infants. She loves spoiling her little ones and is always amazed by their growth and the joy of watching them reach new milestones, especially when they do something for the very first time. Outside of work, Ms. Hope is a proud mother of two beautiful girls and a Mimi to two granddaughters. She enjoys reading and cherishing time with her family. Ms. Hope’s nurturing spirit and love for her family make her a wonderful presence in the classroom.

Ms. Nida has lived in several places before making South Florida her home five years ago. Originally from Pakistan where she trained as a Speech Pathologist, she later moved to Toronto, Canada, where she studied Educational Support. Nida has a wide range of teaching experience, from working as a child assistant with students who have special needs to teaching elementary, middle, and high school in Toronto. She also spent several years at the YMCA Preschool working with children ages 3–5. In the classroom, Nida is passionate about teaching with love and compassion, aiming to create a calm, cooperative, and well-balanced learning environment. Outside of school, she enjoys nature, gardening, reading, and making her own organic, non-toxic soaps from scratch. She is also a proud mother of three children.

Ms. Ashlynn, originally from Pickens, relocated to the Simpsonville area with her fiancé. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Care and Education/Early Childhood Development from Greenville Technical College, following her education at Pickens High School. With over two years of experience working with infants and young children aged 5 months to 6 years, Ms. Ashlynn is dedicated to advancing early childhood development and cherishes the opportunity to witness children mastering new skills. She strives to create a nurturing classroom where every child feels valued and encouraged to thrive. Outside of teaching, Ms. Ashlynn enjoys reading, shopping, and snowboarding. Her warmth and dedication make her a beloved educator.

Ms. Kristina was born and raised in Greenville, SC, and moved to Simpsonville after hearing wonderful things about The Goddard School. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and an add-on certification in Early Childhood Education from Anderson University. With 8 years of experience working with children ranging from 6 weeks to 5th grade, she is passionate about creating a fun, loving, and inclusive learning environment. Ms. Kristina believes every child is special and capable of achieving anything with love, care, and commitment. As the oldest of six children, she values family deeply and strives to create a nurturing, supportive classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, praise dancing at church, painting, trying new foods, exploring new areas, and couponing.

Ms. Hannah, originally from Hilton Head Island, SC, earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business from Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL. Since 2020, she has been dedicated to working with young children. Ms. Hannah is deeply committed to building individualized relationships with each child, recognizing the uniqueness of every learner. She finds great joy in observing their daily developmental progress. Her favorite children’s book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar, appreciating its incorporation of counting and the importance of food choices. While she does not speak another language, Ms. Hannah is adept at communicating exclusively through quotes from Friends if asked.

Ms. Emily is originally from Nashville, Tennessee. She moved to South Carolina with her family for her husband’s job. Emily is a graduate of Liberty University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at Liberty to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor. Emily has several years of experience teaching in preschools, has taught Sunday school for children ages 4–13, and also homeschooled her own children for three years. She loves working with children and teaching them in a way that makes learning both fun and meaningful—helping them enjoy the process and stay eager to learn more. Outside of school, Emily enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, walking trails, and spending time in coffee shops. Most of all, she loves spending time with her five children.

Ms. Angela is originally from Guatemala and spent 12 years in Chicago before moving to the Greenville area due to her husband's job. She studied at Sagrado Corazón College, where she earned her degree in Business Administration. With three years of experience in childcare, she has a deep passion for teaching and creating a nurturing learning environment. Ms. Angela is proud of her Latin heritage and loves sharing her culture and language (Spanish) with her students. She believes in teaching with passion and respect, fostering a classroom where every child feels valued and supported. One of her favorite ways to engage children is through art, using creativity as a tool for learning and self-expression. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Angela enjoys spending time with her family and supporting her children in their activities. She is excited to continue inspiring young minds and making a positive impact in her students' lives!

Ms. Laura was born in New York and recently moved to South Carolina to be closer to family. She graduated from Dobbs Ferry High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Cortland. Before joining The Goddard School, Ms. Laura interned at a daycare and spent four summers as a camp counselor for incoming 2nd graders. She also built a successful career in advertising and most recently worked at NBC before deciding to pursue her passion for working with children. In the classroom, Ms. Laura is dedicated to helping children learn, grow, and build confidence. She strives to create a space where her students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to be themselves. Outside of school, Ms. Laura enjoys cooking, baking, working out, running, and going on family hikes. She’s a fan of the NY Mets, NY Giants, NY Rangers, and USC football (Southern California!). Ms. Laura loves spending time with her daughter, Charlie, and her golden retriever, Carl.

Originally from Mexico, Ms. Ivonne moved to Greenville after her husband’s job transfer. She brings 18 years of experience in early childhood education and holds a certification in providing care and supporting the comprehensive development of children in childcare centers. She is currently working toward a Bachelor's degree in Pedagogy. In the classroom, Ms. Ivonne is dedicated to supporting each child’s learning process with care and intention. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Ms. Dakota is from Simpsonville, SC. She has several years of experience working in a school setting with children ages 2–5. Dakota is passionate about helping children grow into the best version of themselves and loves finding ways to support and encourage them along the way. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it’s at the beach, in the mountains, or just enjoying the country air. She also loves watching volleyball and football.

Ms. Quell was born in Greenwood, South Carolina, and moved to Greenville when she was younger. She holds an Associate Degree in Health and Human Services and has been working in childcare since 2016. Throughout her career, she has worked with infants and toddlers and also spent time as a hospice CNA, giving her a deep sense of compassion and care for others. In the classroom, Ms. Quell is passionate about helping children reach their milestones and celebrating each success along the way. She loves watching her students grow and learn new skills every day. Outside of school, Ms. Quell enjoys spending time with her three children, who are 6, 11, and 12 years old. Her youngest son is on the autism spectrum, and her experiences as a mom have strengthened her understanding and empathy as a teacher. She’s also a big sports fan—cheering for the Clemson Tigers in college football and the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL!

Ms. Nene, originally from Greenville, SC, is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Development and has experience working with children of all ages, from infants to school-age students. In the classroom, Ms. Nene is passionate about nurturing children’s well-being and success. She prioritizes building strong relationships with both students and their families, aiming to create a positive, lasting impact. She believes every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and capable of achieving their goals. Ms. Nene treats every child as her own, offering them care, guidance, and support. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, learning about different languages and cultures, and seeking new experiences to help her grow personally and professionally. As a proud mother of one, she views all the children she teaches as part of her extended family. Ms. Nene is excited to continue her work in early childhood education, making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children she serves.

Ms. Leniah is originally from Lawrenceville, GA. She recently moved to this area for a change of scenery and is excited to call it home. Leniah is currently majoring in Early Childhood Education and will be graduating in just a few years. She brings over eight years of teaching and caregiving experience, having worked with children as young as six weeks old through 12 years old. She also spent five years as a babysitter, which deepened her love for working with children. In the classroom, Leniah is passionate about seeing children excited to learn and grow. She loves creating a fun, interactive environment where each child can build knowledge while enjoying themselves. Outside of school, Leniah enjoys dancing, singing, puzzles, drawing, painting, and playing games. She is also a proud mom to a daughter who turns two in January and is her little “mini me”—they love doing everything together!

Ms. Teronicus is originally from Brownsville, Tennessee. She first came to the area in the summer of 1997 while visiting her aunt, and her family soon decided to make it their new home. Ms. Teronicus graduated from high school in 2002 and has since attended both on-campus and online colleges, earning additional credits along the way. She has been working in childcare since 2003 and has gained valuable experience in a variety of settings, including start-ups, chain centers, and corporate programs. She is excited to bring her knowledge and passion for children’s development to The Goddard School community! In her classroom, Ms. Teronicus’s goal is to ensure that every child’s needs are met while maintaining a strong, open partnership with parents. She believes communication and collaboration are key to creating a nurturing and successful learning environment. Outside of work, Ms. Teronicus enjoys spending time with her youngest son and playing board games.

Ms. Rebecca was born in California. She and her family moved to South Carolina in 1998 to be closer to relatives, and she has called it home ever since. Ms. Rebecca is a proud graduate of Southside Christian School, where she earned her high school diploma in 2014. She went on to attend Presbyterian College, graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and Christian Education. She has over eight years of experience in education, having worked at Southside Christian School from 2013 to 2021 as an assistant teacher and after-school/summer program leader. During that time, she taught and supported children ranging from Pre-K2 through Fifth Grade. Ms. Rebecca believes that learning should be fun and engaging for every child. Her goal is to create a classroom where students thrive, feel accepted, and know they are loved. Outside of work, Ms. Rebecca enjoys spending time outdoors—especially with her two boys. You can often find them at the park with friends.

Ms. Corrie is originally from Chapel Hill, NC, and was raised in Greenville, SC. She holds a certificate in medical assisting but found her true passion in working with children. With 4.5 years of experience, she has taught 1-2 year olds for 2 years and 2-3 year olds for 2.5 years. In the classroom, Ms. Corrie is passionate about teaching life skills and fostering independence, helping each child realize they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. She also works to nurture a love for learning and a strong sense of self in every child she teaches. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Corrie enjoys photography, reading, crafting, cooking, and writing. Her favorite place to be is outdoors, especially in the mountains. She is also a proud dog mom to two dogs, Clover and Huxley.

Ms. Brittney is excited to begin her journey in education and make a positive impact on young learners. Originally from York, SC, she moved to Greenwood for college and later graduated from Lander University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. After graduating, she relocated to Greenville, eager to start this new chapter. Passionate about creating a caring and supportive environment, Ms. Brittney believes in the power of kindness and making every child feel valued. She is dedicated to fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere where children can learn, grow, and have fun. Outside the classroom, she enjoys practicing yoga, spending time with her cat, and reconnecting with her college friends.

Cidney is originally from Arizona and moved to the South for a fresh start. She always loved visiting family here as a child and knew it was where she wanted to be. While she’s newer to working with young children, her passion for kids has been lifelong—she truly couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Cidney strives to create a fun, safe, and nurturing environment where each child feels valued. Her goal is to have a lasting, positive impact on their lives and celebrate every milestone they reach. Outside the classroom, Cidney enjoys hiking, traveling, painting, reading her Bible, playing basketball, baking, and caring for her plants. She’s excited to grow in her role and build meaningful connections with her students and their families.

Ms. Bella, originally from San Diego, California, grew up as a military kid and lived in various places before settling in Greenville. She is currently attending Greenville Technical College while teaching full-time. With four years of experience, including student teaching in kindergarten and now as a toddler teacher, Ms. Bella is dedicated to creating a classroom environment that feels like a family. She’s passionate about fostering creativity in young children, believing it plays a key role in their development. Her goal is to create a space where toddlers feel happy, comfortable, and inspired to explore and learn. Outside of work, Ms. Bella enjoys reading, playing basketball, and cheering on the USC Gamecocks and the Los Angeles Lakers. She is also a full-time business management student and a boy mom. With her warmth and enthusiasm, Ms. Bella looks forward to continuing to inspire and support her students.

Ms. Maryn English was born on September 6, 2006, in St. Augustine, Florida. Her family moved to Greenville when she was three years old—hoping to escape the rain and heat—and she has grown up here ever since. Ms. Maryn attended Greenville Technical Charter High School and also took courses at Greenville Technical College through dual enrollment. She has spent the past couple of years working as a nanny and has experience caring for children of all ages. Most recently, she worked closely with a family whose children are now one and three years old, giving her wonderful hands-on experience supporting early childhood development. As a teacher, Ms. Maryn’s goal is to ensure that each child’s individual needs are met. She is passionate about understanding every child’s unique personality and learning style so she can help them feel confident, supported, and successful in the classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys expressing her creativity through many different art mediums. Painting and

Ms. Courtney was born and raised in Greenville, where her passion for education began. She earned an Associate in Arts in Early Childhood and studied Child Development at USC Upstate. Since 2012, she has worked with children of all ages, beginning with K-4 and afterschool programs. Ms. Courtney is dedicated to fostering a love for learning and building strong, meaningful relationships with each child. She believes in creating a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages growth and curiosity. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Courtney is a devoted Duke Blue Devils fan, enjoys photography, and cherishes spending time with her dog and loved ones. Her passion for teaching and connecting with children continues to inspire her every day.

Ms. Olivia is a dedicated educator from Erie, Pennsylvania, with an Associate’s degree from Greenville Technical College and a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from USC Upstate. She previously taught middle and high school math before transitioning to early childhood education, where she now focuses on fostering a love of reading and learning in her students. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Olivia enjoys reading, crafting, yoga, and exploring new places through travel and hiking. She is passionate about creating a positive, engaging environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

Originally from Syracuse, NY, Ms. Heather moved to Greenville for her husband’s job. She holds a B.S. in Christian Education from Lee University and an A.S. in Human Services from Onondaga Community College. With over 15 years of experience working with children—from infants to school-age—she has served as an Assistant Director, Director, and even opened three schools! Ms. Heather is passionate about creating a fun, engaging learning environment where children feel excited to come to school, make friends, and explore through creative play. She believes hands-on experiences are the key to fostering curiosity and confidence in young learners. A proud Navy veteran, Ms. Heather spent five years overseas tracking submarines before dedicating her career to education. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling, crocheting, reading, relaxing by the firepit, and cheering on the Miami Dolphins with her husband. She also loves spending time with their three Labradors—Oaklee, Rylee, and Finley

Ms. Kelly was born and raised in Maiden, NC, and later moved to Greenville to be closer to family. With over 15 years of experience in childcare, she started her career in 2009 working with infants and has since worked with children ages 1-4. She holds a certificate in creating healthy lifestyles for young children, which fuels her passion for fostering growth and development in the classroom. Ms. Kelly is deeply committed to helping children learn and thrive, always striving to be the best teacher she can be. Outside of the classroom, she is a big fan of the Atlanta Braves and UNC Tar Heels. In her free time, she enjoys reading, binge-watching TV shows, and spending quality time with family and friends. Ms. Kelly is excited to continue making a positive impact on the children she teaches.

Ms. Kellie, originally from Pennsylvania, moved to Greenville when her family was stationed here through the Army. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's in Primary Education. Before joining Goddard, she worked as a nanny for two families, caring for children ages 5 to 9. Ms. Kellie is passionate about creating a classroom centered around students' needs, believing they learn best when they have a voice in what they learn. Her goal is to foster enthusiasm and engagement in her students. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time outdoors, riding horses, and cheering on her favorite teams: the Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma State Cowboys. She is also a proud mother to a 5-year-old daughter.

Ms. Jen was born in Pennsylvania and moved to South Carolina as a teenager with her family. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from the University of South Carolina. With over 12 years of experience teaching Pre-K and serving in administrative roles within preschool settings, including as an Assistant Director, Ms. Jen brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the classroom. She is passionate about helping children succeed and feel proud of their accomplishments. Her teaching philosophy centers around kindness and confidence—she wants every child to know they are safe, loved, and that being kind is always more important than what they “know.” Outside of school, Ms. Jen enjoys reading, exploring Greenville (as she’s new to the area), and attending local festivals and family activities. She’s a proud fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the South Carolina Gamecocks. Ms. Jen is also a dedicated mom to her two children, Mason and Kendall.

Ms. Marjorie is originally from Winfield Park, New Jersey, and moved to South Carolina to pursue her education in a Christ-centered environment at North Greenville University in Tigerville. She will graduate in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, concentrating in Christian Studies and Communication, and has also earned 18 credits in Education. Ms. Marjorie brings a variety of experience working with children of all ages. She has served as a Head Camp Counselor for three years, working with students from kindergarten through 9th grade. She has also been a Day Substitute and After-Care Teacher—spending most of her time in kindergarten—and worked as an Assistant Program Director with 1st grade through adult students. In the classroom, Ms. Marjorie is passionate about inspiring children to love learning and reading. She believes in preparing every child for their next step in education and helping them feel confident and ready to succeed. Outside of school, Ms. Marjorie

Cecilia is originally from North Carolina. She moved to the Simpsonville area to be closer to her husband’s family. Cecilia earned her high school diploma from Bandys High School and attended Catawba Valley Community College. She has experience working with children of all ages, from kindergarten through high school. Cecilia is passionate about helping kids learn and is dedicated to seeing them succeed in everything they do. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys playing video games, spending time with her family, and cheering on the Carolina Panthers.

Ms. Maria is originally from Newberry, South Carolina, and moved to the Greenville area for a job opportunity and to be with her husband. She graduated from Mid-Carolina High School and earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from Erskine College. With experience teaching K3 to K5, Ms. Maria is passionate about meeting students where they are and fostering a love of learning through hands-on activities and reading. In the classroom, she loves incorporating the arts into all subjects, teaching both visual and musical arts. Ms. Maria is dedicated to creating an environment where children can explore, express themselves, and grow. Outside of teaching, she enjoys singing, painting, and playing board and card games with her family. A talented trumpet player, she was part of the marching band in high school and the jazz band in college. Ms. Maria has two children, Edie Gwyn and Violet, and enjoys diving into fantasy books and movies, often cosplaying her favorite characters.

Ms. Kendel is originally from Houston, Texas, but moved to the Greenville area in middle school and considers it home. She graduated from Lander University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and earned her Master’s from Southern Wesleyan University in 2012. Ms. Kendel has been teaching in private schools since 2003, with experience in K4, K5, and 1st grade. For over 20 years, she’s specialized in 1st grade and loves seeing the "light bulb" moments when children grasp new concepts. Watching her students grow academically and physically throughout the year is one of her greatest joys. Outside of teaching, Ms. Kendel enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and son. They love attending Clemson games, visiting the beach and mountains, or simply relaxing at home watching movies together.

Ms. Maleta is a Greenville, SC native who loves the area. She graduated from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science and earned a Master’s in Health Services Administration from Strayer University. Since joining Goddard, she has been a support teacher in Get Set and Junior Preschool 2 and is currently a School Age teacher, primarily in the Kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms. Ms. Maleta is passionate about working with children and loves doing so from the heart. She finds joy in seeing kids grow, learn, and stay motivated, and she’s thrilled when a child becomes excited to learn. Outside of work, Ms. Maleta is married with two children. She enjoys spending time with her family, fishing, church activities, and vacations. She also enjoys basketball, playing the drums, singing, and reading a great book.

Ms. Olivia is originally from Greenville, SC, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Experimental Psychology with a minor in Child Advocacy Studies. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work, expected to graduate in the spring of 2026. With 8 years of experience in childcare, Ms. Olivia has worked with children ranging from newborns to high school students. She is passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where children feel motivated and empowered to be their best selves. Ms. Olivia believes every child deserves to thrive in a space that encourages personal growth and development. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new restaurants, and learning how to golf. Ms. Olivia is excited to continue her education and career, making a positive impact on the lives of children and families.

Ms. Andrea was born and raised right here in Greenville, SC, and is a proud graduate of Mauldin High School, class of 2018. She has 9 years of experience nannying children ages 4–11 and spent 3 years volunteering at the Greenville Humane Society. Her passion lies in creating an inclusive environment where every child feels welcome, supported, and has fun. Ms. Andrea values getting to know each student personally and helping them grow into the best version of themselves. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time at the beach, walking her dog, listening to live music, and cheering on her favorite football team—the Philadelphia Eagles. A true animal lover with a big heart, Ms. Andrea is excited to bring her energy and care to the classroom every day.

Avery Montemayor is a proud native of Greer, South Carolina. He is currently completing his associate’s degree online through the University of Arizona. Avery has experience working as a teacher’s assistant with 4–5-year-olds and as an afterschool teacher, later stepping into the role of lead teacher for 4–5-year-olds. He is passionate about helping students grow not only in their knowledge but also as people, and he strives to create an environment where children are excited to come to school each day. Outside of the classroom, Avery enjoys cooking and gardening. He is a big sports fan and cheers for Texas teams, and he loves spending time with his four nephews.

Ms. Hannah is a Greenville County native. She graduated from Woodmont High School in 2021 and is a certified paraprofessional. Hannah has experience working with children from infancy through age 11. She has worked as a nanny for an infant, a para-educator, and an afterschool instructor for Greenville County Schools. In the classroom, Hannah believes in providing personalized care for each child, with a strong focus on helping them understand and navigate their emotions.

Ms. Ashley is originally from North Carolina and made the move to Greenville in 2018 with her family. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management through Western Governors University, showing her dedication to lifelong learning and personal growth. With over 3.5 years of experience working at a summer camp with children ages 4–16, Ms. Ashley brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge in youth development. Since joining The Goddard School, she has worked with children ages 1 to 4 years old for over a year, creating a nurturing and engaging environment where young learners can thrive. Ms. Ashley is passionate about helping children build the skills they need to succeed both now and in the future. She believes in fostering confidence, independence, and curiosity in every child she teaches. In her free time, Ms. Ashley enjoys reading, relaxing in local coffee shops, and spending quality time with her family.

Ms. Tanya is originally from North Dakota and moved to Greenville to be closer to family. She has two years of experience working in childcare, specializing in caring for children ages 2 and under. Ms. Tanya is passionate about supporting the early development of young children and creating a warm, nurturing environment for them to thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, attending church, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors. Ms. Tanya is also a proud Gamecock fan and loves cheering for her team. She has one daughter and cherishes every moment spent with her family.

Ms. Michele, originally from Illinois, made the move here 20 years ago to join her husband in his new job. A proud alumna of Downers Grove South in Illinois, she brings a wealth of experience to her role, having worked with children of all ages for the past year and a half. Ms. Michele is passionate about being a part of her students' lives, viewing each child as a special gift. Outside the classroom, she loves expressing her creativity through her artistic pursuits, which adds a vibrant touch to everything she does.

Ms. Madison is a Greenville, SC native who has lived here her whole life. She has experience working with 2–3-year-olds and is currently pursuing a degree in Special Education at Anderson University. She loves working with young children and is passionate about helping them grow and learn. In her free time, she enjoys cheering on her favorite team—Alabama!

Ms. Alexia was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and has called it home since she was four years old. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Before joining The Goddard School, Ms. Alexia worked in the restaurant industry for seven years, where she developed a strong sense of teamwork, communication, and connection with others. She is passionate about making everyone—especially children—feel understood and comfortable in her classroom. Outside of school, Ms. Alexia loves arts and crafts, reading, and writing. She also enjoys spending time with friends at trivia and bingo nights and values quality time with her family above all else.