Our Goddard School Teachers

With a background as a dedicated school counselor and teacher, Ms. Marie has spent her career supporting the emotional, social and academic development of children. A passion for early childhood development led to taking the bold step of opening The Goddard School of Brentwood with her husband, Brian, and business partners, Leisa Byars and Del McSpadden, with the goal to create a warm, supportive, engaging environment for children to build early learning foundations. Marie holds a Bachelor's degree in Art Education and a Master's in School Counseling. She enjoys exploring the arts, new foods, and quality time with her husband and three brilliant sons. Ms. Marie's favorite children's book is The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds.

Mr. Brian holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and has over 15 years of experience as a teacher and principal. Mr. Brian's journey from leading elementary through high school students to opening The Goddard School of Brentwood was inspired by a desire to create a high quality learning environment where young children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally from the start - the type of environment he wanted for his sons. Mr. Brian enjoys early Saturday morning adventures with family, movies and music from a vast range of genres. His favorite children's book is The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.

Ms. Allyson earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Liberty University in Virginia. She has worked with children for more than 15 years. She has ten years of teaching experience and five years in leadership roles, which include Assistant Director and Director. She is passionate about staff development and empowerment. Ms. Allyson likes to go to the gym, run 5K races, and spending time with her family. She is a proud Goddard parent, and she loves reading and her favorite children's books are The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywait, and Dragons Love Tacos, by Adam Rubin.

Ms. Rayna has served children and families for more than six years, including four years in school leadership roles. She is passionate about creating supportive, high-quality learning environments for children, families, and staff. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, working on puzzles, reading, and crafting. She is proud to be a Goddard parent. Her favorite children’s book is Love You Forever by Robert Munsch.

Ms. Shelley holds a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University. She has over 20 years of classroom experience as well as 5 years of experience as a preschool Co-Director. Shelley recently relocated to middle Tennessee, from Chattanooga with her husband, two daughters, and 12-year-old Shitzu. She is passionate about helping others and creating a fun learning environment where all children can thrive and feel loved. Shelley's favorite children's books include Me First by Helen Lester, and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.

Ms. Samarah holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. She has over seven years of experience working in early childhood education. She loves taking her daughter on mother-daughter dates, shopping, traveling, and trying new foods and restaurants. Her favorite children's book is The Berenstain Bears and the Slumber Party by Stan and Jan Berenstain.

Ms. Jasmyne holds a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, and an Associate's in Early Childhood Education. She has over 14 years of experience in childcare and has worked with infants through Pre-K. She loves crafting and customizing mugs and tumblers. Her favorite children's book is The Bad Seed by Jory John.

AUGUST TEACHER OF THE MONTH! Ms. Toriya holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Theatre and has over seven years of experience working with children. She enjoys creating a positive and engaging environment where children can learn and grow. In her free time, she enjoys reading and crocheting. Her favorite children's book is Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Nesha has more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education, with the majority of her career spent caring for infants and Pre-K students. She loves spending time with her family and friends, and styling hair. She is also a Goddard parent. Ms. Nesha's favorite children's books are by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Sam has over four years of experience working in early childhood with infants and toddlers and is passionate about supporting young children’s learning and development. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, collecting dolls, and playing the drums. Her favorite children’s book is Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner.

Ms. Lyndsi is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Childhood Development. She has 20 years of experience caring for children and enjoys creating a positive and nurturing environment for young learners. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, spending time with her family, and volunteering through her church. Her favorite children's book is The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister.

Ms. Tristan is currently studying Kinesiology at Fisk University. She has over five years of experience working with children. Ms. Tristan enjoys dancing, working out, drawing and painting. Her favorite children's book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Swann has over 10 years of experience working with children in a variety of early childhood and educational settings. Throughout her career, she has served in leadership and teaching roles and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and sports. Her favorite children’s book is Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford.

Ms. Aaliyah is currently pursuing an Associate of Science degree at South College. She has experience working with children ranging in age from 1 to 4 years old. Ms. Aaliyah enjoys staying active by working out and reading in her free time. Her favorite children’s book is Corduroy by Don Freeman.

Ms. Imani is currently studying to become a professional school counselor. Her experience with children has helped shape her passion for encouraging creativity, self-expression, and positive learning experiences. She has a love for the arts and enjoys reading, writing poetry, singing, dancing, painting, playing the piano, and building LEGO sets. Her favorite children’s books include The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss, The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

Ms. Sydney has worked in preschools for 2 years prior to joining or team, and has more than six years of experience nannying. She loves baking, kayaking and spending time with family. Her favorite children's book is Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Brooklyn is currently attending Middle Tennessee State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Sports Medicine. She has over five years of experience working with toddlers and is committed to providing a nurturing and supportive classroom environment. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and traveling. Her favorite children's book is Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney.

Ms. Taylor attended Middle Tennessee State University where she studied Health Administration. She has three years of early childhood experience. She enjoys spending time with family, friends and her two "fur babies." Her favorite children's book is I Am Enough, by Grace Byers.

Ms. Cha'Nelle is currently working toward her associate degree in Early Childhood Education at Nashville State. She has experience working with toddlers and is passionate about supporting children's learning and development. In her free time, Ms. Cha'Nelle enjoys doing hair, crocheting, and spending time with her family. Her favorite children's book is The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister.

Ms. Megan earned a certificate in Culinary Arts and is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. She has over 12 years of experience working with infants through PreK students. She enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends, trying new foods, reading and meditating. Her favorite children's book is I Am in Love with My Locs! by EJ Nembhard.

Ms. Jorie has over 18 years of experience working with children in a variety of educational and caregiving settings, including as a lead teacher and kindergarten assistant teacher. She has also provided after-school tutoring and enjoys encouraging children as they build new skills and confidence. She also enjoys reading, cooking, watching movies and TV series, and spending quality time with her three children. Her favorite children’s book is Love You Forever by Robert Munsch.

Ms. Jessica enjoys making meaningful connections with children and families. She is a certified clinical medical assistant and is currently pursuing continued education in nursing. She is a proud Goddard parent, enjoys spending time with her two children and pets, visiting parks and the Nashville Zoo, attending shows, and making memories with family. Her favorite children’s books are those written by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Hayley has been teaching children since 2016, and with preschool children for over two years. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She loves all sports, especially soccer and hockey, and also scrapbooking, photography, and the beach. She is a proud Goddard parent of two little scholars. Her favorite children's books are The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister and The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone.

Teacher of the Month: Ms. Seveera has over 5 years of experience with preschoolers. She loves to teach through the use of song and games, and sometimes even costumes! She enjoys painting, styling hair, sitting by the lake, and spending time with her family. Her favorite children's book is Oh, the Places You'll Go, by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Patricia, affectionately known as Ms. Pat Pat, holds an Associate Degree in Health Information Technology and brings more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education. She enjoys helping children learn and grow while building strong relationships with families. She also enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family. Her favorite children's book is Love You Forever by Robert Munsch.

Ms. Mallory has over 20 years of childcare industry experience, work with infants through kindergarten students. She loves crafting, reading, and being around water. Her favorite children's books are Woah, Joey!: Tell-a-Tale Book by Daphne Doward Hogstrom, and The Belly Book by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Gabby earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is currently working on her Master's degree. She has worked with children for more than six years. She loves playing tennis, Sudoku, and walking. Ms. Gabby's favorite children's book is I Love To Eat Bugs by John Strejan.

Ms. Nitaya has over four years of experience in early childhood education and is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts degree in Spanish. She enjoys painting, reading, and learning new languages in her free time. Her favorite children’s book is Stellaluna by Janell Cannon.

Ms. Pat brings over 30 years of experience in early childhood education and childcare to Goddard Brentwood. She loves cooking, going for walks and serving in the community. Her favorite children's book is Shady Baby by Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwayne Wade Jr.

Ms. Sabrina holds a Child Care Management Certificate. She has over 23 years of experience in early childhood education and has worked with infants through junior kindergarten-aged children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her family. Her favorite children's book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.

Ms. Chan earned a Bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Science from Tennessee State University and has seven years of experience in early childhood education. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, trying new foods, spending time with family. Ms. Chan loves the Bailey School Kids book series by Debbie Dadey and Marcia Jones.

Ms. Nariah holds an Associate degree in General Science and is currently pursuing a Nursing degree at Howard University. Alongside her academic commitments, she serves as both a Public Relations Staffer and a Residence Advisor on campus. Her favorite children’s book is Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann.