Our Goddard School Teachers

I am excited to be the Onsite Owner of The Goddard School Cool Springs! I began at The Goddard School as a Preschool Teacher in January 2010 and was promoted to the Administration Team in 2011. I became the Onsite Owner in 2020. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Belmont University. My experience includes working with children ages infants to five years old children in preschool settings both in the United States and overseas since 2001. I believe every child and adult has worth and deserves someone in their corner who believes in them completely. My goal is a school where children and teachers can be themselves and learn in a fun environment where the teacher encourages a child's natural curiosity!

I am so pleased to be the Owner of The Goddard School located in Franklin(Cool Springs)! I have lived in Franklin since 2005 and absolutely love it. I graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. After 16 years of corporate business experience I was very excited to open The Goddard School as my own business in 2009. I love the children and am dedicated to ensuring THE BEST environment for them and their families every day.

Alexis is our Executive Director. She has completed many Early Childhood Education college courses as well as the TECTA Early Childhood Education Administration Program. Alexis' experience includes working with children of all ages since 2015, including previous years as a Director. In her spare time she enjoys sticker puzzles, reading, napping and DIY. Alexis believes children thrive when they are loved deeply, challenged respectfully and given the confidence to discover!

Heather is our Assistant Director of Operations. She has a Bachelors Degree from Trevecca University. Heather's experience includes working with children of all ages since 2018. In her spare time she enjoys being with her family. Heather's philosophy is to help engage young minds in the world around them and to help them grow and find themselves.

Cassie is our Assistant Director of Education. She has her Bachelors and Masters Degrees and is currently pursuing her PhD in Early Childhood Education. Cassie has been working with infants to preschool age children since 2020. In her spare time, Cassie enjoys reading, swimming and spending time with family. Cassie believes children are capable learners who need the space in a safe, loving, nurturing environment to learn. This allows children the opportunity to learn right from wrong, what is acceptable in school settings, how to interact with others (teachers, adults, peers) while also learning basic life skills. Children learn best through play as it gives them the opportunity to be vulnerable and experiment. Play AS learning should be the focus versus play FOR learning in that play needs to be the forefront long past preschool. Families are also critical in teaching as they aid teachers in being the expert on the child.

Morgan is a Co-Teacher in our Infant Program. She has competed some college courses. Her experience includes working with children age 3-6 years old. In her spare time, Ms. Morgan enjoys spending time outside or crocheting! Morgan believes each child deserves to be treated with respect and according to their individual needs.

Lauren is an Assistant Teacher in our Infant Program. She has her Bachelor's Degree from MTSU. In her spare time, Ms. Lauren enjoys traveling and watching reality competition shows. Lauren believes that all children have a unique learning style. Learning should be fun and safe for the child. She believes that the social and emotional skills are just as important as the cognitive skills.

Dee Dee is a Co-Teacher in our Infant Program. She has a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics and Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her experience includes working with infants through school-aged children in private preschool and public school settings, as well as working as a private nanny since 1997. In her spare time, Dee Dee enjoys spending time with her 4 daughters and her grandson, Braeden. She also loves cheering for the Titans and watching old movies on TCM. She believes that each child is unique and learns in his or her own way.

Kara is an Assistant Teacher in our Infant Program. She has her High School Diploma. Her experience includes working with children ages 3 years old to school age since 2022. In her spare time she enjoys sewing and swimming. Kara believes she is here to guide, encourage and uplift all children she works with. She desires to help them build their confidence while developing a love for learning and help them feel proud of who they are.

Bethany is a Co-Teacher in our First Steps Program. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree. Her experience includes working with infants through school age children with most of her time with toddlers since 2022. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing, writing stories, spending time with her roommates, her cats and her fish. Bethany believes in gentle encouragement, positive reinforcement, repetition, and routine when it comes to teaching. She also believes firmly that play is educational- children learn more through play than they do in any other way. Bethany also believes children should be treated with compassion and respect. They have feelings, thoughts and reasons for their behavior even before they can communicate it.

Alivian is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler Program. She has been accepted to Middle Tn State University with an interest in degrees of social work and child development. Her experience includes working with infants through school age children, mostly toddlers, since 2023. In her spare time, she enjoys taking care of her animals (2 dogs, 1 cat and 1 bunny), listening to music, going to the dog park, writing, crocheting, reading and spending time with friends and family. Alivian believes every child deserves to have someone who believes in them and encourages them to be themselves. Her own experiences growing up in foster care have given her a strong understanding of how important positive and supportive relationships can be for children. Alivian wants to help children feel confident, encouraged, and excited to learn while creating a classroom where they grow at their own pace.

Ruth is an Assistant Teacher in our Get Set Program. She is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. Her experience includes working with infants through school age children since 2023. In her spare time, she enjoys eating, shopping, and performing. Ruth believes that emotions play an essential role in a child's growth and development. She believes in allowing children to freely express themselves. This allows for them to develop unique identities and most importantly it allows for them to be heard and seen.

Bethany is a Co-Teacher in our Get Set Program. She has her Bachelor's Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. Her experience includes working with infants to school age children since 2018. In her spare time, Ms. Bethany enjoys hiking, coffee, art, reading and being outside. Bethany believes it is an honor and privilege to partner with children on their growth journey to help guide, assist, and support their curiosity. Working with young children is an adventure where both the child and educator can learn along each other without fear or insecurity, but with boundaries to expand on individual knowledge, experience, and curiosities.

Lauren is an Assistant Teacher in our Get Set Program. She has her High School Diploma. Her experience includes working with infants through age 6 since 2025. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, watching movies, swimming and going shopping with friends. Lauren believes all children have an immense capacity for learning as long as they have teachers who are willing to be patient and meet them where they are at.

Gomathi is a Co-Teacher in our Get Set Program. She has a Bachelor's Degree. Her experience includes working with toddlers since 2020. In her spare time, Ms. Gomathi enjoys playing with kids, listening to music and cooking. Gomathi believes each child is unique and as an educator, she will support and develop each child's strengths, interests and skills to extend their learning.

Carrie is a Co-Teacher in our Get Set Program. Carrie has taken Early Childhood classes at Motlow Community College. Her experience includes working with infants through school age children and in administration since 1996. Carrie believes her responsibility is to figure out how a child learns and facilitate that style. Listening, understanding and guiding are the three principles she uses with children.

Ms. Ren is a Co-Teacher in our Preschool Program. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Arizona. Her experience includes working with children of all ages since 2020. In her spare time, she enjoys horseback riding, crocheting, growing produce/flowers, painting and spending time with family and pets. Ms. Ren believes each child is as strong as the support they are given. With that in mind, she believes in catering to the individual, allowing for each child's educational journey to be one that directly supports their strengths across all developmental levels. By providing a creative, nurturing, and purposeful environment every child will be a given a path to ensure success both in and out of the classroom.

Shangamitra is a Co-Teacher in our Preschool Program. She has a Bachelors Degree and her experience includes working with 3-5 year-olds since 2012. In her spare time, she enjoys painting and listening to music. Shangamitra believes children should be treated with respect and dignity. She believes in disciplining with love and supporting children as they grow.

Takeria is a Co-Teacher in our Preschool Program. She has her Associates Degree in Arts of Education and a Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her experience includes working with infants to school age children since 2012. In her spare time, Ms. Takeria enjoys writing poetry and children’s books, playing with my children and running my custom party business. Takeria believes teachers serve as guides to children and their education. Educators should be great models in order to help children grow and learn. Children need to explore and use their imaginations to gain experience that impacts their learning and growth.

Brian is a Co-Teacher in our Pre-K program. He has a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Middle Tennessee State University. His experience includes working with infants through school-aged children in private preschool and public schools since 2001. In his spare time, Brian enjoys singing in his church choir, bowling, coaching basketball, reading, and watching sports. He believes that you should always give your very best, and hopes to instill that same drive in his students.

Wanda is a Lead Teacher in our Pre-K Program. She began with The Goddard School of Cool Springs in 2018 as a Co-Teacher in our Pre-K Program and was promoted to Education Director in 2021. She has a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Middle Tennessee State University. Her experience includes working with children ages preschool through high school since 2009. In her spare time, Wanda enjoys reading, hiking, biking, baking, gardening, rescuing cats and British television. Wanda believes children are bundles of potential and need opportunities to gain autonomy, confidence and independence. Giving them choices, supporting a growth mindset and promoting their curiosity will help them blossom and become life long learners.

Stacie is a Co-Teacher in our Pre-K Program. She has her Associates Degree in Health Information and Child Development Associates(CDA). Her experience includes working with ages infant through 10 year olds and administration since 1998. In her spare time, Stacie enjoys spending time with her family, reading and doing crafts. Stacie believes children are more excited and learn more when they can use all their senses and really get involved in what they are doing.

Amisha is a Co-Teacher in our Pre-K Program. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree with an emphasis in Indian Culture. Her experience includes working with infants through school age children since 2016. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, walking, and listening to music. Amisha loves to work with kids because she believes every kid is filled with innocence and honesty in abundance. She would like to nurture them with the utmost care and make their day with joy and happiness. She also believes all children are individuals and everyone learns in their own unique way. She uses multiple methods of teaching for each child. It is a process where she also learns and grows with them every day.

Ms. Allison is a Co-Teacher in our PreK Program. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois. Her experience includes working with children of all ages since 2016. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and pets (Freddie and Alina) and taking care of her many plants. All children deserve to have the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, loving environment. Children are natural scientists whose curiosity should be celebrated and nurtured.

Itu is a Co-Teacher in our PreK Program. She has a Masters Degree. Her experience includes working with children from 3 years old to school age since 2021. In her spare time, she enjoys artistic activities, watching movies, and listening to music. Itu believes in ensuring a safe, engaging and enriching environment for children. She enjoys building meaningful connections with children and creating experiences that support their growth, confidence and joy.

Pam is a member of our Support Faculty. Pam completed Early Childhood Education credits at Sierra College in California for a childhood credential permit. Her experience includes working with infants through school age children since 2005. In her spare time, Pam enjoys reading, camping, skiing and watching movies. She loves to nurture and encourage children to achieve their best potential.

Andy is a member of our Support Faculty. He is currently studying Early Childhood Education at Columbia State. Andy's experience includes working with young children infants through school age since 2015. In his spare time, he is a huge sports fan. Andy believes in helping bring out the best in each individual child.

Anne is a member of our Support Faculty. She has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Anne's experience includes working with infants and toddlers in Early Childhood settings since 1998. In her spare time, she enjoys horseback riding and card games. Anne believes that education is a partnership and she wants to be a good role model for the children.

Lama is a member of our Support Team. She has an Associates Degree. Her experience includes working with children ages 3 through school age since 2016. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, cooking, and spending time with family. Lama believes every child is special and should be safe, loved and respected. She believes we should be patient with children, listen to them and teach them in the way they learn best. Teachers and parents should work together to support each child.

Cindy is a member of our support team. Her experience includes working with children ages infants to school age since 2015. In her spare time she enjoys reading, crocheting, cooking, paddleboarding, home improvement and lots of volleyball. Cindy believes the most important lesson is for children to know they are loved and valued. Children need to know they are safe. She wants children she works with to be excited by the beautiful world they occupy.

Abbey is a member of our support team. Her experience includes working with children ages infants to school age since 2020. In her spare time she enjoys music, meeting people, and spending time with friends and family. Abbey believes in encouraging learning in a fun way while providing a safe environment where children can thrive!

Melissa is a member of our support team. She has an Associates Degree. Her experience includes working with children ages infants to school age since 2016. In her spare time she enjoys reading, make-up, face painting, playing pool, bowling and being a tattoo artist on the side. Melissa loves to have fun and be silly with kids! Her goal is to create a fun and safe learning environment. School should be exciting, and children should enjoy being there. Learning comes through trial and error. We have to make mistakes to learn new things, and no one is perfect. Creativity and imagination are so important. Melissa wants children to feel that what they have to say is important and they are heard. She wants children to feel confident within themselves to ensure a solid foundation of learning to prepare them for success.

Soukaina is a member of our Support Team. She has a Bachelors Degree. Her experience includes working with children 3-6 years old since 2018. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family. Soukaina believes every child deserves to feel safe, respected and encouraged. She enjoys creating a fun and caring environment where children can learn through play and build confidence each day!

Priyanka is a member of our support team. She has a Bachelors Degree. Her experience includes working with preschool to school age children since 2007. In her spare time she enjoys cooking and watching movies. Priyanka believes in recognizing each student's needs and meeting them.

Ms. Barbara is a member of our Substitute Teacher team. She has an Associates Degree in Sociology. Her experience includes working with children of all ages since 1995. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, the arts of any kind, history and antique store shopping. She tries to connect with children to understand best how to assist or guide them in learning. She believes we are here to care, protect and teach children in a positive way.

Kymber is a member of our substitute teacher team. She has studied at Cal State. Her experience includes working with children ages infants to school age since 1989. In her spare time she enjoys being with her family and friends, playing pickleball, reading and traveling. Kymber believes in giving children all the love and support they need.

Lisa is a member of our substitute teacher team. She has an Associates Degree Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts. Her experience includes working with children of all ages since 2010. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys working out, traveling, shopping and spending time with family. She believes patience, love, the desire to see children happy will help them succeed.

Mary is a member of our substitute teacher team. She has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. Her experience includes working with children of all ages since 2005. In her spare time, Mary enjoys running her art business, exploring and making music with her family, and traveling to new places. They love going to the zoo! She loves to help children learn new things, but she believe they will thrive learning things they enjoy. If they love something, it will stick forever and they will always (almost) choose it.