Our Teachers

Susan has a BS in Education from Indiana University. She has been a preschool teacher, student teacher and substitute teacher. When Eric and Susan had their own children, she focused on raising their 2 children. While raising their 2 kids, she focused on being a lead room parent, Brownie leader, Cub Scout mom, assistant soccer coach, and religion teacher. Susan also taught at her children’s elementary school, teaching 72 preschoolers a week. Pre-school is her favorite age to teach because they are eager to learn everything. The students want to feel safe, laugh and play, which is the best way for the kids to learn. Susan’s love of kids shines through every day and she also understands what parents and teachers go through each day to provide the best educational experience for their children. Susan looks forward to putting her skills and love into the children, staff and their families at The Goddard School of Ashland.

Eric and Susan always talked about owning their own business together where they could help and support people along the way. The Goddard School of Ashland is the perfect fit with Susan’s educational background, Eric’s business background, and the love they have for children and their families. Eric has over 30 years of business experience in various leadership roles within Fortune 50 companies, mid-size, and startup organizations. Eric is also an adjunct instructor at Virginia Commonwealth University where he teaches undergraduate business school students about entrepreneurial finance and business strategy. Eric looks forward to putting his skills and love into the children, staff and their families at The Goddard School of Ashland.

Ms. Alexis has been with The Goddard School of Ashland since 2007 when she began as a lead teacher and fell in love with the early childhood education setting. In 2012 she became part of Goddard’s administrative team as Assistant Director and in 2013 promoted to the Education Director position. She graduated from Marshall University in West Virginia with a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education. Ms. Alexis has two sons, who have graduated from the Goddard School of Ashland. If you ask Ms. Alexis what she loves about her job most, its that as a director you build strong bonds with families you carry with you forever.

Ms. Trish joined the Goddard faculty in 2012 as a lead teacher in our infant program. She has experience working in all age groups, from toddler to school age. Ms. Trish received her Child Development Associates Degree in 2019. She joined the administrative team as the Assistant Director in the Summer of 2021. Ms. Trish has a daughter, Brynn, who currently attends The Goddard School of Ashland. One of the things she enjoys most about working in early education is that every day is different and has the capabilities to learn something new.

Ms. Sam joined the Goddard School of Ashland in 2021 as a Toddler Teacher. She discovered the joys of watching the littlest of learners experience new things and use their curiosity to explore their surroundings. She went on to completed her Bachelors in Communications from Liberty University. In the Summer of 2024 she became a member of the administration team as Assistant Director. Ms. Sam has two children, who currently attend The Goddard School of Ashland with her daily.

Ms. Summer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Randolph Macon College and has experience working in both public school and child care settings. She joined the Goddard faculty in 2012 as a lead teacher in the toddler room and later moved to lead teacher in preschool. She joined the administrative team in the Fall of 2015 and most recently transitioned to the Teacher Coordinator role in 2024. Ms. Summer has three sons, who have graduated ,or are currently attending The Goddard School of Ashland. You can find Summer rotating in classrooms daily training and being of assistants to teachers.

Ms. Kristen joins the Goddard School of Ashland with a long career working with children. Her experience includes caring for infants and toddlers in an early childcare environment for 18 years as well as providing care for infants and toddlers in her home. She shares that her favorite aspect of working with children is seeing them learn, grow, and smile everyday. She sates that "It makes me feel special to be a part of them growing up!"

Ms. Alexa joins the Goddard School of Ashland with an Associates of Applied Science in the field of Early Childhood Education from Montgomery College. She has experience working with children from infants to school aged in both a private setting and in the early childcare setting. She shares that her favorite aspect of working with children is their curiosity, positivity, and their willingness to learn.

Ms. Leah joined the Goddard School of Ashland in 2023. She developed a love for creating arts and crafts projects, STEM projects, hands-on activities, as well as being outdoors while caring for her two children at home. She believes that children are curious and ready to be adventurous. Her favorite aspect of working with children is seeing them grow and learn every single day.

Ms. Heather joins the Goddard School with a background in Early Childhood Education. For eight years she worked with children of all ages as a the Childcare Director at a local country club. Additionally, she has worked with children from the ages of 2-5 in an early childcare center setting. She shares that her favorite aspect of working with children is watching them grow, meet new milestones, and learn new things!

Ms. Grisel comes to the Goddard School with an MBA in Human Resources, a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and has completed select courses in Child Development. She gained experience working with children as she taught sports, arts and crafts, and reading comprehension to children from the ages of 3 to 7 in a church setting. As a teacher, Ms. Grisel believes that it is her responsibility to guide children to the next steps they will follow in school as well as in the community.

Ms. Liz joined us at Goddard Ashland in 2022. In high school she completed the tech classes in childcare development, and it was there she fell in love with early childhood education. She began teaching by volunteering in her churches child care and often helped her mom who was a music teacher. She has spent most of her career in the preschool and pre-kindergarten age groups but even worked in the toddler classrooms. Her most favorite thing is watching children learn and grow and we are excited she is part of our Pre-K teaching team.

Ms. Cayla joins the Goddard School of Ashland with plans to continue her college education in Early Childhood Education. She describes herself as a smiley, caring, and hardworking person who strives to be a positive role model in children's lives. Her experience working with children includes caring for children from the ages of 2 to 4 as a babysitter. She states that she loves working with children "because they brighten your day"!

Ms. Alyssa joins the Goddard School of Ashland as a student currently enrolled at James Madison University, majoring in Elementary Education. She has experience working with children of all ages. Her experience includes teaching Sunday School to 4th grade students, working as a teacher's aide in a 4 and 5 year old class, and caring for 3 and 4 year old children in a family care center environment. Ms. Alyssa shares that her favorite aspect of working with children is watching then grow and develop into creative individuals.

Ms. Britt holds an Associate's Degree in International Business from Stratford University. She has worked in a variety of age groups of children including infants, toddlers and teenagers. She loves watching children learn and grow. Ms. Britt says being able to see children excited about learning something for the first time is joyful! We are lucky to have Ms. Britt at school, building relationships with families since 2014.

Ms. Katelin joined the Goddard School in 2013. She helped where needed in various classrooms, working with all ages from infants to school age. In the Fall of 2017 she assumed the role of Lead teacher in our infant classroom. Her favorite aspect of working with children is watching them grow each day!

Mr. Jerome holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Ashworth College. He joined our Goddard faculty in 2013 with experience as an Intern with the Police Athletic League. He mentored and taught children chess as an assistant teacher with Henrico County, and worked as a fitness instructor for adults and children. Mr. Jerome says that he enjoys making the learning process fun and exciting as well as educational and loves to create activities, games and songs that engage children to learn new things!

Ms. Kelsey comes to the Goddard School of Ashland as a student currently attending Liberty University. She has experience working with children as a babysitter. Her favorite aspect of working with children is watching them grow into their own person. She believes, as a teacher, it is her responsibility to build strong relationships with students while providing a safe and fun learning environment!

Mr. Darius joins the Goddard School as a student currently enrolled at James Madison University studying Music Education. He has experience working with 5-7 year old children as an assistant teacher in a church setting. He also taught music at an on campus preschool at JMU. Mr. Darius says that his favorite aspect of working with children is helping them have fun and enjoying themselves while learning.

Ms. Kylee joined the Goddard School of Ashland in December of 2020. She has worked with a variety of age groups from infants to preschoolers. She believes children learn best through hands-on activities. Her favorite aspect of working with children is helping them build confidence and showing them, they can do anything!

Ms. Lamaree joins the Goddard School of Ashland as a graduate of Germanna Community College where she earned her Child Development Associate credential. She has experience working with children as a babysitter and has provided care for family members throughout the years. She says that one of her favorite aspects of working with children is providing them with lots of fun activities so that they can grow and develop.

Ms. Robin earned a Bachelor's Degree at Randolph Macon Women’s College and has been teaching for many years, working primarily with kindergarteners for Hanover County public schools. She is patient and dependable teacher who has been nurturing children at The Goddard School since 2010, providing a fun, loving after school experience!

Ms. Janae comes to the Goddard School of Ashland as a student at Old Dominion University and is currently working towards a degree in Elementary Education. She has experience working with children ages 3 and up as a babysitter. She states that her favorite aspect of working with children is getting to see them learn and have fun.

Ms. Shelby interned as a teaching assistant at Chickahominy middle school with 7th and 8th grade ESL instruction and 8th grade language arts. She also worked as a recreation aide at Kersey Creek Elementary with 7 and 8 year olds. Her favorite aspect of working with children is seeing them develop and learning their individual personalities.

Monae joins the Goddard team with her experience working in an individual childcare setting. Monae has developed her instructor skills by having taught children words, shapes, math, and reading. Monae is currently Richard Bland College with an associate in psychology. She is most excited to teach her students new skills and to share in their excitement as they understand.

Ms. Kerry joins the Goddard School as a student attending Reynolds Community College with plans to complete a degree in social work. She has experience working as a babysitter for children from the ages of 6-10 years old. She says that her favorite aspect of working with children is building strong relationships and seeing their creativity flow!

Ms. Riley joined the Goddard School of Ashland in the Spring of 2022. She is currently attending James Madison University and is studying Psychology. Ms. Riley has experience working in the childcare setting with children of all ages, from infants to school agers. She says that her favorite aspect of working with children is watching them have fun and interacting with their friends.

Ms. Deja has recently been promoted to lead teacher! She recently completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Norfolk State University. Deja has specialized in working with special education students at her university and is hoping to continue to gain childhood education experience. Deja brings her love and understanding for children to provide outstanding care and guidance.

The Goddard School of Ashland welcomed Ms. Akira in the Fall of 2023. She has several years of experience working with children from the ages of 3 to 5 in the early childcare center setting. Ms. Akira believes that the most important thing she can do as a teacher is to listen to and comfort the children that are in her care. She also shares that her favorite aspect of working with children is how outspoken they are!

Ms. Nani joins the Goddard School of Ashland excited to begin her career in early childhood education. She gained experience working with children at her church, where she taught Sunday School for children from Pre-k to 3rd grade. Ms. Nani is a creative, outgoing, and loving caregiver who values each child individually. She shares that her favorite aspect of working with children is their creativity and imagination!

Ms. Elizabeth comes to the Goddard School of Ashland as a college student currently studying Early Childhood Development. She has several years of experience caring for children as a babysitter. Ms. Elizabeth believes that, as a teacher, it is her responsibility to provide children with the opportunity to grow while feeling safe and secure. She shares that her favorite aspect of working with children is how imaginative they are!

Ms. Kadence gained experience working with children while teaching toddlers in an early childcare center setting. She also has several years of experience caring for children as a nanny and babysitter. Ms. Kadence believes that all children are curious and interested in learning. She states that her favorite aspect of working with children is watching them learn and grow!

Ms. Valeria joined the Goddard School in the Winter of 2023. She has over 10 years of experience working as a Coordinator and teacher, in a church setting, for children from the ages of seven to eleven. She is a patient and dedicated teacher who is a natural nurturer! Ms. Valeria shares that her favorite aspect of working with children is seeing their personality emerge at a very young age!

Ms. Justice is joining the Goddard team as the lead teacher in Couriers classroom. Justice is currently working towards her degree in Early Education at Brightwood. She has spent several years nannying and working with children aging from 2 to 12 years old. Ms. Justice loves being able to teach children and learn from them at the same time.

Ms. Christina is described as friendly, caring, patient, and understanding. She has experience working with children in childcare, substitute teaching, and babysitting environments. Ms. Christina is proficient in classroom management and hopes that her impact makes a difference among her students.

Ms. Lilly is patient, compassionate, and driven. She believes that every child deserves to be celebrated as they emotionally and physically mold into the person they’re meant to be. Ms. Lilly joins the Goddard School during her school vacations as she studies Music Education at George Mason University.

Ms. Jillian has her days always filled with something with adventure and something new for her students. The children and their energy always make Ms. Jillian happy and excited to teach. Jillian has her ECE studies certificate and is attending Western Governors University, working towards her BA in education. We are excited to welcome Ms. Jillian as the lead teacher of our Navigators classroom.

Ms. Maggie is currently attending James Madison University as she is working towards her degree in Writing, rhetoric, and technical communication. Maggie has worked with students of all ages and loves witnessing their infectious enthusiasm for life and the sense of wonder they bring to every interaction. She now joins Goddard as a floating teacher. Fun fact- Maggie attended The Goddard School of Ashland when she was a child!

Our school has welcomed Ms. Melissa as the lead teacher in First Mates. Melissa has experience working as a lead and assistant teacher with ages 6 weeks to 24 months. Ms. Melissa loves being able to provide an atmosphere where the children feel safe and nurtured. That way they feel comfortable to be themselves and grow. She loves that everyday working with her class is different.

When asked to describe herself in three words, Ms. Freedom says she is passionate, determined, and trustworthy. Ms. Freedom promotes a safe and nurturing environment for all her students. Ms. Freedom is currently studying Criminology at George Mason.

Ms. Stephanie has spent her career working with children from ages 14 months to 5 years old. She even had her own home daycare, taught Sunday school, and has worked at various schools. Ms. Stephanie loves embracing each child’s interests and helping them learn and have fun.

Ms. Caroline is bubbly, organized, and responsible. Caroline has experience working with children through babysitting and working at the YMCA. Ms. Caroline says that it warms her hear hearing about her students’ hopes and dreams for when they grow up. She loves believing in them and sharing in their dreams.

Mr. Dacota is patient, open, and loves working with children. Dacota has grown up with his large family in which he has gotten the opportunity to engage and grow with. He loves that he can interact with each child differently based on their own personality. He believes that everything is teachable, and he enjoys sharing knowledge.

Ms. Kathy joins The Goddard team during her breaks away from her studies at UVA. Ms. Kathy describes herself as efficient, a rule follower, and optimistic. Kathy believes that children should be able to explore their curious ideas in a safe manner while receiving support from their educators.

When asked to describe herself in three words, Ms. Kyrstin says she is sky, caring, and funny. Ms. Kyrstin believes that it is important to listen to what a child needs instead of assuming al children need the same things. She loves watching children grow into their personality and their laughs make her day brighter.