Our Goddard School Teachers

Susan and Eric 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. 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. Susan also taught at her children’s elementary school, teaching 72 preschoolers a week. 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.

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. 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!

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. 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 and has carried out various roles during her tenure with the school. Ms. Summer has three sons, Robbie, Isaac, & Maddox, who have graduated ,or are currently attending The Goddard School of Ashland.

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! She has been on our team since 2023.

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.

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. She has been with our Goddard School since 2023.

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. 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. She has been a part of the Goddard Family since 2022.

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. 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. Ms. Jillian has been on our team since 2024.

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. Kristen joined our team in 2022.

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. Aiyana has been with the Goddard School in Ashland since 2022. Ms. Aiyana comes from a large family and is a natural caregiver. She has cared for her siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews from a young age. Additionally, as a high school student, she enjoyed volunteering as an art mentor at her local elementary school. She states that her favorite aspect of working with children is "helping them grow into cool & kind individuals!"

Ms. Michaela joined our Goddard team in 2025. Ms. Michaela is a dedicated educator with a strong foundation in teaching and childcare. She began by babysitting for various ages and tutoring, followed by three years as a teacher in Richmond Public Schools, where she taught lower grades. After working as a teacher's assistant in North Carolina, Ms. Michaela returned to Richmond to take on a lead teaching role. She holds a Master's degree in Education from The College of William & Mary, further enhancing her expertise and commitment to education.

Mr. Gabe has been a part of the Goddard community since 2025. Mr. Gabe is a dynamic educator with experience as a summer camp counselor and substitute teacher (grades 1-12). He thrives on the energy and curiosity of younger students, finding joy in helping them learn and grow. With his warm approach, Mr. Gabe creates a stimulating environment that fosters exploration and discovery.

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. Cayla has been on our team since 2023.

Mone has always been surrounded by children, often helping care for her younger cousins as the eldest grandchild in her family. As a youth leader at her church, she volunteered in the nursery with infants and assisted with younger children during Bible study. A few years later, she worked as a nanny for a family of three children ages 3, 4, and 9. In 2022, Mone welcomed her own son, deepening her passion for childcare. She loves watching children learn, grow, and discover the world around them, and finds joy in supporting their development every day.

Ms. Mallori believes every child should feel included and empowered in the classroom. She creates a warm, safe, and loving environment where children feel comfortable to learn and grow. By modeling how to apologize, learn from mistakes, and try new things, she helps students build problem-solving skills and confidence. Mallori is a licensed Elementary Education teacher, and we are so excited to have her on our team!

Shareka has experience working with children ages 0–3 and loves being a part of their earliest milestones. She enjoys watching infants learn to walk and feed themselves, and she’s always excited to hear toddlers repeat their first words. Shareka enjoys giving children new challenges that help them learn and grow, and she loves engaging with them during circle time. Her favorite part of working with young children is the joy and fun they bring—no day is ever the same!

Faith began working in childcare in 2017 and has had the joy of working with children from infancy through school age. Her experience includes preschools, public schools, and supporting special education students as a paraprofessional. Faith finds great fulfillment in making a positive impact on children’s learning and loves watching them grow, gain confidence, and master new skills. Building meaningful connections with the children she works with is one of her favorite parts of the job.

Kiarra’s experience working with children has been both fun and educational. No matter what is going on in life, children always seem to know how to put a smile on her face. They’ve given her countless joyful experiences and even taught her a thing or two along the way. Through her work, Kiarra has learned that every child is unique and has different needs. She loves being part of something bigger-helping children learn, grow, and feel supported every day.

Zeinab is currently attending VCU, where she is earning her degree in Psychology. She has experience working with children at KidsZone and in a gym childcare setting while living in Northern Virginia. Zeinab loves creating a warm and comforting environment where children feel safe, happy, and supported.

Amanda has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Middle Education from Longwood University. Throughout college, she worked in a daycare with 3- and 4-year-olds and school-age children during the summers. After graduating, she taught kindergarten in public school for several years and completed her student teaching in Hanover County elementary schools. Amanda has also volunteered with organizations that support children with disabilities and is passionate about creating a positive, inclusive learning environment for all students.

Ms. Justice began her childcare journey at just fourteen years old, gaining early experience through babysitting. Her passion for working with children led her to expand her role in 2025 as a substitute teacher with Hanover County Public Schools. She finds the greatest joy in supporting children as they learn, grow, and develop into their own unique individuals. Ms. Justice is dedicated to creating a positive, nurturing environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to be themselves.

Jiniya has years of experience working with children of all ages and loves helping them learn, grow, and have fun. She is passionate about creating a positive and supportive environment where every child can do their best. Her favorite part of working with children is making a positive impact in their lives while encouraging them to learn and enjoy new experiences.

Haley began working with children when her daughter was one year old because she wanted to work close to her. She quickly fell in love with early childhood education and has since worked as a lead teacher with multiple age groups. Haley loves being surrounded by the positive energy and creativity of young children each day. She especially enjoys watching their imaginations grow and seeing all the amazing ways their little minds work!

Ms. Mai is currently working toward her B.S. in Elementary Education and has three years of experience as a substitute teacher, working with students from Pre-K through 4th grade. She has also worked as a paraprofessional with Pre-K students. Her favorite part of working with children is watching their joy and growth as they learn, explore, and build connections with one another. She is excited to bring her experience and love of learning to the classroom!

Ms. Alison loves working with children and enjoys watching them grow, learn, and discover new things. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is excited to bring her knowledge and caring personality into the classroom while continuing to improve her English. She looks forward to creating a fun and supportive environment for her students!

Ms. Yaslin has always enjoyed working with children and has experience caring for her younger cousins and brother. She also spent two and a half years at Chuck E. Cheese as a party host, where she loved interacting with children of all ages and making them feel special. Yaslin is excited to bring her caring personality and experience into the classroom!

Haneen currently attends Virginia Commonwealth University and is studying Education. She began working with children by babysitting her younger cousins and was quickly referred to other families by friends and relatives. Since then, she has worked at a daycare and helped run summer camps. Haneen has always been known as the “baby whisperer” in her family because caring for children comes so naturally to her.

Ms. Taylor is currently attending Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. As one of our part-time afternoon teachers, she is excited to gain hands-on experience in the field she is passionate about. Taylor is independent, confident, and responsible, and she loves building meaningful relationships with children while helping them learn and grow each day.

Ryan has been babysitting since she was around 12 years old and has always enjoyed working with children. She loves helping children learn, grow, and have fun each day. Ryan believes every child deserves to feel heard, valued, and supported, and she strives to create a caring environment where each child can thrive.

Ms. Alleigh has years of experience babysitting, from caring for her younger siblings to spending time with other children. In a previous job, she enjoyed playing with children and creating fun crafts and activities with them. She loves how funny, creative, and energetic children are and says that working with them always makes her day better. She is excited to bring her love for children into the classroom!

Kate has been caring for children of all ages since she was 15, beginning with babysitting and helping care for her youngest sister as a baby. While in college, she also worked as a floater in a daycare and preschool, gaining experience with children from infants through Pre-K and Kindergarten. Kate loves children’s imagination and creativity and especially enjoys seeing the whimsical way they experience and explore the world around them!

Abigail brings a nurturing and family-centered perspective to the classroom. As a military spouse, she spent years babysitting for friends and fellow military families and continues to care for friends' children when needed. She is also a mother and has been a stay-at-home parent for the past six years. Abigail loves watching children learn, grow, and develop their own unique personalities, and she enjoys supporting them as they reach new milestones.