Our Goddard School Teachers

Hello! I’m Stephen Graham. I grew up in Northern Ireland and went to college in London, England, completing a Masters in Chemical Engineering. After working in South Africa, Holland and Scotland I joined DuPont here in Virginia for 2-year assignment…and never left! With 12 years in engineering and operations management, I happily left corporate world to become on-site owner here at The Goddard School – River’s Bend in 2007. I truly enjoy the time that this role allows me to spend with my family and our team of great teachers and directors.

Hi, my name is Nicole Nelson and I am so excited to be the Director here at The Goddard School in River’s Bend! I grew up in Fairfax, Virginia, and moved to Richmond to attend VCU where I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a lead in Early Childhood Education. I later returned to VCU to obtain a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education. Working with Goddard Schools for over 20 years, I was honored to have experienced teaching as lead preschool, pre-kindergarten, first step and get set teacher before being promoted to Assistant Director of the Chesterfield Goddard School. I came to the River’s Bend Goddard School in September 2006 as the Education Director. In my free time, I love spending time with my husband, Patrick and our two children, Clara and Landon. Our favorite place to spend time together is on the beach in Topsail Island, NC. My door is always open so please feel free to stop by at any time!

Hello! My name is Ellen Coghill and I am thrilled to be the Assistant Director here at The Goddard School! I joined the Goddard team in February of 2006. I live in Prince George with my husband and our two children. I graduated in 2003 from Richard Bland College, with an Associate’s Degree in Science. I have my Child Development Associates credential and over 19 years of teaching and management experience. I love working with children, I have always found it to be such a rewarding experience! I look forward to meeting all of you and working with your children.

Hello, my name is Megan Gordon and I live in Prince George with my husband and two children. I've been here since the school opened in August of 2005. I graduated from John Tyler Community College with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and have over 19 years of teaching and management experience. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work here at The Goddard School with your children and look forward to helping your children learn and grow!

Hello, my name is Doreen Peck, and I've been with Goddard since May of 2019. I am originally from California but have lived in Virginia for many years and now call it my home. I live here in Chester with my husband, and have two grown daughters and many cats. Some even call me “The Cat Lady”! In my free time, I enjoy loving on my cats, spending time with my family and bowling some strikes with my bowling team! I have a Child Development Associates credential and over 25 years of experience working with children. I am proud to be part of The Goddard Family and am looking forward to teaching your child!

Hello! My name is Kayleigh Woodfin, and I've been with Goddard since November of 2010. My husband and I have a teenage son named Aiden, and an adorable French bulldog named Angus. I began teaching here at The Goddard School in 2010 and received my Child Development Associates credential in 2013. Spending my first five years teaching in the Friendly Frogs classroom, I then took the jump to Pre-K and I have absolutely loved every minute! This truly is my passion, for I'm such a kid at heart. Learning through play with these amazing kids is the best!

Hi everyone, my name is Laverne Jones, and I've been with Goddard since October of 2009. I was born and raised in West Virginia, and am a proud Mom to two amazing children, Cory and Courtney, and Grandma to five amazing grandkids! Having earned a Child Development Associate credential, I have been happily working in the Early Childhood Education field for many years. I wake up every day looking forward to being a positive influence on the lives of your children.

Hi there! I’m Lesley Blackburn! Joining The Goddard School family in July of 2017, I was honored to utilize my Child Development Associates credential by joining the Friendly Frogs classroom as a lead teacher. It was clear at a young age that teaching was my passion, and I am thrilled to bring my love for children and education into the classroom. When I’m not at school, you may find me spending time with my amazing husband, son and extended family. I look forward to teaching your child here at The Goddard School!

Hello, my name is Sonja Brennan! I've been with Goddard since the school opened in August of 2005. I am the mother of five children; three boys and two girls. I am certified in Child Care and Development through VSU. I have worked in Petersburg Public Schools for four years with children who have special needs. I have volunteered with Petersburg’s Head Start Program, and sat on the board of Petersburg Title I Program. I have also coached elementary girls’ softball. I enjoy swimming, sitting on the beach, and spending a lot of quality time with my children. I look forward to meeting your children here at The Goddard School!

Hi, my name is Ashley Mason! I've been with Goddard since October of 2020. My passion for education began in my own home, where I grew up watching my mother run a daycare. Seeing her dedication and care for children inspired me to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education. I have my Child Development Associates and over 10 years of experience. As an educator, I find it incredibly rewarding to constantly learn and discover new exciting ways to connect with children. In the classroom, I love incorporating music, dancing, and hands-on activities to create a fun and engaging learning environment. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and learning from my greatest teacher, my daughter. I look forward to continuing my journey at The Goddard School, fostering meaningful connections with the bright minds of our future leaders.

Hello! My name is Brittany Washington, and I've been with Goddard since July of 2018. I live in Colonial Heights with my beautiful wife, Alexx, and our two boys, Carson and Camden. We also have a dog named Chase. I have been working in the childcare field for many years and hold a Child Development Associates credential. I look forward to helping your children learn, grow, and explore the world around them!

Hi! I’m Emily Taylor and I have been a part of The Goddard family since March of 2019! I received a Child Development Associate credential in 2022 and have been teaching Pre-K in the Awesome Otter classroom ever since! In my free time I enjoy live music and traveling. A few of my favorite things include sunflowers, stingrays, and my Jeep! I can't wait to get to know you, and your child. This class is full of adventure and growth for all of us involved.

Hi! I’m Emma Gilchrist, and I"ve worked at Goddard since May of 2021. I’ve lived here in Chester my whole life. Having earned my Associates degree in Early Childhood Development from Liberty University, I am thrilled to work as a lead teacher in the Curious Chipmunks classroom. I feel fortunate to work with your children and I am excited to be a part of their journey at The Goddard School!

Hi! My name is Jordan Melancon, and I've worked at Goddard since April of 2016. Having lived in Virginia my entire life, I began working in private preschools not long after completing high school. I have always enjoyed working with children and believe all children deserve to have a fun, caring, and safe educational environment. I love music, and I am a freelance photographer in my spare time!

Hi! My name is Kylia Bailey and I live in Chesterfield with my family! I've been a part of the Goddard family since August of 2019. I am a graduate of Deep Creek High School and am attending VCU to pursue a career in Forensic Biology. I have worked in childcare for many years and enjoy spending time with my family, shopping, and traveling. I look forward to being a positive role model for your child and watching them learn and grow!

Hello! My name is Dondria Lewis, but you can call me Lulu! I've been with Goddard since August 2014. I live in Dinwiddie and have three children and two grandchildren. Having worked in the childcare field for many years, I am excited to start this journey with you and your children here at The Goddard School!

Hi! My name is Sandy Hersee and I've been with Goddard since September of 2017. I live in Colonial Heights with my fiancé and our daughter, Riley. I am currently in school for my nursing degree. In my spare time I like to relax and enjoy life with my family and friends. I am excited to get to know you and your children here at The Goddard School!

Hi! My name is Alli Peyton and I joined the Goddard family in August of 2024. I moved to Virginia from Idaho with my husband and two girls in 2023. I graduated in 2016 from Whitworth University with a degree in Elementary Education and hold a Virginia Teaching License. With experience teaching 3rd, 4th and 5th grades, and I am thrilled to join our Kindergarteners! In my spare time I enjoy crocheting, drinking coffee, and spending time with my family. I’m excited to be a part of The Goddard Family and I look forward to helping your child learn and grow!

Hello! My name is Tracey Perdomo. I've been a part of the Goddard family since February of 2018. I have had the joy of working with children for many years and hold a Child Development Associates credential. In my spare time I like to hang out with my own children. I am looking forward to growing with your children here at The Goddard School!

Hi there! I’m Leah Pond and I joined the Goddard family in May of 2022. I live here in Chester with my husband, Ashton, and our daughter, Arden. After working in the Cosmetology industry for many years, I decided on a career change. My husband and I have adored The Goddard School since the day our daughter was in the infant room, so I knew there was no better work family to join! I have a Child Development Associates credential and am honored to be able to teach at the school. When I’m not at work I love spending time at the beach, camping, loving on animals and being with my family. I look forward to teaching your child here at The Goddard School!