The Goddard School of Ashland

Bios

• Mr Eric

  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 Susan

  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.

• Ms Alexis

  Ms. Alexis has been with The Goddard School 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 both graduated from the Goddard program here in Ashland.

• Ms Summer

  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 as Assistant Director in the Fall of 2015 and most recently promoted to Operations Director in 2021. Ms. Summer has three sons who have graduated ,or are currently attending The Goddard School of Ashland.

• Ms Trish

  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 who currently attends The Goddard School of Ashland.

• Ms Akira

  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 Alexa

  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 Britt

  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

  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 Katina

  Ms. Katina joins the Goddard School of Ashland with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security from VCU. Her experience working with children includes teaching preschoolers how to swim at Aqua Tots as well as caring for children from the ages of 1 to 3 in a church childcare setting. She shares that her favorite aspect of working with children is being creative and showing children the extent of their creativity.

• Ms Kylee

  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

  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 Liz

  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 Michelle

  Ms. Michelle comes to the Goddard School of Ashland with a Master of Education as well as a Master of Art Education from VCU. She also studied photography at Moore College of Art and Design. She has experience caring for children from the ages of 6 to 12 as a babysitter and has also taught photography to children. She shares that her favorite aspect of working with children is their curiosity and natural joy.

• Ms Samantha

  Sam discovered her passion for teaching as she worked as a YMCA Swim Coach and Swim Instructor. She went on to complete her Bachelors in Communications from Liberty University. Ms. Sam has grown to love the toddler age group. She enjoys watching them experience new things and use their curiosity to explore their surroundings.

• Ms Aiyana

  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 Alyssa

  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 Cayla

  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 Daemaya

  Ms. Daemaya joined the Goddard School of Ashland in the winter of 2023. As a high school student she gained experience working with children in the early childcare center setting as part of her school's tech program. She has continued to work in the field of early childcare ever since! She states that her favorite aspect of teaching children is watching them learn how to do something for the very first time!

• Mr Darius

  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 Deja

  Ms. Deja joins the Goddard team as an assistant teacher after recently completing 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.

• Ms Elizabeth

  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 Emily

  Ms. Emily joins the Goddard School with many years of experience working with children. As a nanny she has cared for children of all ages for almost 10 years! Ms. Emily has also worked as a volunteer teaching 3 year old children ballet. As a teacher, she understands the importance of helping each child develop a love of learning at an early age. She aims to mold each child's learning experience around something that they are already passionate about. Ms. Emily states that her favorite aspect of working with children is building relationships and watching them grow!

• Ms Grisel

  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 Heather

  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!

• Mr Jerome

  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 Kadence

  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 Kelsey

  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!

• Ms Kristen

  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 Kristina

  Ms. Kristina joins the Goddard School with a degree in Early Childhood Development from J. Sargeant Reynold's Community College. As a high school student, she began her career in childcare while working with children in her church nursery and Sunday School. Ms. Kristina also has several years of experience teaching both preschool and school aged children in the early childcare center setting. Ms. Kristina's favorite aspect of working with children is watching them learn and grow!

• Ms Leah

  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 Linda

  Ms. Linda joined the Goddard School of Ashland in the Spring of 2022. She is currently a student at West Virginia University majoring in Psychology. Her experience working with children includes caring for a toddler as a babysitter, as well as tutoring school-aged children in math and reading. She tells us that her favorite aspect of working with children is that you learn something new from them everyday!

• Ms Monae

  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 Nani

  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 Robin

  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 Shelby

  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.

• Ms Valeria

  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!