The Goddard School of Springfield

Bios

• Ms MJ

  On-Site Owner - Prior to her career in Early Childhood Education, she has 9 years of retail management experience working in both specialty and big box stores with a proven history to increase and maintain overall sales, customer satisfaction, and employee development. She joined The Goddard School of Springfield in 2019 and has worked in the Early Childhood Education field since 2016. She has her BA in Early Childhood Education with a focus on Leadership and Administration. She is inspired everyday by her husband (Travis), bonus daughter (Claire), and the most loyal pups (Bella & Scout). Some of her favorite things are cooking and staying active to maintain a healthy lifestyle, getting outside anywhere she can, fishing & reading!

• Cassandra

  Ms. Cassandra graduated from Glenwood High School in Chatham. She has been with the Goddard School since 2021 and has as an Associates in Early Childhood Education. She has always had a passion for working with children, whether that be babysitting at an early age, volunteering for numerous child-based opportunities such as the Big Brother Big Sister and Lunch Buddies programs or having fun with her own children. She began teaching in 2016 and has worked hard to learn and implement all that she can about the best techniques for teaching young minds and the most beneficial classroom management strategies! She was previously a teacher here at The Goddard School teaching the Preschool curriculum and found that she loved all The Goddard School stands for and believes we truly aim to make every child’s future as bright as possible! Outside of Goddard, she is a lucky mother to 4 amazing children who keep her very busy and full of love!

• Jeanette

  Jeanette is a retired elementary school teacher, with over 35 years experience in the field of education and joined The Goddard School in 2022. During her career in education, she has worked as a classroom teacher and as a Literacy Coach, working with teachers to elevate and enrich the level of instruction within the classroom. She has also worked as a Literacy Interventionist, working with students in small groups and in one-on-one situations. In addition to her Educator's Teaching License, she holds a Reading Specialist Certificate and a Certificate in Reading Recovery. She is trained in SBS and SIDS, and she also holds a Food Handler's License.

• Eleanor

  Toddler Classroom - Ms. Eleanor graduated from PORTA High School and holds a Human Services degree from Lincoln Land Community College. She is also completing her Elementary Education degree at the University of Illinois Springfield. With 10 years of experience working with children, Eleanor joined The Goddard School in 2024 and is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Her favorite children’s game is Candy Land. Eleanor’s teaching philosophy is inspired by the quote, “When one teaches, two learn,” believing that educators are always learning from their students and should continually pursue growth to provide children with the knowledge they deserve. Her favorite thing about children is their imaginations, which makes work magical. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because of the high values and expectations met daily by the hardworking staff.

• Jana

  Prekindergarten Classroom - Ms. Jana completed high school in Missouri and studied for two years at NYU. She started working with children in 2024, is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, Food Handling, and is working towards her CDA. Jana believes every child is born with a huge capacity to absorb, learn, and connect, and that by fostering and nurturing these abilities, teachers can help lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and caring for others. Her favorite children’s book is Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Jana’s favorite thing about children is how their excitement and wonder is contagious. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because she believes it is the best early childhood education center around, with a research-based, well-developed, and well-implemented approach to education.

• Kaleigh

  Bridge Classroom - Ms. Kaleigh is pursuing an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Lake Land Community College and has 10 years of experience working with children. She joined The Goddard School in 2025 and is certified CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Kaleigh believes all children should feel welcomed and valued in the classroom. Her goal is for students to be excited about learning, happy to be in her classroom, and gaining new knowledge every day. Her favorite children’s books are The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Pinkalicious. Kaleigh’s favorite thing about children is their curiosity, which she sees as a pathway to engaged and informed learning. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because she can ensure students are in a safe environment where they feel welcomed and ready to learn each day.

• Kavita

  Prekindergarten Classroom - Ms. Kavita holds a Master’s degree in Sociology and has over 25 years of experience working with children. She joined The Goddard School in 2024 and is certified CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Kavita’s philosophy of education is that with perseverance and hard work, students will rise to the occasion. She brings a positive attitude, open mind, and high expectations, believing students thrive in a fun, engaging environment physically, emotionally, and socially. Her favorite children’s books include Eric Carle’s works, The Day the Crayons Quit, Pete the Cat books, and those by Dr. Seuss. Kavita’s favorite thing about children is the joy of helping them grow and develop a passion for learning. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because it offers a good work-life balance and values its teachers.

• Michele

  Preschool Classroom - Ms. Michele holds an Associate’s Degree in Education with a Minor in Early Childhood and has 40 years of experience working with children. She joined The Goddard School in 2025 and is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling, and also holds Director Credentials. Michele believes teaching is rewarding and finds joy in helping children see the world in a new light. Her goal as a teacher is to help every child feel seen, appreciated, and loved while preparing them for success both now and in the future. Her favorite children’s books are the Pigeon series. Michele’s favorite thing about children is the smile on their faces when they learn or discover something new. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because she believes it is a wonderful school full of special children.

• Nicole

  Infant Classroom - Ms. Nicole holds a high school diploma from Springfield High School and has over 16 years of experience working with children. She joined The Goddard School in 2023 and is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, Food Handling, and holds a CDA. Nicole believes children learn in their own way and at their own pace. Her favorite children’s game is Candy Land and her favorite book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?. Nicole’s favorite thing about children is seeing them learn new things and grow each and every day. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because it allows her to be part of each child's learning and growth journey.

• Priscilla

  Preschool Classroom - Ms. Priscilla holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Rust College, an HBCU in Holly Springs, MS. With over 30 years of experience working with children, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the classroom. Priscilla joined The Goddard School in 2025 and is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, Food Handling, and Abuse Awareness Training. She believes every child is capable of learning and strives to make learning fun and enjoyable for all. Her favorite children’s book is The Kissing Hand. Priscilla’s favorite part of teaching is watching children’s facial expressions when they share something exciting. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because she knows she is helping children prepare for their future.

• Rebekah

  Toddler Classroom - Ms. Rebekah holds a B.S. in Child Studies from the College of the Ozarks, has over 10 years of experience working with children and joined The Goddard School in 2025. She is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Rebekah believes education is especially vital at a young age because children learn many important skills and values that they carry with them for life. Her favorite children’s book series is Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park. Rebekah’s favorite thing about children is their ingenuity and unique outlook on life. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because of its excellent standards for childcare and education.

• Regina

  Preschool Classroom - Ms. Regina studied at Benedictine University and has over 20 years of experience working with children. She joined The Goddard School in 2025 and is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Regina believes in creating an environment where students are unaware they are learning because they are simply having fun. Her favorite children’s book is Rainbow Fish. Regina’s favorite thing about children is their quest for life. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because the team is excited about hands-on learning.

• Sydney

  Preschool Classroom - Ms. Sydney holds a BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Indiana State University and has been working with children since 2020. She joined The Goddard School in 2025 and is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Sydney believes creativity is the most important aspect of education. Her favorite children’s book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Sydney’s favorite thing about children is their creativity. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because she can help children grow in their uniqueness.

• Sydney

  Bridge Classroom - Ms. Sydney earned her Early Childhood Education accreditation from Lincoln Land Community College and has 11 years of experience working with children. She joined The Goddard School in 2025 and is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling, and has also completed Montessori Training, as well as ICERS, ECERS, and SACERS certifications. Sydney’s philosophy of education is “Connection before Correction.” Her favorite children’s books are those by Eric Carle. Sydney’s favorite thing about children is how everything is so new and exciting through their eyes. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because the teamwork between parents, administration, teachers, and resources creates an environment where every child is advocated for and supported by a village rallying behind their education.

• Sydney

  Infant Classroom - Ms. Sydney studied Business at Bradley University before transferring to Lincoln Land Community College to study Education and later Pediatric Nursing. She joined The Goddard School in 2023 and has over 10 years of experience working with children. She is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, Food Handling and holds her CDA. Sydney’s goal is to be a positive person in children’s lives, building trust and providing quality care. She believes that sometimes children may need their teachers more than we realize. Her favorite children’s book is Christopher Robin. Sydney’s favorite thing about children is the unique bonds she forms with each one, as every bond is different. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because of its curriculum structure, which allows her to create a safe, organized environment that aligns with her own high standards.

• Tara

  Twos Classroom - Ms. Tara studied at Lincoln Land and has 35 years of experience working with children. She has been a part of the Goddard School team since 2019! She is certified CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, Food Handling, and has her CDA. Tara’s philosophy of education is to learn alongside children by asking them questions and listening closely to their answers. Her favorite children’s book is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. Tara’s favorite thing about children is watching them learn, grow, and progress from speaking simple words to forming complete sentences. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because she gets to witness children’s growth and learning, especially as they advance into preschool.

• Crystal

  Infant Classroom - Ms. Crystal holds a high school diploma and has over 3 years of experience working with children. She joined The Goddard School in 2023 and is certified in CDA, CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Her favorite children’s book is The B Book. Crystal’s favorite thing about children is teaching them new things. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because of the relationship she is able to build each child.

• Jaylee

  Toddler Classroom - Ms. Jaylee graduated from Athens High School and is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at Lincoln Land Community College. She has been working with children since the age of 13, beginning with babysitting and now has experience in three daycares since joining The Goddard School in 2025. Jaylee is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Her favorite children’s book is Love You Forever. Jaylee believes the purpose of teaching is to help develop young children’s minds while encouraging them to grow into their own person. Her favorite thing about children is their unique personalities and how they develop them. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because of its high standards and the opportunity to work with children each and every day.

• JoAnna

  Ms. JoAnna earned her GED from Springfield Southeast High School and has 10 years of experience working with children. She is certified CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Her favorite children’s books are from the Warriors series. JoAnna believes it is a teacher’s job to ensure that kids receive the education they need to succeed in life and grow into wonderful people. Her favorite thing about children is their selfless love for everyone. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because she knows the children are safe, well cared for, and learning while she helps guide them through their day.

• Kayla

  Two's Classroom - Ms. Kayla holds a high school diploma from Nokomis High School and been working with children since 2021. She is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Kayla’s philosophy of education is to build stronger connections by getting to know both the children and staff better. Her favorite children’s book is Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and her favorite game is Operation. Kayla’s favorite thing about children is creating friendships with them. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because the staff and children make her feel welcome.

• Liam

  Toddler Classroom - Mr. Liam holds a High School Diploma from Lutheran High School and has been working with children since 2022. He joined The Goddard School in 2025 and is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Liam believes education helps children grow into their greatest potential as people. His favorite children’s book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Liam’s favorite thing about children is how loving they can be. He is proud to teach at The Goddard School because everyone works together to share responsibility.

• Porsha

  Infant Classroom - Ms. Porsha attended Bond County Community Unit #2 and has always had little ones in her life, from growing up with siblings to volunteering at a gym daycare and other special opportunities. She joined The Goddard School in 2023 and is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Porsha believes preschool is about creating a safe, loving space where children feel valued and free to explore. Her goal is to nurture curiosity, kindness, and confidence, building a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Her favorite children’s book is Madeline in Paris by Ludwig Bemelmans. Porsha’s favorite thing about children is simply everything—their hearts are so precious. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because it allows her to help children feel safe, loved, and understood from their very first steps in learning, knowing each moment of care shapes their future.

• Andrea

  We are delighted to have Andrea as our Food Service Manager at The Goddard School of Springfield, IL! Andrea brings extensive experience as a cook across a variety of settings, combined with formal training through culinary arts courses. She is Food Safety Manager certified, ensuring that every meal prepared for our students meets the highest standards of safety and nutrition. Andrea’s passion for quality food and her dedication to providing healthy, delicious meals make her an essential part of our school community. We’re proud to have Andrea managing our food service and supporting the well-being of all our children!

• Carlene

  Resource/Preschool & PreK Rooms- Ms. Carlene studied at Elgin Community College and has 46 years of experience working with children, including raising three sons. She joined The Goddard School in 2025 and is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Carlene appreciates the Goddard School’s strong purpose and values in teaching and learning. Her favorite children’s books are those by Dr. Seuss. Carlene’s favorite thing about children is how they make her smile daily. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because of the joy she finds each day in communicating with families and spending meaningful time with children.

• Christy

  Infant Classrooms - Ms. Christy holds a BBA from Robert Morris University and has 34 years of experience working with children. She joined The Goddard School in 2025 and is certified in CDA, CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Christy’s teaching philosophy centers on fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and motivated to learn. Her favorite children’s book is Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss. Christy’s favorite thing about children is their infectious laughter, sweet smiles, and curiosity about the world. She finds it rewarding to witness their first reactions to new experiences and their journey to independence. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because working with children is very rewarding.

• Reese

  All Rooms - Mr. Reese studied General Studies at Southeast Missouri State University and been working with children since 2021. Reese is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Reese believes education is less about meeting milestones and more about personal growth and development. A favorite children’s book is Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss. Reese’s favorite thing about children is how different each student is from one another. Reese is proud to teach at The Goddard School because it provides the opportunity to grow skills and gain valuable experience.

• Roman

  Resource/All Rooms - Roman Sutton holds a high school diploma from Lanphier High School. He joined The Goddard School in 2025, has over 8 years of experience babysitting cousins, and 5 years of working with both neurotypical and autistic children. Roman is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling, and is currently working on earning a CDA. Roman believes everyone has the right to learn and gain knowledge about the world beyond basic needs. He believes teachers equip the next generation with tools to learn from the past and create change. His favorite children’s book is Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer. Roman’s favorite thing about children is their joy and wonder about the world and their eagerness to learn and try new things. He is proud to teach at The Goddard School because he values the curriculum and loves helping intelligent, creative students grow.

• Stefanie

  Resource/Infant & Toddler Rooms - Ms. Stefanie holds an Associate of Arts degree from Lincoln Land Community College and has over 30 years of experience working with children. She joined The Goddard School in 2025 and is certified in CPR, Trauma-Informed Practices, Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS, and Food Handling. Stefanie believes children learn best in a loving and nurturing environment, where their needs are met and they can develop a love for learning. Her favorite children’s book is I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt. Stefanie’s favorite thing about children is the joy they find in the simple things in life, reminding her to look at the world through their eyes. She is proud to teach at The Goddard School because it is a positive, friendly environment where everyone clearly loves children.