The Goddard School of Sandy Springs (Hammond Drive)

Bios

• Mr Jay

  <b>Education: </b>Mr. Jay holds a B.A. in Economics and Public Policy and a J.D. from Duke University. <p> <p> <b>Experience:</b> After 21 years of practicing law in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., Mr. Jay transitioned to early childhood education by becoming the owner of The Goddard School in Sandy Springs. His priority is ensuring parents feel confident that their children are nurtured, educated, loved, and protected. He is actively involved in the school's classrooms and daily operations. As a father, he understands the importance of providing a high-quality alternative to standard childcare. <p> <b>Affiliations: </b>Mr. Jay is a past Vice President and former Board Member of the Georgia Child Care Association.

• Mrs Noemi

  <b>Education: </b> Mrs. Noemi attended Antelope Valley High School in California and is currently working toward her Child Development Associate Credential. <p> <p> <b>Experience: </b> A dedicated educator since 2010, Mrs. Noemi has been a valued part of The Goddard School community, teaching Spanish to children ages one and up. She has also served as a mentor and guide for new faculty. <p> <p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> "Children are our future. A teacher should take the time to guide them in learning essential life skills. Every child is unique, and by recognizing different learning styles, I can create a loving and safe learning environment that fosters growth."

• Ms Thonja

  <b>Education:</b> Ms. Thonja holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She has obtained her Director Certification from Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and a Technical Certificate of Credit in Early Childhood Care Program Administration from Atlanta Technical College. Committed to lifelong learning, she continues her professional development in early childhood education. <p> <p> <b>Experience:</b> Ms. Thonja began her career in the legal field before transitioning to childcare in 2007. She started as an after-school teacher and was soon promoted to Assistant Director, where she discovered a passion for administration. She joined The Goddard School in May 2008, initially as a teacher, before moving into her leadership role as Director of Education.

• Mrs Diana

  <b>Education: </b> Mrs. Diana graduated from Woodstock High School in Woodstock, Georgia. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> She has extensive experience teaching infants and toddlers while also raising three children of her own. Since joining The Goddard School in October 2010, she has been dedicated to providing young children with a nurturing environment. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> Mrs. Diana believes that learning should be fun and engaging. She incorporates games and interactive activities to maintain children’s interest while fostering their development.

• Mrs Antonella

  Education: Mrs. Antonella graduated from Unidad Educativa Colegio Santa Angela with a Bachelor’s degree in 2015. She then continued her education and received her degree in Psychology from Universidad Rafael Urdaneta in 2019. Experience: Mrs. Antonella's experience with children started with babysitting two children with special needs in August 2022. In March 2024, she became an assistant teacher at Stepping Stone Academy. In October 2024, she joined the Goddard School and became one of our Infant teachers. Teaching Philosophy: Mrs. Antonella is always willing to learn and share her knowledge. She guides her students in building their own knowledge, inspires them to do their best, creates an exciting learning environment, instills a love of learning, and is aware and sensitive to each student's individual needs.

• Ms Courtinie

  <b>Education:</b> Ms. Courtinie is a dedicated early childhood educator from Memphis, TN. She graduated from Austin Peay State University in 2020. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> Ms. Courtinie has over five years of experience working with children, ranging from toddlers to high school students. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> Ms. Courtinie believes toddlers learn best through play, exploration, and loving guidance. In her classroom, she focuses on building trust, encouraging curiosity, and supporting emotional development while laying the foundation for early academic skills.

• Ms Dana

  <b>Education: </b>Ms. Dana holds an Associate Degree in General Studies from East Georgia State College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from The Art Institute of Atlanta. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> Ms. Dana has experience working in K-12 education and supporting special needs students. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> She believes that education fosters confidence, which in turn breeds hope and peace. Her goal is to support children in feeling confident in learning in an independent, structured, loving, and fun environment.

• Ms Elimary

  <b>Education: </b>Ms. Elimary earned her high school diploma from Unidad Educativa Instituto "San Jose" Hermanas Dominicas in Venezuela. She later obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management and Education. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> With over 13 years of teaching experience, Ms. Elimary has worked with students from primary school to community college. She also served as a chronicler for her municipality. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> Ms. Elimary believes that love and respect should always be part of pedagogical practices. She engages with students in self-exploration, helping them recognize their motivations for learning.

• Ms Frances

  Frances

• Mrs Jasmine

  <b>Education: </b>Mrs. Jasmine holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and plans to further her education in the future. <p><p> <b>Experience: </b>Mrs. Jasmine states that childcare is not new to her, even though the world and the methods we learn are constantly evolving. She loves watching children grow and is open to learning new ways to help them become the best versions of themselves. She looks forward to the time spent together. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy: </B>Mrs. Jasmine believes that as an early childhood educator, she is responsible for providing young children with positive learning experiences. She strives to model respect, patience, and care in all my interactions with children and adults. Children have the right to have their needs met and to receive a proper education while in the care of their caregivers.

• Ms Jiselle

  <b>Education:</b> Ms. Jiselle earned a Technical Certificate of Credit in Early Childhood Education from Southern Crescent Technical College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at Georgia State University. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> Ms. Jiselle began her teaching career in 2011 as an assistant preschool teacher. She later co-led a Pre-K classroom where she also taught Spanish. She joined The Goddard School in 2014 and has been a dedicated member of the team ever since. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> Ms. Jiselle believes that learning thrives when children are in a safe, happy, and positive environment.

• Ms Keanna

  <b>Education:</b> Ms. Keanna earned a degree in Fashion Merchandising Marketing from Immaculata University of Philadelphia. <p><p> <b>Experience: </b>With over seven years of experience working with children, Ms. Keanna is passionate about early childhood education. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> She believes, "Every child is a story yet to be told," and strives to provide a nurturing environment where each child can thrive.

• Ms Maureen

  <b>Education:</b> Ms. Maureen holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the Community College of Philadelphia and a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice from The American University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> Ms. Maureen has worked with children in multiple educational settings, including Akers Academy, Acumen Services, and as a special needs paraprofessional at Fulton County Schools. She also operated her own in-home daycare before joining The Goddard School in 2013, where she has served as a lead preschool teacher. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> Ms. Maureen believes that children learn best through play and positive role models. She emphasizes collaboration between home and school to support each child’s educational journey.

• Mrs Mayra

  <b>Education: </b>Mrs. Mayra holds an Associate of Arts in Social Communication and Journalism. <p><p> <b>Experience: </b>Mrs. Mayra has taught dance and art to children and has experience raising three children of her own. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy: </b>She believes that education should be engaging, stimulating, and fun for young learners.

• Ms Rosana

  Rosana

• Mrs Vickie

  <b>Education:</b> Mrs. Vickie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Communications from the University of Noreste Tampico in Tamaulipas, Mexico, and is currently working toward her Child Development Associate Credential. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> Mrs. Vickie has worked in early childhood education in both Mexico and the United States, including roles as an assistant toddler teacher and a civics and ethics teacher. She also has experience in social media and broadcasting. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> Mrs. Vickie aims to create a respectful and engaging environment that motivates children to reach their highest potential.

• Miss Amie

  <b>Education:</b> Miss. Amie graduated from Benjamin Banneker High School and is currently pursuing a degree in Biology at Georgia State University. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> Miss. Amie began her journey at The Goddard School as a summer camp counselor, which inspired her to become a full-time teacher. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> Miss. Amie believes in motivating students to work hard and providing them with the right strategies, materials, and support to reach their full potential.

• Ms Edid

  <b>Education:</b> Mrs. Edid completed her high school studies in Zacatecas, Mexico, earning a training certificate in hygiene and health in 2019. She is now working toward obtaining her technical credit certificate in early childcare and basic education concepts at Chattahoochee Technical College. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> Mrs. Edid has worked in early childcare, from newborns to toddlers. In April 2021, she joined the Goddard School and became one of our early childhood teachers. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> Mrs. Edid believes that fostering education with love and kindness can create a safe learning environment in her classroom and build trust with parents by caring for their children.

• Mrs Erica

  <b>Education:</b> Mrs. Erica received her high school diploma from Mexico. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> Mrs. Erica has three kids: a 27-year-old son, a 23-year-old daughter, and a 15-year-old daughter, with whom she has gained most of her experience with children. Mrs. Erica also has many nieces and nephews whom she loves and cares for. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> Mrs. Erica believes all children deserve an education. Teaching the value of education is essential. Everyone learns differently, and it’s crucial to accommodate various learning styles. Most importantly, Mrs. Erica believes learning should be fun!

• Miss Estefany

  <b>Education: </b>Miss Estefany graduated from Dunwoody High School in 2022. She is currently attending Georgia State University, Dunwoody Campus, where she is pursuing a degree in Education. <p><p> <b>Experience: </b>She has experience in early childcare education and caring for young children. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy: </B>Miss. Estefany believes in creating a personalized learning experience tailored to each child’s unique growth patterns.

• Mrs Fermina

  <b>Education: </b>Mrs. Fermina attended high school in Mexico. <p><p> <b>Experience: </b>Mrs. Fermina began her work at the Goddard School in 2023. Through her work in the infant classroom, she has become more patient and caring. As a mother of two daughters, she has gained valuable insight into childhood education. She has played an important role in creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment for her children. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy: </B>Mrs. Fermina believes that teaching involves creating an environment that encourages supervised exploration. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and hiking with her friends and family. 

• Miss Kessia

  <b>Education:</b> Miss. Kessia is currently pursuing Early Childhood Education at Chattahoochee Technical College. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> Miss. Kessia has three years of experience in Early Childhood Education. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> Miss. Kessia loves creating a fun and nurturing classroom environment where children can learn, explore, and be themselves. Kessia enjoys building relationships with families and watching kids light up with excitement as they grow each day.

• Mrs Maria Del Rosario

  <b>Education:</b> Mrs. Maria Del Rosario obtained a high school diploma in Mexico. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> Mrs. Maria possesses over four years of experience caring for children from infants to twelve years of age. In her leisure time, she takes pleasure in cooking and baking. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> Mrs. Maria has a pedagogical approach that emphasizes establishing a secure and nurturing classroom environment for children and making the learning experience memorable.

• Ms Micsey

  Micsey

• Ms Paige

  <b>Education:</b> Ms. Paige graduated from John Dewey High School and is currently pursuing a degree in Biology at Georgia State University. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> Ms. Paige has worked in after-school programs and as a summer camp counselor, where she gained experience working with children of various ages. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> She believes that a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to make mistakes, explore, and ask questions is key to fostering a love for learning.

• Mrs Sylvia

  <b>Education: </b>Mrs. Sylvia earned a Child Development Associate Credential and studied foreign languages at The University of Comenius in Slovakia. She is fluent in Slovak, Czech, and Hungarian, proficient in French, and is currently learning Spanish. <p><p> <b>Experience: </b>Mrs. Sylvia has worked in early childhood education since 1996, teaching and caring for children from infancy to preschool. She has also worked as a nanny for many years, gaining hands-on experience in child development and personalized care. Since joining The Goddard School in 2010, she has brought a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the classroom. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> Mrs. Sylvia believes that learning should begin as early as possible to develop a lifelong love for education. She encourages each child's individual growth through fun, engaging, and playful activities that foster curiosity, confidence, and a strong educational foundation.

• Ms Wakuna

  <b>Education: </b>Ms. Wakuna graduated from City-As-School and is currently pursuing her Child Development Associate Credential. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> With over 14 years of experience in early childhood education, Ms. Wakuna has worked as both an educator and a daycare provider in Brooklyn, New York. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> Ms. Wakuna believes in providing young children with positive learning experiences and modeling respect, patience, and care.

• Ms Yitzy

  <b>Education:</b> Ms. Yitzy earned her high school diploma from Riverwood International Charter School. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> She gained experience working with children by caring for her younger siblings and volunteering in an after-school program where she helped younger students with homework. As a teacher at The Goddard School, she aims to inspire and create an environment filled with love and encouragement. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy:</b> Ms. Yitzy believes education should be a transformative experience, empowering children to think critically and creatively in a nurturing setting.

• Ms Amy

  <b>Education:</b> Ms. Amy holds an Associate of Arts Degree from Florida Junior College and has obtained her Child Development Associate Credential. <p><p> <b>Experience:</b> With more than 27 years in early childhood education, Ms. Amy previously worked at Saint John Children's Development Center and Crème de la Crème before joining The Goddard School. <p><p> <b>Teaching Philosophy: </b>She believes that fostering creativity and fun in the classroom builds a love for learning while maintaining structure helps children develop lifelong learning habits.

• Ms Rubi

  <b>Education:</b> Ms. Rubi holds a Technical Certificate of Credit in Early Childhood Care and Education Basics from Southern Technical College. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Georgia State University and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Georgia. <p><p> <b>Experience: </b> Since 2011, Ms. Rubi has worked with children of all ages. She joined The Goddard School in May 2014, first as a teacher and now as an administrator. She believes that every child is unique and thrives in a secure, caring, and stimulating environment where they can grow emotionally, intellectually, and physically.