The Goddard School of Matthews

Bios

• David

  Mr. David and Ms. Valerie have been proud owners of the Goddard School in Matthews since 2019. Mr. David graduated with a Bachelors in Communication and has over a decade of experience in Financial Operations and Relationship Management. Mr. David is proud to have two Goddard graduate children. Mr. David loves football and is a diehard Buffalo Bills fan!

• Ms Valerie

  Valerie and her husband, David, became the owners of the Goddard School of Matthews in May 2019. Valerie has a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, a Master’s in School Administration, is National Board Certified and holds a Certificate in Curriculum & Supervision. Coaching and working with teachers is Valerie’s passion along with seeing children grow socially, emotionally, and educationally.

• Ms Kabrina

  Ms. Kabrina is the Director of Operations at our school. She has her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work and she began her Early Childhood Education career in 2019. Ms. Kabrina is originally from Illinois but moved to North Carolina in 2019. She was an infant teacher at a different Goddard school for 1.5 years before coming to join us at the Goddard School of Matthews in June of 2021. She enjoys gardening, refinishing furniture, and doing embroidery in her free time. She has a wonderful family that includes her husband, Kyle, her pup, Ludo, and their son Jeptha! Her favorite children's book is "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein.

• Ms Mikaela

  Ms. Mikaela is the General Manager at our school and has been with us since August of 2020. She graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Dramatic Arts. During her time with Goddard, Ms. Mikaela has gotten her Lead Teacher credential and her Early Childhood Administrator credential. Throughout high school she worked at theatrical summer camps which is where she found her passion for working with children. She thoroughly enjoyed being a one-year-old teacher at the school and has loved getting to help the school thrive as the Director of Operations from 2021-2023, and now as the General Manager since Fall 2023. Her favorite children's book is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?" by Eric Carle because when she was a one-year-old teacher, it was the children's favorite book. It provides great opportunities to learn colors and animals and for children to participate in their reading experience by making animal noises and identifying what is on each page.

• Ms Virginia-Lynn

  Ms. Virginia is the Director of Education at our school and has been at our school since January of 2022. She has been in the Early Childhood Education field since 2013 and received her AA in Early Childhood Education in 2021. Ms. Virginia is originally from Vermont where she began her teaching career. Ms. Virginia enjoys being outside with her dog, Pearl, reading, and traveling with her husband. Ms. Virginia sees Early Childhood Education as an ever-growing field which gives her the passion and drive to learn something new everyday. Ms. Virginia's favorite children's book is "The Rainbow Fish" because she really loves how the feeling and meaning of sharing towards others is portrayed in the book. She also loves the colors and art used to share the story.

• Ms Brittany

  Ms. Brittany is an Administrative Assistant for our school and is a Lead Teacher in our Guppies (infant) classroom. She has been at our school since August of 2017. Ms. Brittany is currently enrolled at CPCC pursuing an AA in Early Childhood Education. Her favorite children's book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar as it is one of the many books she reads to her son, Avery, often!

• Ms Hannah

  Ms. Hannah is the Assistant Director and has been at our school since February of 2023. She graduated from the University of Alabama in 2016 with her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Ms. Hannah taught kindergarten and first grade for seven years before deciding to transition into the field of early childhood education. She enjoys spending time outside with her family, reading books, and drinking coffee. Ms. Hannah's favorite children's book series is "Pete the Cat".

• Ms Alissa

  Ms. Alissa is a Lead Teacher in our Sea Turtles (PK3) classroom and has been at our school since June 2023. Ms. Alissa is currently attending Central Piedmont Community College to obtain her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She is originally from from Orlando, Florida but moved to Charlotte, NC in 2019. Ms. Alissa has worked with children in all different capacities over the past five years, but she has fallen in love with being in the classroom. Ms. Alissa loves to get the children in her class excited about learning by bringing things to their level and implementing what interests them. Ms. Alissa’s favorite children’s book series is “Dick and Jane” because her PK3 teacher used to give them to her to read during nap time.

• Ms Betsy

  Ms. Betsy is a Lead Teacher in our Jellyfish (two-year-old) classroom and has been with us since February of 2023. Ms. Betsy initially entered the field of early childhood education just because she needed a job, but she quickly learned that she has a passion for the field and the she loves getting to work with children and care for them as if they are part of her own family.

• Ms Cameron

  Ms. Cameron is a Lead Teacher in our Narwhals (PK4) classroom and has been at our school since May of 2022. Ms. Cameron started her journey in early childhood education in 2017 and is currently getting her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She is originally from Houston, Texas but moved to NC in 2017. Some fun facts about Ms. Cameron include that she played violin for twelve years and that she has a giant cat named Bert. Ms. Cameron's favorite children's book is "Where The Wild Things Are" because her mom used to read it to her every night before she went to bed.

• Ms Carolina

  Ms. Carolina is a Lead Teacher in our Narwhals (PK4) classroom and has been with us since May of 2023. Ms. Carolina has been working in the early childhood education field for 16 years, including some time working in Montessori schools. She loves to sing and dance and is very passionate about cooking and traveling. Ms. Carolina loves the outdoors and is always excited for a good game of football. Her biggest accomplishment is her son who just turned three and is her whole world!

• Chantera

  Ms. Chantera is a Lead Teacher in our Infant Room and joined us in 2024. She received her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Development in 2012 and has been in the Early Childhood Education field since. Ms. Chantera loves caring for and nurturing the minds of young children, while helping them grow and develop physically. Ms. Chantera has one daughter and they enjoy all things Disney together! Ms. Chantera's childrens book is "Chika, Chika, Boom Boom" because it allows her to introduce the letters of the alphabet in a fun, rythmic way to young scholars.

• Ms Daisy

  Ms. Daisy is a Lead Teacher in our Rainbowfish (one-year-old) classroom and has been at our school since February of 2023. Ms. Daisy has previous experience working in early childhood centers and summer camps. She loves working with children and has fallen in love with the toddlers at our school! Ms. Daisy's favorite children's book is "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss because Sam reminds her of herself when she is trying new foods.

• Ms Destiny

  Ms. Destiny is a Lead Teacher in our Guppies (infant) classroom and has been at our school since September of 2018. Ms. Destiny is currently attending University of Phoenix to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Destiny's favorite children's book is Dr. Seuss' "Oh, the Places You'll Go" as she believes that the more you read, the more success you'll have and the more places you'll go in your journey of life.

• Ms Elizabeth

  Ms. Elizabeth is a Lead Teacher in our Starfish (one-year-old) classroom and has been at our school since February of 2024. Ms. Elizabeth earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Office Systems from the University of Puerto Rico. She has been in the early childhood education field since 2018. She has taught in both English and in Spanish. Ms. Elizabeth’s favorite children’s book is “Brown Bear, Brown Bear” because she likes that it motivates children to participate in reading.

• Ms Kelsey

  Ms. Kelsey is Lead Teacher in our Stingrays (PK3) classroom has been at our school since February 2024. She has been involved in the Early Childhood Education field since 2011. She started as a part time aid at a local preschool while enrolled in college courses. Ms. Kelsey is a mom of two awesome kiddos and has been married to her husband , Graham, for almost 12 years. She has a passion for learning, reading, dancing, and meeting new people. One of the things that Ms. Kelsey loves most about the field is watching kids experience joy when they learn something new. One of Ms. Kelsey's favorite children's books is "Find Your Happy" by Emily Coxhead. She loves this book because it reminds her that big feelings are good and that happiness comes to us in so many ways.

• Ms MaKayia

  Ms. MaKayia is a Lead Teacher in our Jellyfish (two-year-old) classroom and has been at our school since January of 2023. Ms. MaKayia is getting her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and has taken some early childhood education courses like EDU119. She has worked with children for over five years now. She loves watching children learn, grow, and gain new information. Ms. MaKayia's favorite children's book is "Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom" because it allows little ones to learn their letters in a playful way.

• Ms Mekenna

  Ms. Mekenna is a Lead Teacher in our Sharks (PK4) classroom and has been at our school since October 2023. She is originally from South Carolina and moved to Charlotte in 2023. She went to school at Clemson University and earned a degree in Criminal Justice. Mekenna continued her education and received a Masters in Forensic Psychology. In 2020 she realized she had a passion for working with children and began working at a childcare facility in SC. She loves getting to see the children grow and learn each day. Ms. Mekenna's favorite children's book is "The Giving Tree" because it teaches us to love and serve one another.

• Ms Melinda

  Ms. Melinda is a Lead Teacher in our Guppies (infant) classroom and has been at our school since July of 2022. After high school she attended Campbell University for two years. When she had her first son, Ms. Melinda became a stay at home mom while taking online classes. In 2021, she had her second son. She is currently in school to get her BS in Business. Ms. Melinda loved being a stay at mom, but is excited to be working in the Early Childhood Education field! Seeing her kids grow everyday is what motivated her jump into this field. She says that nothing compares to being a part of a child's growth and development. Ms. Melinda's favorite children's book is "Chika Chika Boom Boom," because it is a fun way to learn your ABC's and it's her son's favorite!

• Ms Meredith

  Ms. Meredith is a Lead Teacher in our Stingrays (PK3) classroom and has been with us since March of 2023. Ms. Meredith graduated from High Point University in 2019 with a degree in Strategic Communication. She has lived in Maryland most of her life but decided to move to Charlotte, NC a few years after graduation. She has always loved working with kids and has a passion for helping them learn and grow. Ms. Meredith's favorite children's book is "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" because her parents would read it to her almost every night when she was a child.

• Ms Rosalyn

  Ms. Rosalyn is a Lead Teacher in our Clownfish (two-year-old) classroom and has been with us since May of 2023. Ms. Rosalyn joined the field of early childhood education in 2017 because she has a strong passion for working with children and helping them grow. She has worked with kindergarten, first grade, and second grade students, but the early childhood age groups have her heart. She is a mother who loves to read to children and interact with families. Ms. Rosalyn loves building relationships with the families of the children in her class so they can collaborate to help the children grow and thrive. Ms. Rosalyn's favorite children's book is "I Am Enough." She loves this book because it is about a girl that shows her self confidence and kindness. This is something she wants to help her students achieve everyday.

• Ms Taranja

  Ms. T is a Lead Teacher in our Sea Turtles (PK3) classroom and has been at our school since August of 2010. She has earned an AA in Early Childhood Education. Ms. T has worked in Early Childhood Education since 2008 along with working in Elementary Education (K-5) for 5 years. Ms. T enjoys listening to music, reading and spending time with her boys. Her favorite children's book is "Groovy Joe: Ice Cream and Dinosaurs" because it inspires kids to share.

• Ms Taylor

  Ms. Taylor is a Lead Teacher in our Sharks (PK4) classroom and has been at our school since April of 2021. She has been with Goddard since September of 2019. She got her Associate's Degree in Elementary Education in 2019 and is currently working towards her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education through Liberty University. Ms. Taylor is from New York and enjoys playing guitar and traveling. She has two sweet dogs and loves decorating for the holidays! She adores her sweet son and is so happy that he can come to school with her! Her favorite children's book is "Where The Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak.

• Ms Barbara

  Ms. Barbara is an Assistant Teacher at our school and has been part of our school since March of 2023. Ms. Barbara has been working with young children since 2020 and has done coursework for early childhood education. She loves to read all kinds of books and believes that reading is a great way to keep imagination alive. When she was younger, Ms. Barbara thought she wanted to be a pediatric doctor until she helped teach her first class for young children back in high school. That experience made her realize that her true passion was teaching. Ms. Barbara's favorite children's book is "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" by Laura Numeroff because it is such a fun and silly book to read!

• Ms Carmen

  Ms. Carmen is a Lead Teacher in our Clownfish (two-year-old) Classroom and has been at our school since September 2023. She currently studies Medical Synography at South Piedmont Community College. She has always had a passion for teaching, and cannot wait to continue her journey with us here at the Goddard School. She loves spending time traveling and being with her family and friends. Ms. Carmen's favorite book is "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" because it is one that her father and aunt used to help her read.

• Ms Carolyn

  Ms. Carolyn is a Lead Teacher in our Rainbowfish (one-year-old) classroom and has been with us since August of 2023. Ms. Carolyn loves working with children and helping them grow and develop new skills. She sees children's wonder of the world as a beautiful thing and loves to encourage that wonder an curiosity. She has been working with children of many different ages for five years, and children never cease to amaze her! Ms. Carolyn wants to continue to grow in the field of early childhood education in the hopes that she can give each child in her care, and herself, a fulfilling educational journey. Ms. Carolyn's favorite children's book is "Winnie the Pooh" because of it's innocent and playful observations of children's behavior.

• Ms Eboni

  Ms. Eboni is an Assistant Teacher in our school and has been with us since April of 2022. Eboni is a student at UNC Charlotte majoring in health systems management. She was born in New Jersey. She enjoys working with children and is excited to support them as they grow. In her free time, Eboni likes to listen to music, shop, spend time with her dog and family. Eboni's favorite children's book is "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie."

• Ms Frances

  Ms. Frances is an Assistant Teacher in our school and has been with us since August of 2022. Ms. Frances was born in Lancaster, SC but grew up in Waxhaw, NC. She is the mother of four grown children. She has three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Before she started working in the early childhood education field in 1990, she was a substitute teacher and bus driver for Union County Schools. She has worked with children all her life and feels like it is her life's calling. She has worked as a Sunday school teacher, received teacher of the year for Idlewild Baptist Child Development Center at the Baptist Teachers Conference, and spent last October out west with her youngest daughter hiking and sight seeing.

• Ms Jenny

  Ms. Jenny is an Assistant Teacher in our school and has been with us since January of 2023. Ms. Jenny has has BA in administration and started her journey in the early childhood education field in 2017. She is from Ecuador but moved to NC in 2018. She was a teacher in Quito, Ecuador and enjoyed working with children of different ages. Ms. Jenny enjoys reading, running, and doing outside activities. She loves her family and is excited about her first baby who is on the way! She is thankful everyday for a new day and new opportunities. Ms. Jenny's favorite children's book is "The Day The Crayons Quit" by Drew Daywalt.

• Ms Lourdes (Luli)

  Ms. Lourdes (Luli) is an Assistant Teacher at our school and started with us in February 2024. She was born in Havana, Cuba where she got her Bachelor's Degree in History. Ms. Luli is a proud mother of two boys and finds joy in nurturing her garden, indulging in movie nights and reading books. Her life is a vibrant blend of heritage and family. She found her inspiration to work in the field of Early Childhood Education through a combination of personal experiences and a deep-rooted belief in the importance of shaping young minds during their formative years. Ms. Luli's favorite children's book is "The Cat in the Hat." She loves this book because of the way that it catches kiddos attention and teaches them.

• Ms Nayeli

  Ms. Nayeli is an Assistant Teacher at our school and has been with us since November of 2022. Ms. Nayeli is currently getting her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She loves working with children, especially the one-year-olds, and loves being able to apply what she is learning through her degree into the classrooms each day.

• Ms Kristi

  Ms. Kristi is our Kitchen Manager and has been at our school since April of 2022. She has been working with children of all ages for many years. She has spent some time babysitting, participating in Vacation Bible School, and Sunday school. She enjoys cooking and baking and has also been working in restaurants. Her adoration for children and cooking has led her to pursue a new passion in early childhood education. She is looking forward to lots of fun and exciting time spent teaching the children in our school to also have a love for cooking. Her favorite children's book is "Corduroy." She like the lesson that this book is trying to teach children; that everyone deserves to be loved and there is something good to be seen in everyone.

• Ms Linda (Lala)

  Ms. Linda "Lala" is a Resource Teacher at our school and has been with us since June of 2018. She earned her degree from Penn State and McKeeseport Hospital School of Nursing. She has her RN Credentials in Pediatric Trauma Advanced Life Support, Adult Advanced Life Support, is a Certified Nurse, and has 39 years of experience at Emergency ER and Advanced Care. Ms. LaLa has two sons (Andy and Jonathan) and 2 grandchildren (Virginia and Oliver). She enjoys shopping, reading and doing puzzles. Ms. LaLa's favorite children's book is "The Night Before Christmas".