The Goddard School of Vernon Hills

Bios

• Ellen and Virginia

  Ellen became the Owner of The Goddard School in Vernon Hills in December 2009. She is the proud parent of four children and recognizes the importance of providing a safe and nurturing learning environment for children. She believes in open and honest communication with parents to build an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Ellen looks forward to working with you to provide a safe place for your children to learn and grow.

• Becky

  Ms. Becky has more than 30 years of experience working with children and their families in childcare and pre-school settings. During her career, she's had many roles including classroom teacher for infants-5-year-olds, assistant director, allergy specialist, and center director. She still loves to get back in the classroom to work with the children. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education – with an emphasis in early childhood education – from the University of Iowa. Away from work, Ms. Becky enjoys spending time with her husband, two teenaged daughters, and their mini Goldendoodle.

• Alicia

  Ms. Alicia joined our team in March 2021 and has been working with children since 2015. She earned her CDA in infant/toddler care and is a Child Development Associate. Alicia enjoys working at the Goddard School because watching the kids grow everyday is a blessing. She loves the relationships she has made with her co-workers, children, and families. In her free time, she enjoys taking her puppy to the dog park, going on walks, and spending time with her friends and family.

• Andy

  Ms. Andy re-joined our team in March 2023 and has been working with children since 2016. Ms. Andy’s favorite thing about teaching is singing and dancing with the children. She loves incorporating new and different materials in the sensory bin for the children to explore. One of Ms. Andy’s favorite memories at Goddard the Ice Cream Social. She enjoys getting to pass out ice cream to children and families that she teaches both currently and in the past.

• Ashley

  Ms. Ashley joined our team in March 2018 and has been working with children since 2009. She earned her Child Development Associate credential and is currently working towards her associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Ashley loves all the relationships that are built here at The Goddard School. She says that it really feels like a family and that she also loves seeing how the children learn and grow. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and being outdoors.

• Brandi

  Ms. Brandi joined our team in February 2021 and has been working with children since 2012. Ms. Brandi completed her CDA courses and is now a Child Development Associate. When asked what she enjoys most about The Goddard School, Brandi said "when I see the children reach new milestones and learn new things, it is so rewarding. I love seeing the smiles on their faces when we do cool activities as well." In her free time, she loves kayaking, spending time with her loved ones and dog, traveling, trying new foods, reading, or binge watching shows.

• Daisy

  Ms. Daisy joined our team in October 2017 and has been working with children since 2016. She earned her Child Development Associate credential and is currently earning her associate's degree so she can become an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Daisy enjoys watching the children hit their developmental milestones and knowing she helped them achieve their goals. In her free time, she takes long walks with her dog and spends time with loved ones.

• Dalia

  Ms. Dalia’s favorite thing about teaching is being able to do science experiments and watch the children’s faces as they see the outcome. She also likes teaching them about nature and the natural world around us. She loves incorporating any sensory touch objects like paint, rocks, sand, water, mud, or beads into play. “My favorite memory has been being a floater and seeing all the different children grow up. I enjoy watching them as they move to each classroom and seeing all the new things they learn along the way until the day when they receive their cap and gown and say good-bye to the Goddard school and say hello to kindergarten.”

• Danielle

  Ms. Danielle joined our team in August 2013. She studied Early Childhood Education at the College of Lake County and has been working with children since 2010. When asked what she enjoys about The Goddard School, Danielle said "I love being able to see the progress of each child throughout their time at Goddard and I’ve always loved getting siblings throughout the years. Each day is so rewarding and each day brings laughs, fun, and learning experiences." In her free time, she loves playing and coaching volleyball, going to country concerts, and owning her own small business.

• Jess

  Ms. Jess joined our team in March 2021 and has been working with children since 2000. She is a Child Development Associate and earned two CDA credentials, one in infants and one in preschool. She is currently working on earning her associates degree in Early Childhood Education. Jess enjoys that she gets to work alongside people that share her passion for teaching at The Goddard School. She is also glad to work next door to her sister everyday. In her free time, Jess watches Korean dramas, anime, plays video games, and enjoys going on outdoor adventures with her family.

• Jessa

  Ms. Jessa joined our team in January 2013 and has been working with children since 2011. She graduated with her bachelor of arts degree in Sociology at Carthage College and has taken various Early Childhood Education classes at the College of Lake County. Jessa loves coming into work every day and seeing the beautiful smiles on the children’s faces! She also loves being able to watch all the children grow throughout their time at The Goddard School. In her free time, she enjoys going for walks with her dogs, reading, and taking walks down to the lake with her son.

• Liz

  Ms. Liz joined our team in November 2010 and has been working with children since 2000. She studied Early Childhood Education at the College of Lake County. She loves the opportunities she gets to see the children thrive and grow at The Goddard School. In her free time, she enjoys photography, sports, and spending time with her family.

• Marlene

  Ms. Marlene joined our team in January 2020 and has been working for Goddard since 2016. She studied at the University of Technology in Jamaica and has been working with children since 1985. When asked what she enjoys most about working at The Goddard School, Marlene said "the teamwork among colleagues and watching the children transition from one level to another." In her free time, she likes to shop, read, garden, and watch television.

• Rebecca

  Ms. Becky joined our team in January 2022. She is currently working towards her CDA courses to be a Child Development Associate and has been working with children since 2011. She is grateful for how helpful and friendly everyone at The Goddard School is, and enjoys her position in our Eager Pups classroom. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and binge watching her favorite TV shows.

• Rhonda

  Ms. Rhonda earned her associate degree in early childhood education from Rasmussen University. She has been in the field for over 30 years, specifically working with infants, toddlers, and twos. She has provided the centers she has worked at support as an administrator as well as classroom lead teacher. Ms. Rhonda said, "It’s exciting to watch the children as they learn new skills and begin to use them daily. Their reaction to our excitement is priceless and rewarding!" She resides in Grayslake with her husband and has two adult children. They enjoy going on weekend getaways and finding cool places to hike.

• Robyn

  Ms. Robyn joined our team in 2020 and has been working with children since 2004. She earned her bachelor's degree in Environmental Elementary Education and Special Education with a minor in Women's Studies. Ms. Robyn enjoys working with Creative Curriculum and being able to individualize instruction for children. In her free time, she writes her own novels and goes on walks with her dog.

• Roshni

  Ms. Roshni joined our team in August 2021. She earned her bachelor's degree in India and took several Early Childhood Classes at the College of Lake County. When asked what she enjoys about The Goddard School, Roshni said "it’s so fun working with all the co-teachers here at Goddard; we really have nice team. The Leadership Team is awesome." In her free time, she enjoys working out, walking in nature, playing with her kids, spending time with her husband, cooking, and painting with her daughter.

• Shannon

  Ms. Shannon joined our team in April 2017 and has been working in Early Childhood since 2006. She earned her Child Development Associate credential. Ms. Shannon enjoys spending time getting to know the children and finds it rewarding when she sees the children hit their milestones in her classroom. In her free time, she loves to spend time with family. She has twins, a boy and a girl, and a stepson, and a dog named Marley. She likes to do outdoor activities with them.

• Shelly

  Shelly joined our team in September 2021 and has been working with children since 2007. She currently has her Paraprofessional License and is working towards her CDA to be a Child Development Associate. Shelly loves getting to know the children and their families and seeing how much each child learns and grows as they move through the school. In her free time, she enjoys spending time and doing things with my family and friends, crafting and scrap booking, and going for walks.

• Siri

  Ms. Siri joined our team in August 2014 and has been working with children since 2014. Siri earned her bachelor's degree in Education with a minor in Bilingual Education. When asked what she finds rewarding about working at The Goddard School, Siri said "I find being part of their education journey very rewarding. I enjoy being able to be creative with the children and letting them explore with different materials to create art or just explore with different textures." In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and going to parks or nature walks. She also enjoys getting time to herself and going out for dinner or shopping with friends.

• Stacy

  Ms. Stacy joined our team in March 2018. She has been working with children since 1984 and studied Early Childhood Education at the College of Lake County. When asked what she enjoys about The Goddard School, she said "I love working for a quality program with good values and ethics. I have a passion for working with all ages and enjoy helping the children grow to be successful with each milestone." In her free time, she likes to do crafts, read, vacation, and spend time with friends and family.

• Vanessa

  Ms. Vanessa joined our team in September 2018 and has been working with children since 2014. She earned her associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from the College of Lake County and her bachelor's degree from Rasmussen in Early Childhood as well. Vanessa loves the positive and encouraging environment at The Goddard School. Finding new and creative activities to add to her lesson plans helps her think outside of the box and she looks forward to how the children will react to new activities. In her free time, she spends time with her two dogs, playing video games, and catching up on TV shows.

• Yvonne

  Ms. Yvonne joined our team in March 2020 and has been working with children in different capacities since 2008. She earned her police officer certification and is one class away from an associate's degree in liberal arts and sciences. She studied at the University of Maryland, College of Lake County and Suburban Law Enforcement Academy at College of Dupage. When asked what she enjoys most about The Goddard School, she said "working alongside Ms. Ashley, my quirky co-teacher, and my sister, Ms. Jess. I find seeing how our students improve as well as the way they smile when we walk into the classroom the most rewarding." In her free time, she likes to to go to the gym, go hiking, travel and read or paint.

• Ariana

  Bio Coming Soon!

• Bouchra

  Ms. Bouchra joined our team in October 2022 after observing our classrooms for a class she was taking through the College of Lake County. She has a degree in medical assisting and is currently earning her associate degree in Early Childhood Education. Bouchra enjoys working at The Goddard School because she has an opportunity to help young children develop and learn skills to prepare them to become successful at school and in life. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, cooking, and reading.

• Brianna

  Ms. Brianna joined our team in 2023. Her favorite thing about teaching is being able to see the progress of each child and see their smiling faces each day. She loves to incorporate activities into circle time, teaching colors, shapes, and animal sounds. Ms. Brianna’s favorite memory at Goddard this year has been seeing the children dressed up in their Halloween costumes and walk around the gym to see all the Halloween decorations the parents set up.

• Emily

  Ms. Emily joined our team in July 2021. She earned her Early Education Credit through the College of Lake County and has been working with children since 2019. While working at The Goddard School, she enjoys the bonds she creates with children and making them laugh. In her free time, she goes on walks with her dogs, Oreo and Bella, and watches movies with her family.

• Jasmin

  Ms. Jasmin received her Associates in Arts Degree at College of Lake County in May 2023 and is planning on continuing school to get her Bachelor’s degree. Ms. Jasmin’s favorite thing about teaching is connecting with all the children in the school. “I love going into different classrooms and seeing everyone. Having little talks with them is my favorite thing because it gives me a chance to connect with them.” She enjoys incorporating the letters and numbers they are learning during the week into centers. Ms. Jasmin’s favorite memory so far at Goddard has been going into different classrooms throughout the day and having the children greet her.

• Jen

  Ms. Jen joined our team in October 2022 and has been working with young children for over a year. She is currently working towards earning her degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Jen said “I love being around the kids, but my favorite has got to be the Llamas infant classroom. Every child is special, and I have been given the chance to work with these wonderful children. I am always happy to come into the classrooms.” She also feels that everyone is friendly, and the leadership team is great in recognizing everyone. In her free time you’ll find her trying new cooking recipes, or playing with her new cat, Ash. She also enjoys traveling with her partner, listening and singing along to music.

• Kelly

  Ms. Kelly joined our team in 2022 and has been working with children since 2011. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and is currently studying for her Ed.S in School Psychology. Ms. Kelly said “I enjoy working in all the classrooms and getting to know each child. It's rewarding watching their expressions as they make new connections.” In her free time, Ms. Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working out, and going to the city.

• Kylie

  Ms. Kylie joined our team in May 2023. Ms. Kylie’s favorite thing about teaching is seeing the kids grow up and discover themselves day by day. She enjoys incorporating hands-on activities for the kids and sensory play. “It’s not always a bad thing when kids get messy and explore!” Ms. Kylie’s favorite memory at Goddard so far has been all the summer activities like the Foam Party and the 4th of July parade.

• Maggie

  Ms. Maggie joined our team in October 2022 and has just begun her journey in early childhood. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Blackburn College and is currently enrolled in a couple of Early Childhood courses at the College of Lake County. While working at The Goddard School, Maggie enjoys seeing the children get excited to learn new things and reach new milestones. When she is not working, she enjoys watching a variety of movies, playing video games, and hanging out with her family.

• Perla

  Ms. Perla joined our team in June 2023. Her favorite thing about teaching is knowing that her time with the children is impactful for generations to come because they are our future and being able to see their faces light up when they learn something new is just the best feeling ever. She enjoys incorporating what is taught at circle time during play time. For example, teaching the children the colors, counting, and using Spanish to encourage learning new languages. Ms. Perla’s favorite memory at Goddard would have to be a day when she came into the classroom and the kids all said her name and ran to give her a hug. “It made me realize that what I do does make a difference, I look forward to working with these kids for many more weeks to come.”

• Shirin

  Ms. Shirin joined our team in May 2023. Ms. Shirin’s favorite thing about teaching is the opportunity and privilege to bring out the hidden potential inside every child. She loves seeing the joy and confidence on their faces when they accomplish a task with a little encouragement or motivation. “I am happy that I get to play a significant role by contributing to their intellectual, social, emotional, and creative development.” She loves to incorporate different centers to make learning effective. From dramatic play to art centers, each activity is an opportunity for the children to learn and grow.

• Yesenia

  Ms. Yesenia joined our team in September 2012 and has been working with children since 2008. She studied Early Childhood Education at the College of Lake County. When asked what she enjoys about being part of The Goddard School team, she said "being at Goddard for 10 years, I definitely feel that I have grown as an educator. I take any opportunity to talk to friends and family about the wonderful curriculum and environment Goddard provides. When I mention to family and friends how the school's curriculum incorporates Sign Language and Spanish, they are shocked, even a very close friend of mine quoted, "those children are probably very advanced for their age." I am truly proud to represent this school." In her free time, Yesenia is happy to participate voluntarily in her ministry work. She also loves to go on long walks, go out with friends, cook new recipes and take any opportunity to pet a dog.

• Zsanette

  Ms. Zsanette, or “Mrs. Z”, joined our team in 2024 and is currently working toward her CDA to be a Child Development Associate. Her favorite thing about teaching is building relationships with each child. She loves to laugh with them and see how proud of themselves they are when they accomplish something. Ms. Z loves engaging with the children through games both indoors and out. She looks forward to getting to know all the children and seeing them grow and graduate.

• Dustin

  Mr. Dustin joined our team in January 2020 and returned as our Program Specialist in June 2021. He earned his bachelor's degree in Child Development from the University of Northern Illinois. Dustin enjoys working with the children and getting to know them better. He loves watching them learn new activities like chess or different sports activities that he teaches. In his free time, he likes to watch sports and spend all the time he can with his son, Lincoln.

• Lorette

  Chef Lorette re-joined our team in June 2017 and was previously our chef from 2010-2011. She has her bachelor's degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in 2D Studio Design from Northern Illinois University. She also has an associate's degree in Culinary Arts from the College of Lake County along with several culinary certifications. In her free time, Lorette loves spending time with her family and friends and being outdoors. She also enjoys going to sporting events, concerts, and playing golf and sand volleyball. She also owns her own small business.