The Goddard School of Vernon Hills

Bios

• Ellen & 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. Ms. Alicia's favorite thing about working with children is seeing their light bulbs light up and watching them grow. Her favorite book to share with children is 'I Love You, Stinky Face' by Lisa McCourt. In her free time, she enjoys walking her goldendoodle, Tate, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her friends and family.

• 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. Ms. Brandi's favorite thing about working with children is watching them learn new things and grow. Her favorite book to share with children is 'The Wrong Fairytale Books' by Tracey Turner. In her free time, Ms. Brandi enjoys shopping, kayaking, traveling, and walking her dog.

• Dalia

  Ms. Dalia joined our team in 2018 and took a year off in 2021 to travel. She rejoined our team in 2022 and is currently working towards her associate's degree in psychology. Ms. Dalia's favorite thing about teaching is seeing how much children observe and learn! Her favorite book to share with children is 'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie' by Laura Numeroff. In her free time, Ms. Dalia enjoys spending time with her son, watching movies with him, being outside when the weather is nice, and crafting!

• Jess

  Ms. Jess joined our team in March 2021 and has been working with children since 1994. 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 bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Ms. Jess love children's curious minds! She says "They are little sponges that just want to know how the world works. They inspire me to be more creative, and welcoming to change. They are truly inspiring and make my day on a daily, whether from finally understanding something or by just saying the most random things". Her favorite books to share with children is 'The Koala who Could' by Rachel Bright and 'Grumpy Monkey' by Suzanne Lang. In her free time, Ms. Jess enjoys working out, is a coffee connoisseur, listening to music, reading, and going on adventures with her husband and three babies.

• 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. Ms. Jessa's favorite thing about working with children watching them learn and grow and seeing their faces when they learn something new. Her favorite book to share with children is 'Llama Llama Red Pajama' by Anna Dewdney. In her free time, Ms. Jessa enjoys going on walks with her family and dog.

• 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. Ms. Marlene's favorite thing about working with children is seeing how they transform and progress from one milestone to the next. She also loves how genuine they are. Her favorite book to share with children is 'The Napping House' by Audrey Wood. In her free time, Ms. Marlene likes to shop, cook, go to church, and help others.

• Rebecca

  Ms. Becky joined our team in January 2022. She currently has her CDA and has been working with children since 2011. Her favorite thing about working with children is seeing them hit their developmental milestones and the excitement they get when they learn something new. Her favorite book to share with children is 'Goodnight Moon' by Margret Wise Brown. In her free time, Ms. Becky loves building Lego sets and shopping.

• 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's favorite thing about working with children is seeing their 'ah-ha!' moments and seeing them accomplish skills they have been working on. Her favorite book to share with children is 'The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear' by Don Wood. In her free time, Ms. Rhonda loves traveling to hiking destinations (National and State Parks), puzzles, and reading murder mystery novels.

• Robyn

  Ms. Robyn joined our team in 2020 and has been working with children since 2004. She earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Special Education with a minor in Women's Studies and she is currently working towards her master's degree in early childhood education and LBSI. Her favorite thing about working with children is seeing children reach and 'ah-ha' moment on something they have been working on. Her favorite book to share with children is any book by Mo Willems. In her free time, Ms. Robyn enjoys knitting, writing novels, and puzzles.

• 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. Her favorite thing about working with children is being part of the community, giving parents peace of mind when it comes to the safety of their children, and being part of their growth and development. Ms. Roshni's favorite book to share with children is 'Pete the Cat' by James Dean. In her free time, she enjoys working out, cooking, and home decorating.

• 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 favorite thing about working with children is spending time getting to know them and finds it rewarding when she sees the children hit their milestones. Her favorite books to share with children are all Eric Carle books. In her free time, she loves to spend time with family, her twins, a boy and a girl, a stepson, and a dog named Marley, playing Skip-Bo, and playing Mancala.

• Shelly

  Shelly joined our team in September 2021 and has been working with children since 2007. She currently has her Paraprofessional License and has her CDA. Ms. Shelly's favorite thing about working with children is seeing how much each child grows during their time in her classroom. Her favorite book to share with children is 'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie' by Laura Numeroff. In her free time, Ms. Shelly enjoys spending time with her children and family exploring new parks and museums. She also loves getting pedicures, crafting with her cricuit, and all things Disney.

• 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. Ms. Siri's favorite part about working with children is children's energy and curiosity. She loves the random things they do on a daily basis and how a hug from a child is healing. Her favorite book to share with children is 'Chika-Chika Boom-Boom' by Bill Martin Jr. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and going to parks or nature walks.

• 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. Ms. Vanessa's favorite thing about working with children is seeing their imagination at work. Her favorite book to share with children is 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' by Eric Carle. In her free time, Ms. Vanessa enjoys spending time with her husband, dogs, and friends, watching TV, crafting with her cricuit, and diamond painting.

• Yurika

  Ms. Yurika joined our team in January of 2025. She earned her associate's degree in early childhood education in Japan and has been working with young children for over 10 years. Ms. Yurika's favorite thing about working with children is watching them grow into their own personalities and reach their milestone goals. Her favorite book to share with children is 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein. In her free time, Ms. Yurika enjoys road trips, watching TV, and spending time with her daughter.

• 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, an associate's degree in liberal arts and sciences, and a bachelor's degree in psychology. She studied at the University of Maryland, College of Lake County and Suburban Law Enforcement Academy at College of Dupage. Ms. Yvonne loves seeing how her student's minds work and how they think of things that have not even crossed her mind. Her favorite books to share with students are 'Don't Turn the Page' by Andy Lee and 'The Book with No Pictures' by B.J. Novak. In her free time, Ms. Yvonne likes to go kickboxing, paint, hiking, and building with Legos. She also loves dinosaurs.

• 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. Ms. Bouchra's favorite thing about working with children is being fortunate enough to witness children’s growth and development. She also likes their joy and their playful spirit which brings a sense of happiness and positive energy to the classroom. Her favorite book to share with children is 'Green Eggs and Ham' by Dr. Seuss. In her free time, Ms. Bouchra enjoys reading, hiking, and cooking.

• Brianna

  Ms. Brianna joined our team in 2023 and she is currently working towards her CDA! Her favorite thing about working with children is seeing them grow each day and building trust and bonds with them. Her favorite book to share with children is 'Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See' by Bill Martin Jr. In her free time, Ms. Brianna enjoys baking, playing with her 3 French bulldogs, and spending time with her friends and family.

• Cinthya

  Ms. Cinthya joined our team in 2024. She earned her degree in early childhood education from Pierce College. Her favorite thing about working with children is the being around the joy they bring into the world and learning as much from them as they learn from us. Her favorite book to share with children is 'Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See' by Bill Martin Jr. In her free time, Ms. Cinthya enjoys swimming and exploring the world with her son and 2 pups.

• Emily

  Ms. Emily joined our team in July 2021. She earned her Early Education CDA through the College of Lake County and has been working with children since 2019. her favorite thing about working with children is their friendships. She loves listening to their conversations and seeing them make discoveries. Her favorite book to share with children is 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' by Eric Carle. In her free time, Ms. Emily loves to draw and paint. She is currently learning how to do digital art!

• Jasmin

  Ms. Jasmin joined our team in 2023. She has received her Associates in Arts Degree at College of Lake County in May 2023 and is working on her bachelor’s degree at National Lewis University. Ms. Jasmin’s favorite thing about working with children is having conversations with them and seeing how creative they are. She also loves seeing their faces when they accomplish something on their own. Her favorite book to share with children is 'Dragons Love Tacos' by Adam Rubin. In her free time, Ms. Jasmin enjoys going to the movies with her sister, shopping, reading, and hanging out with her friends.

• 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 CDA. Ms. Jen's favorite thing about working with children is getting to build trusting relationships with the children and seeing them grow mentally and physically. Her favorite book to share with children is 'A Bad Case of Stripes' by David Shannon. In her free time, Ms. Jen enjoys painting on canvas, traveling with her partner, and trying new foods and restaurants.

• Karee

  Ms. Karee joined our team in April of 2025. She has been working with children for 3 years and is planning on working towards her CDA. Ms. Karee's favorite thing about working with children is seeing how each child is unique in their own way and watching how fast they develop. Her favorite book to share with children is 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' by Eric Carle. In her spare time, Ms. Karee enjoys creating collages, traveling, and listening to music.

• Katrina

  Ms. Katrina joined our team in June of 2025. Her favorite thing about working with children is watching them learn and develop as individuals. Her favorite book to share with children is 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein. In her free time, Ms. Katrina enjoys yoga, meditation, basketball, and hanging out with friends and family.

• Kylie

  Ms. Kylie joined our team in May 2023. Ms. Kylie earned her Associates Degree from The College of Lake County. Her 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 book to share with the children is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

• Maggie

  Ms. Maggie joined our team in October 2022. She has her bachelor's degree in political science from Blackburn College and some early childhood education classes from CLC as well! Ms. Maggie's favorite thing about working with children is their silly moods and their smiles. Her favorite book to share with children is 'The Monster at the End of the Book' by Jon Stone. In her free time, Ms. Maggie enjoys watching movies and TV, playing video games, writing, and hanging out with her friends.

• Shirin

  Ms. Shirin joined our team in May 2023. She has her master's degree in Christian education with biblical counseling and an undergrad in psychology. She also has her CDA. Ms. Shirins favorite thing about working with children is seeing their curiosity and joy when it comes to learning. Her favorite book to share with children is 'The Day the Crayons Quit' by Drew Daywalt. In her free time, Ms. Shirin enjoys cooking and trying out new recipes, singing and playing the guitar, and traveling.

• Valerie

  Ms. Valerie joined our team in January of 2025! She studied health behavior science at the University of Delaware and has been working with children for about a year. Ms. Valerie's favorite thing about working with children is their excitement and pride when they learn something new. Her favorite book to share with children is 'The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear' by Don Wood. In her free time, Ms. Valerie enjoys baking and reading.

• Yareth

  Ms. Yareth started working here at Goddard in 2024. She earned her bachelor's degree in human development and learning from UIC. Ms. Yareth's favorite thing about working with children is the meaningful connections she makes with them and knowing that she can create a supportive and safe space for them. Her favorite book to share with children is 'Biscuit' by Alyssa Satin Capucilli. In her free time, Ms. Yareth enjoys crocheting and watching TV and movies.

• Zsanette

  Ms. Zsanette, or “Mrs. Z”, joined our team in 2024 and is currently working toward her CDA to be a Child Development Associate. Ms. Z's favorite thing about working with children is seeing them hit their milestones and sharing the joy with their parents. Her favorite book to share with children is 'The Rainbow Fish' by Marcus Pfister. In her free time, Ms. Z enjoys reading and watching movies.

• Ashley

  Ms. Ashley joined our team in March 2018 and has been working with children since 2009. She has an associate's degree in early childhood education. Ms. Ashley loves seeing the children grasp concepts and see their wheels turning when they are solving a problem. Her favorite book to share with children is 'Ms. Nelson is Missing' by Harry Allard. She also loves all the relationships that are built at Goddard and how it feels like a family. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and being outdoors.

• Dustin

  Mr. Dustin joined our team in January 2020 and returned as our Program Specialist in June 2021 and is currently the Assistant Director. He earned his bachelor's degree in child development from the University of Northern Illinois. Mr. Dustin's favorite thing about working with children is seeing their 'ah-ha' moments as they figure things out. His favorite books to share with children is anything by Mo Willems. In his free time, Mr. Dustin likes to watch sports and spend all the time he can with his son, Lincoln.

• Jonadab

  Mr. Jona joined our team in March of 2025. He is currently going to CLC for his culinary arts degree.

• Keyla

  Ms. Keyla joined our team in 2024 and is currently studying Elementary Education at the College of Lake County. She loves to observe how much the children learn and view the progress they make. Her favorite book to share with children is 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein. In her free time, Ms. Keyla enjoys reading, baking, bowling, and spending time with her friends and family.

• Lorette

  Chef Lorette was our chef from 2010-2011 and re-joined our team in June 2017. 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. Ms. Lorette's favorite thing about working with children is how she gets to see children learn and grow as they go into each room and she loves how she can visit her son while he is here too! Her favorite book to share with children is 'Little Blue Truck' by Alice Schertle. In her free time, Ms. Lorette enjoys spending time with family, watching sports, being outdoors, golfing, making art, working on her small business, and cooking!