The Goddard School of Independence

Bios

• Ms Paula

  I’m extremely proud to be the on-site owner and operator of The Goddard School in Independence, Ohio! Since joining the school in 2011, I’ve been deeply dedicated to providing a high-quality early childhood experience for every family who walks through our doors. My husband, Bob, and I are the proud parents of three girls, and I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact The Goddard School has had on their academic growth and social-emotional development. That experience has only strengthened my commitment to creating a nurturing and thriving learning environment for all children. I truly believe that the early years are foundational. I’m passionate about creating a safe, engaging space where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow, both as learners and as individuals. I look forward to partnering with your family and creating many positive experiences and lasting memories together as we begin this exciting journey!

• Ms Darlene

  Tenure: March 2023. Experience & Education: Has over 30 years of experience in the Early Childhood Field, starting as an infant teacher and working up to a Regional Director. Philosophy on Teaching: All children learn in different ways. Children are eager to learn and as they are exposed to information they will absorb it!

• Celia

  Tenure: August 2025. Experience & Education: Three years of childcare experience. Philosophy on Teaching: Great teaching begins with attentive care. Striving to understand each child’s needs, partner closely with families through clear communication, and create a safe, nurturing classroom where curiosity and confidence grow. Early learning lays the foundation for everything that follows. Every child needs to feel seen, supported, and challenged!

• Ms Isabella

  Tenure: November 2024. Experience and Education: Student at Baldwin Wallace University, pursuing a degree in Pre-Allied Health with the goal of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist. She believes that every child is unique and requires an individualized approach to learning. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive and engaging environment tailored to each child’s needs. By fostering a sense of safety and belonging, she aims to build strong, trusting relationships that encourage meaningful learning and growth.

• Ms Joni

  Tenure: July 2023. Experience & Education: Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and over 13 years working with young children in a childcare setting. Philosophy on Teaching: Building strong reciprocal relations with parents is paramount! Children learn through play. Having a classroom environment that is engaging, fun, and filled with open-ended experiences for the children is important so that their learning journey helps them grow in their own unique way!

• Ms Leanne

  Tenure: June 2024. Experience and Education: 10 years experience in the childcare field, 8 in a center setting with the last 3 years working with infants. Philosophy on Teaching: Children are eager to please and setting attainable goals is key. Having realistic expectations and patience will build a teacher / student relationship that leads to trust and learning.

• Marina

  Tenure: June 2025. Experience and Education: Bachelors Degree in Science. Has been a PreK Teacher since 2012 with many prior years of working with young children. Philosophy on Teaching: Children truly thrive when they feel safe, cared for, and free to explore in a stimulating, secure environment. Every day is filled with opportunities for children to observe, measure, explore, experiment, and build. All while developing focus and confidence. By encouraging children to share their discoveries with classmates and teachers, they not only strengthen their understanding but also build a sense of mutual respect and value for each other’s ideas. It’s this blend of creativity, collaboration, and exploration that makes learning so engaging and rewarding.

• Naela

  Tenure: June 2025. Experience and Education: Bachelors Degree in Education. PreK Teacher since 2021. Philosophy on Teaching: Young children thrive when they feel safe, cared for, and free to move and explore in a secure, stimulating environment. Every day, teachers model kindness, respect, and encouragement little eyes and ears are always watching and learning. By demonstrating positive behaviors and using thoughtful language, teachers help children develop empathy, cooperation, and strong social skills that will last a lifetime. Each child is seen as a unique individual, full of potential to grow into a responsible, caring adult, someone who values others, the community, and the world around them. Learning is more than ABCs and 123s, it’s about building the foundation for confidence, curiosity, and compassion.

• Ms Susan

  Tenure: April 2019 Experience & Education: Over 20 years of experience in the Early Childhood field. Philosophy on Teaching: Each child should feel welcomed and valued. Each child needs to be heard by fellow classmates, teachers and parents. Children should be excited about all the fun things they are learning!

• Ms Alexandria

  Tenure: November 2024. Has been working in childcare for 4 years. Enjoys learning different things about every child and discovering what makes each of them unique. Loves seeing children master skills and build confidence as they grow. Favorite things to do is outdoor activities with children, whether it’s exploring leaves, playing games, or simply enjoying fresh air.

• Ms Alexis

  Tenure: July 2024. Experience: Has worked with young children for three years. Philosophy on Teaching: Every child has unlimited potential to learn, explore, and grow. Learning works best when it’s active, hands-on, and intentionally designed to spark curiosity. It's a priority to ensure every child feels seen, heard, and valued because confidence and connection are the foundations for healthy development.

• Ms Allison

  Tenure: October 2024. Studies Exercise Science at Cleveland State University. After college, plans on becoming a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. Passionate about helping young children learn and grow in a fun and safe environment!

• Ms Annalise

  Tenure: March 2025. Experience: Has worked with a wide range of age groups from infants to school-aged children. Has a deep passion for working with children and is continually inspired by their growth and the milestones they achieve.

• Ms Jamie

  Tenure: April 2024. Experience & Education: Five years of experience working with young children in a preschool setting. Some college courses in Early Childhood Education. Philosophy on Teaching: "Lead with Love". It is our jobs as teachers to love the whole child. Regardless of age, gender, family structure, or any other factor every child's day should start with new beginnings and fresh minds. My number one goal is for every child to feel seen and cared for.

• Ms Kaitlyn

  Tenure: July 2025. Experience: Has three years of experience working in a licensed childcare center with children ages 2years-5years old. Philosophy on Teaching: Children learn best when they actively explore, experiment, and discover for themselves. Using creative, easy-to-remember strategies and revisiting learning objectives to ensure understanding. Recognizing that every child learns in their own unique way. Carefully planning activities that meet the needs of all learners, making sure no one is left behind is a priority. Knowing the importance of encouragement. Whether it’s mastering a new skill or reaching a small milestone, every achievement is celebrated, helping children feel proud, capable, and excited to learn more.

• Ms Laura

  Tenure: November 2024.Has always had a passion for caring for children and finds great joy in helping them learn and discover new things. Having moved frequently during her own childhood, she developed a deep appreciation for teachers who created welcoming and supportive environments. Strives to be that kind of teacher; one who makes every child feel valued, comfortable, and excited to learn!

• Ms Regina

  Tenure: September 2023. Experience and Education: 17 years experience working with young children in a childcare setting. Has an associates degree in Early Childhood Education. Philosophy on Teaching: Children are like soil. They are just waiting for a seed to be planted. As a teacher I feel it is a great opportunity to plant the right positive seeds, so that one the children in my care can blossom in to something wonderful!

• Ms Teri

  Tenure: September 2005 Experience & Education: Thirty years of experience, two children of her own, certified as an Early Literacy Mentor Specialist (ELMS) and Early Childhood Education courses at Youngstown State. Philosophy on Teaching: Children should learn in a safe, fun and comfortable way. Children should be exposed to many different things in their environment and have hands on experience.