The Goddard School of Grand Rapids (Cascade)

Bios

• Kellie

  Welcome to The Goddard School located in Grand Rapids! I am proud to be the on-site owner and love being a part of The Goddard School Family. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. My goal is to provide the highest quality education and care in a warm loving and safe environment where every child feels valued. I opened the school in 2008 to be a part of a business that positively affected the development of happy and confident young children. My husband and I have learned from our own four children how greatly important quality Early Childhood is to their foundations as they experience later years in school and life.

• Cheryl

  Cheryl’s commitment is to provide families with a safe and secure environment in which your child will learn and grow throughout their early years of education. Degreed in Early Childhood Education from Northern Michigan University, Cheryl uses her expertise to work collaboratively with the teachers to provide a well balanced fun educational experience for all children that attend The Goddard School, Grand Rapids. Cheryl’s vision of The Goddard School over the last 16 years is to provide a well-balanced fun educational experience for all of the children.

• Sherri

  Sherri has been an important asset to The Goddard School for 16 years. Her bubbly personality, love for children, and creative energy not only assists in running the school but helps make the school a superior experience for children and families.

• Kimberly

  Ms. Kim brings over 7 years of experience as a dedicated Early Childhood professional and holds a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has a true passion for working with toddlers and loves creating meaningful learning experiences that encourage curiosity and independence. One of her favorite parts of the day is reading with the children and sparking their imagination through books. She also enjoys taking the class outdoors, where children can explore the world around them and discover new things. Ms. Kim believes that trying new experiences builds confidence and nurtures independence, helping children grow into capable and confident learners.

• Sandra

  With a Master’s degree in Education and over 16 years of teaching experience, Ms. Sandra brings both expertise and passion to the classroom. Her background spans Kindergarten, Special Education, Young Fives, and Pre-Kindergarten, giving her a well-rounded perspective on early learning. Known as each child’s number one cheerleader, she encourages students to believe in themselves and discover how capable they are as independent learners. Her favorite part of the day is working in small centers, where she gets to witness the joy children feel when they accomplish a goal on their own. Ms. Sandra provides motivation, sets healthy boundaries, and inspires children to grow into independent learners and problem solvers by helping them recognize their own potential.

• Amber

  With over 20 years of experience working with young children, Ms. Amber has been a valued part of The Goddard School for more than 6 years in the Infant classroom. She believes that every baby develops at their own pace and is passionate about meeting each child where they are to support their growth. In the classroom, you’ll often find Ms. Amber engaging little ones in art and sensory activities, reading stories, or enjoying time outdoors. She especially loves watching children explore new experiences, whether it’s discovering textures through play or trying new foods for the first time!

• Cassandra

  With a degree in Psychology and over seven years of experience working with children, Ms. Cassandra brings both knowledge and compassion to the classroom. Her background includes behavioral therapy with children ages 2–12, giving her a strong understanding of how to support each child’s unique needs. Cassie believes every child deserves a learning environment where they feel safe, supported, respected, included, and encouraged. She knows children learn best when they are having fun and engaging with exciting materials and experiences, and she is dedicated to providing that environment every day. At The Goddard School, you’ll often find Ms. Cassie using her imagination and joining in play alongside the children.

• Cheryl

  Cheryl is a mother to three grown children, and a grandmother to ten young children, who are the loves of her life that keep her very busy. Cheryl earned her degree from Maryville University and has been part of The Goddard School since opening in 2008. She loves working in the Infant classroom because it’s a nurturing and loving environment.

• Christina

  With a degree in Art, Science, and Special Education, Ms. Christina brings over 23 years of experience working with children. Her background includes teaching in public schools as well as coaching soccer and track, giving her a well-rounded perspective on both education and child development. In the Preschool A classroom, Ms. Christina’s approach centers on building meaningful relationships with each child. She believes that when children feel safe, confident, and loved, they are best able to learn and thrive together. One of her favorite parts of the day is circle time, where the class gathers to learn as a group, share special moments, and strengthen their sense of community.

• Danielle

  Ms. Danielle brings a calm presence and a love for the creative arts to the Preschool B classroom. She holds a degree in Media, Information, and Film, and enjoys guiding children as they explore a variety of art mediums, as well as learn and discovering through outdoor play. Danielle values building individual connections with each child by creating a safe and welcoming space where they feel comfortable, learn through play, and enjoy fun, meaningful experiences with their classmates and teachers.

• Dianne

  Dianne earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Cornerstone University, along with her degree in Child Development from Grand Rapids Community College. She brings over thirty years of experience in the field of Education and has been with Goddard for nearly 10 years. Some of Dianne’s favorite things to do with children include reading stories, singing songs and just getting on the floor to play with them!

• Emily

  With over 6 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Ms. Emily is currently pursuing her degree in Early Childhood. She believes that every child is unique and brings their own special strengths to the classroom. Using her experience and passion for teaching, Ms. Emily encourages confidence, independence, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of learning in her students. Her favorite moments in the classroom are when she’s engaging with children in creative arts and sharing stories through books. Whether through painting, crafting, or reading together, Ms. Emily finds joy in watching children explore, express themselves, and grow each day.

• Julie

  With a degree in Arts and over 8 years of experience working with young children, Ms. Julie has discovered a true passion for early childhood education. She loves being part of the important early years, where she feels she can make a meaningful difference in children’s lives by helping them build friendships, develop social skills, and foster a love for literature, one of her personal favorites. Ms. Julie believes that consistency, structure, and routine are key in creating a classroom environment where children feel secure and confident. Through this approach, she helps guide children on their learning journey, encouraging them to grow academically, socially, and emotionally each day.

• Kallie

  Ms. Kallie brings over 7 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and holds a degree in Early Childhood, Science, and Art. She believes that a warm, nurturing, and hands-on learning environment is essential for children to truly thrive. In the Junior Kindergarten classroom, Ms. Kallie creates a space where children feel safe, valued, and confident to express themselves. Through clear boundaries, consistent routines, and a focus on independence, she helps her students build the skills they need for success in school and beyond. The heart of Ms. Kallie’s teaching is building strong relationships with both children and families. She values collaboration and daily communication as a way to foster trust and support each child’s growth. Her favorite part of teaching is working in small groups, where she can provide personalized attention, guide targeted skill development, and prepare her students for Kindergarten with confidence and joy.

• Lora

  During her time at The Goddard School, Ms. Lora has discovered a true passion for Early Childhood Education. In the Two’s A classroom, she can often be found down at the children’s level playing, engaging, and sharing in one of her favorite activities: music and movement. Known for her nurturing nature, Ms. Lora provides consistent praise, encouragement, and guidance to her young learners. She takes joy in supporting each child’s growth and helping them develop the confidence and skills they need to explore the world around them.

• Unika

  With a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and over 5 years of experience working with children, Ms. Unika brings both knowledge and passion to the Two’s B classroom. Her charismatic yet calm energy creates a welcoming environment where children feel encouraged to be curious, explore freely, and engage with the world around them. Ms. Unika’s goal is to spark a lifelong joy in learning while helping children build self-confidence and develop their natural curiosity through asking questions and trying new things. Some of her favorite activities with the children include creative arts and hands-on exploration, where she loves to see their imaginations and independence shine.