The Goddard School of Plainfield

Bios

• Jane and Boris

  Jane & Boris are the proud owners of The Goddard School in Plainfield! Together, they are dedicated to building a strong community through high-quality early childhood education. Jane holds degrees in Business and Psychology from Bradley University and a Master’s in Education from DePaul University. With a background as an elementary education teacher, Jane is passionate about early childhood development and fostering a love for learning in young children. Boris has degrees in Finance and Technology, as well as an MBA from the University of Chicago. Before joining Jane to open The Goddard School, Boris worked as a consultant at Accenture, where he honed his strategic and operational expertise. Beyond their professional lives, Jane and Boris are a family-focused duo. They are proud parents to two children, Nona and Maks. Their household also includes Nika, an adorable Labradoodle, and Camille, a leopard gecko that keeps things lively.

• Ms Nicole

  Ms. Nicole graduated from Governors State University Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then took additional courses from UCLA and JJC to continue her education in working with children and to enhance her leadership skills. Ms. Nicole has more than 10 years of experience working in the Early Education field both in the classroom and in leadership. Ms. Nicole also was named "Teacher of the Year" in 2020! Ms. Nicole also has two young children who are regulars here at Goddard, Declan and Riley!

• Ms Alyssa

  Ms. Alyssa loves working with children! She began nannying during the summertime at 18 years old. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with her bachelor’s degree in Family Individual Development. Ms. Alyssa started her career at KinderCare in 2014 and taught Pre-K and Preschool. She then moved to Michigan for some time and taught at the Goddard School there. While at the Goddard School, she started in their toddler room and moved to Pre-K. When Ms. Alyssa returned to Illinois and began nannying for multiple children of a wide range of ages. A fun fact about Ms. Alyssa is that she has a daughter that she enjoys spending all of her time with! She looks forward to creating lots of memories for your little ones and helping them blossom along the way!

• Ms Michele

  With a passion for early childhood education that began in 2008, Ms. Michele brings years of experience, dedication, and heart to her role as Assistant Director. She holds an associate’s degree in arts and has continued her studies in Early Childhood Education at National Louis University, always striving to grow as an educator and leader. Ms. Michele loves creating enriching, playful environments where children can explore, imagine, and grow. Her interests in art, music, and science shine through in the classroom, inspiring curiosity and creativity in every child she works with. Outside of work, Ms. Michele enjoys spending time outdoors—camping, kayaking, and hiking with her family. She’s a proud mom to three wonderful daughters and shares a busy, love-filled home with two dogs and two cats. She is looking forward to watching each child grow, learn, and blossom during their time here.

• Ms Aliona

  Ms. Aliona is a passionate educator with a deep love for languages and a heart for inspiring young minds. She holds a degree in Secondary Education, specializing in teaching French and Italian. With over a decade of experience working with teenagers since 2011, Ms. Aliona has honed her skills in creating engaging and nurturing learning environments. After moving to the United States, Ms. Aliona expanded her horizons and immersed herself in early childhood education for over a year. Her diverse background in education allows her to bring a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to her current role. As a proud parent of two wonderful children, Ms. Aliona understands firsthand the importance of a positive and supportive environment for a child’s growth and development. She is dedicated to fostering a loving and stimulating atmosphere where children can thrive, explore their potential, and cultivate a lifelong love for learning.

• Ms Brittany

  Ms. Brittany is very excited to begin her journey at The Goddard School! She brings over 10 years of experience in childcare, with a background that includes nannying and working one-on-one with children with autism. Her dedication to supporting children through all stages of development is rooted in both her professional experiences and her passion for helping little ones thrive. Ms. Brittany holds an Associate’s Degree from Joliet Junior College and a Bachelor’s Degree from Aurora University. She is eager to bring her knowledge and enthusiasm into the classroom, guiding children as they reach important milestones and celebrating each success along the way. Outside of the classroom, Brittany loves spending time outdoors and sharing adventures with her son, showing him the many wonders of the world. She strongly believes that children teach just as much as they learn, and she is committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where every child can grow, explore, and shine.

• Ms Christina

  Ms. Christina combines her passion for education with her love for nurturing young minds. With an associate degree in Arts from Moraine Valley and her current pursuit of a degree in Elementary Education at National Louis University, Christina brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her classroom. Her five years of experience as a paraprofessional in the Plainfield school district have deepened her commitment to inspiring children and fostering a love of learning. At home, Christina enjoys family life with her husband, a dedicated Deputy Sheriff for Cook County, and their three wonderful daughters. Ms. Christina believes that a classroom should be a sanctuary of safety and growth, where children are encouraged to help every child in her care thrive and reach their fullest potential.

• Ms Eleni

  Ms. Eleni has several years’ experience working with children and absolutely loves being part of their growth and development. While most of her experience has been with preschool-aged children, she has also worked with little ones as young as six weeks and children up to twelve years old. A proud graduate of Minooka Community High School’s Class of 2022, Ms. Eleni went on to earn her Associate’s degree in Art from Joliet Junior College and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at Lewis University. Her goal is to become a first-grade teacher. Ms. Eleni is passionate about creating a warm, engaging, and creative learning environment where every child can explore, learn, and shine.

• Ms Hailey

  Ms. Hailey has been working in childcare for seven years and brings both passion and experience to the classroom. After graduating high school in 2019, she earned her Child Development Associate credential in 2021 and is continuing her education at Joliet Junior College, where she is studying to become a pediatric sonographer. Her love of working with children continues to inspire her as she grows in both her career and education. In the classroom, Ms. Hailey’s top priority is creating a fun, welcoming, and comfortable learning environment where every child feels supported and encouraged to explore new skills. She enjoys celebrating each milestone, whether big or small, and takes pride in helping children develop confidence and joy in learning. Ms. Hailey is excited to be part of your child’s journey this year and looks forward to making it a wonderful and memorable experience!

• Ms Jessica

  Ms. Jessica is thrilled to be teaching here at the Goddard School! With an associate degree in education and teaching and over 8 years of preschool teaching experience and 5 years in childcare, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. Ms. Jessica's passion lies in making learning enjoyable for preschoolers, often incorporating hands-on activities and lively songs. Her favorite preschool books include any from the Llama Llama series. Witnessing the moment when ideas click in a child's mind and celebrating their accomplishments brings her immense joy. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Jessica enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family and friends. Having recently moved to the state of Illinois and Plainfield, she is eager to explore and discover the wonderful aspects that make Plainfield unique.

• Ms Kara

  Ms. Kara will be a Senior at Illinois State University this upcoming fall! She graduated from Minooka Community High School in 2020 and is seeking a Business Administration degree with a double minor in both Spanish and Psychology at Illinois State. Kara has been working with children of all ages for the past 10 years! After graduating college, she would love to attend Law School and become a Family Lawyer! The most rewarding experience for her so far while working with children has been to establish a connection and to allow each child to always reach their goals because it is so important to see them grow in their own ways!

• Ms Kristina

  Meet Ms. Kristina! With over 10 years of experience in childcare, including nannying and teaching in various centers, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. Ms. Kristina is dedicated to creating a nurturing and engaging environment where children can thrive as they reach important milestones. She loves exploring her creative side through photography, diving into computer games, and listening to music. When she’s not working, she cherishes quality time with her family, which includes her two wonderful children—a son and a daughter—and their furry companion, a beloved dog. A fun fact about Ms. Kristina is that she was a gymnast for an impressive 15 years! This dedication to hard work and perseverance shines through in her approach to teaching and supporting young learners. Committed to her professional growth, Ms. Kristina plans to continue her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education!

• Ms Lauryn

  Ms. Lauryn holds her Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Science from Illinois State University, where she developed a deep understanding of child and family dynamics. As part of her graduate program, she completed an impactful internship with DCFS, supporting children and families in the foster care system—an experience that further fueled her dedication to early childhood development. Since 2016, Ms. Lauryn has been working in the early childhood education field, gaining hands-on experience with a wide range of age groups. While she has loved each step of her journey, her heart truly belongs to working with toddlers. She finds great joy in witnessing their curiosity, growth, and daily discoveries and considers it a privilege to be part of such an important stage in their development. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Lauryn is all about making memories with the people she loves. Whether she's adventuring through Disney World with her family or diving into a good book!

• Ms Madelynn

  Ms. Maddie is an enthusiastic and dedicated educator who recently joined the Goddard School community. She graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Health Sciences, specializing in Speech and Hearing. Currently, she is pursuing additional coursework in preparation for her Master’s in Nursing with a focus on Neuroscience, a field she finds deeply inspiring. Ms. Maddie’s passion for working with children drives her every day. She is continually amazed by the curiosity and creativity of young minds and takes great joy in helping them explore, learn, and grow. She is committed to fostering a nurturing and engaging classroom environment where each child feels supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Ms. Maddie looks forward to getting to know the unique and wonderful children in her care. She is excited to be part of their educational journey and is eager to celebrate their individual needs!

• Ms Stephanie

  Ms. Stephanie is currently working toward her degree in Elementary Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her passion for teaching began early—growing up in a home where her mother ran a daycare and later became a teacher at Grande Park Elementary. Surrounded by children from a young age, Stephanie naturally stepped into a caregiver role as the oldest of three siblings and started babysitting over eight years ago. Since the fall of 2016, she has been a dedicated volunteer at Grande Park Elementary, where she’s gained valuable classroom experience and confirmed her desire to become an educator. Ms. Stephanie loves building connections with children and creating a warm, supportive learning environment. In her free time, she enjoys being with friends and family, traveling, walking her dogs, and watching baseball. Her caring nature and dedication to helping children grow make her a wonderful addition to our Goddard family!

• Ms Tiffany

  Ms. Tiffany has her associate degree from Joliet Junior College. She has over eight years working with children ages six weeks to school aged children. Ms. Tiffany especially enjoys teaching our tiniest learners in the infant room. Ms. Tiffany says her favorite part of teaching children is seeing their smiling faces. During her free time, she enjoys hanging out at home relaxing and spending time with her niece and nephew!

• Ms Trinity

  Ms. Trinity brings over 8 years of experience working with children, combining her professional expertise with a genuine passion for early childhood education. She holds a Child Development Associate credential specializing in infants and toddlers, and as both a teacher and a mother, she understands the importance of creating a classroom that feels safe, nurturing, and full of opportunities to learn and grow. Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing those “lightbulb moments” when children discover something new—whether it’s a skill, a word, or a confidence boost. She cherishes celebrating each milestone and feels honored to be part of such an important stage in their lives. One of her favorite children’s books is Goodnight Moon, which reflects her appreciation for simple yet meaningful moments of connection with little ones. Outside the classroom, Trinity enjoys baking, a hobby that allows her to pour creativity and love into everything she makes!

• Ms Alma

  Ms. Alma is an enthusiastic and caring member of the daycare team who is passionate about nurturing young minds. Graduating from East Aurora High School in 2022 with a "Seal of Biliteracy," Alma has a strong ability to connect with children and families from diverse backgrounds. With two years of experience in retail, she has developed essential skills like patience, responsibility, and attention to detail, all of which she brings into her work with children. Alma finds true joy in seeing the smiles and happiness on children's faces as they engage, play, and grow together.

• Ms Britney

  Ms. Britney has been passionate about working with children since 2021 when she first began her career in early childhood education. She started in a daycare setting, working closely with toddlers in the 2-3-year-old classroom, where she fostered a love for learning through play and hands-on activities. Eager to expand her impact, Ms. Britney earned her paraprofessional license and transitioned to a therapeutic day school, where she worked with young elementary-aged children with Autism. She gained valuable experience supporting nonverbal children, helping them communicate through assistive devices, and creating a nurturing environment tailored to their unique needs. She later worked with older students in a 4th/5th-grade classroom before returning to her true passion—working with younger elementary children. With her experience in both early childhood education and special education, Ms. Britney is dedicated to creating a warm, inclusive, and engaging environment!

• Ms Cindy

  Ms. Cindy began working in Early Childhood Education over two years ago and quickly developed a passion for supporting young minds as they grow. She is currently studying psychology in college with the goal of becoming a child therapist. Cindy has experience working with all age groups and has served as a co-teacher in Infant through Pre-K classrooms. She is especially passionate about building strong connections and secure attachments with the children in her care. Cindy is also a proud mother of two young children. Since joining the Goddard family, Cindy has felt warmly welcomed and is excited to continue growing and making a positive impact at the center.

• Ms Dilini

  Ms. Dilini has been dedicated to nurturing and educating children since 2014. With a Bachelor of Arts in History from the esteemed University of Peradeniya, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep appreciation for learning into the classroom. As a mother herself, Ms. Dilini understands the importance of creating a warm and welcoming environment where children feel safe, valued, and free to explore their curiosity. She firmly believes that a classroom should be a haven for interaction, growth, and discovery, fostering a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. When she’s not in the classroom, Ms. Dilini enjoys immersing herself in the world of books. Her passion for reading inspires her to share stories and spark imagination in young minds. Ms. Dilini is excited to partner with families in supporting their children’s growth and development, making every day a positive and enriching experience!

• Ms Jasmin

  Ms. Jasmin is currently taking classes at Joliet Junior College to earn her degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Jasmin thought she wanted to be a pediatrician, but quickly realized that she did not like intensive math courses and decided to continue her education with a degree in which she could pursue teaching. Jasmin believes that being around her younger siblings and her experience nannying only helped her love for children grow. She hopes to impact each child’s life in a positive manner by helping them grow both academically and socially. During her free time Jasmin loves reading, baking, and playing music!

• Ms Katrina

  Caring for children has always been a big part of Ms. Katrina’s life. From an early age, she found joy in babysitting for family and friends, quickly becoming the person everyone called when they needed a trusted and nurturing caregiver. Her dedication to childcare deepened through her experience with her younger brother, who has autism. While there were challenges along the way, she believes this experience has shaped her patience, compassion, and understanding of the unique needs of every child. During high school, Ms. Katrina took part in a hands-on Intro to Teaching course through the Grundee Area Vocational Center (GAVC), where she had the opportunity to work closely with kindergarten and third-grade classrooms. This experience confirmed her love for teaching and strengthened her desire to make a difference in children's lives. Ms. Katrina has always dreamed of fostering children and providing them with a loving, nurturing home. Her heart is truly in helping little ones grow!

• Ms Kaylee

  Ms. Kaylee has been dedicated to working with children for over 13 years, gaining valuable experience with every age group along the way. She finds immense joy in watching children learn, grow, and develop in their own unique ways. Seeing their excitement as they reach new milestones and gain confidence in themselves is what makes her passion for teaching so fulfilling. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Kaylee loves spending time outdoors. She enjoys taking her dog on long walks, hitting the golf course with friends and family, and making the most of sunny days by the river—whether it’s boating, fishing, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature. She is excited to bring her energy, experience, and love for teaching into the classroom every day!

• Ms Kyeana

  Ms. Kyeana brings to the table a wealth of expertise, boasting over four years of dedicated experience in the realm of child development. A proud alumna of Well High School, she seamlessly weaves her passion for education with a personal touch. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Kyeana finds joy in watching movies, indulging in retail therapy, and embarking on family vacations with her husband and son, who is also part of the vibrant community at Goddard. Her heart for working with children transcends mere profession; it's a calling grounded in the sincere desire to be a positive force in their lives and to forge lasting connections. Ms. Kyeana is not just an educator; she is a cultivator of relationships and a beacon of inspiration for the young minds under her care.

• Ms Mackenzie

  Meet Ms. Mackenzie! Mackenzie graduated high school from Plainfield North High school in 2023. She will be attending University of Western Michigan to study Early Childhood Education. Growing up, Mackenzie was always around children due to her mom owning an at home daycare. Helping out as much as she could, she found her passion in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Mackenzie started to nanny and babysit at the age of 14 and knew right away this was the career for her! Ms. Mackenzie thoroughly enjoys spending time with your wonderful children and cannot wait to create more memories and help them grow to their full potential!

• Mr Reese

  Mr. Reese is currently immersed in his educational journey at Joliet Junior College. With a remarkable seven-year tenure in Scouting, Reese achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, demonstrating resilience and leadership skills that he now brings to his academic pursuits. Amidst the lively atmosphere of his family home, where he shares cherished moments with three beloved siblings, a loyal canine companion, a friendly feline, and two adorable pigs, Reese finds inspiration in the joy of family bonds. His passion for storytelling and writing infuses his days with creativity and imagination, sparking smiles and wonder in all who encounter his tales. An avid collector of mugs, Reese delights in the simple pleasures of life and finds solace in the warmth of a cozy cup. With a heart brimming with compassion and a vision focused on nurturing young minds, Reese aspires to embark on a career in early childhood education. Driven by his profound desire to instill knowledge and kindness in fu

• Ms Reina

  Ms. Reina has been dedicated to working with children since she was 15 years old, beginning her journey through babysitting. She has always had a deep passion for teaching and believes strongly in making sure every child receives the same love and care at school that they would from their own family. She cares for each child as if they were her own, always striving to create a warm and supportive environment. Outside of the classroom, she has a passion for photography and loves capturing life's special moments. Ms. Reina believes that every child has the capability to become independent and confident. She is committed to encouraging and teaching independence, while patiently guiding children through the emotions and steps needed to get there. Her goal is to help every child grow not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

• Ms Skylar

  Ms. Skylar is excited to be graduating Spring of 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in art and is eager to continue her educational journey by pursuing a master’s degree in education. Her passion for working with children has blossomed over the years through her involvement at her church in Georgia, where she found immense joy in helping young minds grow, explore, and thrive. Skylar is thrilled to bring her creative background into the classroom, with a focus on fostering a warm, supportive, and engaging environment. She looks forward to making each child feel valued and inspired, while nurturing their curiosity and love for learning.

• Ms Ume

  Ms. Ume brings over six years of passion and experience in early childhood education to our school. Having taught in Pakistan, she combines a global perspective with deep expertise in fostering young learners’ development. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Allama Iqbal Open University and has earned three specialized diplomas in Montessori teaching methods from the Pakistan Montessori Council. Her hands-on experience in early childhood education has given her a profound understanding of child development, emphasizing the crucial role of play in learning. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Ume's background in retail has honed her focus, attention to detail, responsibility, and patience—qualities she seamlessly integrates into her teaching approach. Ms. Ume is excited to create a nurturing and engaging environment where your children can learn, grow, and explore the world around them. She looks forward to being a part of your child’s journey and supporting their unique needs!

• Ms Brenda

  Ms. Brenda is excited to begin her journey in early childhood education by bringing her warm, nurturing spirit into our school kitchen. With a genuine love for children and a passion for creating meals that brighten their day, she hopes to make every child feel special—with both a smile and a delicious plate of food. As a proud mom of two children who are also part of the Goddard family, Ms. Brenda understands the importance of building a caring, safe, and positive environment. She believes food can be a wonderful teacher and hopes to help children understand that all types of food can be good for our bodies—even if they’re not always our favorites. She also values cleanliness and is excited to show children how important it is to keep our food prep and eating spaces tidy and safe. In her free time, Ms. Brenda enjoys curling up with a good book and spending quality time relaxing at home with her family!