The Goddard School of Darien

Bios

• Mr Michael

  Michael Petrucelli - On-site Owner - As a father, business owner, and community member, Michael recognizes the important role that a caring and supportive environment plays in helping to create a fun, engaging, and dynamic learning atmosphere in which children can thrive and develop a life long love of learning. After a 20-year career in the financial services industry, Michael wanted to start and operate a business that could make a positive difference for the families and the communities it would serve. Believing strongly in the opportunities that education can provide (Michael holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, an M.B.A. in Finance and an M.A. in Economics) and wanting to pursue his interest in education, while serving the community, Michael decided to open The Goddard School® located in Darien. Michael and The Goddard School are committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience possible, that will enrich every child's emotional, social, intellectual and physical development, while providing the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

• Ms Lisa

  Ms. Lisa is a Director at The Goddard School located in Darien. She has been a member of our team since September 2013. She initially joined us as a Lead Teacher in one of our Preschool classrooms. Ms. Lisa has over 30 years of teaching and child care experience. She holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Triton College. Lisa believes that as preschool educators we have the responsibility to help our children grow to feel secure and confident to become leaders in their future educational experiences.

• Ms Mona

  Ms. Mona has a B.A. in Sociology and Elementary Education from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She quickly realized that Early Childhood Education is her passion. She has been in the field for over twenty years as a teacher, program director and assistant director. Mona values how each child learns in their own way and teachers need to provide a classroom that is enriching and inviting for all students. Children should be given the opportunity to learn from a healthy, loving and nurturing environment where they can begin to trust other adults and develop friendships. Mona also believes in collaborating with and building strong relationships with families to support their children’s learning and development. Mona is committed to advocating for teachers and the youngest children in our schools. She is a 2021-2022 Teach Plus Illinois ECE Policy Fellow and was recently selected as a member of Birth to Five Action Council Region 19. Mona joined the Goddard School in January 2022.

• Ms JoAnn

  Ms. JoAnn joined The Goddard School as Assistant Director in November of 2021. She is a graduate of The University of Illinois-Chicago with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. JoAnn came to us with over 20 years experience teaching within the fields of Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She believes that all children have the ability to reach their greatest potential when given the opportunity in a nurturing and positive environment.

• Ms Asiah

  Ms. Asiah received her Bachelors degree in early childhood education with an approval for early childhood special education from Western Illinois University in 2020. Throughout college she worked as a lead teacher in a 3-5 pre-k classroom in a child development center in North Riverside, IL. Ms. Asiah has 2 years experience of teaching in a first-grade inclusive classroom working with students at different development stages. She loves working with students and helping them learn through play. Ms. Asiah joined the Goddard School in October 2022.

• Ms Cinthya

  Ms. Cinthya holds a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education. Prior to joining our school, Ms. Cinthya worked in a daycare center where she cared for toddlers. She enjoys going to the movies and taking walks to the park. She has 2 dogs named Zoey and Roxie. She would like to grow her career in teaching and eventually become a Bilingual Teacher. Ms. Cinthya joined Goddard in June 2023.

• Ms Dolores

  Ms. Dee brings extensive experience with her to The Goddard School. Besides having operated her own home based child care center for 10 years, she has also worked with children with special needs at a local elementary school for 8 years, and worked as a reading aide. She joined our team in March 2014.

• Ms Donna

  Ms. Donna is excited to join the faculty at The Goddard School. She joins us with 25 years of experience caring for and educating young children. Donna earned her Associates of Arts Degree and holds a Certificate in Child Development from the College of Du Page. Donna is a long time member of NAEYC, and has been active in their local chapter serving on the board for 6 years. Donna loves the energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity that young children have, and she looks forward to actively guiding their development. Donna joined the Goddard School in September 2018.

• Ms Dorota

  Ms. Dorota received her Master's Degree from Hugo Kollataj Agricultural Academy in Poland. She has also completed classwork at Morton College and Moraine Valley College. Ms. Dorota joined our team in December 2013 with twelve years of experience working with children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age.

• Ms Jovana

  Ms. Jovana is very excited to join our school as our Preschool 2 teacher. She is a 2022 graduate of Millikin University with a B.A. in Theater and Minor in Organizational Leadership. Throughout her life she has worked with a wide range of ages, and loved working with young children the most. She comes to us with experience teaching preschool aged children and also has done many productions at Artreach Educational Theater where she mentored kids for many years. She is very interested in child development and the many things that impact a child’s ability to achieve major life milestones. Additionally, she hopes to use her experience in leadership and theater to foster a creative and curious classroom environment, inviting the students to ask questions and explore what interests them. Miss Jovana joined The Goddard School in September 2023.

• Ms Kayla

  Ms. Kayla joins the Goddard School having been a preschool and toddler teacher for over 2 years. In 2021, she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. Kayla believes her psychology background offers a unique perspective to teaching and understanding the minds of our little ones. One of her favorite out-of-work hobbies is creating art. So, she loves incorporating arts and crafts into the classroom! Ms. Kayla joined the Goddard School in May of 2023.

• Mr Kevin

  Mr. Kevin holds an AAS degree from The College of DuPage in Early Childhood Education. Kevin has taught preschool children for 4 years, teaching ages 3-5 year olds, including elementary students in both preschool and church based programs. Most recently, Kevin taught in the 3’s preschool classrooms at The Goddard School in Bloomingdale. He is a member of NAEYC, Illinois Action for Children and Kids with Food Allergies Foundation. He joined our team in August 2014.

• Ms Kimberly

  Ms. Kim graduated from the College of Dupage with her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. She also earned a certificate specializing in infant, toddler, and two year old care. She joined our team in June 2013.

• Ms Megan

  Ms. Megan is happy to be teaching in the Toddler 2 classroom. She is a graduate from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis in Child Development. During that time she also earned an ESL endorsement in Spanish (English as a Second Language). Ms. Megan worked with children of various ages through many roles such as coaching Park District soccer, nannying, and also taught Two’s and Preschool. She is excited to continue her teaching journey here at the Goddard School in Darien! Ms. Megan joined our team in August 2024.

• Ms Melissa

  Ms. Melissa attended Northern Illinois University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, with an emphasis in ESL (English as a Second Language). She is most excited to incorporate her teaching experiences with older and younger grades into the Goddard school classrooms alongside other educators. She plans to create harmony and connection within the classroom, while ensuring that the needs of every child is met. Students should learn to grow, play, and succeed in an educational and playful environment that allows them to learn the life around them. Everyday she strives to grow as an educator for all age ranges and ensure the successful exploration and shaping of student’s minds. Ms. Melissa joined The Goddard School in May 2024.

• Ms Meredith

  Ms. Meredith received her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Benedictine University. Ms. Meredith joined our school in June of 2013 with 15 years of experience working with and teaching preschool age children.

• Ms Natalie

  Ms. Natalie holds an associates degree from College of DuPage and earned two certificates in early childhood, including a director certificate. She began working in childcare in 2015. She worked as a before and afternoon care teacher and also a pre-k teacher for 4 years. She later began to have an interest in infants and became an infant teacher. While an infant teacher, she went back to school to National Louis University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She also holds a professional educators license in the state of Illinois. Before coming to Goddard, in August 2024, she was working in a public school district and was the teacher for a program called Preschool For All. There she worked with students ages 3-5 who had special needs.

• Ms Nora

  Ms. Nora received her Child Development degree from Northern Illinois University. She has been working in the Early Childhood Education field since 2011, working with children from 6 weeks - 2 years of age. She joined our team in December 2012 as one of our school’s founding teachers. Ms. Nora was recognized as one of Goddard System’s Top Teachers in 2022, being named Top Toddler Teacher for the Central Region.

• Ms Renee

  Ms. Renee graduated from Illinois State University. Her degree is in English Studies, with an emphasis in children's literature, and a minor in Children Studies. Ms. Renee has taught children ages 6 weeks to school age for numerous years and loves to watching the children grow and learn everyday. Ms. Renee has been a member of our team since September of 2018.

• Ms Samia

  Ms. Samia holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Ain Shams University in Egypt, and continued her studies in Early Childhood Education at the College of Dupage. She has been teaching four and five year olds for over 20 years, with a focus on preschool aged children for the last 8 years. Ms. Samia shares her life-long love of chess with our Pre-School and Pre-K students through our "Chess at Three" Program. She joined our team in March 2014.

• Ms Sandra

  Ms. Sandi attended Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles, CA., where she earned a Bachelor's degree in child development. Ms. Sandi joined the Goddard School with over 5 years of experience working in preschool settings with children 6 weeks through 6 years in age. She joined our team in February 2015.

• Ms Soledad

  Ms. Soledad holds a degree in Early Childhood Education & Care from the College of Dupage. Ms. Soledad started caring for Preschool age children in 2010. She joined our team in January 2014.

• Ms Treena

  Ms. Treena holds an Associates Degree in Applied Science with course work in Education, Criminal Justice, and Healthcare. Ms. Treena had over 15 years of experience working with children 6 weeks through high school age when she joined our team in March 2015.

• Ms Isabel

  Ms. Isabel is pleased to join The Goddard School as the Spanish Resource Teacher. She is a native from Mexico and is very proud to teach her language and culture to children. Prior to joining our school, Ms. Isabel had been working in education for thirty-one years. She holds a B.A in Education from Mexico where she taught children from kindergarten to 6th grade for 15 years. When she moved to the United States, she worked for 16 years with Chicago Public schools as an educator for pre-k to 8th grade students in the Special Education Program. Living in a different country and learning another language, has given her a better understanding of the process of teaching a foreign language. She takes advantage of her personal experience in order to implement teaching methods. She is very creative and excited to bring those talents to the Spanish program and the children of the Goddard school. Ms. Isabel joined our school in August 2019.

• Ms Jamie

  Ms. Jamie joined our school in August of 2020 with over 20 years experience in Early Childhood Education. She has worked with all different ages and loves them all. She has taken ECE classes at College of DuPage. Ms. Jamie was also a Girl Scout leader for four years. Her favorite things to do are listening to 80’s music and spending time with friends.

• Ms Jaqueline

  Ms. Jackie took 3 years of child development in high school 2 of which were in a preschool setting with children which is where she gained her passion for guiding and nurturing growth and development in young children. She is currently a student at C.O.D working towards an associates degree. She whole heartedly enjoys facilitating the development of our young students with kindness and respect. She hopes to one day achieve a spot as a lead teacher and create an inclusive and understanding classroom for all. Ms. Jackie joined The Goddard School in August 2023.

• Ms Paulina

  Ms. Paulina is thrilled to join the Goddard School as an Assistant Teacher. She is bilingual in both English and Polish and holds an Associates Degree in Applied Science from Moraine Valley Community College. Throughout the years, she has worked with the our youngest learners all the way up to older Elementary Students. She believe education is the most gratifying when children have guidance, patience and encouragement. When at home, Ms. Paulina enjoys spending time with family including playing soccer with her two boys. Ms. Paulina joined our school in September 2021.

• Ms Rebecca

  Ms. Rebecca is a student at Moraine Valley Community College, where she is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. With seven years of experience working with children, she has gained valuable skills that have greatly enhanced her understanding of their development and needs. Her passion for nurturing young minds helps create a fun, engaging environment. In her spare time she loves to sing, paint and rollerskate. She takes pride in being a safe and supportive space for kids to feel free, silly, and truly themselves. Ms. Rebecca joined our school in September 2024.

• Ms Rosemary

  Ms. Rosemary is overjoyed to be an assistant teacher at The Goddard School. She graduated from Illinois State University in 2019, receiving a bachelors in Sociology. She has always been drawn to children and has known she wanted to work in early childhood from a very young age. After graduation, she went on to work as a Behavior Technician, specializing in providing ABA therapy to young children on the autism spectrum. This experience opened her eyes to the beauty and extraordinary gifts each child possesses, and further strengthened her love of working with children. She believes that all children are unique, each with their own ways of reaching and achieving goals, and that connecting with the child individually and nurturing their creativity creates a love for learning that will last a lifetime. Ms. Rosemary joined The Goddard School in November 2023.

• Ms Stephanie

  Ms. Stephanie is very excited to be a part of The Goddard School community. She joined our school in September of 2025. Ms. Stephanie has worked in childcare since 2011. She has experience with children of all ages but most recently assisted in a Toddler classroom for 3 years. Outside of work, Ms. Stephanie enjoys spending time with friends and family.

• Ms Susan

  Ms. Susan graduated from Loyola University with a BA in Business Administration and a minor in Education. Her graduate work is in Early Childhood Education and she earned a State of Illinois license in Early Childhood, Elementary, High School, and Early Childhood Special Needs Education. Ms. Susan has taught at the Elementary School level for a decade in the primary grades. Since 2008, she has focused teaching her preferred age group - Early Childhood. "I enjoy the process and growth in children in these pivotal, early stages - both academically and socially." Ms. Susan enjoys watching sports with her two grown sons as well as swimming, music, walking, and spending time with their pets. Ms. Susan joined The Goddard School in May 2022.

• Ms Darlene

  Chef Darlene loves cooking and has always wanted to cook for others. She holds her Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu and has been a chef since 2011. On the weekend, Ms. Darlene cooks for her church. She has two grandchildren, one who is a Goddard Graduate. She enjoys hearing the children tell their parents about how delicious her cooking is. Chef Darlene joined The Goddard School in November of 2013.

• Ms Lu-Ann

  Ms. Lu-Ann was the founding Executive Director at the Goddard School located in Darien starting in October 2012, and held the role of Executive Director though early 2022. Lu-Ann graduated with a Bachelors of Arts from Concordia University in River Forest, and an Associate Degree from the College of DuPage. Lu-Ann has over 30 years of experience teaching and directing in the early childhood field. Lu-Ann also worked as an outreach coordinator for the Childcare Resource and Referral Agency and has sat on several non-for-profit early childhood advocacy boards. Lu-Ann is passionate about bringing the absolute best early educational program to children and families, while empowering faculty to teach from the heart. Lu-Ann believes that the Goddard School offers the highest quality program, and is very excited about meeting new families that can share the Goddard experience.