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 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 Bachelor of Arts Degree 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 truly values how each child learns in his or her own way and teachers need to provide a classroom that is enriching and inviting for all its students. Children need to 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 Early Childhood Policy Fellow. Mona joined the Goddard School in January 2022.

• Ms JoAnn

  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 has over 20 years experience working 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 Alyssa

  Ms. Alyssa is a teaching artist holding both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Theatre Performance, which has allowed her to work with students of all ages. She has also taken Early Childhood Education courses at Truman College in Chicago and has an ECE Level One Credential. Most recently, Alyssa worked as a lead teacher in the Get Set room at the Goddard School in Lincoln Park, Chicago. Alyssa is passionate about using her background in the arts to help young children learn to express themselves, understand their emotions, develop effective communication skills, and have fun doing it! Ms. Alyssa joined The Goddard School in Darien in September of 2022.

• 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 is excited to be joining the Get Set classroom October 2022.

• Ms Cinthya

  Hello, my name is Cinthya Quiroz. I was born in Mexico and have been living in the USA for 8 years now. I have a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education. I previously worked in a daycare center where I cared for toddlers. I enjoy going to the movies and taking walks to the park. I have 2 dogs named Zoey and Roxie. I would like to grow my career in teaching and eventually become a Bilingual Teacher. Ms. Cinthya joined Goddard in June 2023.

• Ms Daniela

  Hello, my name is Daniela! I am currently a student at Triton College. I am pursuing a degree for child psychology. I have worked with young children for 5 years by being a nanny and an assistant teacher. I enjoy working with toddlers because they have so much energy and love teacher cuddles. My favorite hobbies are going shopping, traveling and going to the gym. I love being productive! I am looking forward to working for Goddard School as a teacher! Daniela joined the Goddard School in February 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 special needs children 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 has 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

• Ms Dorota

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

• Ms Jovana

  My name is Miss Jovana, and I am a teacher in Preschool 2. I’m so excited to begin the school year and spend quality time together! I recently graduated in May 2022 from Millikin University with a B.A. in Theater and Minor in Organizational Leadership. Throughout my life I have worked with a wide range of ages, and loved working with kids the most! I recently left The Gardner School at Yorktown where I taught Preschool. I have done many productions at Artreach Educational Theater where I mentored kids for many years. I am very interested in child development and the many things that impact a child’s ability to achieve major life milestones. Additionally, I hope to use my 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

  Hi, my name is Kayla! I have been a preschool and toddler teacher for over 2 years. In 2021, I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. I believe my psychology background offers a unique perspective to teaching and understanding the minds of our little ones. One of my favorite out-of-work hobbies is creating art. So, I love 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 received her Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies from Western Illinois University. She has two handsome sons that keep her very busy and on the tips of her toes. She has been working with all different ages for over ten years, primarily with toddlers. Ms. Megan absolutely loves teaching and believes that a classroom full of color is the best kind. She enjoys interacting with the children in her classroom on a daily basis, watching them learn and grow every step of the way. She believes that relationships and communication are very important, not just between the teachers and the children, but between the teachers and parents as well. Ms. Megan joined The Goddard School in January of 2021.

• Ms Melanie

  Ms. Melanie received her Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre and loves bringing the arts, music, and imagination into her classrooms! She taught at The Goddard School in Lincoln Park for 4 years, leading classrooms between 14 months and 5 years old, during which time she also took several Early Childhood Education courses at Harold Washington College. Ms. Melanie is excited to use her roughly 14 years of special education experience and a play-based, multi-sensory approach to create a flexible environment for the children in her care. She is pursuing a Master’s of Education in Special Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Special Education and Autism, with the long-term goal of opening a school that formally incorporates the arts and therapeutic practices in integrated classrooms. Melanie joined our Goddard School in July 2023.

• Ms Melissa

  Ms. Melissa holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of St. Francis. She is Board Certified Type 03 in Elementary Education. Ms. Melissa has taught children ages 6 week to 12 years of age, including secondary schooling. She was most recently the Pre-K teacher in a local preschool and also substituted in local public school districts. She joined our team in August 2014.

• Ms Meredith

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

• 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 Ryann

  Ms. Ryann holds an Applied Science Degree from Robert Morris University, and has earned Early Childhood Education Credits from the College of Dupage. Ms. Ryann has over ten years of experience caring for children 6 weeks to 12 years in age, and has specialized in infant and toddler care. She has completed the Quality Rating System requirements for the State of Illinois and National Association Credential. She joined our team in July 2014.

• 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 has 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 has over 15 years of experience working with children 6 weeks through high school age. She joined our team in March 2015.

• Ms Cassandra

  Hi my name is Cassie! I'm currently a student at College of DuPage, working towards becoming a teacher. Before coming to Goddard, I had been working with children as a nanny for 3 years. My hobbies are hiking and camping. Toddlers are so incredible to work with and I look forward to teaching and inspiring kids as they learn and grow. Ms. Cassie joined the Goddard School in April 2023.

• Ms Isabel

  I am pleased to join The Goddard School as the Spanish Resource Teacher . I am a native from Mexico, and I am very proud to teach my language and my culture to children. I have been working in education for thirty-one years. I have a B.A in Education from Mexico. I taught children from kindergarten to 6th grade in Mexico for 15 years. When I came to the United States, I 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 me a better understanding of the process of teaching a foreign language. I take advantage of my personal experience in order to implement my teaching methods. I am very creative and excited to bring those talents to the Spanish program and the children I teach. I look forward to having a very successful school year.

• Ms Jamie

  Ms. Jamie has been working with children for the last twenty years. She has worked with all different ages and loves them all. She has taken Early Childhood Education 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. Jamie joined The Goddard School in August of 2020.

• Ms Jaqueline

  Hello, my name is Jackie. I took 3 years of child development in high school 2 of which were in a preschool setting with children which is where I gained my passion for guiding and nurturing growth and development in young children. I am currently a student at C.O.D to achieve my associates degree and then my bachelors. I whole heartedly enjoy facilitating the development of our young students with kindness and respect. I hope to 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

  My name is Mrs. Paulina Budzyk, and i am thrilled to join the Goddard School as a Resource Teacher. I am bilingual in both English and Polish. I hold a Associates Degree in Applied Science from Moraine Valley Community College. Throughout the years, I have worked with the our youngest learners all the way up to older Elementary Students. I believe education is the most gratifying when children have guidance, patience and encouragement When I am at home, I spend time with my family including playing soccer with my two boys.

• 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. She has a granddaughter who is seven and a grandson who is five that recently graduated from The Goddard School. 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

  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.