The Goddard School of Charlotte (Mallard Creek)

Bios

• Mandy

  Mandy and her husband John are the owners of The Goddard School at Mallard Creek and Highland Creek. Mandy earned a BA in Elementary Education with distinction from Goucher College in Maryland. She has worked in the field of education since 1997. She is a certified personal trainer, an experienced nutrition and wellness consultant and children's fitness specialist. John attended Belmont Abbey College.

• Jennifer

  Ms. Jennifer is our Executive Director. She has a BS in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education and has her level 3 NC Early Childhood Administration Credentials. Ms. Jennifer is pursuing her master's degree in BK Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development with a concentration in Early Childhood Leadership and Program Administration. Ms. Jennifer has worked at the Goddard School since October 2012.

• Erica

  Mrs. Erica is our wonderful Steam Teacher. She is currently taking BK courses. She has been in early childhood education for 7 years. Mrs. Erica's teaching philosophy is that every child is unique, find what makes them excited and use it to nourish the greatness that is there.

• Shamira

  Ms. Shamira is our Assistant Director. She holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Shamira has worked in the field of education since 2004 and has been with Goddard since November 2023. Her teaching philosophy is that all children are unique and deserve a nurturing environment where they feel valued, safe, and inspired to learn.

• Aaleayah

  Ms. Aaleayah is one of our lead teachers in the Talkative Toucans (Older Three's) classroom. She studied at Livingstone College, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Sociology. Ms. Aaleayah has been teaching for one year and has been with Goddard since July 2025. Her teaching philosophy is centered on creating a space where children can grow not just academically, but also socially and emotionally.

• Briana

  Ms. Briana is a lead teacher in our Friendly Fox (Preschool) classroom. She has her NC Credentials in Early Childhood Education. She has been in early childhood education for 3 years. Ms. Briana's philosophy is teaching provides the opportunity to be a positive and motivational influence in someone else’s life. I want to spread love, safeness, and happiness to all those I am arounds and make learning fun and memorable.

• Hydeia

  Ms. Hydeia is a lead teacher in the Cheerful Cheetahs Classroom. She is currently attending CSU for her bachelor's in psychology. She has been in early childhood education for one year. Ms. Hydeia's philosophy is it is important to make sure each child is having fun while learning. She feels it is also important to find strategies for each child that will suite them to help their individual learning process.

• India

  Ms. India is a lead teacher in our Proud Polar Bears (Bridge) classroom. She has been in early childhood education for over two years. Ms. India's teaching philosophy is active learning. She believes children learn best when they can actively engage in what their learning. She also believes guiding children and letting them be independent is very important to show they can do things on their own.

• Kanesha

  Ms. Kanesha is a lead teacher in our Talented Tigers (Pre-K) classroom. She has her North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials. Ms. Kanesha has worked in Early Childhood Education for 12 years. Ms. Kanesha is devoted to enhancing, developing, encouraging, and molding the minds of young children. She believes children are unique, creative, and imaginative, they need to explore, discover, and learn. “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”- Ignacio Estrada.

• Kaylee

  Ms. Kaylee is one of our Wacky Wallabies (Older ones) teacher. She is currently in college obtaining her CDA. She has been in early childhood education for one year. Ms. Kaylee teaching philosophy is to provide a safe, interactive, and an exciting environment for children to learn.

• Kendra

  Ms. Kendra is a lead teacher in our Playful Penguins (Ones) classroom. She has some college education in nursing and has been in the field of early childhood education for 3 years. Ms. Kendra teaching philosophy is to create a loving and safe environment where children feel secure, supported, and free to learn and grow.

• Kimberly

  Mrs. Kim is a lead teacher in our Friendly Foxes (Preschool) classroom. She has a CDA, Credentials 1 and 2 in Early Childhood Education. She has been in early childhood education for 34 years. Mrs. Kim's teaching philosophy is children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

• Kirsten

  Ms. Kirstin is a lead teacher in our Talkative Toucans (Older Three's) classroom. Ms. Kirstin has completed EDU-119 and plan to get her associates degree in early childhood education soon. Ms. Kirstin has been employed with Goddard since August 2025. Ms. Kirstin teaching philosophy centers on creating a stimulating and positive learning environment where every child feels secure and eager to explore.

• Kristen

  Ms. Kristen is one of our lead teachers in the Positive Pandas (Pre-K) classroom. Ms. Kristen graduated from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. She has been in the field of early childhood education for seven years and employed with Goddard since September 2025. Ms. Kristen teaching philosophy is to create a supportive and exciting learning environment where students are valued and motivated to learn and become better everyday.

• Makala

  Ms. Makala is a lead teacher in our Silly Seals (Infant) classroom. Ms. Makala has been in the field of early childhood education for three years and employed with Goddard since June 2025. Ms. Makala teaching philosophy is to create a safe, nurturing, and responsive environment where every child feels loved, secure, and valued.

• Mariah

  Ms. Mariah is our Kitchen Manager. She graduated from CCC for general education and has all of her Early Education Certification. She also was a student at UNCC for criminal justice, health and systems management. She has been in the field of education since 2020 and employed at Goddard since July 2024.

• Michelle

  Ms. Michelle is a lead teacher in our Eager Elephants (Toddler) classroom. She is currently attending Rowan Cabarrus Community College for her associate degree in B-K teacher licensure. She has been in early childhood education for 5 years. Ms. Michelle's teaching philosophy is to create an environment in which children can reach their full potential.

• Natalie

  Ms. Natalie is a lead teacher in our Wacky Wallabies (Older ones) classroom. She has her North Carolina teaching credentials. She has been in early childhood education for 12 years. Ms. Natalie's teaching philosophy is that children learn best through play and exploration. She will strive to provide a safe, nurturing environment that encourages their natural curiosity and growth.

• Queen

  Ms. Queen is a lead teacher in our Positive Pandas (Pre-K) classroom. She majored in individual studies, math, and science. In 2015 she graduated with her associate degree. She has been in early childhood education for five years. While working in early childcare she gained experience working with special needs children ages 3 – 12. Ms. Queen's philosophy is a classroom should be safe, caring environment where children are free to express their minds as they blossom and grow. Also, children learn best through play.

• Shayla

  Ms. Shayla is a lead teacher in our Silly Seals (Infant) Classroom. She is currently attending Central Piedmont Community College to pursue her associates degree in early childhood education. She has worked in the field of education for one year and employed with Goddard since May 2025. Ms. Shayla teaching philosophy is to create a warm, inclusive, and safe environment where every child feels valued. Ms. Shayla aims to nurture children social, emotional, and physical development through intentional and responsive teaching.

• Shyane

  Ms. Shyane is a lead teacher in our Talented Tigers (Pre-K) classroom. She has a bachelor’s degree from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke and a minor in English. She has been in early childhood education for 4 years and employed with Goddard since January 2022. Ms. Shyane's teaching philosophy is that every child learns at their own pace. She believes it's important to engage a variety of learning styles so that each child feels included and supported in their growth and learning.

• Tyeeicha

  Ms. Tyeeicha is a lead teacher in our Eager Elephants (Toddler) classroom. She has a BA in Early Childhood Education. She has been in early childhood education for 16 years. Ms. Tyeeicha believes that children learn best through play and repetition. Repetition provides practice children need to master new skills.

• Victoria

  Mrs. Victoria is our Lead Teacher in our Cheerful Cheetahs (Twos) Class. She has her NC Early Childhood Credentials and has been teaching early childhood education for 14 years. Mrs. Victoria believes that all children are unique and should be provided a stimulating education that allows them to grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

• Denise

  Ms. Denise is our Afternoon resource teacher.

• Barbara

  Ms. Barbara is our wonderful support teacher. She earned a BA in Mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa and has numerous years of experience in the field of education. Ms. Barbara has been employed with Goddard since September 2014. She believes that each child is special and just needs the right environment to reach their full potential.

• Bhargavi

  Ms. Bhargavi is one of our educational support specialist. She holds her MBA in Human Resources and Finance. She has been employed with Goddard since May 2025. Ms. Bhargavi teaching philosophy is centered on fostering strong partnerships with families and colleagues to ensure each child is supported and reaches their full potential.

• Caitlyn

  Caitlyn is one of our Educational Support Staff. She has been employed with Goddard since February 2025.

• Hanan

  Ms. Hanan is one of our wonderful Educational Support Specialist. She has a PHD in Educational Foundations. She has been in the teaching field since 1992 and taught children of all ages. Ms. Hanan believes information is the first step to putting our new generation on a path for future education and technology so they can have a good life.

• Yahzarrah

  Yah