The Goddard School of Dacula

Bios

• Mrs Erika

  Originally from Cincinnati, I came to Atlanta to pursue an electrical engineering degree from Georgia Tech. After graduating, I was employed by a fortune 100 company for 10+ years in various roles of increasing responsibility and leadership. It is also here where I have three US patents credited to my name. During this period I developed an interest in the business of our organization and earned an MBA from Emory University. Shortly thereafter I had two children and all changed! Opening The Goddard School has given me the ability to be more impactful in the lives of children as well as our community. I now feel that I am making a difference. Outside of operating the Goddard School, my time is spent with my family supporting my children’s very active extra-curricular schedule. Through the years, I have been active with my children’s school where I have served as PTA president, school council member, room mom, team mom and much more. I have a love of children’s book with my favorite being The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. My now college age children credit their love of learning to their years at The Goddard School. I am a graduate of Leadership Georgia, on the Board of Directors of Ferst Readers, and active in many service organizations. My goal for our school is to create a lifelong love of learning because we truly feel that this is the foundation for academic success. We also hope that our families make a few friends along the way!

• Catina

  Catina Smith, our Executive Director, offers a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our faculty, children and families. She has been serving families in licensed preschools since 1996. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services and a Master’s degree in Performance Improvement and Training. We look forward to her guidance as we continue to deliver the best possible preschool experience to our families. Catina has two sons which have inspired her passion for Early Childhood Education. She enjoys touching an entire family through the education of a young child. Her daily mantra is "to aspire to inspire".

• Carmen

  Ms. Carmen is originally from August, GA. She has 25 + years of experience in childcare industry. She has been employed with The Goddard for 15 years. Her favorite children's book author is James Dean (Pete The Cat Books). She enjoys teaching, talking to children, listening to them, trying to understand their emotional world, and be a good role model for them.

• Michelle

  Ms. Michelle is a passionate teacher in our Preschool classroom. Originally from Atlanta, GA, she earned her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Toledo in 2017. In her free time, Ms. Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, dancing, and watching football. She strongly believes in the power of education and teaching, often saying, “A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything!”

• Natalie

  Originally from Miami, Florida, Ms. Natalie brings over a decade of childcare experience and a background in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), giving her a compassionate approach to early education. After becoming a mother, she relocated to Georgia to be closer to family and advance her career. She holds a TCC and is pursuing a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education at Western Governors University. Passionate about helping children thrive, she enjoys family time and volunteering at her children’s school, supporting programs for students with special needs.

• Ms Hunter

  Ms. Hunter is our dedicated teacher in the Two-Year-Old classroom. She was born in Winder, Georgia, and earned her B.S. in Exercise Science (Clinical) from Georgia Gwinnett College in 2022. She has been working in the childcare industry since then and brings both enthusiasm and care to her role every day. Ms. Hunter loves watching children accomplish tasks they've been working hard on and seeing their faces light up with pride when they succeed. In her free time, she enjoys baking and making candles—activities that let her creativity shine.

• Isidrely

  Ms. Isidrely is originally from Venezuela and has lived in Georgia for the past four years. She began working in the childcare industry in 2024 and currently holds a TCC in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children. In her free time, Ms. Isidrely enjoys mini vacations, relaxing with movies, and spending quality time with her family.

• Ms Jennifer

  Ms. Jennifer is a Teacher in our Pre-K Classroom. Obtained her Business Degree from Mississippi in 2001 and Bachelors in Early Child Hood in 2011 from Georgia Gwinnett College. She has been with The Goddard School since 2015. She has been working with children since 2001. She is ELL endorsed and loves children’s excitement for learning and being a part of their future success. She is a mother of 2 and loves karaoke and football.

• Keyaira

  Ms. Keyaira has been dedicated to the childcare industry since 2020 and brings a warm, nurturing presence to the Infant Classroom. She is passionate about supporting the early stages of development and finds great joy in watching children learn and grow each day. Currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Education, She completed her TCC this year 2025 at Gwinnett Tech. Ms.Keyaira is committed to expanding her knowledge and enhancing her teaching skills. Her goal is to create a safe, engaging, and loving environment where every child can thrive.

• Lola

  Ms. Lola is one of our dedicated teachers in the Two-Year-Old classroom. She has been working in the childcare industry since 2020 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kennesaw State University. One of her favorite children's books is Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. In her free time, Ms. Lola enjoys gardening and playing her favorite musical instruments at home. She loves watching children light up with excitement as they learn and explore in a fun, engaging environment.

• Ms Akenya

  Ms. Akenya is our wonderful Preschool teacher. Born and raised in Lawrenceville, Georgia, she has been working with children since 2022 and brings warmth, energy, and dedication to the classroom. Her favorite children’s book is The Cat in the Hat, and she loves building strong relationships with her students while supporting their learning and growth. Passionate about early childhood education, Ms. Akenya is exploring opportunities to further her career in Early Childhood Development. In her free time, she enjoys shopping and spending quality time with her family.

• Alexis

  Ms. Alexis is one of our dedicated toddler teachers. Originally from Atlanta, GA, she has over 15 years of experience in the childcare industry. In her free time, Ms. Alexis enjoys cooking, attending comedy shows, and exploring new places to eat. Her favorite part of teaching is watching children learn new skills and knowing they will carry those lessons with them into the future.

• Aniya

  Ms. Aniya is a dedicated toddler teacher, originally from Norcross, GA. She is currently pursuing a Business degree at Albany State University. Working in the childcare industry since 2022. In her free time, she enjoys doing hair and makeup, and loves relaxing with a good movie. Working with children is her passion—she takes joy in watching them learn, grow, and discover new things each day.

• Christine

  Ms. Christine is our Resource Teacher. Originally from Georgia, she is currently enrolled at Georgia Gwinnett College, working toward a degree in Business Management. With over a year of experience in childcare, Ms. Christine enjoys being a teacher and making a positive impact on the children. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and family and going shopping. Her favorite children's book is anything *Pete the Cat*, as she enjoys watching the kids sing along with the text.

• Emily

  Ms. Emily is our wonderful toddler teacher! She was born in New York and has called Georgia home since 2004. Ms. Emily has been working in the child care industry since 2004 and is currently working toward earning her CDA certification here in Georgia. In her free time, Ms. Emily enjoys painting, cuddling up with a good book, and journaling. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where toddlers can learn, grow, and thrive.

• Isha

  Ms. Isha is one of our teachers in the Two-Year-Old Classroom. She was born in India and moved to Buford, GA, in 2024. With five years of experience in the education system, she is passionate about working with young children. In her free time, she enjoys cuddling up with a good book. Her favorite children's book is *The Four Seasons*. Ms. Isha loves having fun with the children and playing an essential role in providing them with the tools they need for their future in school.

• Janiyah

  Ms. Janiyah is one of our Infant Teachers. She is originally from Raleigh, NC, and has been working in childcare since 2024. She is currently enrolled at Gwinnett College, where she is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Janiyah enjoys helping children learn through play. In her free time, she loves cuddling up with a good book, cooking, and baking.

• Ms Jin

  Ms. Jin is originally from South Korea and is one of our dedicated teachers in the Twos classroom. She brings valuable experience working with children through summer camps, Sunday school, and volunteer work at her church. In her free time, Ms. Jin enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, gardening, and curling up with a good book. She has a genuine love for working with children, finding great joy in being a part of their growth and development.

• Kenia

  Ms. Kenia was born in Atlanta, GA. She is a Teacher in our Preschool Classroom, she has worked in child care industry since 2022. Her favorite book is "The Giving Tree" By Harper Collins. On her time off she enjoys cuddling up with a good book and watching movies. She loves creating bonds with the children and enjoys watching them learn and grow in her classroom.

• Megha

  Ms.Megha is our Preschool Teacher and is originally from Buford, GA. She has been working in the childcare industry since 2022. She holds a degree in Data Analytics with a minor in Psychology. In her free time, Ms.Megha enjoys arts and crafts, dancing, traveling, and spending time with her family.

• Molly

  Originally from Grayson, GA, Ms. Molly has been working in the childcare industry since 2018. She is a firm believer in leading by example, which is reflected in her commitment to a healthy lifestyle — including nutritious eating and regular physical activity. MS. Molly finds joy and purpose in being an educator, as it allows her to continually learn and grow in knowledge alongside her students. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, drawing, hiking, exercising, and exploring history.

• Ms Mykia

  Ms. Mykia, a native of Miami, Florida, began her journey in the childcare industry in 2023. She is one of our Toddler teachers with a genuine passion for nurturing and educating young children, she has committed herself to creating supportive and engaging learning environments. Upon graduating from high school, she plans to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education to further develop her skills and deepen her impact in the field. Outside of her professional interests, Ms. Mykia enjoys dancing and exploring a variety of local restaurants.

• Samya

  Ms. Samya is one of our wonderful Infant Classroom teachers. She was born in Algeria and brings over 20 years of experience in the childcare industry. She truly enjoys caring for young children and finds great joy in watching them absorb the lessons she teaches—skills they will carry with them in the years to come. In her free time, Ms. Samya enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming. She also loves spending time with her family on her days off and cooking meals for them.

• Sandra

  Meet Ms. Sandra – Pre-K Teacher Ms. Sandra brings warmth, experience, and a passion for early childhood education to our Pre-K classroom. Originally from Jamaica, she comes to us with 14 years of childcare experience. Outside the classroom, Ms. Sandra enjoys traveling and catering, exploring new cultures and cuisines. Her favorite part of working with young children is the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact in their lives every day.

• Ms Brittany

  Ms. Brittany Davis is our amazing Kitchen Support team member. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, she brings a warm and energetic presence to our childcare setting. Ms. Brittany is passionate about working with children and says they help her feel energized and inspired every day. Her favorite children’s book is For Laika: The Dog Who Learned the Names of the Stars by Kai Cheng Thom. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watercolor painting, and making jewelry—especially when she can curl up with a good book and relax.