The Goddard School of Rock Hill

Bios

• Ms Penny

  Ms. Penny became the proud owner of the Goddard School in 2018 along with her husband Mr. David. Education has been a life-long passion, especially in the area of early learning. Ms. Penny has a dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Education and Fine Arts from Southern Illinois University. Ms. Penny received her Masters in Education Administration in 2001 and begin a 17 year career in Education Leadership. In 2010 upon receiving her Ed.S. she focused on professional development for teachers at the District Office level. In addition to education Ms. Penny loves community service, volunteering, riding her motorcycle, scuba diving and travel.

• Mr David

  Mr. David became the owner of the Goddard School in 2018. His passion for education and children is shared with his wife and co-owner Ms. Penny. Mr. David is a retired Navy Master Chief and holds a business degree. In addition to providing support to the Goddard School on the operations side he also works in management at BOMAG in Ridgeway South, Carolina. When Mr. David is not working he enjoys philanthropy, volunteering, riding his motorcycle, scuba diving and travel.

• Ms Andrena

  We welcomed Andrena in August 2022. As Education Director, Andrena leads with vision and integrity, supporting educators through professional development initiatives and driving continuous improvement across curriculum and pedagogy. Andrena is a seasoned Education Director passionate about nurturing young minds. Over the past 18 years, she has worked with educators to cultivate enriching learning environments for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, guiding curriculum development, staff mentoring, and family engagement with equal parts expertise and heart. Whether implementing play-based learning or guiding behavioral strategies for pre-k learners, her hands-on leadership empowers both teachers and students to achieve their highest potential.

• Ms Brooke

  Ms. Brooke is our Director of Operations. She joined Goddard in June 2020. Since then, she has earned her Associates of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from York Technical College. In 2024, she also earned her Director’s Credential. She has had a passion for education ever since she was a young girl and watched her mom as a teacher and director. She spends her spare time with her husband and son. Together they enjoy camping, the outdoors, and their love for hobby farming.

• Ms Jamie

  Ms. Jamie is our Executive Director of Operations. She started at the first location in Fort Mill in March 2009. Ms. Jamie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a focus in Early Intervention from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. She earned her Directors' Credentials in 2012. As the Executive Director of Operations Ms. Jamie handles all aspects of the daily operations, licensing and supervises all employees.

• Ms Abigail

  Ms. Abby joined us September 2025. Abby has always had a passion for teaching and is excited to begin her first year with us! She is a proud Rock Hill native and graduate of South Pointe High School. During high school, she also completed a three-year teaching program at the Applied Technology Center, which confirmed her calling to pursue a career in early childhood education. Abby is dedicated to creating a safe, happy, and engaging learning environment where children can thrive. She believes in fostering curiosity, joy, and adventure in every child’s day. Outside of the classroom, Abby enjoys rock climbing in her free time—a fun fact she loves to share with her students! One of her favorite quotes is from Winnie the Pooh: “As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was going to happen.” Abby is ready for adventure with her kiddos and can’t wait to be a part of their learning journey.

• Ms Allison

  Ms. Allison joined Goddard in February of 2024. She earned her BA in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina. She has spent the past 20 years home schooling her 5 children. She believes that a child's education is the foundation for their entire life. Educating and watching a child grow and flourish through a personalized education is key to unlocking their true potential. She firmly believes that children learn through positive reinforcement, patience, and aspiring to always make education enjoyable. Ms. Allison enjoys traveling the world, cooking, reading in her spare time, but most of all spending time with her children. She is very excited to be a part of the Goddard family.

• Ms Alyssa

  Ms.Alyssa joined our Goddard team June 2023. Prior to working with Goddard, she worked with Chester and York County public school systems as a substitute teacher. Growing up, she enjoyed being a tutor and was often booked and busy as a babysitter. This was the very beginning of her love for children & teaching! Currently, Alyssa is enrolled at York Technical College in pursuit of her Associates in Arts and will continue her education to obtain her Psychology degree. Ms.Alyssa believes the impact of a teacher and a nurturing environment lasts a lifetime. Ms.Alyssa hopes that she continues to be in a position to help children grow emotionally, socially and intellectually.

• Ms Angela

  Ms. Angela joined us in June 2025. My name is Angela Jenkins, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Goddard team! I’m a proud graduate of USC Upstate, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Child Advocacy. I bring with me four years of experience in early childhood education and a heartfelt passion for supporting and enriching the lives of children. Outside the classroom, I enjoy traveling, reading, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I’m guided by the belief that every child has a light waiting to be seen and a voice longing to be heard—and I’m committed to creating a space where both can shine. I’m so excited to be part of your child’s learning journey!

• Ms Arkia

  Ms. Arkia joined us in December 2024. Ms. Arkia is a proud native of Fort Lawn, South Carolina. She earned her degree in Mass Communication with a minor in Humanities from Winthrop University. In her free time, Ms. Arkia enjoys traveling, spending quality time with her family, and giving back to her community. She is passionate about mentoring teens and making a positive impact wherever she can. With a nurturing spirit and a deep love for children, Ms. Arkia is thrilled to be part of The Goddard School family. She looks forward to creating meaningful connections and supporting each child’s growth and development.

• Ms Ashley

  Hello, my name is Mrs. Ashley, and I’m delighted to be part of the Goddard team and help shape young minds. My goal is to create a safe, nurturing environment for children to learn and grow. Originally from Cleveland, NC, I’m excited to settle here in Rock Hill as my new home. During college, I had to complete an internship and was selected to work at a childcare facility in Salisbury, NC. I didn’t expect to enjoy it, but I quickly fell in love with the work and teaching children. I stayed in the position of floater assistant for about a year and a half. Since then, I’ve worked as an RBT, supporting children with autism spectrum disorder, but I missed working in a classroom setting with multiple children. I enjoy fast-paced environments and look forward to getting to know the children in my care and the parents in the community.

• Ms Chelsea

  Ms. Chelsea joined us in April 2025. Hello! My name is Chelsea, and I’m so excited to begin my first year teaching at The Goddard School! I earned my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from York Technical College and spent the past eight years working at the York Tech Child Development Center. During that time, I developed a strong passion for nurturing young learners and helping them grow in a positive, supportive environment. I’m also a proud mom of two wonderful daughters who keep me on my toes and fill my life with joy! When I’m not at school, I love spending quality time with my kids and family. I look forward to an amazing year full of learning, laughter, and growth!

• Ms Jessica

  We welcome Ms. Jessica in December 2022 to the Goddard Family. Ms. Jessica is currently a student, teacher and mother of twin boys. She earned her Associates Degree in Arts in 2018. She is currently finishing her senior year towards earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family studies with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop University. Ms. Jessica fell in love with working with young children through her large family. She said, it is an exciting feeling to be a part of the growth process of young children. She is a firm believer in exploration/play-based education as children learn by doing. Best stated by Albert Einstein “Play is the highest form of research”. Ms. Jessica is beyond excited to be apart of the Goddard Family and to be able to teach such wonderful children as well as getting to know the families of these amazing kiddos.

• Ms Kaelynn

  Ms.Kaelynn joined us in July 2025. Hello! My name is Ms. Kaelynn, and I’m so excited to be part of your child’s early learning journey! I’ve been working in early childhood education for the past three years, and I’m truly passionate about helping young children grow, learn, and discover the world around them. My teaching philosophy centers around creating a nurturing, play-based environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to explore. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Building strong relationships with each child and their family is very important to me. I believe that open communication and collaboration between teachers and parents is the key to a joyful and successful learning experience. I can’t wait to get to know you and your child better this year!

• Ms Kaitlyn

  Ms. Kaitlyn joined us in March 2025. Hello! My name is Ms. Kaitlyn, and I am deeply passionate about Early Childhood Education. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Educational Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop University, along with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Teaching runs in my family—I come from a long line of educators, and I’ve known from a young age that this is the path meant for me. I’m thrilled to be part of The Goddard School community, where I can pursue a career doing what I truly love: helping young children grow, learn, and thrive every day.

• Ms Melinda

  Ms. Melinda joined us in December 2024. Prior to joining The Goddard, Ms. Melinda worked for six years at a retirement facility, lovingly caring for the elderly. Additionally, she served as a home healthcare professional, compassionately meeting the needs of her clients. A gifted educator, she has always been able to connect with children of all ages, teaching, caring for and nurturing them. When she’s not teaching, Ms. Melinda serves as a leader in both her family and community, constantly embodying the principles of her faith and praying for opportunities to help others through her warmth and kindness.

• Ms Michaela

  Ms. Michaela joined us in July 2025. Originally from Hudson Valley, New York, Ms. Michaela holds a degree in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences with a minor in Disability Studies from Hofstra University. She brings eight years of experience working with children of all abilities in schools, daycares, and homes. Passionate about communication, she is currently learning both Spanish and American Sign Language. Outside the classroom, she enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family. Fun Fact: Ms. Michaela was a competitive dancer for 16 years and sang in an all-treble-voiced a cappella group for 7 years! She’s excited to create a warm, inclusive space where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to grow.

• Ms Nawal

  Ms. Nawal joined the Goddard team in August 2025. A lifelong lover of mathematics and literature, she is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Law, with minors in Psychology and Political Science. As the eldest sibling in a homeschool environment, Ms. Nawal naturally stepped into both student and teacher roles, fostering a passion for education rooted in care and connection. Her favorite subjects to teach are Algebra II and creative writing, where she brings both structure and imagination to the classroom. For Ms. Nawal, education extends beyond textbooks—it's about nurturing the whole child. Inspired by the personalized support she received growing up, she believes deeply in a teaching approach built on love, attentiveness, and a genuine understanding of each student’s unique needs. Ms. Nawal is thrilled to continue her teaching journey with the Goddard family and looks forward to another enriching school year!

• Ms Shakia

  Ms. Shakia joined us in January 2025. She has always had a passion for working with children and knew from an early age that this would be her path. She spent three years as a youth counselor at a group home, where she gained valuable experience supporting children in various stages of development. Later, she became a substitute teacher for the York School District, which solidified her desire to pursue teaching as a career. Working with children with autism was especially meaningful to her, as it taught her that every child learns in their own unique way. "It taught me that there are many ways to reach a child—there’s no textbook version." Ms. Shakia is excited to continue growing in the field and plans to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. We’re so happy to have her as part of our team!

• Ms Zyrelle

  Ms. Zyrelle joined us in May 2025. Born in Alaska and raised around the world in a military family, including time in Germany, Ms. Zyrelle had the unique opportunity to grow up in diverse and culturally rich environments. Her parents, both former military and now faith leaders, instilled in her a strong foundation of service, discipline, and compassion. Inspired by their commitment to integrity and community leadership, Ms. Zyrelle is passionate about nurturing young minds and celebrating each child’s individual journey. With leadership experience as a manager and supervisor, she is dedicated to creating a thoughtful, inclusive, and stimulating classroom atmosphere.

• Ms Macie

  Ms. Macie joined us in April 2025. She is so excited to be apart of the Goddard team here in Rock Hill! She has a passion for early childhood education and love helping young children grow, explore, and discover the world around them. With a nurturing and patient approach, Ms. Macie strives to create a safe, engaging, and joyful learning environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to be themselves. Watching little ones reach new milestones and develop confidence is truly the most rewarding part of my job. I’m looking forward to a fun and meaningful year ahead with our amazing preschoolers and their families!

• Ms Madison

  Ms. Maddie joined us in February 2025. Hello Families, I am Ms. Maddie. I'm thrilled to be a part of your child’s early learning journey! I truly believe that every child is unique, with their own strengths, interests, and talents. My goal is to create a classroom environment where each child feels valued, supported, and inspired to explore, learn, and grow. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I’m so excited to witness the incredible growth ahead and celebrate all the new milestones your little ones will reach this year!

• Ms Quanisha

  Ms. Quanisha joined us August 2025. Hello! My name is Quanisha Houston, and I’m thrilled to be a part of your child’s educational journey. With 9 years of experience working with children of various ages, I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where students can grow into confident, independent individuals. Building strong relationships with both children and families is at the heart of my teaching philosophy. I’m looking forward to getting to know you and your family—let’s make this a year full of learning, laughter, and fun!