Our Goddard School Teachers

Bill and Melanie opened their first school in the Greenville market in 2006 in Five Forks, Simpsonville. Bill and Melanie have three wonderful children named Miller, Alexander, and Parker. Melanie is from Hilton Head Island, SC. She attended The University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Management and Master of Arts in Marketing Education and also earned a Certificate in Learning Disabilities from The College of Charleston. Melanie has many years of experience teaching students at different levels (preschool, elementary, high school, college) and combines her love of giving back with her experience of high standards in education. Also an alumni of the University of South Carolina, Bill holds a Retail Management Degree and has over 25 years experience in retail and business operations. Bill and Melanie look forward to offering a safe and nurturing environment where your children have fun while learning.

Alexander is originally from Simpsonville, SC. He attended Anderson University where he received a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management. After working in the supply chain management and real estate field, he became the Business Manager of the Upstate Goddard Schools in 2022. Alexander has played a key role in the opening and operation of two other Goddard School locations. As the Onsite Operator, Alexander is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive. Alexander, and his wife, Celeste, have three small children who all attend The Goddard School.

Kim Groves is originally from North Carolina and moved to Greenville with her family in 2003. Kim has been with Goddard since she joined our Simpsonville management team in 2007. She attended Western Carolina University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology, with a focus in Child Psychology. In her previous roles, Kim was a preschool teacher, a preschool program director and the Director of the Extended Day Program at Bell's Crossing Elementary. She does a great job of maintaining an active system of parent-school communications to promote a strong relationship between them, and she loves planning and implementing a program for teachers' professional growth! Kim also mentors other Goddard Directors around the country and has become an amazing resource for many other schools within our Franchise. She was recognized for her amazing talents, dedication, and hard work by winning The Goddard School National Director of the Year award.

Chelsie grew up in Virginia and made South Carolina her home in 2004. With 16 years of experience working with children—as a substitute, teacher, and, Director—she brings a deep passion for early childhood development to her role. Chelsie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Psychology and an Associate’s Degree in Marketing. She is dedicated to creating a fun, safe, inclusive, and loving learning environment where children can thrive and grow their love for learning. Outside of work, Chelsie enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two daughters, diving into a good book, and going for runs.

Jordan is originally from Greenville and brings nine years of teaching experience in third and fourth grade. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s in Instructional Technology, and a Gifted and Talented Endorsement. She is dedicated to creating an engaging and supportive classroom environment where every student feels valued and capable of success. Jordan loves fostering curiosity by connecting lessons to real-world experiences, making learning meaningful and memorable. She also prioritizes building strong relationships with her students, knowing that when children feel respected and cared for, they are more willing to take risks, ask questions, and stay motivated. Outside of work, Jordan enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, staying active, and coaching cheerleading. She has coached cheer for nine years at both the middle school and high school levels, as well as in competitive cheer.

McKenzie grew up in Easley and now resides in the Blue Ridge area of Greenville, South Carolina. She received her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from North Greenville University. McKenzie has 13 years of experience working with K-3rd students in the public school setting. She has completed coursework involving Project-based learning, gifted and talented, and Montessori methods. McKenzie's philosophy of education closely aligns with PBL and the STEAM-based approach, knowing children learn best when they take ownership of their learning through discovery and exploration. McKenzie was Pickens County District Teacher of the Year in 22-23 and earned a certificate from the Teacher Training School at the University of Oulu in Finland. She has contributed to curriculum writing teams throughout her career and has served as a cooperating teacher and mentor for college students across the upstate. She is looking forward to working with teachers to implement the Wonder of Learning.

Katelyn is originally from New York, but moved to Greenville to be closer to her in-laws. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Studies from SUNY Oneonta and brings over 10 years of experience working with children. Katelyn is passionate about supporting each child’s growth, learning, and developmental journey. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time at the lake with her family, where they cherish creating lasting memories together.

Kelsey is originally from Tennessee and moved to the area at the age of 10 with her parents and twin brother. She attended Greenville Technical College and North Greenville University. With five years of experience in childcare, she is passionate about hands-on learning and showing compassion in everything she does. Her favorite children’s author is Dr. Seuss, whose stories she enjoys reading with her son—they both love laughing together at the playful rhymes. Outside of work, Kelsey enjoys crafting and reading.

Tamill is originally from Florida and moved to the area to be closer to her family. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Education from Florida Atlantic University and brings over five years of experience working with children of all ages. She is passionate about watching young minds grow and develop, and she loves witnessing the unique personalities of each child while ensuring every child feels comfortable and has the best learning experience possible. Outside of work, Tamill enjoys spending time with her family and staying active through skating, biking, and hiking.