The Goddard School Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Goddard School has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, marketing, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to early childhood education, The Goddard School fosters a lifelong love of learning through play-based curricula and a nurturing environment, impacting families across North America.

Leadership Roles at The Goddard School

  • Chief Executive Officer - Robin Pettiegrew
  • Managing Partner and Amp. Chief Executive Officer - William Kim
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Dennis Maple
  • Chief Financial Officer - Timothy Dwyer
  • President & Owner - Wendy Somers
  • President & Owner - John Burnett
  • President - James Lindley
  • President - Sushama Patil
  • Chief Information Officer - Ali Tafreshi
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer - Marcel Nahm
  • Robin Pettiegrew - Chief Executive Officer

    Robin Pettiegrew, the Chief Executive Officer at The Goddard School, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the franchised early childhood educational system. Pettiegrew guides the organization's expansion and market positioning, ensuring alignment with the core mission of fostering a love of learning. This leadership role involves overseeing key initiatives that enhance the educational experience for children and support the success of franchisees. Pettiegrew's focus remains on driving innovation within the curriculum and operational standards, solidifying The Goddard School's reputation as a leader in early childhood education. The Chief Executive Officer ensures that all aspects of the business contribute to the company's growth and its commitment to quality education. Robin Pettiegrew's strategic direction is crucial for maintaining the brand's integrity and expanding its reach across North America.

    William Kim - Managing Partner and Amp. Chief Executive Officer

    William Kim, the Managing Partner and Amp. Chief Executive Officer at The Goddard School, spearheads critical partnership development and executive leadership initiatives. Kim's role involves forging strategic alliances and driving growth through collaborative ventures, enhancing the franchise network's capabilities. The Managing Partner and Amp. Chief Executive Officer oversees the strategic direction for partner engagement and resource allocation, ensuring robust support for franchisees. Kim's leadership focuses on expanding market presence and optimizing operational efficiencies across the system. This executive is instrumental in shaping the company's long-term trajectory and fostering a strong partner ecosystem. William Kim's contributions are vital to the sustained success and expansion of The Goddard School's educational model.

    Dennis Maple - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Dennis Maple, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at The Goddard School, provides executive oversight and strategic direction for the entire organization. Maple's leadership encompasses guiding the company's long-term vision, ensuring sustained growth, and upholding the highest standards of early childhood education. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer works closely with the board and executive team to implement strategic initiatives that enhance the educational experience and support franchisee success. Maple's focus is on driving operational excellence and expanding the brand's reach across key markets. This executive role involves significant engagement with stakeholders to ensure the continued strength and positive impact of The Goddard School. Dennis Maple's governance is essential for maintaining the integrity and market leadership of the educational franchise.
    Dennis Maple

    Timothy Dwyer - Chief Financial Officer

    Timothy Dwyer, the Chief Financial Officer at The Goddard School, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the organization. Dwyer oversees budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and capital management, ensuring the financial health and stability of the franchisor and supporting franchisees. The Chief Financial Officer plays a critical role in evaluating investment opportunities and managing financial risks to support the company's growth objectives. Dwyer's responsibilities include optimizing financial performance and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. This executive leadership ensures that financial strategies directly support The Goddard School's mission of providing high-quality early childhood education. Timothy Dwyer's fiscal stewardship is essential for the sustained expansion and operational integrity of the franchise system.
    Timothy Dwyer

    Wendy Somers - President & Owner

    Wendy Somers, the President & Owner at The Goddard School, directs the strategic operations and business development for specific franchise locations. Somers focuses on ensuring the highest standards of educational delivery and operational excellence within the owned territories. The President & Owner oversees local market strategies, staff management, and community engagement to foster student growth and parent satisfaction. Somers' leadership is dedicated to upholding The Goddard School's brand promise at the local level. This executive role involves driving profitability and ensuring compliance with franchise agreements and educational standards. Wendy Somers' commitment is vital to the success and reputation of the individual schools under ownership.

    John Burnett - President & Owner

    John Burnett, the President & Owner at The Goddard School, leads the strategic direction and operational management of franchised educational centers. Burnett focuses on enhancing the learning environment and ensuring exceptional service delivery to families within the owned regions. The President & Owner oversees local market growth, staff development, and adherence to The Goddard School's proprietary curriculum and operational guidelines. Burnett's leadership prioritizes creating a nurturing and stimulating atmosphere for young learners. This executive role involves driving business performance and maintaining brand integrity at the franchisee level. John Burnett's dedication is key to the consistent quality and expansion of The Goddard School's educational offerings.

    James Lindley - President

    James Lindley, the President at The Goddard School, oversees the strategic leadership and operational execution for key segments of the franchise network. Lindley focuses on driving growth and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality early childhood education across multiple locations. The President manages critical initiatives related to franchisee support, curriculum implementation, and market expansion. Lindley's leadership emphasizes operational efficiency and the enhancement of the learning experience for children. This executive role involves fostering strong relationships with franchisees and stakeholders to uphold brand standards. James Lindley's strategic oversight is crucial for the sustained success and reputation of The Goddard School's educational model.

    Sushama Patil - President

    Sushama Patil, the President at The Goddard School, directs the strategic vision and operational management for designated franchise territories. Patil is committed to advancing the quality of early childhood education and ensuring operational excellence across all managed schools. The President oversees market development, franchisee support, and the implementation of educational best practices. Patil's leadership focuses on creating optimal learning environments that foster child development and parent satisfaction. This executive role involves driving business growth and maintaining the integrity of The Goddard School brand within specific regions. Sushama Patil's expertise is vital for the continued success and expansion of the educational franchise.

    Ali Tafreshi - Chief Information Officer

    Ali Tafreshi, the Chief Information Officer at The Goddard School, architects and executes the technology strategy that underpins the educational system's operations and growth. Tafreshi oversees the development and implementation of innovative IT solutions, ensuring robust digital infrastructure for franchisees and corporate functions. The Chief Information Officer manages all aspects of information technology, including cybersecurity, data management, and system integration, to support the company's mission. Tafreshi's role involves leveraging technology to enhance educational delivery and streamline administrative processes across the network. This executive ensures that technological advancements align with The Goddard School's commitment to quality and accessibility. Ali Tafreshi's leadership drives digital transformation, enabling greater efficiency and improved learning outcomes for children.
    Ali Tafreshi

    Marcel Nahm - Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer

    Marcel Nahm, the Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer at The Goddard School, leads all marketing and brand strategy initiatives to drive enrollment and franchise development. Nahm oversees the creation and execution of comprehensive marketing campaigns across various channels, enhancing brand visibility and market penetration. The Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer is responsible for market research, brand positioning, and digital marketing efforts that attract prospective families and franchisees. Nahm's strategic focus is on communicating the unique value proposition of The Goddard School's educational programs. This executive leadership ensures consistent brand messaging and drives growth through effective outreach. Marcel Nahm's expertise is critical for maintaining The Goddard School's competitive edge and expanding its national presence.
    Marcel Nahm

    Explore Leadership Teams in Childcare

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Goddard School Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Goddard School?
    The Goddard School is led by Robin Pettiegrew (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as William Kim (Managing Partner and Amp. Chief Executive Officer) and Dennis Maple (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of The Goddard School’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Goddard School includes leaders such as Robin Pettiegrew (Chief Executive Officer), William Kim (Managing Partner and Amp. Chief Executive Officer), Dennis Maple (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Goddard School have?
    The Goddard School has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Goddard School’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Goddard School includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Managing Partner and Amp. Chief Executive Officer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President & Owner.