Tara Hallberg, Educational Director -
I have my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Early Education from the University of North Dakota. When I finish my last paper I will have my Master's degree in Education. I also have my teaching license for age’s birth to eight years and my ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) endorsement. I have been working in the early childhood field since 1994 both as a teacher and a director.
Deanna Johnson, Assistant Director -
I have been in childcare for seventeen years and love working with children. Every day is a fun experience as the children are always learning new and exciting things. I am excited to get to know you and your child as you join us at The Goddard School®.
Tina Joens, On-Site Owner -
Tina Joens is the on-site owner of the school. She has worked in the Early Childhood field for over twenty years. In 1987 she began her teaching career in the military with her husband, where they were stationed in England. She has worked all over the country in Military Child Development Centers and corporate daycare centers, as well as running her own home-based childcare program. Tina earned her Child Development Associate degree at Boise State University, and continues to keep her teaching license current. She looks forward to working with all the children, parents and faculty to provide the best education for our children.
Jon Joens, Owner - My name is Jon Joens, and I am one of the proud owners of The Goddard School® located in Brooklyn Park along with my Sister-In-Law Tina Joens. My wife and I have called Brooklyn Park home for the past seventeen years. I also work as a Fire Fighter with the city of Brooklyn Park. I enjoy playing golf in the summer and snow boarding in the winter. I look forward to meeting all the great families in the neighborhood and watching the children learn and grow.
Miss Leah, Pre-Kindergarten -
Leah has worked in childcare for over ten years and received a degree in Early Education from Hennepin Technical College. She loves watching children grow and learn new things throughout the year and is very excited to learn more about you and your child.
Miss Kori, Pre-Kindergarten -
Miss Kori attended Lake Superior Technical College for two years, completing her generals and studying Occupational Therapy. Then she transferred to St. Cloud Technical College and received an Associate's degree in Child and Adult Care and Education. Miss Kori has worked in the Toddler classroom at The Goddard School for three years. This year she decided to take on a new challenge in the Pre-Kindergarten program and is excited to be working with this new group of children! "I feel so honored to be part of your children’s lives and look forward to watching them learn and grow," adds Kori.
Ms. Paula, Infants -
Ms. Paula received a degree in Child Care from Rasmussen College. She enjoys working with children because they brighten her world. "I learn something new from the children every day," adds Paula.
Mrs. Cherie, Kitchen Manager - I have raised four grown children, three boys and one girl. I also have two grandchildren, one boy and one girl. I was a home childcare provider for over six years while my younger children were in school. I look forward to working with your children.
Mrs. Laurie, First Steps - Mrs. Laurie currently teaches the children in our First Steps classroom. She studied Early Childhood Education at Arapahoe Community College. Laurie has worked in the field of Early Childhood for over twenty-five years and loves every minute of it! She has been working for The Goddard School since 2003 where she started as a teacher at a location in Colorado and then as a director. “I am so happy to be able to continue my work with young children at The Goddard School located in Brooklyn Park,” adds Laurie.
Mrs. Barb, Kindergarten -
Mrs. Barb has worked at The Goddard School® since it opened in June of 2006. She is excited about teaching Kindergarten and looks forward to creating a positive classroom environment. Her training and education includes a strong background in Early Childhood Education from St. Cloud State where she completed a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and received her license. "I enjoy working with children and hope to have a positive impact on the children I teach," adds Mrs. Barb.
Mrs. Janet, Preschool -
After thirty years as a Personal Banking Officer, Mrs. Janet decided to go back to school to pursue her passion of working with children and received a degree in Early Childhood Development. She feels there is no greater gift than a child and that they are each special and unique in their own way. “I look forward to learning from and enjoying the children at The Goddard School®,” adds Janet.
Mr. Brandon, Pre-Kindergarten - I graduated from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a Bachelor's degree in Religious Education and Youth Ministry. As a Teacher I will help students to succeed and encourage them to do their best. I look forward to working with your children as they discover the joy of learning.
Miss Lindsey, First Step Infants -
Miss Lindsey started working at The Goddard School® three years ago through an internship program sponsored by Champlin Park High School. She loves working with young children and is currently attending North Hennepin Community College and looks forward to using her education and experiences to create a love of learning in each of her students.
Miss Tasha, Toddlers -
Miss Tasha is a teacher in our Toddler classroom at The Goddard School®. She is continuing her education in Psychology and Teaching. Miss Tasha's background includes over eight years of experience working in the early childhood field. Before joining Goddard's teaching team, she also worked at her aunt's home-based childcare business.
Mrs. Angelic, Infants - I’m a highly talented child care worker with professional training in Health and Safety, First Aid, CPR, the Whole Child Development, SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome. I currently have decided to also pursue my Child Development Associate Credential through the Child Care Education Institute. I am patient, flexible, a warm loving person, and I enjoy interacting with children of all ages. I am excited to have the opportunity of encouraging the development of children at many stages in their life, which also gives me the opportunity to grow with the parent and child.
Miss Karissa, Pre-Kindergarten - I have a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and I'm currently working on a degree in Early Childhood Education at Rasmussen College. I am very happy to be part of the journey of discovery with the students at The Goddard School®. I love all sorts of arts and I believe that all children are creative when they are opened to the proper mediums.
Mrs. Laura, Toddlers -
Mrs. Laura has a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia, St. Paul. She has worked in the Early Childhood field for over ten years and loves helping children learn and grow. “I am very excited to be working with all of the children at The Goddard School,” adds Mrs. Laura.
Mrs. Jennifer, First Steps - Jennifer has eighteen years experience working with children in a variety of settings. She has operated her own home-based childcare for the last nine of the eighteen years. She attended North Hennepin College and is returning to Rasmussen Business College to complete her degree. Jennifer says, "The best part of being a teacher is when a child accomplishes a goal and the big smile just comes out and you can see how proud they are. I look forward to working with all the First Step parents."
Miss Carrie, Infants - Carrie started working at The Goddard School in our Infant room in October 2009. She currently attends Anoka Ramsey Community College and chose to major in Special Education. Carrie has worked with young children for five years. Her experience ranges from working with little ones through fifth graders. "I look forward to working with your children at The Goddard School," adds Carrie.
Ms. Jean, Preschool - Jean is excited to be working in the Preschool room at Goddard. She has ten years of experience working in the early childhood field. Jean currently attends Hennepin Technical College where she is pursuing an Associate's degree in Child Development. Her next goal is to continue on to earn a Bachelor's degree. "I love working with children and I am very excited to achieve new skills with them everyday," adds Jean.
Miss Lori, Infants - Lori is a sophomore at Anoka Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids and plans to major in Elementary Education. Lori enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephew in her spare time. "I absolutely love children and enjoy my job very much," adds Lori.
Mrs. Jill, Toddlers - Jill has been working with children since 2002. She is in the process of completing a degree in Early Childhood from Rasmussen College. Jill has been a part of The Goddard School® since September of 2007. "I love working with young children, they put a smile on my face every day," adds Jill.