Penny Mekhanik, On-Site Owner - Penny and her husband, Yuri, both graduated from Rutgers University and worked as software engineers. They moved from New Jersey to Arizona six years ago in order to enjoy the beautiful weather. As the parents of four children under the age of eight, they have searched for quality childcare for their children. The Goddard School® stood out as the clear choice. They were impressed by the lower ratios, high health and safety standards and educated teachers with their creative lesson plans. They were so impressed with the Goddard philosophy that they decided to open their own School. Penny is the on-site owner and is dedicated to ensuring that each child that enrolls in the School has the same wonderful experience that they expect for their own children. She is thrilled to make this career change in order to focus every day on improving the quality of preschool in Arizona.
Tessa Nussbaum, Education Director - Tessa graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 2001 with a Bachelor's degree in Communications with an emphasis in Elementary Education. She was a classroom teacher at the elementary school level for seven years, and has also enjoyed being an infant teacher at The Goddard School. She has been working with children for over fifteen years and loves the way they bring curiosity to life every day. Tessa is so excited to extend her knowledge of, and appreciation for, the Goddard philosophy to the entire preschool.
Mrs. Klapmeyer - Infants - Mrs. Klapmeyer has both personal and professional experience caring for all age groups but has a passion for infants. As a mother and a grandmother, she appreciates how important an excellent childcare environment is. She will be obtaining her CDA credential while working at The Goddard School.
Miss Applegarth- Ones Teacher - April attended Valley Forge Christian College where she majored in Children's Ministry and minored in Early Childhood. She will be finishing up her Associate's degree in Arizona. April has worked with children for many years.
Miss La Benz- One's Teacher - Miss La Benz graduated from Arizona State University in 2009 with a degree focusing on Early Childhood Education and Music. She has been with The Goddard School for over a year. She has a lot of patience and creativity. She intends to earn a Master's degree in Education in the next five years.
Mrs. Smith - Ones Teacher - Mrs. Smith has experience with children of all ages. Her parents ran a childcare center in their home growing up. She was a nanny, and taught preschool prior to coming to The Goddard School. She brings a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to the one-year-old classroom.
Mrs. Crane - Twos Teacher - Mrs. Crane has taught preschool in California, Alabama, and now Arizona. Her B.A. is from California State University, Northridge, where she studied both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. She also has an M.A. from The University of Alabama in Library Science, and has worked as a Children's Librarian in public libraries in both Alabama and California.
She is so excited to be teaching two year olds at The Goddard School. She loves their "I can do it" attitude and their adventurous spirit. She hopes to share her love of learning by providing a creative, safe, loving environment for the children to grow in and explore each day.
Ms. Bass.- Twos Teacher - Ms. Bass has several years of experience working with children varying from Kindergarten through eighth grade. She is fulfilled every day knowing that she has made a difference in the life of a child.
Mrs. Bohlmann - Threes/Fours Teacher - Mrs. Bohlmann has been working in Early Childhood Education for 11 years. She has her Associate's degree and S.T.A.R.S. certification. She is proficient at customizing her curriculum to challenge each child and keep them interested in, and excited about, coming to School each day.
Mrs. Lucas- Young Threes Teacher - Mrs. Lucas has her Bachelor's degree in Family Community Services with a Concentration in Early Childhood Education from Michigan State University. She has taught multiple ages in the past, and loves working with three year olds, helping them explore and learn about the world around them.
Mrs. Peeples - Kindergarten Teacher - Mrs. Peeples started the Kindergarten program at The Goddard School last year. Before this, she worked for one year in the Mesa Public School Disctrict. She has a Bachelor's degree from Arizona State University in Elementary Education and is Certified to teach K-8 in Arizona. She strives to create a positive learning environment through her enthusiasm and unique ideas.