Kathy DeNunzio - Kathy was born and raised in Mechanicsville, Virginia; she graduated from Lee-Davis High School and then attended and graduated from Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. Kathy received a degree in Early Childhood Education and began her teaching career at Pearson’s Corner Elementary School. She taught Kindergarten for seven years and then spent two years teaching First grade. Kathy stopped teaching after her first child was born. She has two children, both attend The Goddard School®.

Steve DeNunzio - Steve was born in Ohio and lived in Lynchburg and Michigan before settling in the Richmond area over 25 years ago. Steve graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in Business Management and worked in manufacturing before opening The Goddard School®. Steve learned about The Goddard School® while attending a franchise show with Kathy. After researching it, he decided it was something Kathy and he could do together.

Miss Stacy - Our Director of Education, Ms. Stacy, comes to us from The Goddard School located in Chesterfield, Virginia. She has gained knowledge and experience from working with children for over seven years, six of those spent with The Goddard School. She and her husband took a year-long hiatus to Orlando, Florida, where she assisted in opening and served as director of an independently-owned preschool. Ms. Stacy is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree of Education in Counselor Education; thus, she enjoys communicating with everyone! Please feel free to chat with her anytime!

Ms. Daphne

Daphne is the Assistant Director of our Kindergarten, After School and Summer Program here at The Goddard School located in Mechanicsville. She has been working in the educational field for 13 years. She began her career teaching Kindergarten in the Louisa Public School System and then moved on to teach first grade elsewhere. Daphne has also worked for a non-profit organization in Amelia as a Head Start teacher for five years. She has been with us at Goddard for four years, having started out in the Giggling Gazelles and then moving to our Kindergarten for two years. She has continued to work closely with our Kindergarten Program during the school year. Daphne has her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master's in Teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University.  She looks forward to getting to know all of the children at The Goddard School and enjoys watching them learn.

Miss Nikki Miss Nikki has come to our team from The Goddard School located in Midlothian.  After finding a love for teaching young children, she pursued her degree in Human Development (focusing on child development) from Virginia Tech.  After graduating, Miss Nikki continued her teaching experience at The Goddard School located in Midlothian for two years. Now, with seven years of experience teaching preschool children, she looks forward to a new adventure as Assistant Director! 

Ms. Jennifer Jennifer is the Assistant Director of our Kindergarten, After School and Summer Program here at The Goddard School located in Mechanicsville. She has been working in the educational field for 18 years. She began her career teaching fifth grade in Hanover County Public Schools, and continued teaching for five years. In 2000, she moved to Suffolk and taught fourth grade in Chesapeake City Public School System for 2 1/2 years.  She then stayed home with her children until joining The Goddard School in 2007. She started out in the Chipper Chimps classroom and has continued to work with various ages ever since. Jennifer has her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology  with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from University of Richmond.  She is currently working on her endorsement in Special Education through University of Richmond.  She is looking forward to working with the school-age children and their families as well as continuing to watch the younger children, with whom she worked with prior, learn and grow.

Happy Hippo (Infant Program: 6 weeks - 12 months)

"In the Happy Hippo room, we strive to provide each baby personal attention while allowing them to develop a feeling of independence and confidence in a clean, safe, and loving environment."  -Ms. Christin, Ms. Amy, Ms. Blair, Ms. Maria and Ms. Andrea 

Ms. Christin has received her Child Development Accreditation and has completed multiple courses in Child Development. We are pleased to say that Ms. Christin has been with us since we opened.

Ms. Amy has a Bachelor of Arts in Education from a small college in Tennessee. Ms. Amy has also been with us for several years.

Zany Zebras (First Steps Program: 12 months - 18 months) "Our Zany Zebra program is committed to providing a fun learning experience in which children can express their wants and needs through language development and self-help development in a safe, healthy, and caring environment. "  -Ms. Amanda, Ms. Wendy, and Ms. Ash-Lee 

Ms. Wendy began teaching at preschools in Memphis and fell in love with it. She has experience with young twos and infants. Ms. Wendy has been with us for several years.  

Ms. Amanda is furthering her education in Early Childhood Development. She has also been with us for several years. 

"We Eager Elephant teachers encourage developmentally appropriate behavior through gross motor activity, such as balance beams and tip-toe movement, and fine motor activity, through crayon and marker use. Pre-Toddlers practice self-help skills, such as handwashing, putting on their coats, picking up toys and sharing with their friends."  -Ms. La'Shawn, Ms. Melissa, and Ms. Mel-S.

Ms. Lashawn is pursuing her Child Development Accreditation. She has experience  working with children from Infant to School Age. She has been with us for several years.

Ms. Melissa assists in our Elephants, she has six years of experience and loves to work with children. 

Ms. Mel. S. has been with us in several different classrooms but is happy to call the Elephants her current home.  She is going to school for nursing, but loves working with children. 

"It is our goal in the Funky Flamingo room to create a safe and nurturing classroom environment.  We wish to help them develop age-appropriate self-help skills and encourage activities that promote social growth." -Ms. Britany, Ms. Michelle, and Ms. Christine

Ms. Britany completed a three-year Early Childhood Development Program upon graduating high school, and is pursuing her associate's degree. She has been a member of our team since we opened.  

Ms. Christine switched from a business career when coming to our program, but has a natural inclination to working with children.  She fits in well and is a great support to our team! 

Ms. Michelle has experience working with children for over 15 years. She has been with our school over two years and enjoys the two-year-olds!

"In the Lovable Lions classroom, we are committed to creating a learning environment that encourages social growth, intellectual development, and life skills during the critical early years.  We are devoted to our children's health and safety and work continuously to make our classroom a happy, healthy place for learning."  -Ms. Carmen, Ms. Renee and Ms. Jen VS.

Ms. Carmen has over 20 years of experience with early childhood education and has gone from teacher to director in other schools.  Ms. Carmen is pursuing her Associate's degree in early childhood education and development.  We are excited to have her as our Get Set teacher!

Ms. Renee has an Associate's degree in Arts and Sciences and has several years of preschool teaching experience. 

"Dedicated to creating a fun and safe environment for your child, all the while fostering a theme-related educational experience.  While exploring different centers to strengthen core abilities, Chipper Chimps learn essential life skills like independence and how to treat others." -Mr. Jason, Ms. Lindsay, Mr. Joe and Ms. Ashley

Ms. Lindsay graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Psychology. Some of the many different subjects of Interdisciplinary Studies are elementary education, elementary science, mathematics, writing literature and diverse education.  

Mr. Jason has a degree in Theatre from Louisiana State University.  He has worked with children in different capacities his entire life.

Ms. Ashley received her degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has been with us for several years.

Mr. Joe has completed a variety of classes in Early Childhood Development.

"We provide a nurturing environment that will offer enriching activities to develop growth, independence, and lasting friendships." - Ms. Stacy, Ms. Julie and Ms. Nikyra

Ms. Stacy received her Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and is working towards her Bachelor's degree of Science in Elementary Education. We are pleased to say that Ms. Stacy has been with our school since we opened. 

Ms. Julie received her degree in Early Childhood Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.   She has experience with children of all ages. 

"Our primary focus in the Outstanding Ostrich room is on the health and safety of our children by meeting and exceeding Goddard and State standards, and to provide a warm and nurturing environment which will provide a learning environment full of opportunities to develop a life long love of learning." -Ms. Allison and Ms. Heather

Ms. Heather received her degree in Elementary Education from Clemson University and holds a valid South Carolina teaching license.  She loves the educational development of the younger students, and is so happy to be a part of that with your children!

"The Giggling Gazelle room strives to create an environment that is healthy, safe, and nurturing. The well-being of our students is of the utmost importance. Furthermore, we seek to provide fun, interesting, and developmentally  appropriate activities that encourages learning, growth, independence, curiosity, creativity, and respect for others."    -Ms. Jeannie, Ms. Amy E., and Aparna

Ms. Jeannie has many years of experience with Kindergartners and Pre-Kindergartners. Ms. Jeannie has been with us for several years. 

Ms. Amy E recieved her degree from University of Richmond and is licensed to teach PreK-6.  She has over 10 years teaching experience.

Ms. Aparna is currently enrolled in the University of Richmond's Master of Education program.  She is excited to be learning and working in our Pre-K!

"Pre-Kindergartner's in the Rockin' Rhino's work extremely hard to gain the proper problem-solving skills in all areas such as social interactions, health and safety and learning techniques. Learning problem solving skills helps them become independent and ready for kindergarten." - Ms. Amy F. and Ms. Janee

Ms. Janee graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. Ms. Janee has been with us for several years. 

Ms. Amy F. has a degree in Speech Language Pathology and Special Education from Old Dominion University.  She has many years of teaching experience.

"Our Kindergarten class strives to provide an environment where the student's natural love for life and learning is encouraged. The children are engaged in meaningful experiences through a hands on learning environment. Having fun while learning will lead all children to be life-long learners." - Ms. Jayme


"Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment where children can also have fun. Through engaging activities, our goal is to promote an educational experience that encourages interaction with peers and teachers." - Ms. Laura, Ms. Nikki, Ms. Janice, Ms. Chelsy and Ms. Jennifer