Vanessa Rodriguez, Director -
Vanessa Rodriguez is the Director of The Goddard School® located in Murrieta. She received an Associate's degree with an emphasis in Child Development from Riverside Community College and earned a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from California Baptist University. Her background includes over seven years of experience working in the education field, most of which were spent in the classroom. She has had the opportunity to work at our school as both a teacher and an administrator. Vanessa had the opportunity to teach in our Get Set and Preschool I classrooms before accepting the position of Director.
"My experience at The Goddard School® has been wonderful -- I love the family atmosphere that has been created among the faculty," adds Vanessa.
Maureen Muirhead, Assistant Director
- Ms. Muirhead acquired her Associate's degree from Southwestern Junior College. She is currently working on her second Associate's degree at Mt. San Jacinto Junior College. Ms. Muirhead enjoys working with children of all ages and has learned so much from them. Working in this field has given her a new perspective on care giving. She only wishes the best for her students and for them to learn everything that Goddard has to offer. Ms. Muirhead looks forward to providing a safe and nurturing environment for your children.
Ms. Tullis
- Loveables - Infant Room:
Ms. Tullis has been working with young children for the past three years. She currently is enrolled at Palomar College and is working on an Associate's degree in Child Development. She enjoys spending her days teaching the infants and toddlers that she cares for daily.
Mrs. Young
- Loveables - Infant Room:
Mrs. Young attended San Diego Mesa College where she received an Associate's of Science degree. She thoroughly enjoys teaching and caring for the infants and toddlers in her class. Mrs. Young is excited that she can continue using the American Sign Language that she learned with her daughter to enhance her students communication skills. She looks forward to sharing new and exciting experiences with her students!
Ms. LaCombe
- Loveables – Infant Room:
Ms. LaCombe attended Southwestern Community College and fell in love with teaching. She earned an Associate's degree in Child Development and began teaching right after graduation. Before joining The Goddard School she worked at St. Jeanne de Lestonnac, where she taught preschool, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. “I have dedicated my life to helping enrich young people’s lives and minds, and hope to continue the journey with your children at The Goddard School,” adds Ms. LaCombe.
Ms. Okerlund
- Busy Baby Bumble Bees – First Steps Room:
Ms. Okerlund is the Lead Teacher for the 12-18 month old children in our Busy Baby Bumble Bees First Steps room. The care and education of young children has always been her passion and she began teaching preschool in 1989. The majority of her career has been working with newborns to two-year-olds. She is a certified Preschool Teacher working towards a Master's degree in Family Counseling. There is always something new to learn and explore in her classroom and she believes that everyday should be exciting and fun. “Everyday I look forward to seeing the little ones in my care learn, grow and enjoy life,” adds Ms. Okerlund.
Ms. VonMoos
- Pilots - Toddler 1 Room:
Ms. VonMoos is currently attending Cal State San Bernardino. She received her Child Development units at Mt. San Jacinto Junior College, where she is completing an Associate's of Science degree. She has spent the last year getting familiar with the toddlers in our school and loves this age group. Ms. VonMoose looks forward to getting to know you and to working with your children.
Ms. Nelson
- Pilots - Toddler 1 Room:
Ms. Nelson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Linguistics from the University of Iowa. She is continuing her schooling through coursework at Palomar College to further her knowledge of Early Childhood Education. Ms. Nelson is a certified teacher in both Texas and Iowa. Her background includes five years of experience teaching children ranging from preschool to sixth grade. “I am so excited to be your child’s teacher,” adds Ms. Nelson.
Ms. DeLaTorre
- Rookies - Toddler 2 Room:
Ms. DeLaTorre has 24 units in Child Development and is working on an Associate's degree at Mt. San Jacinto Junior College. She has enjoyed working with children since she was a young one herself! Now that she is a part of your child's life she is loving every minute of it. She is looking forward to getting to know you and your child.
Ms. Powers
- Conductors - Get Set Room:
Ms. Powers is a Toddler Teacher at The Goddard School. She has completed coursework and earned 12 units in Early Childhood Education and is continuing her studies to further her education in the field. She is excited for the opportunity to make a difference in your child’s life. “I absolutely adore children and love teaching,” adds Ms. Powers.
Ms. Martinez
- Firefighters - Preschool Room:
Ms. Martinez studied for eleven years at St. Paul School of Iloilo, Philippines. She was a "teacher-librarian" for three years there. She began teaching kindergarten after she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Over the last three years she has taught Kindergarten through Third Grade. She has also managed major and minor library works. Ms. Martinez loves to support the needs of her students as well as her student's parents.
Ms. Schaufele - Playful Pups - Pre-K I Room:
Ms. Schaufele is happy to be a part of The Goddard School® team of teachers. Her background includes approximately twenty-five years of experience teaching preschool. Pre-K is her favorite as she feels the children at this age are more eager to learn and explore the world around them. Her goal is for the children in her class to have fun learning, experience a positive environment and acquire the needed skills that will help them successfully move forward into Kindergarten. “I believe that educators with a commitment and passion for education benefit the students they teach,” adds Ms. Schaufele.
Mrs. Burch
- Letter Carriers - Pre-K 2 Room:
Mrs. Burch has been teaching preschool for two years. She has a Bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Development and an Elementary Teaching credential. Education is her passion! "I believe that education is the key to success for every child, and I hope I can help your child open that door," adds Mrs. Burch.
Ms. Zazueta
- Letter Carriers Pre-K 2:
Ms. Zazueta has a Bachelor's of Art degree in Liberal Studies from Cal State Fullerton. She also has a Multiple Subject teaching credential from Cal State San Bernardino. Ms. Zazueta hopes and plans to continue her education by pursing a Master's degree in the near future. She has taught kindergarten for two years and has worked with first and fifth grade students as well. Ms. Zazueta anticipates learning as much from her students as she hopes they will learn from her.