Ryan Rastelli - School Owner - Mr. Ryan, as the children call him, is the on-site owner of The Goddard School located in Round Rock, Texas. He moved to Texas from his home state of Pennsylvania where he worked for Goddard Systems, the franchisor of the nationwide chain of Goddard Schools. During his weekly business travels to Austin, he saw a growing need in the area for a quality preschool and loved the idea of being able to provide the children and parents in this community with a loving and nurturing environment to grow and learn. Ryan holds a Bachelor's degree in Media from the Pennsylvania State University and has volunteered for many organizations including Habitat for Humanity where he assisted in creating homes for families in need. As the on-site owner, Ryan would like to extend an invitation to you and your family to visit him at his beautiful new school, introduce you to his eager faculty, including their outstanding Educational Directors, and tell you all about the Goddard approach to learning.
Lauren Hrovatin - Executive Director - Lauren is the Educational Director of The Goddard School located in Round Rock, Texas. She oversees the emotional, social and educational development of the children at our school. She has worked in the Early Childhood field since 1991 and has held every position available in a childcare setting. She earned a Bachelor's degree with a dual major in Human Services and Early Childhood Education from National-Louis University in Chicago and has started to work towards a Master's degree in Education. Lauren worked for a corporately owned school for thirteen years, was an Infant Room Teacher at The Goddard School located in Round Lake, Illinois, and also worked for Goddard Systems, Inc., franchisor of The Goddard Schools, as an Operations Manager. During her travels, she always loved coming to the Austin area and in August of 2010 decided to make it her home. Lauren can be reached at our school any time if you ever have any questions regarding the educational or emotional development of your child.
Julia Lara - Assistant Director - Julia is the Assistant Director at The Goddard School located in Round Rock. She has taught for over ten years and holds an Associate's degree in Child Development. She is also certified in School Ready through the Texas Early Education Mentor Schools program through the Victoria Independent School District, Victoria College and The University of Texas. Julia ran her own private, in-home, childcare business for five years in Victoria, Texas. She and her husband have two children and are grandparents to a grandson. "I have been looking forward to becoming part of an administrative team in a quality childcare and educational facility. As Assistant Director, I am excited to be able to offer support to the faculty and families at Goddard," adds Julia.
Ms. Kristy - Ms. Kristy is the Lead Teacher in our Infant classroom (6 weeks-12 months). She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from Concordia University. "I really love to read and hope to share this passion with the infants." She lives in Hutto with her Husband and two boys who keep her very busy! "I am so excited to be in the place that I am today because children are very important to me, and The Goddard School philosophy reflects everything I believe in."
Ms. Natalie - Ms. Natalie is the Lead Teacher in the First Steps classroom (12 months-18 months). She earned a Bachelor's degree from Texas State University in Family and Consumer Sciences. She has been working in the Early Childhood field since 2009 and she just loves it! She is so happy to be working at The Goddard School located in Round Rock!
Ms. Paula - Ms. Paula is the Lead Teacher in our Toddler classroom (18 months - 24 months). She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from The University of Texas. Ms. Paula has been working with families and children for the past five years in many capacities. She is very excited to be part of The Goddard School and looks forward to helping the children become competent individuals who possess the self esteem and confidence to grow into the little people they should be!
Ms. Kim - Ms. Kim is the Lead Teacher in our Get Set 1 classroom (24 months - 36 months). She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Work. While she was in college, she worked with children ages two through three years old. Ms. Kim looks forward to being a part of your child's development and learning and hopes to cultivate a strong foundation for their educational career.
Ms. Kearby - Ms. Kearby is the Lead Teacher in the Get Set 2 classroom (24 months - 36 months). She has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Abilene Christian College in 2010, is certified in Early Childhood through 4th grade and is also certified to teach ESL. She has been working with children of all ages since 2009. She is so excited to be a part of The Goddard School located in Round Rock!
Ms. Laura - Ms. Laura is the Lead Teacher in our Preschool 1 classroom (3 year olds). Laura attended Austin Community College where she earned an Associate's degree in Child Development. She had worked with children for over seven years before becoming part of the Goddard team. She believes children to be unique individuals, eager to learn and discover. She believes in the Goddard philosophy that children learn through playing and exploring their environment. We are also pleased that her little boy attends our school.
Ms. Kristin - Ms. Kristin is our Preschool 2 Lead Teacher (3 year olds) . She received her Child Development certificate through Austin Community College in 2009 and plans to further her education in Early Childhood Education. She has been working in the childcare field since 2007. Ms. Kristin looks forward to being a positive part in your child's life.
Ms. Jennifer - Ms. Jennifer is the Lead Teacher in our Pre-K classroom (4 -5 year olds). Jennifer attended Ashford University where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Science with a concentration on Education. She is currently working towards a Master's degree in Education. She taught in a private setting for five years while completing her studies. Jennifer believes that the teaching process starts with observing each child in order to understand their individual interests. From there the teacher's responsibility is to facilitate learning. Her educational philosophy includes encouragement and motivation as important components of the teaching process.
Ms. Val - Ms. Val is our Kindergarten Prep Teacher (4 - 5 year olds). She has an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and is finishing up a Bachelor's degree in Education. She has been working with children for over twenty years. She started by assisting in her children's classrooms to working in childcare settings as a teacher and manager, but her heart belongs in the classroom! She loves to teach and watch as the children are learning. It gives her a great sense of pride to see them learn a concept that she has taught!
Ms. Janus - Ms. Janus is our Private Kindergarten Teacher (5 year olds). She earned her Bachelor's degree in Applied Learning and Development. from the University of Texas and she has her teaching certificate in Early Childhood through 6th grade. During her time at UT, Ms. Janus did her student teaching in a Kindergarten classroom as well as a 2nd Grade classroom. She views herself as a lifelong learner and is thrilled to share her joy of learning with her students.