Miss Natalia - On-site Owner - Natalia Elfimova is the proud owner-operator of The Goddard School located in Scottsdale. She has a degree in Literature, Linguistics and Education from St. Petersburg State University, Russia; studied for her MBA at Ottawa University, Canada; and has attended Goddard Systems, Inc.’s Owners' Training. Miss Natalia’s favorite children's book is "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" by Laura Numeroff. She thinks that it is quite a compelling story and has had a lot of similar personal experience. Miss Natalia loves working with children because they are wonderful and very sincere, they don't judge and they love unconditionally. She finds it to be such a thrill and joy when a child comes to you and says, "I love you," or hugs you - you feel like a mommy every time. Miss Natalia loves watching children learn and play. To her, working with children is fun, rewarding and profoundly meaningful. There is no other career choice which will provide you with as many laughs and smiles during the working day.

Ms. Kelley, Director - Ms. Kelley has an Associate’s degree in early childhood development and certifications in special needs, literacy for birth - five years old, State of Florida Directors’ Credential and behavior and assessment. Her favorite children's books are "Mrs. Spider's Tea Party" by David Kirk, "Hansel and Gretel" by the Brothers Grimm and all Eric Carle books. Miss Kelley likes working with children because they are so "unconditional" and eager little learners. They are funny and very interesting to be around. She finds it very enjoyable working with very young children. Ms. Kelley is mother of three and is very excited to welcome her first grandchild soon!   Ms. Kelley's top priorities are health, safety, quality of education and making the School a second home for our children.

Miss Karen - Infant Teacher - Miss Karen is originally from Chicago, IL.  She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois. Her favorite children's book is "Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?" by Eric Carle. Miss Karen likes working with children because it is so rewarding and exciting to watch them grow and learn.

Ms. Jessica - Ms. Jessica was born in Washington, DC.  She became interested in working with children during the ten years that her mother owned a preschool and daycare. She enjoys being here at The Goddard School working with your children, and looks forward to getting to know your family!  Miss Jessica's favorite children's book is "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown.

Ms. Rita - Ms. Rita is a retired kindergarten teacher with 32 years of classroom experience. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a kindergarten endorsement from the University of Kentucky. Miss Rita received her Master’s degree of Education from Western Kentucky University. She loves working with children of this age because they are so excited to learn new things. Miss Rita looks forward to getting to know you and your child.

Ms. Kelly - Ms. Kelly is the Teacher in the Infant room, and is grateful for the opportunity to work at The Goddard School. Her child started here in the Get Set program and is now in Preschool. Ms. Kelly was involved with forest health research for the US Forest Service and the University of Arizona in northern Arizona. She has always been a big nature and animal lover, but nothing has fascinated Ms. Kelly more than being a parent. She thinks it is amazing to watch as children develop from dependent little infants to determined and capable children with their own personalities in such a short span of time!  She also enjoys reading, hiking and genealogy research.  Miss Kelly's favorite books are: "Sometimes I like to crawl up in a ball" by Vicki Churchill and Charles Fuge and "The Sneetches" by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Deb - Ms. Deb was born and raised in Minnesota. She moved to Arizona in 1995 to escape the winter “blahs” back home and she really loves it here. Miss Deb has been in childcare for 15 years and at The Goddard School since August 2010. She makes nutritious snacks for the children and also collects all lunch boxes and heats up and distributes lunches. Ms. Deb also helps out in classrooms when needed. Miss Deb's favorite children's author is Suzy Spafford.

Miss Casie - Ms. Casie is currently in school studying Elementary Education. She was a competitive gymnast for a major part of her childhood and previously a gymnastics coach. Ms. Casie uses the things she learned in her childhood and what she is learning now to teach the children in her class. She hopes to give each child something they can take with them and use to help them grow and learn.

Miss Mirela - Miss Mirela has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She has worked in an elementary school for two years and has been working for three years in a preschool setting. One of Miss Mirela's favorite children's books is "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss. She thinks his rhymes are fun, and create an enjoyable story to read. Miss Mirela loves to work with children because being able to teach a child something new and have fun at the same time is the most rewarding thing for her. She loves their smiles, hugs, giggles and how proud they are when they get a sticker!.

Miss Cassie - Miss Cassie has been a Preschool Lead teacher for 8 years. She's been a Goddard Teacher for more than 3 years and has recently transferred from Illinois. Ms. Cassie has an Associate's degree in Arts.  Her hobbies are photography and reading.  Ms. Cassie's favorite children's book is "Chicken Soup with Rice" by Maurice Sendak.  Ms. Cassie enjoys being able to witness children grow and meet new milestones.  Knowing that she was part of that process is what makes her glad that she is a teacher.

Miss Diana - Ms. Diana is our Assistant Teacher/Floater.  She has a degree in Industrial Engineering but her true calling is early childhood education.  She's been working with children of different ages for several years.  Her favorite children's books are "Tangled" and "Snow White."  She likes working with young children and learning new things about them.  She likes that they surprise her every day and she loves to see their smiles when they do something interesting or learn new things.

Miss Becky - Ms. Becky has over 17 years of experience working with children.  She is currently working on her Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education.  Ms. Becky's favorite book is "Brown Bear Brown Bear"' by Eric Carle.  Ms. Becky likes working with children because every child is different and unique.  She loves to give each child a new and exciting experience to learn from and explore every day.  Ms. Becky finds working with children very rewarding.

Miss Donna - Miss Donna has an Elementary Education degree from Northern Arizona University, she also worked with children for about three years. Miss Donna’s hobbies include Phoenix Coyotes games, music and spending time with her family. Her favorite children’s books are books by Dr. Seuss. Miss Donna enjoys working with children because every day is a new and exciting day. You never know what your day will be like, but if you are having a rough day, children tend to turn it around with a smile.

Mrs. Maryam - Mrs. Maryam has more than 10 years of childcare experience. Her hobbies include reading and cooking. She also loves educational books for children. Mrs. Maryam likes working with children because they make her day happier. She has a great passion for children. She has triplet grandchildren and she enjoys being with them.

Miss Irena - Miss Irena is a graduate of the University of Sofia. She has extensive teaching experience. She worked with children from Infant to school age. Her hobbies include reading, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying performing arts. Miss Irena believes that children are the meaning of our lives and the future of the world. She likes to work with children and develop their special skills and talents.

Miss Shelby -

Miss Shelby graduated from Arizona State University in December 2011, with a major in Family and Human Development and a minor in Religious Studies.  While attending college, she worked a part time job supervising children at The Children’s Elite Gym. She also volunteered at Copper Canyon Elementary School in the reading room, and at Cardon Children’s Medical Center helping children and families adjust to personal medical issues. Her favorite childhood books are “My Goodnight Book,” by Eloise Wilkin, and “Love You Forever,” by Robert Munsch. Working with children has always been a passion of hers. Miss Shelby enjoys watching children’s faces light up as they explore and learn new things.

Miss Danelle - Preschool room Teacher Miss Danelle has been working in the Early Childhood field for three years. She’s worked in Headstart and Preschool. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Early Childhood Education. She likes to sew, read, bike, hike and camp. She grew up in county-open space, therefore she enjoys outdoor wilderness. Miss Danelle’s favorite books are “I’ll love you forever” by Robert Munsch and “Llama Mama Drama” by Anna Dewdney. Miss Danelle loves working with children because she thinks it is amazing to watch the growth and development of children. She’s worked with children who have taught her a thing or two. She enjoys hearing adventurous stories and the excitement they express.

Miss Keka - Floater/Assistant Teacher Miss Keka has a Master of Arts Degree from India. She has worked with children of different ages. Her hobbies include reading and painting. Miss Keka’s favorite children’s author is Dr. Seuss. She likes working with children because they are very curious, creative and inquisitive. She admires children’s love to learn from experiences and activities.