Our Teachers

Hello, my name is Cecillia (Ms CeCe, to my tiny students!) I am the Director of Education at the Goddard School of Bentonville. I am a lifelong learner with particular interest in child social/emotional development, literacy, creativity, and yoga. I taught kindergarten for 3 years before shifting into prekindergarten more than 16 years ago. Before joining Goddard, I taught at a private school in Fayetteville for 12 years. While teaching in Fayetteville, I developed a process art and yoga program for preschool aged children and a yoga program for school aged children. I was fortunate to share these programs within the elementary school setting and at a private studio in Bentonville for many years. My husband and I have been married for more than 18 years and have four children- Alexandra, Ellysia, Zachary, and Esabelle. We love playing soccer and taking spontaneous trips hiking, kayaking, and white-water rafting. Our favorite vacation destination is anywhere in the mountains.

Hello, I'm Travis and I am so proud to be bringing The Goddard School to Bentonville, Arkansas. I graduated with a Bachelors in Bio/Chemistry from John Brown University. Prior to owning The Goddard School of Bentonville, I worked as a Buyer for Sam’s Club and Walmart for many years, before moving on to leading sales teams in the Minnesota and NW Arkansas areas. I have a passion for building businesses, meaningful leadership and communication, and fun-fact: I hold two separate patents! I am a dreamer, and truly learn something new every day. I enjoy woodworking, fly-fishing, golf, and telling dad-jokes while my three children still find me hysterical. I can't wait for you to see the incredible atmosphere of fun and learning that we strive to create daily at The Goddard School of Bentonville!

Hello, my name is Leila and my husband Travis and I are the proud owners of The Goddard School in Bentonville, Arkansas. I graduated with a Bachelors in Graphic Design and Marketing from John Brown University. Prior to owning The Goddard School of Bentonville, I worked for DaySpring Cards, a division of Hallmark, as a Designer and Art Director. After becoming a mom to our first daughter (and TWINS a few years later!) I chose to leave the full-time work environment and start my own freelance design business, all while balancing the wild, amazing job that is motherhood. During those formative preschool years with my own young children, I learned that having support as a parent, as well as incredible early educational opportunities for my children, was a gift. I have a true passion to connect with families, genuinely know you as individuals, and to create an inspiring, unique, premier preschool experience for children that reflects the Bentonville and NW Arkansas community. Although Travis and I are a husband-and-wife team, I will be the on-site owner with Travis as a support role in our school. I love spending my free time running, creating beauty and a healthy lifestyle in my home, and loving on my own three children: supporting their activities and interests, volunteering at their schools, and giving back to the community.