Our Goddard School Teachers

Ms. Kimberly is the on-site owner of The Goddard School of Buckeye. She has owned The Goddard School of Goodyear for 17 years and now brings that experience to Verrado. Her son is a Goddard graduate, so she knows firsthand what families hope for when they choose a school for their child. Her love of children also led her to volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster children in Maricopa County, speaking up for children who needed someone in their corner. Each day, she makes sure every child feels safe and encouraged as they learn through curiosity, creativity and play.

Ms. Mandee is the Operations Director and has been part of The Goddard School of Buckeye since 2011. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management, combining an understanding of how young children learn with the skills to keep the school running smoothly. As a mother who has brought her own child to preschool, she knows how much it means for families to feel welcome, and she makes a point of getting to know each one.

Ms. Rachel is the Curriculum Director and has been part of The Goddard School of Buckeye since August 2012. She works closely with teachers to bring Wonder of Learning® to life, sharing creative resources and new teaching strategies that spark children’s curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Her favorite part of the day is visiting classrooms to hear children’s imaginative stories and unique perspectives. She also helped build the school’s social media presence, keeping families connected to the exciting moments happening throughout the school.

Ms. Melanie is an Office Assistant who has been part of The Goddard School since 2021 and previously worked as a teacher. She holds a degree in International Business from Universidad De La Salle Bajío in Guanajuato, Mexico. Her classroom experience and business background help keep the school’s daily operations running smoothly, and her warm, upbeat personality makes the office a welcoming place for children and families.

Ms. Breven is an Office Assistant who joined The Goddard School of Buckeye in 2022. Her caring, dedicated approach makes her a familiar face for children and families throughout the school. Her favorite part of working with children is watching them come out of their shells and grow more confident as they overcome new challenges.

Ms. Joy is an Infant Teacher who has been part of The Goddard School since 2022. She builds strong relationships with each infant and their family, and parents trust her with their youngest children, finding peace of mind in knowing their infants are safe and well cared for. Watching infants grow and reach new milestones is her favorite part of teaching.

Ms. Brie is a Toddler Teacher in the one-year-old classroom. One of her greatest strengths is comforting children through the big transition into a new classroom, and her patient, reassuring approach helps toddlers feel safe as they settle in. Through play and hands-on exploration, she helps toddlers communicate and build new skills, and hearing a child say a new word is one of her favorite moments.

Ms. Valerie has worked in child care for six years. Her goal for every child is to build independence, communication and collaboration while having fun along the way, and she uses play-based activities to give children hands-on ways to practice these skills together. One of her favorite parts of the day is watching children interact and show genuine care for one another at such a young age.

Ms. Erma is the Lead Twos Teacher and has taught at The Goddard School for more than six years. She creates a special bond with each child, and her gentle kindness and patience help two-year-olds build the self-confidence to try new things. One of her favorite parts of teaching is watching children master new skills and proudly bring them home to their families.

Ms. Kassie is the Lead Bridge Teacher and brings years of experience working with children. Before joining The Goddard School, she worked at Disneyland, where creating magical experiences for families was her favorite part of the job. In the Bridge classroom, she uses play and hands-on learning to help children build the independence and routines that prepare them for preschool.

Ms. Tatum is a Preschool Teacher who has built strong connections with the children, parents and fellow teachers. She loves getting to know each child’s unique personality and creates a classroom where preschoolers feel known, encouraged and confident as they learn alongside friends. Celebrating each child’s milestones with them is one of her favorite parts of teaching.

Ms. Nicole is a Preschool Teacher with more than six years of experience. The everyday conversations she has with children are her favorite part of teaching, giving preschoolers a chance to express their ideas, ask questions and build their language skills. Dance time is another highlight of her day, bringing movement and fun into the classroom as children learn and play together.

Ms. Cierra is a Pre-K Teacher who makes her classroom cozy and welcoming so it feels just like home. Story time is extra special in her room, and she loves reading to her class and helping children build a love of books in their last year before kindergarten. Making a positive impact on each child’s life is her favorite part of teaching.

Ms. Rebecca is a Pre-K Teacher who brings years of experience working with children. She greets every child each morning with a big smile and plenty of encouragement, helping her students start the day feeling confident. She loves watching them overcome challenges and learn something new as they build the skills they need for kindergarten.

Ms. Jennifer is an Infant Teacher who holds an Associate of Arts degree from Estrella Mountain Community College and has been part of The Goddard School Buckey for several years. She builds lasting connections with infants and their families, and her years at Goddard give infants and families a familiar, nurturing presence as children begin their first school experience.

Ms. Yesenia is an Infant Teacher who has worked with children for more than nine years. She values being part of each child’s earliest growth and development, and through The Goddard School’s play-based approach she gives infants gentle, hands-on ways to explore the world around them. Her experience helps infants feel secure and supported, and seeing a child reach a big milestone is one of her favorite parts of the day.

Ms. Tyrra is an Assistant Toddler Teacher, and reading with children is one of her favorite parts of the day. She uses story time to help toddlers build early language skills and a love of books.

Ms. Michelle is a Preschool Teacher who holds an Associate of Science degree from Brown Mackie College. She believes any moment can be a teachable one and brings that belief into her classroom through The Goddard School’s play-based approach, turning dance, sports, cooking and simple life skills into hands-on learning. She also loves inspiring young readers and helping preschoolers discover the fun of reading on their own.