Our Goddard School Teachers

Hello and welcome to our school page! My name is Ms. Kimberly and I am the new on-site owner at The Goddard School in Buckeye. I have owned the Goodyear location for the last 16 years with Ms. JoEllen who is the on-site owner there. Our shared passion for early childhood education is what led us to open that first school and we are excited to add this beautiful school in Verrado to our growing Goddard family. I have been a Flight Attendant for 30 years but I am looking forward to officially retiring from my flying job to be back in a school full time. I love being around children and prior to my role here at the school I volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Foster Children in Maricopa County. My husband Ricardo and I love to travel, especially internationally and we enjoy cooking at home together. We have two sons, one who is a Goddard grad, who are both in college currently and our daughter lives in Mexico City. I look forward to getting to know your family soon!

Mandee has been a dedicated part of The Goddard School Buckeye since January 201l and is the Operations Director. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management. Mandee’s heart remains centered on the children, families, and faculty and understands what it feels like to be a mother bringing her child to preschool. She truly enjoys building meaningful relationships, getting to know each family, and helping them feel welcome, and comfortable. Her favorite quote, “Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever,” by Walt Disney. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, and playing with her lovable dogs.

A Phoenix native, Rachel joined our team in August 2012 and has been our school's Curriculum Director ever since. She has a passion for creativity and loves finding new ways to inspire both teachers and students. Rachel has also played an important role in growing the school's social media presence, helping families stay connected and engaged with all the exciting moments happening throughout the school. Each day, Rachel works closely with teachers to support The Goddard School's Wonder of Learning curriculum by sharing creative resources, encouraging innovative teaching strategies, and helping create meaningful learning experiences that spark children's curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning. One of her favorite parts of the day is visiting the classrooms, where she enjoys talking with the students and listening to their imaginative stories, and unique perspectives. Outside of work she enjoys traveling and taking photographs.

Meet Ms. Melanie, one of our office assistants here at the school. She has been with Goddard since 2021 and previously worked as a teacher. Recently, she moved into the office position in which she looks forward to applying her college education, where she earned a degree in International Business from Universidad De La Salle Bajío in Guanajuato, Mexico. We are excited to watch her grow within her new role, and welcome her uplifting and fun personality. In her time away from the school, she enjoys painting, baking, fishing, and spending time with her husband and cats.

Breven joined us in 2022 and has proven herself as a caring and dedicated office assistant. One of the things she enjoys while working with children, is to watch them come out of their shell and overcome challenges. Her favorite children's book is "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown. Breven's defining quote is: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Joy has been with us since 2022, and in that time she has developed loving relationships with many of our youngest students and their families. Being away from your infant can be scary, but with Joy our families have found peace and mind that their children are safe and thriving at school. Her favorite book is "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch. Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing them grow and reach their milestones while at school.

Brie is our Cuddly Calves 1 year old teacher. She has worked at Goddard for almost 3 years with the toddler aged children. Brie has a very soft and sweet personality which is perfect for the little ones. One of her biggest strengths is comforting the children and helping them with their big transition to the class. It makes her so happy when her students learn to say new words. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her sisters.

Ms. Valerie has worked in childcare for 6 years and enjoys interacting with her students. Her goal for the class is to teach children independence, communication, collaboration, and how to have fun. Some of her favorite things to see in classroom is children interacting with one another and care they show for each other at such a young age.

Ms. Erma is our friendly lead teacher in the two year old class. She has worked at the Goddard School for over 6 years! One of her favorite things to do is create a special bond with each student and help them build self-confidence. Ermalinda explains, it makes her so happy when the students learn new skills and share them with their families. Ermalinda teaches her two year old students with gentle kindness, and patience. Feel free to stop by her class, she is always happy to meet your little ones.

Hello, my name is Ms. Kassie, I am the lead teacher in the Playful Puppies Bridge classroom. I am originally from California and have several years of experience working with children. Before joining The Goddard School, I had the opportunity to work at Disneyland, where I loved creating magical experiences for families. I am excited to be part of the team and look forward to meeting each of you.

Hello, my name is Ms. Veronica I am the lead teacher in the Bouncing Bunnies preschool classroom. I love getting to know each student, and find ways to personally connect to each of them. One of my favorite things to teach is art and sensory. I look forward to meeting you all soon!

Meet Ms. Nicole, our Preschool teacher in the Frolicking Foals class. Nicole has taught preschool for over 6 years. She loves the everyday conversations and interactions she shares with the children. She enjoys having dance time and watching the children have fun! When away from the school she likes to watch movies and create crafts.

Ms. Cierra, is our very sweet and loving Pre-K teacher. She ensures her classroom is cozy and feels just like home for her students. Her favorite part about being a teacher is the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives. She loves reading to her class and making story time extra special for them.

Ms. Rebecca is our awesome Pre-kindergarten teacher in our Kindly Kids class! She has several years experience working with children. Each morning, she welcomes every student with a big smile and a huge amount of encouragement. She is a genuine, caring person who loves to see her students overcome challenges and learn something new. When away from the school, she enjoys taking walks and going to new restaurants.

Ms. Jennifer is one of our teachers in the infant room and has worked at Goddard for several years. She enjoys making lasting connections with the students and their families. Jennifer earned an Associates In Arts degree from Estrella Mountain Community College. Outside of work Jennifer loves to read.

Ms. Yesenia is one of our very special teachers in the infant room. She has over 9 years experience working with children. She absolutely loves to watch the infants learn and grow, especially when they meet a big milestone. Outside of work she likes to hike, and enjoys being outside.

Ms. Michelle is part of our Foals preschool team. She enjoys teaching and inspiring children and adults to read. She explains that she often finds teachable moments in anything she does, including dance, sports, cooking and simple life skills. Michelle earned her Associates in Science from Brown Mackie College. Outside of work you can find her swimming, running and hiking.

Since 2020, Melissa has been part of our team, assisting in office operations and ensuring a wonderful environment for all of our students. Melissa has a very gentle and caring nature. Her favorite children's book is "The Color Monster" by Anna Llenas. Melissa's defining quote is: "Be silly, be honest, be kind!" - Ralph Waldo Emerson.