Our Goddard School Teachers

Welcome to The Goddard School! My name is Ms. JoEllen and I have had the privilege of serving as the school’s on-site owner since we opened our doors to students in 2009. In addition to my leadership role at our school, I have served on the Southwest Maricopa Regional Partnership Council for First Things First since 2016. I have three children, two of whom are Goddard graduates. My husband Sam and I love watching renovation shows and cheesy romantic movies. As a family, we enjoy traveling and playing games. Prior to opening the school, I was a stay-at-home mom and community volunteer. I have also worked as a corporate trainer. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from DePaul University, a Master’s Degree in Training & Development from Loyola University Chicago, an MBA from Grand Canyon University, and a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. I look forward to growing roots in our community together!

*2025 West Region Director of the Year * 2015 Goddard Systems Teacher of the Year * 2019 Ready. Set. Teach! Scholarship Winner* Hello, my name is Mr. Ryan and I am the Education Director here at The Goddard School in Goodyear. Prior to joining the Admin Team as Assistant Director, I was the Lead Preschool teacher in the younger preschool classroom for over five years. I have AA in Elementary Education, a BA in Educational Studies, an MA in Applied Behavioral Analysis from ASU, and a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. I am now pursuing my PhD in Developmental Psychology. I am passionate about introducing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) concepts to our young learners. I enjoy bringing a fun and creative atmosphere to our school as we partner together to help your children grow. Outside of school, my beautiful wife, daughters, and I enjoy movies, drawing, painting, and creating images with Japanese ink.

Hello, my name is Ms. Karen and I am the the Assistant Director of Education serving the students and families of our school as part of the Admin team. I began working with children at an early age as a volunteer and that is how I discovered my love of teaching. I have an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and have been working with children professionally since 2014. My passion is to create a safe and inspiring classroom for my students to grow and learn to be kind to all. I am so excited to be a part of the Goddard community and I am looking forward to serving you and your family.

Hello, my name is Ms. Selena and I am the Office Manager here at The Goddard School in Goodyear. I joined the Goddard family in 2014 and have a true passion for working with children. I was born and raised here in sunny Arizona and am currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. I am a huge Disney fan and absolutely love Disneyland. You will always see me with a smile on my face because my goal is to start or end your day with a smile as well!

*2024 Infant Teacher of the Year - West Region* Hi, my name is Ms. Cindy and I am the Lead Teacher in the infant classroom. I have been working with infants and toddlers since 1999. My family and I moved to Arizona from Colorado in August 2021. In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my animals and hanging out with my family. I am so excited to be working at The Goddard School and look forward to getting to know each and every one of your children.

Hello, my name is Ms. Damaris and I am a teacher in the Snuggly Snails classroom. I am currently completing my Bachelor's degree in Education at ASU and have experience working with children of all ages. I have been at The Goddard School in Goodyear since 2017 and love getting to know our families and students. In my spare time, I like to read and watch movies.

Hello, I'm Ms. Sophie and I am an Assistant Teacher in the infant classroom. I was born and raised in Arizona. I started working with children in 2025 and plan to further my career by getting a degree in child development. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family as well as traveling. I am so proud to be a part of the Goddard team and to be in the classroom teaching your students.

Hello, my name is Ms. Valeria, and I am the Lead Teacher in the Toddler Ones Wiggly Worms classroom. I have my associate's degree in early childhood education and have been working with children since 2018. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. My family and I moved from Broomfield, CO in September 2024 and have made Goodyear our new home. I love sharing smiles and laughter with my students and am excited to get to know our students and families better.

Hello, my name is Ms. Stacey and I have been working with children since 1999. I am currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and have a true passion for teaching young learners. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and cooking.

Hello, my name is Ms. Ariana and I am the Lead Teacher in the Young Toddlers classroom. I am currently pursuing a degree in Communications with an emphasis on Interpersonal Relations. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my son and family and going on an occasional hike. I enjoy getting to know my students, their parents, and fellow faculty. You will always see me with a lot of positive energy.

Hello, my name is Ms. Jordan and I am an Assistant Teacher here at The Goddard School. I was born and raised in Arizona and have a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University. I have a passion for working with children and making an impact. I have been working with children of all ages since 2023 and look forward to growing with The Goddard School in Goodyear.

Hello, my name is Ms. Baylee and I am the Lead Teacher in the Curious Caterpillars two year old classroom. I was born and raised in Arizona and have my Bachelor's degree in Sports Psychology. I have been working with children since 2023 and plan to pursue a second degree in Early Childhood Education. Teaching children is a passion for me because watching their minds grow and prosper give me a sense of purpose.

Hello, my name is Ms. Desiree and I am an Assistant Teacher in the two year old Curious Caterpillars classroom. I have been working with children since 2007 and it is my passion. I enjoy seeing children learn new ideas and build new skills. I am an oldest child with one sister and three brothers. I have two dogs and they are my babies. I look forward to growing with The Goddard School.

Hello, my name is Ms. Gabby, and I am the Lead Teacher in the Bridge classroom. I have an associate degree in Behavioral Psychology and have been working with children since 2010. I previously worked at The Goddard School in Scottsdale and am happy to join the Goodyear faculty which is closer to home. I have always enjoyed seeing the world through the eyes of the children I work with. In my spare time, I like to read, play with my dog, and solve puzzles.

Hello, my name is Ms. Melanie and I am an Assistant Teacher in the Busy Bees (older twos/young threes) classroom. I have worked with preschool students for a few years as a volunteer and am interested in pursuing further education in Early Childhood Development. In my free time, I like to read and play with my dogs.

Hello, my name is Ms. April. I am an Assistant Teacher in the preschool Silly Spiders classroom. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. Working here feels like a dream come true knowing that I will be able to teach and grow with our students.

Aloha! My name is Ms. Lexi and I am one of the teachers in the preschool program. I was born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. I have worked with children since 2021. I love learning new things and feel it is always important to enhance my skills as a teacher and as a person. I am excited to join this school/family and look forward to being a part of this positive environment.

Hello, my name is Ms. Susan and I am the Lead Teacher in the older Preschool classroom. I have my Child Development Associate Degree (CDA) and am currently working toward my Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Prior to joining The Goddard School family in 2012, I taught Pre-Kindergarten in the school district for over seven years. I have lived in Arizona since 1997 and am originally from Holland, Michigan. I have a true passion for working with young children and I look forward to working with yours here at The Goddard School!

Hello, my name is Ms. Amanda, and I am an Assistant Teacher in the Preschool Grasshoppers classroom. I was born and raised in Arizona and have been working with children of all ages since 2006. I love being in the classroom and helping children. I have four teenage children of my own and am a foster parent. When I am not working, I enjoy hanging out with my grandson. I am so excited to watch our students grow here at The Goddard School.

Hi! My name is Ms. Sabrina and I am the Lead Teacher in the Daring Dragonflies Pre-Kindergarten classroom. I was born in California but moved to Arizona in 2004. I have been working with children since 2015 and have earned my Associate degree (CDA) in Child Development. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. I love working at The Goddard School and getting to know the students and families.

Hi, my name is Ms. Daisy, and I am a teacher in the Daring Dragonflies Pre-Kindergarten class.

Hello, my name is Ms. Kim and I have been the Lead Teacher of the Pre-Kindergarten Brilliant Butterflies class here at The Goddard School since 2010. I have many years of experience working with children of all ages. I hold an Associate's Degree (CDA) in Child Development. My family and I moved from Erie, PA in June 2008 and have made Goodyear our new home. It is a pleasure to work with your children and teach them to learn and grow in a positive learning environment.

Hello, my name is Ms. Vanessa, and I am the Lead Kindergarten teacher. I have my Montessori teaching diploma in Early Childhood Education. I started as a preschool teacher in 2003 with a worker's permit. I was the Assistant Director of a Montessori school in southern Arizona for twelve years before moving to the Goodyear area. I love working with children. My mother was a teacher, and my sister is a Kindergarten teacher as well. I have two handsome sons. I am happy to be a part of The Goddard School in Goodyear!

Hello, my name is Ms. Kaylee, and I am an Assistant Teacher helping in various classrooms around the school. I have worked with children since 2022 and love watching the students grow over time. I am huge kid at heart and love Disney and cartoons. I am excited to grow with your children and The Goddard School in Goodyear!

Hello, my name is Cas and I am the Kitchen Coordinator and a Resource teacher here at The Goddard School. I am currently pursuing a degree in Conservation Energy and plan to be a science teacher. I have a lot of volunteer experience working with children and my goal at Goddard is to help support our teachers and promote a fun and safe place for everyone to enjoy!

Hi! My name is Mr. Sam and I am the Building Renovation & Maintenance Manager here at The Goddard School in Goodyear. I have been a part of the school community since 2018 and enjoy getting to know the faculty, students, and parents.