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 and represent the West Region on Goddard Systems Advisory Council. My husband Sam, our three children (including 2 Goddard grads!), and I enjoy traveling and playing board 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. Ariana and I serve as Assistant Director here at The Goddard School of Goodyear. 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. 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. Rachael and I am a Lead Teacher in the Toddler ones program. I am originally from California, and have lived in Arizona since 2020. I have three sons and have worked in the early childhood development field for over a decade. My goal is complete my AA In Early Childhood Education by the end of year. I love sports and always showing up for my own children and the children I teach. I am excited to grow with The Goddard School and build memorable relationships with everyone I meet.

Hello, my name is Ms. Kaylee, and I am an Assistant Teacher in the one year old program. 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 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. Jordan and I am the Lead Teacher of the Bridge program 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. Melanie and I am an Assistant Teacher in the preschool Silly Spiders classroom. I have been at The Goddard School of Goodyear since 2022. 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.

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.

Hello, my name is Ms. Gabby, and I am the Lead Teacher in the Daring Dragonflies Pre-Kindergarten 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.

Hi, my name is Ms. Daisy, and I am a teacher in the Daring Dragonflies Pre-Kindergarten class. I have worked in a preschool setting since 2022 and love working with young children. I have two children of my own and love watching them grow. Outside of school, my family enjoys traveling and playing tennis together. I look forward to growing with The Goddard School and getting to know your families.

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. Megan and I am the Assistant Teacher in the Brilliant Butterflies Pre-Kindergarten classroom. I have an Associates degree in Early Childhood Development and have been working with young children since 2005. I have worked with children ranging in age from six weeks to sixteen years old, including my work with disabled teens for ten years. My family and I are from Southern California, but now call Litchfield Park home. I am excited to work with your children here at The Goddard School of Goodyear.

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 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!

Hello, my name is Ms. Brenda and I have been working with children since 2020. I am currently studying to be an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I love working with children and watching them explore, learn, and grow each day. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors. I am excited to be a part of The Goddard School community and looking forward to helping children discover the world around them in a fun and positive way.

Hello, my name is Ms. Adriana and I am a resource teacher helping in classrooms around the school. I was born and raised in Phoenix and began my early childhood journey as an intern here at The Goddard School of Goodyear. I love learning new things and am currently learning how to cut hair, crochet, and do acrylic nails. I look forward to working with your children and helping them learn new things here at school.

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.

Hello, my name is Ren and I am an Assistant Teacher in the infant program. I have worked with children of all ages, from infants to middle schoolers, since 2020. I have a BA in Business and plan to continuing my education in the near future. I love cartons and comics and drawing all of my favorite characters. I have lived in Arizona all of my life, mainly in Central Phoenix and am getting to know the West Valley more. It has been fun to see what a difference just a few miles makes!

Hello, my name is Ms. Lesley and I am an Assistant Teacher in the Bridge program. I have been working with children since 2019. Back home in Texas, I worked in an inclusive learning center and earned my Registered Behavioral Tech hours and implement applied behavioral analysis in the classroom. I look forward to working with the students and families here at The Goddard School of Goodyear. You will always catch me with a smile on my face. If you see me around the school, please stop me to say hello!