Our 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, and a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. I look forward to growing roots in our community together!

*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 Administrative Team as Assistant Director in 2015, I was the Lead Preschool teacher in the younger three year old 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 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 play and 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 was born and raised here in sunny Arizona. I am currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and I have a true passion for working with children. 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, my name is Ms. Vanessa, and I am a teacher in the infant program. 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 look forward to being a part of The Goddard School in Goodyear!

Hello, my name is Ms. Angela and I am the Lead Teacher in the young one year old classroom. I was a stay-at-home mom for several years and have always had a passion for teaching and caring for children. I love to learn something new every day and am pursuing my degree in Early Childhood Education. In my spare time, I love to crochet, bike, and watch movies with my family. I am excited to travel this journey with your families and The Goddard School.

Hi! My name is Ms. Xylina and I am an Assistant Teacher in the young one year old classroom. I was raised in tropical Puerto Rico. I am currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and have been working in the field since 2022. My compassionate nature and care skills aid in creating and strengthening a child/caregiver relationship and in promoting a welcoming and comfortable environment for children in my care. I look forward to growing with The Goddard School in Goodyear and helping educate and care for your children!

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. Destiny and I am the Assistant Teacher in the young toddler classroom. I have lived in Arizona my entire life and have worked with children since 2021. I plan to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. I have a big heart for children and hope to bring excitement, musical fun, and positivity to the young hearts of our students.

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.

Hi, my name is Ms. Leeya and I am the Lead Teacher in the older twos and young threes classroom, the Busy Bees. I have been working with children since 2017 and am currently pursuing my Child Development Associate degree. I have worked with children of all ages and love what I do! When I am not working, I am usually reading or spending time with my family trying new places.

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.

Hi! My name is Ms. Gabby and I am the Lead Teacher in the Silly Spiders classroom. I was raised in Arizona and am mommy to a little one who is my pride and joy. Working with children is my passion and I am super excited to be a part of the Goddard family. I fully believe in that if you "choose a job you love you'll never have to work a day in your life!"

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 the Assistant Teacher in the Preschool Grasshoppers classroom. I have a passion for working with children and have been doing so for over twenty years. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time in nature and being a grandma to my sweet grandchildren. I look forward to growing with The Goddard School in Goodyear.

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. Felicia and I am an Assistant Teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten Dragonflies classroom. I was born in California and moved to Arizona in 2018. I have been working child development for many years. In my spare time, my family and I enjoy going fishing and love to barbeque.

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. Diane and I am the Lead Teacher in the Kindergarten classroom. I have worked in early education for all ages from infants through Kindergarten. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Development. My family and I moved here from Northern California in 2019 and I am so excited to be here with you and your children at The Goddard School!

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. Jayda and I am a resource teacher working primarily in the one year old program. I am a high school student at Valor Preparatory Academy and attend classes at Estrella Mountain Community College. I began interning at The Goddard School in 2023 and I was excited to officially join the faculty part-time in 2024. I plan to study Early Childhood Education and pursue teaching as a career.

Hello, my name is Ms. Nadiya and I was born and raised in Arizona. I have a huge passion for working with children. I have worked with children since 2022 and plan to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. Working with young learners is want I want to do for the rest of my life.

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 Ms. Sheyla and I am an Assistant Teacher in the preschool Silly Spiders classroom. I started my journey with young children through the COOP program at my high school and I am excited to be at Goddard where I can help students grow and thrive.

Hello, my name is Ms. Keyla and I am a Resource Teacher working in various classrooms around the school. I am Cuban and have been living in Arizona since 2022. I am fluent in Spanish. I studied at Peoria high school where I participated in a COOP program where I discovered my passion for being a part of children's development. I seek to improve myself as a person and a teacher in order to share all of my love and knowledge with the children here at The Goddard School in Goodyear.