Our Goddard School Teachers

Thank you for considering The Goddard School to be your child’s best preschool experience. As a parent myself, I know the importance of a safe and nurturing learning environment. I believe that an early start to quality education is essential for a lifelong love of learning. Here at The Goddard School, we are dedicated to providing that utmost quality of care and education to the children in our community. I look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful school!

Mr. Fernando is our Operations Director, and has been with the school since the opening in 2013. Having two children of his own, he understands the importance of creating meaningful relationships and moments with both families and children alike. Mr. Fernando has always had a passion for teaching young children and is most known for his interactive storytelling across the school. He also loves creating environments designed to stimulate children and develop their critical thinking skills. Most recently, Mr. Fernando has won the title of Director of the Year for 2024. When he's not at work, Mr. Fernando loves to spend his time at various sporting events and making memories with his family.

Ms. Ninamarie is our Associate Director and has been with us for 8 years. She joined the Goddard School in 2018 as an assistant teacher in our infant program and has worked alongside many of the younger classrooms. Though she is currently one of our Associate Directors, Ms. Nina loves visiting the classrooms and working with children of all ages. She received her Bachelors Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Child and Adolescent Relationships in 2020 and aspires to continue building strong relationships here at the Goddard School.

Ms. Gay is our Curriculum Director and brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood care to the Goddard School. She joined us in 2014 as our lead Kindergarten Teacher and loves incorporating activities that help develop social and emotional skills. Ms. Gay received her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education with an Emphasis on Child and Family Development from San Diego State University. Though she is no longer in a classroom, Ms. Gay still loves visiting rooms and creating joy and laughter wherever she goes. She has recently won the Teacher of The Year 2023 Western Region Award. We are so proud to have her apart of our Admin Team.

Mrs. Shannon joined our school in 2016 as a Lead Teacher in our Transitional Kindergarten Program. Though Mrs. Shannon works with our older children, she loves supporting children of all ages. Her main goal as a teacher is to provide a warm and welcoming environment where the children feel loved, safe and excited to learn. Being bilingual herself, Mrs. Shannon implements Spanish into the daily curriculum to encourage the curiosity of new things. Mrs. Shannon has her Associates degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis on Child Development and has recently graduated from California State University of San Marcos with a Bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Development. When Mrs. Shannon isn’t at work, she loves spending time with her family and going to the desert.

Ms. Kathryn joined our school in 2016 as a teacher in our Bridge/Preschool Program. Since her start, Ms. Kathryn has found true joy in teaching our Pre-Kindergarten class. Ms. Kathryn loves to spark joy in learning by introducing Math and Science concepts through cooking. She says that watching the children get excited to learn is one of her favorite things about teaching. Ms. Kathryn received her Bachelor's Degree in Child Development from California State University of Sacramento and has her California State Permit in Child Development. When Ms. Kathryn isn’t working she can be found baking yummy treats or spending time with family.

Ms Darby joined our school in 2024 and brought over seven years of experience with her. She is currently a Lead Teacher in our Preschool program and loves bringing laughter and joy to her room. Ms. Darby encourages her children to explore and learn through dramatic play and various interactive centers. Ms. Darby is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. When Ms. Darby isn't at work she enjoys playing video games, and going to the beach or amusement parks.

Mrs. Patricia (Paty) joined our school in 2014 and is the Lead Teacher in our Preschool program. She has her Associate Degree in Child Development and has over 12 years of teaching experience. Working with young children is her passion and she loves to help them develop and learn new things each day. She brings new ways to challenge each child depending on their current skills and abilities. She does her best to make the class more interesting and exciting throughout the day by planning different activities that consist of creative learning, art, music, and lots of sensory play.

Ms. Briana joined us in 2021 as a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Program and has developed a love and passion for teaching young children. She is currently a Co-Lead Teacher in one of our Transitional Kindergarten classrooms. She strives to create a welcoming and safe environment that fosters growth and discovery. Her main objective when teaching is to make learning fun and meaningful through a variety of activities. Ms. Briana received her Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts from California State University of San Marcos in 2016.

Ms. Anna joined us in 2024 and is an assistant teacher in the Infant program. . As a nature lover herself, Ms. Anna brings in plants and natural materials to her classroom to encourage her children to develop the same love. She also implements a variety of activities that allow for the children to explore their own interests. When she is not at work, you can find Ms. Anna with a book in one hand and a coffee in the other.

Ms. Bernadette joined The Goddard School in 2014 and has taught in most of our programs from Infants through Pre-K. She is currently a teacher in our Bridge program. She has an Associate's Degree in Child Development and is pursuing her Bachelor's in the same field. She loves working with children because they are very curious about learning and their surroundings. When Ms. Bernadette is not at work, you can find her exploring San Diego!

Ms. Ashley joined us in 2022 as a Lead Teacher in the Infant Program. She is passionate about creating a warm environment for young children as she feels it creates a great foundation for future learning. Ms. Ashley loves to bring literature to life by telling stories with emphasis and various voices. Though she is a teacher in the Infant Program, Ms. Ashley loves to help out in other classrooms as well.

Ms. Maria Carroll joined us in 2022 as a Lead Teacher in our young Toddler program with lots of love and excitement for teaching young children. Ms. Maria's warmth and happiness create a nurturing and inviting environment that allows for growth and development. Some of her favorite activities with the children include music and movement as well as manipulative play. When Ms. Maria is not at school she can be found at the beach or watching her daughters play basketball!

Ms. Darcy joined The Goddard School in 2018 as a lead teacher in our infant program and is currently a lead teacher in our "Baby Belugas" classroom. With over 10 years of experience in early childhood education, Ms. Darcy is extremely passionate about creating a warm and welcoming environment for young children. She believes that a strong foundation in early childhood will lead to a successful future.

Ms. Salia joined our school in 2018 as a Lead teacher in our Toddler program. She began her childcare journey working with infants and has worked with children aged through Preschool. What she enjoys most about being a teacher, is being able to create a positive classroom environment where children feel valued, supported, and encouraged. She loves watching the growth in her students. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Salia has a very playful 7 year old son. In her spare time she enjoys watching movies with her loved ones.

Mrs. Janelly joined our school in 2014 as a lead teacher in our infant program. Since her start, Mrs. Janelly has worked in many of our younger classrooms, and is currently the lead teacher in Jolly Jellyfish. Mrs. Janelly has her Associates Degree in Child Development. She feels that working with young children is very rewarding because they are full of energy and that it is fascinating to see how much they learn and grow. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching movies and reading books.

Ms. Rhiannon joined our school in 2017 as a Teacher in our Infant and Toddler programs. She has completed her Early Childhood Education units and is currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree at the University of California San Diego. Ms. Rhiannon likes to think outside of the box to create new experiences for our students. She feels that making connections with learning at home to learning at school is an important bridge to education. Finding new ways for children to learn and finding out their passions is her favorite part of the job.

Ms. Jessica, who goes by Ms. JP, joined us is 2024 and is a Co-Teacher in our Infant Program. She has been working in early childhood development since 2006. She has taught all ages from Infants to Kindergarten. Ms. JP's favorite part about teaching preschool, is seeing the children interact through play. She loves doing freestyle art with her students and seeing what they can create on their own. She enjoys having conversations with her students and watching them hit different milestones as they grow. When she is not teaching, she loves to read and spend time with her nephews.

Ms. Karen joined us in early 2025 as an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler program - Darling Dolphins. She has been such a wonderful addition to our school with she brings her bubbly personality and excitement to her classroom everyday. She says that her favorite thing about coming to work, is creating bonds and watching the children grow into their own personalities. While at work, Ms. Karen can be found implementing art and playing with manipulatives in various ways. In her spare time Ms. Karen loves spending time with her loved ones, making memories all over town!

Mrs. Allyssa joined our school in 2025 as a Teacher in one of our Transitional Kindergarten classrooms. Mrs. Allyssa previously worked as an Infant teacher in her home state of Texas. While at work, Mrs. Allyssa can be found implementing interactive play int the room or running around with the children outside. When she is not at work, Mrs. Allyssa can be found traveling with her husband or spending time with her cat.

Mrs. Linnette joined our school in 2024 as a Teacher in our Infant Program. Mrs. Linnette is an integral part of our Goddard Family as she brings her warmth and joy of teaching children to school each day. She enjoys making a positive impact on their growth and development by implementing various fine motor activities, dance parties and interactive play. When Mrs. Linnette is not at school, she can be found at the beach or spending time with her family.

Ms. Katia joined our school in 2026 as a Teacher in our older Twos Program. Ms. Katia has recently graduated from Cal State San Marcos with a Bachelors in Psychology but has a deep love for working with children. She loves doing lots of hand-on activities with children, and teaching them about sharing, caring, and how to have fun while learning.

Ms. Natalie joined us in 2026 as an Assistant Teacher in our Pre Kindergarten Program, and currently supports the Infant program. She enjoys reading to the children and taking part in various project and activities to make their classroom experience fun and exciting.