Our Goddard School Teachers

Kirsten Samel, the esteemed owner of The Goddard School in the Meridian International Business Complex, boasts a Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Studies. Her Goddard journey started in 2008 as a Director, leading to roles with major childcare providers, recently managing 20 sites in Denver. Kirsten champions The Goddard School's philosophy, emphasizing health, safety, and educational excellence. Supporting her is Matthew Samel, a Metro State University alum with a Business Management degree and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Together, they are honored to serve The Goddard School's families and students, committed to providing unparalleled early childhood education.

Lisa Fultz is the Executive Director here at The Goddard School at Meridian. Lisa holds a Master's Degree of Education in Early Childhood, a Master's of Science in Management (incl) and a Bachelor's Degree in Music. Lisa has worked for a number of large Early Childhood facilities in the roles of both teacher and director throughout the Denver Metro area since 2000, and has taught Music for Middle and High Schoolers in the Aurora Public Schools Options Program. Lisa and her husband have been married for 42 years, having spent 39 of them in Denver. Together, they have 2 grown children and a dog. They enjoy the outdoors together. Lisa enjoys hiking, biking, swimming, reading, singing and playing her guitars in her free time. Early Childhood is truly Lisa's calling in life and she loves all of "her" children dearly!

Ms. Liz, our esteemed Education Director, holds an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education and an Early Childhood Teacher Certificate, bolstered by a wealth of practical experience. She is currently advancing her expertise by pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree, embodying her belief that continuous education is pivotal for success in early childhood education. By constantly seeking new knowledge and striving for excellence, Ms. Liz serves as an exemplary role model for both teachers and students. In her role, Ms. Liz transcends traditional teaching methods by working closely with our educators to design and implement personalized lesson plans tailored to the unique needs of our students, rather than relying on generic curricula. Her approach ensures a nurturing, engaging, and enriching learning environment, fostering each child's love of learning through understanding and compassion.

Ms. Laurie has been with The Goddard School at Meridian since January of 2009. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching licensure in Education. Throughout Ms. Laurie's tenure with The Goddard School she was continued her education with graduate course work as well as additional extensive training in infant and toddler care. Ms. Laurie's commitment to her classroom reflects an environment that is nurturing, responsive, and stimulating for her young students!

Ms. Kerri, serving as the Lead Teacher in the Bouncing Bunnies classroom, brings a profound level of educational expertise and experience to her role. With a foundation in Child Development Associates, enriched by further studies in Goddard University topics and an Infant Nursery Supervisor Certification, her academic background is comprehensive and specialized. Since joining The Goddard School family in March 2008, Ms. Kerri's enduring commitment to early childhood education is evident in her impressive tenure. Her exceptional understanding of young toddlers, including developmental milestones and goals, sets her apart. Coupled with her unparalleled patience for this age group, Ms. Kerri fosters a nurturing and warm environment where children are encouraged to thrive. Her consistent positive demeanor and deep educational insight ensure that the Bouncing Bunnies classroom is a place of growth, learning, and warmth, making her an invaluable asset to our educational community.

Andrea has been an integral part of The Goddard School faculty for over four amazing years, bringing a specialized education and background in infant and toddler care to her role. As a Co-Lead in the Outstanding Owl classroom, she is dedicated to welcoming families into the program and fostering strong, trusting relationships with both the families and young toddlers under her care. Known for her warmth, patience, and kindness, Miss Andrea is passionate about creating a nurturing and welcoming environment for every child making the transition into the classroom. In addition to her professional commitments, Andrea enjoys exploring new restaurants, spending quality time outdoors with her family, and honing her cooking skills in her free time. Her commitment to ensuring a positive and comforting experience for both children and their families underscores her role as a cornerstone of the nurturing educational environment The Goddard School is renowned for.

Grace, a distinguished co-teacher in the Rowdy Raccoon classroom, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Hailing from Vermont, known as the Green Mountain State, she has seamlessly transitioned to life in Colorado, embracing the community and its diverse educational landscape. With over seven years of teaching experience, Grace has cultivated a profound understanding of early childhood education, evidenced by her Associate's degree in the field. Further enhancing her educational portfolio, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Anthropology, providing her with a unique perspective on the social development of children. Driven by a deep passion for working with young learners, Grace is committed to ensuring that each child receives the best possible start in life. She believes in the power of art to inspire and engage, actively fostering an appreciation for creativity among the toddlers she teaches.

Bailey Walker, our Fantastic Fox Classroom Lead Teacher, specializes in guiding 2.5 to 3-year-olds through pivotal early learning stages. Recently certified in early childhood education, her expertise includes positive guidance, social skill development, and effective curriculum and environmental design for young learners. Miss Bailey brings an infectious high energy to the classroom, ensuring activities are engaging and movement-filled. She excels in teaching emotional understanding, regulation techniques, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering essential self-care skills like potty training. Her dedication to nurturing positive peer interactions and her focus on fun, play-based learning make every day a dynamic adventure of growth and discovery. Bailey's approach not only enriches her students' educational journey but also lays a solid foundation for their lifelong love of learning.

Riley brings a dynamic and energetic presence to her classroom, the Fantastic Foxes, perfectly aligning with the high-spirited nature of the children in her care. Her vivacious personality is not only a tremendous asset but also enhances the learning environment by prioritizing active movement and play-based learning. This approach ensures that the classroom is not just a place of education but also a space where the natural energy and curiosity of the children are channeled into meaningful learning experiences. Currently, Riley is furthering her professional development by pursuing additional studies in Elementary Education. This commitment to her own educational journey reflects her dedication to adopting the most effective teaching strategies and practices. Her focus on integrating active learning opportunities demonstrates her understanding of the importance of kinesthetic learning in early education.

Meet Ms. Claire, our Lead Preschool Teacher, who has dramatically impacted thousands of children's lives through her innovative approach to learning. With over 30 years of experience, including more than a decade at our school since April 2010, Claire has devoted her career to enhancing early education with a focus on play-based learning. Holding a degree in Elementary Education from Thomas Morus College, her methods foster social skills and lifelong learning in a joyful preschool environment. Families cherish her for her dedication and the nurturing space she creates, allowing children to explore and grow. We're profoundly grateful for Ms. Claire's unwavering commitment and the positive influence she continues to have on our community.

Ms. Maria brings a thoughtful and caring approach to the classroom, inspiring children through her patience, encouragement, and enthusiasm. She is currently working toward her Master’s in Social Work, deepening her understanding of child development and the unique needs of each child. Even as a part-time teacher, Ms. Maria leaves a lasting impression on every child she works with, creating meaningful connections and fostering a love of learning. She enjoys supporting children as they explore, ask questions, and discover new ideas, helping them build confidence, curiosity, and independence. Her dedication, insight, and warmth make her an important and valued member of The Goddard School community.

Ms. Tracy, the newest addition to our Goddard family, radiates a heartfelt passion for nurturing the inquisitive minds of young children. With over 30 years in the states, originally hailing from England, she brings a unique blend of patience, kindness, and an open heart to our team. Tracy's ability to thrive amidst the vibrant chaos of preschoolers showcases her genuine love for fostering their endless curiosity. Alongside Ms. Claire and Ms. Tori, Ms. Tracy's classroom comes alive with the love of learning through new books, songs, and creative activities. Outside the classroom, Tracy's world is filled with joy from playing with her grandchildren and dogs, knitting, listening to Donny Osmond, and unwinding with episodes of Dr. Who. Her dedication is a beacon of inspiration, embodying the warmth and nurturing spirit that guides our young learners on their exciting educational journey.

Mr. Jake, the esteemed Lead Teacher in the Brilliant Bears classroom at The Goddard School - Meridian, holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University, with specializations in Curriculum Development and Early Childhood Education. His commitment to excellence is evident through his continuous professional development, including recent completion of Positive Discipline for Early Educators training, and ongoing education with Goddard University courses. Since joining our school in 2008, Mr. Jake has established a distinguished reputation for creating a curriculum-rich environment that actively engages students in their learning journey, meticulously preparing them for Kindergarten and beyond. His innovative approach and dedication have made a significant impact on our community, profoundly influencing both our teaching teams and the many families we serve.

Hello, my name is Cindy, and I am a resource teacher at The Goddard School. That means I help in every classroom and get to interact with all the children here. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Phycology from the University of Colorado at Denver. I really enjoy taking child psychology and child development courses. I love working with children of all ages and love to create a fun, educational and nurturing environment for children in the classroom. A fun fact about me is I recently became a grandmother!

Angel holds the position of a dedicated educator within the Bouncing Bunnies classroom, where her exceptional qualities of patience, nurturing, and kindness not only enrich the learning environment but also significantly contribute to the development of the children's social skills. Her ability to foster an atmosphere of warmth and care has proven to be contagious, setting a solid foundation for the young learners to understand and navigate the intricacies of social relationships from an early age. As a parent of a child enrolled in our program, Angel brings a unique and invaluable perspective to her role. This dual experience as both educator and mother allows her to deeply appreciate and advocate for our school's philosophy of learning through play. Her personal investment in the school's approach enhances her commitment to the educational journey of not just her own child, but all the children under her guidance.

Ms. Lindsay is one of the lead teachers in our Magnificent Moose Room! She brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and heart to her classroom. She earned her degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University and has been part of our Goddard School family for three years. An expert in children’s literature, Lindsay loves using books to spark imagination, build language skills, and connect learning across all areas of development. She also has a strong proficiency in social-emotional learning, helping children develop empathy, self-awareness, and positive relationships. Her nurturing approach, combined with her love for storytelling and emotional growth, creates a classroom environment where children feel valued, confident, and inspired to learn every day.

Ms. Zoey is energetic, full of life, and passionate about creating hands-on, engaging experiences for children. She loves guiding kids through messy, creative projects where they can explore, experiment, and discover new ideas, fostering curiosity and a love of learning every day.

Ms. Veronika has become an integral part of our school, bringing her love of art and creativity into every classroom she enters. She inspires children to express themselves, explore their individuality, and take pride in their unique strengths. With her artistic spirit and warm personality, Ms. Veronika creates engaging experiences that spark imagination and build confidence. Her passion and dedication make her a treasured member of our Goddard School community.

Ms. Gracie has grown into her role as Lead Resource Teacher through her dedication, creativity, and love for working with children. She brings a spark of energy into every classroom, along with a passion for making learning both engaging and meaningful. Known for her artistic eye and attention to detail, Ms. Gracie enjoys creating beautiful, inviting learning environments. She also has a talent for capturing special classroom moments, helping families see the joy and growth their children experience each day. Her creativity and caring nature make her a cherished part of our Goddard family.

Ms. Vidya is a friendly and kind educator with a deep love for preschool and all the learning that comes with it. As Lead Resource Teacher, she supports children in exploring, discovering, and building essential skills in a nurturing and engaging environment. Her thoughtful approach helps each child gain confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Music and outdoor activities are central to Ms. Vidya’s classroom, allowing children to develop creativity, curiosity, and self-expression while having fun. She enjoys inspiring children to explore new ideas, engage in hands-on experiences, and celebrate each achievement along the way. Ms. Vidya’s warmth, dedication, and enthusiasm make her a valued and cherished member of our Goddard School family

Jolene Rodriguez brings over 20 years of experience in the childcare industry, having worked with children throughout various stages of her career. Originally from California, she and her family also spent time in Arizona before recently relocating to Colorado. Jolene is married and a proud mother of two. She has a strong passion for working with children and enjoys bringing creativity into her work, creating a nurturing and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Ms. Shannu brings a nurturing and inspiring presence to the classroom, combining her professional expertise with her personal experience as a mother. She believes in the privilege of guiding children as they grow, explore, and learn, and she approaches each day with patience, love, and understanding. Passionate about inspiring the next generation, Ms. Shannu creates a warm, engaging environment where children feel encouraged to ask questions, discover new ideas, and develop confidence and independence. Her dedication, creativity, and genuine care for each child make her an invaluable member of The Goddard School community.

Mollie is an energetic and creative childcare professional with five years of experience. She grew up in a small town in Park County, where her love for nature and working with children first began. An artist and dancer at heart, Mollie enjoys any activity that allows her to be outdoors and creative. She is highly attentive to children’s health and safety and is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that blend expression, fun, and education.

Ms. Jordan brings her love of teaching and creativity to every corner of our school. With a background in theater, she has a passion for engaging children in the arts, helping them explore their creativity, build confidence, and express themselves in meaningful ways.

Hello! My name is Ms. Stacy, and I have spent most of my life working with children of all ages. Before joining The Goddard School, I served as an administrator at a small private K–12 school for 16 years and have also led the infant and toddler program at my church—a role I continue to enjoy today. Working with children is truly my passion, and it brings me so much joy to watch them learn, grow, and discover who they are. In my free time, I love to read, draw, create, and explore the world with my husband, Benjamin, and our three children—Meghan, Michael, and Elana.

Ms. Kate is a wonderful addition to our Outstanding Owls Room. A graduate of Colorado State University, she brings prior experience teaching swim lessons and caring for her niece and nephew, which sparked her love of working with children. Though newer to the early childhood field, Ms. Kate has quickly embraced her role, creating joyful and engaging experiences for her students. She especially enjoys reading and singing with the children, building connections while supporting their learning and development. Her enthusiasm and caring spirit make her a valued part of our school community.

Ms. Elana loves working with children and helping them learn, grow, and discover new things each day. Teaching and creativity are two of her biggest passions, and she enjoys bringing art and fun into everything she does in the classroom. As an artist herself, Ms. Elana finds joy in exploring new ideas and inspiring her students to express themselves in creative ways. She believes that learning should be exciting, hands-on, and filled with imagination!