Our Goddard School Teachers

We are proud Colorado natives and are grateful to call Broomfield home. Cody earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Colorado State University, and Shannon holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Regis University. Together, we are the proud parents of four children—Declan, Hayden, Eilee, and Ashlyn, who continue to inspire our dedication to providing high-quality early childhood education. As owners of The Goddard School of Erie, we are deeply committed to fostering a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can develop a lifelong love of learning. Our goal is to partner with families to ensure every child feels valued, supported, and prepared for future success. Outside of school, we enjoy spending time together as a family, often camping, fishing, and exploring the beautiful Colorado outdoors.

My name is Ms. Robin and I have been teaching in the Early Childhood Education field since 2004. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and hold a current teaching license as well as a Director’s Certificate. I grew up in Boulder before moving to Spokane, WA for college. My husband and I currently live in Berthoud, CO with our mini schnauzers, Watson and Eddie, and five sassy hens. I enjoy being outside in the garden, playing in the mountains, and cooking. I believe all children learn in very unique and individual ways and feel it is my job as a teacher and director to encourage their individual learning styles as well as their natural curiosities. I am looking forward to getting to know all your children!

my name is Sayara Esslam, and I am proud to serve as the Assistant Director at The Goddard School, where I’ve spent five wonderful years supporting young learners. I was born and raised in Afghanistan, earned my degree from Kabul University, and moved to the U.S. in 2013, later pursuing Early Childhood Education to follow my passion for working with children. My husband works with the FBI, and we are raising our three beautiful daughters. In my free time, I love exploring new places, crafting with my girls, cooking, baking, and spending time with my family. I am grateful to be part of the Goddard community and look forward to supporting your children as they learn and grow.

Hello, my name is Ms. Bree! I’ve been in the Early Childhood field since 2005, beginning my journey working with young children while still in high school. I’m a proud mom of two and a stepmom to two amazing kids. I’m thrilled to be working across various classrooms at The Goddard School and look forward to getting to know your children and supporting their growth. My favorite children’s book is The Going to Bed Book—a sweet, calming story I’ve always loved. If I could have any superpower, it would be to make all children healthy. I’m passionate about early learning and feel grateful to be part of each child’s journey!

Hello, parents! My name is Saman Esslam. I was born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan, and moved to the U.S. in 2013. I'm married with two beautiful daughters. I’m currently studying Early Childhood Education at Front Range Community College. I enjoy reading, listening to music, hiking Colorado’s scenic trails, and spending time with my family. I love working with children and watching them grow and thrive! My favorite book is Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me. I believe young children learn best through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences in a nurturing environment. If I had a superpower, it would be the ability to understand what every child is feeling and thinking—so I could always help them.

Ms. Tiffany has over 12 years of experience in early childhood education and was inspired to teach by her role as the oldest granddaughter, where she first discovered her fascination with how quickly children grow and learn in their earliest months. Her favorite children’s book is Hippos Go Berserk by Sandra Boynton, as she has always loved both the author’s playful stories and hippos themselves. She believes infants thrive best in an environment where they feel safe, loved, and valued. Families may be delighted to know that she has a room in her home dedicated entirely to reading. Outside of work, Ms. Tiffany enjoys reading, thrifting, and going on motorcycle rides. If she could have a superpower, it would be the ability to put babies to sleep in seconds, ensuring comfort and peace for both children and families.

Ms. Valerie discovered her passion for working with children while growing up with many siblings and babysitting, which inspired her to pursue a career in early childhood education. With six years of experience in the field, she loves sharing the joy of books—especially Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, her childhood favorite that she uses to create fun, engaging activities. Her teaching philosophy centers on positive guidance and play, which she believes are the foundations of children’s development and lifelong success. Outside the classroom, Ms. Valerie enjoys hand embroidery, cake decorating, baking, and spending time with her baby nephew. If she could choose a superpower, it would be the ability to have a clone or extra hands to keep up with all of life’s adventures.

Ms. Jasmine was inspired to become an educator by the joy of watching children grow and being part of their everyday lives. She believes that childhood should be a time of joy, curiosity, and self-expression. Her teaching philosophy is simple and powerful: let children be themselves and have fun while they learn. In the classroom, Ms. Jasmine creates a relaxed and engaging environment where children feel safe to explore, express themselves, and enjoy the process of learning. Outside of work, Ms. Jasmine enjoys spending time with her husband, dining out, shopping, and catching up with friends. If she could have any superpower, she’d choose the ability to fly—so she could travel the world, experience new places, and learn about different cultures firsthand.

Ms. Viko was inspired to become a teacher by her brother with special needs and is passionate about becoming a strong advocate for children with disabilities. She believes teachers play a vital role in helping children discover who they are and sees herself as a role model that children can look up to. Her favorite children’s book is Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss because it celebrates life’s journey and encourages children to be brave and true to themselves. Outside the classroom, she enjoys going on car rides with her dog, Charlie, and watching both sunsets and sunrises. Viko is the youngest of four siblings and dreams of one day having the superpower of flight—to always stay free and authentic no matter where life leads. She has hands-on experience working with children with special needs and is excited to begin her educational journey toward earning an ECE degree focused on special education.

Ms. Jessica has always had a passion for working with children. Her goal is to support their growth into kind, confident, and capable individuals. She is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education to deepen her knowledge and further enhance her ability to create meaningful learning experiences. Her teaching philosophy centers around staying calm, prioritizing the needs of the child, and allowing children to take the lead in safe and supportive ways. One of her favorite teaching tools is the Pete the Cat book series, which combines storytelling with songs to teach valuable life lessons. When she isn’t in the classroom, Ms. Jessica enjoys reading—she often finishes two books a week! If she could choose a superpower, it would be the ability to write both neatly and quickly, a skill she says would come in handy every day. Ms. Jessica brings warmth, curiosity, and a child-centered approach to everything she does in the classroom.

Inspired by her mom, who was also a teacher, Macie brings warmth and dedication to her work with children and their families. One of her fondest childhood memories is her dad reading Puff the Magic Dragon a story that still holds a special place in her heart as her favorite book. Macie has been working with children for about two years while taking child development courses for three, all as part of her journey toward earning her Associate’s Degree in Psychology. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in respect: she believes every child deserves to be treated with the same dignity and consideration we offer our peers. This belief, paired with her superpower, unlimited patience makes her a calming and steady presence in the classroom. Outside of school, Macie is an adventurer at heart. She enjoys camping off the grid, hiking Colorado’s beautiful trails, attending live concerts, and capturing life’s little moments through photography. We’re so lucky to have her in our school.

Hi, I’m Ms. Divina! I’m the Co-Lead Teacher in Toddlers Classroom and currently working toward my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at FRCC. I love spending time with my family and friends, and I absolutely love coming to work each day to be greeted with hugs, giggles, and joyful smiles. Watching children grow and learn through play brings me so much happiness. My teaching philosophy is that play is learning—I focus on guiding children gently rather than always saying “no.” My favorite children’s book is A Bad Case of the Stripes because of its colorful message about being yourself. If I had a superpower, I’d have multiple arms—so I could comfort little ones while still handling all my classroom tasks!

Hi, I’m Ms. Kylie! I’m a passionate early childhood educator who finds endless joy in working with young children, especially in a 2-year-old classroom. I love watching them grow—from curious explorers in August to confident learners by May. Their wonder, silliness, and intuitive nature never cease to amaze me, and there’s nothing more fulfilling (besides motherhood) than knowing I’m making a difference. My favorite book is Where the Wild Things Are—a timeless story that captures the imagination and emotions of childhood. My teaching philosophy centers on hands-on, child-centered learning that encourages curiosity and supports social-emotional growth. If I could have a superpower, it would be "Instant Knowledge Transfer"—to help children learn new skills in fun and efficient ways. Outside the classroom, I enjoy motocross, hiking, sports, and creative activities like LEGO building—all of which I love bringing into the classroom for playful, engaging learning.

Hi I'm Mara, my love for children inspired me to become an educator, and I truly enjoy supporting young learners as they grow and explore the world around them. Yurtle the Turtle is one of my favorite children’s books, as it highlights kindness, awareness, and thinking beyond ourselves. My teaching approach is open-minded and child-centered, focused on creating joyful and engaging learning experiences. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and cooking. I am also working toward higher education with AIMS Medical to continue growing professionally.

My love for teaching comes from the joy of seeing the “light bulb” moment when a child discovers or achieves something new. I’m passionate about continuing my own learning in early childhood education to help bridge the gap between families and the classroom, ensuring future generations are better prepared. I believe deeply in hands-on learning—getting messy is part of the magic! My teaching philosophy is best summed up by Ms. Frizzle: "Take chances. Make mistakes. Get messy." If I had a superpower, it would be as a naptime ninja—I can get my kids to sleep like magic!

Ms. Danielle has been dedicated to early childhood education for seven years. She was inspired to join the field after seeing the joy children experience as they grow into their own personalities and discover new things. Watching a child learn something for the first time continues to be one of her greatest joys as an educator. Her favorite children’s book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, a story close to her heart because her grandparents read it to her every night while she was growing up. Originally from Tennessee, Ms. Danielle is not a Colorado native, but she loves exploring the state—especially through hiking and spending time with friends. Her fun fact: if she could choose a superpower, she would love to be super crafty! In the classroom, Ms. Danielle believes in giving children the space to learn at their own pace while gently encouraging them to try new things. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, both o

Ms. Angela was inspired to become a teacher through her journey of motherhood, where she naturally fell into the role of nurturing and guiding children. With eight years of teaching experience, she brings both passion and expertise to the classroom. She loves Dr. Seuss, and her favorite book is Fox in Socks, which reflects her playful and joyful approach to learning. Her teaching philosophy centers on building strong, trusting relationships with every child, knowing that connection is the foundation for growth. Families are often surprised to learn that she has a pet llama, a fun fact that brings smiles to many. Outside of work, she enjoys swimming with her children. Dr. Angela holds an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a bachelor’s in Behavioral Studies, a master’s in Elementary Education, and a doctorate in Special Education. If she could have a superpower, it would be mind reading—helping her better understand the thoughts and feelings of those around her.

Hi, I’m Pam! My journey into teaching was inspired by becoming a mom and watching my own children grow and learn. I hold a B.S. in Psychology and Sociology and have experience working in psychiatric hospitals, residential facilities with at-risk teens, and volunteering in elementary schools. My favorite book is Harold and the Purple Crayon—a beautiful reminder of the power of imagination and creativity. I believe children thrive when they’re free to explore, ask questions, and express their individuality. A fun fact about me: I love climbing mountains and have a fascination with tardigrades! If I had a superpower, it would be a super-charged immune system to keep up with the energy and resilience of young learners. I’m excited to support your child’s growth and curiosity!

Hi, I’m Ms. Sequoia! I’ve worked with children as a swim instructor, soccer coach, and volunteered as a Big Sister in Hilo, Hawaii. I hold a B.S. in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from MSU Denver. My teaching philosophy is that no two brains are alike—we all learn in different ways, and that’s something I love embracing in the classroom. If I had a superpower, it would be to take away pain. My favorite book is The Lorax because of its fun rhyming and powerful message. In my free time, I enjoy hiking with my dogs, traveling, paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, and scuba diving. I’m excited to support your child’s growth and help them discover who they are!

Hi! I’m Ms. Millie. I grew up right here in Erie and discovered my passion for working with children while nannying for three years and through my role at The Goddard School. Inspired by my mom’s career in education, I’m excited to be part of a child’s early learning journey. I believe children should lead with their curiosity, and my teaching philosophy is to follow their inspiration and support them along the way. My favorite children’s book is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom—it was the first book my Pre-K teacher read to me and holds a special place in my heart. If I could have any superpower, I’d duplicate myself so I could spend even more one-on-one time supporting each child’s growth and learning. I can’t wait to be part of your child’s story!

Mr. Bowen is passionate about creating a learning environment that is full of excitement, imagination, and endless opportunities for children to explore. He loves helping children learn, grow, and discover their own unique personalities while ensuring they always feel safe, supported, and encouraged. His favorite children’s book is Where the Wild Things Are, a story he loves for its imagination, adventure, and the magical world it invites readers into. A fun fact about Mr. Bowen is that he is also a pastry chef! Outside of the classroom, he enjoys baking, gaming, and playing Dungeons & Dragons. If he could choose any superpower, he would love the ability to solve any equation instantly in his head. Mr. Bowen is excited to be part of each child’s journey and looks forward to inspiring curiosity, creativity, and confidence in all his students.

Hi, I’m Lizzy! I love watching children learn and grow—it’s such a joy to see their eyes light up as they discover the world around them. My favorite children’s book is Fancy Nancy because of its fun and whimsical illustrations. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that play is learning, and I’m especially passionate about promoting early literacy in fun, engaging ways. At home, I have two cats and one dog who keep me on my toes! In my free time, I enjoy reading and working on puzzles. If I could have any superpower, it would be to grow extra arms—so I could carry more little ones or multitask like a superhero. I’m so excited to be part of your child’s early learning journey!

Hi, I’m Ms. Ashlea! I’ve been in the Early Childhood Education field for over 19 years, inspired by a wonderful teacher I had growing up who made learning fun. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where children feel comfortable exploring, taking risks, making safe choices, sharing ideas—and even making mistakes. My favorite children’s book is Robo-Sauce because of its incredible illustrations that spark imagination. I love bringing creativity into the classroom, especially through crafts. Outside of school, I enjoy camping, fishing, and spending time with my family, friends, and pets. A fun fact about me—I can’t wink! If I could have a superpower, it would be telekinesis—imagine the possibilities for multitasking in the classroom!

Meet Ms. Tatiana, or “Ms. Tati,” who has been working with infants and toddlers for about three years. She became a teacher to help children grow in their own unique ways and believes in leading with kindness while guiding with positive redirection. Her favorite children’s books are the Junie B. Jones series because the character is unapologetically herself. A twin who loves family, friends, and nature, Ms. Tati says her dream superpower would be super strength—so she could cuddle all of her babies at once!

Ms. Chandra has been a dedicated preschool teacher for over 11 years and was inspired to teach by her love for the wonder she sees in children’s eyes as they explore and learn. Her favorite children’s books are the Amelia Bedelia series because of their humor and lightheartedness. She believes in being a mindful teacher, creating a classroom environment where children feel seen, supported, and respected. Families often learn quickly that she loves to laugh and bring joy into her teaching. Outside of work, she enjoys playing games and spending quality time with her family. If she could have a superpower, it would be the ability to read children’s minds and predict what they are going to say next—helping her stay one step ahead while nurturing their growth and curiosity.

My love for children inspired me to work in early education. Growing up with six siblings taught me the importance of patience, teamwork, and creating a safe, supportive environment. One of my favorite children’s books is Fancy Nancy, which celebrates creativity and confidence. My approach is positive and nurturing, helping children feel safe and encouraged. A fun fact about me is that I played softball for 17 years and now coach young children in softball and baseball. I am currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Computer Science and plan to become a government security analyst.