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.

I bring a wealth of experience, education, and a love for early childhood education to our infant classroom. I hold my Early Childhood Teacher and Director certifications and have completed numerous early childhood education courses. Family is very important to me. I have been married to my husband, Greg, for over 25 years, and we have four children—two daughters and two sons. My oldest son is serving in the army in the 82nd Airborne. I love spending time with my family, especially taking trips to the mountains and enjoying picnics. My three dogs, Arlo, Millie, and Jack, are also a big part of our family. I love to sing and create art, and I bring that creativity into my classroom through music, movement, and hands-on art experiences. I especially enjoy giving infants opportunities to explore, create, and learn through fun, sensory-rich activities.

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!

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.

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!

My name is Aveanna, I love helping children learn, grow, and discover new things. I have experience working with elementary-aged children in an after-school program, and I enjoy building meaningful connections with every child in my care. My teaching philosophy is that every child learns differently. I believe it is important to provide a safe, supportive, and fun environment where every child feels valued, respected, and encouraged to be themselves. My favorite children’s book is 10 Minutes Till Bedtime. When I’m not teaching, I love spending time outdoors—especially camping, fishing, and swimming.

Originally inspired by babysitting and working at summer camps, Ms. Emma didn’t set out to become a teacher—but watching children learn and grow sparked a true passion. Her favorite children’s book is Where the Sidewalk Ends for its wonderfully strange and creative writing. Emma describes her teaching style as firm but gentle, always believing there are no mistakes—just chances to try again at each child’s own pace. Patience is her guiding principle. She brings creativity into the classroom with a love for all things artsy, from painting and crochet to makeup. If she had a superpower, it would be mindreading—so she could better support children who need help expressing their needs. We’re so lucky to have her compassionate heart and imaginative spirit on our team!

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 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 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.

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!

I have always loved working with children and feel grateful to make a positive impact in their lives each day. My goal is to create a fun, safe, and loving classroom where every child feels valued and free to be themselves. I have two years of experience in early childhood education, along with time spent in special education classrooms. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, writing, playing video games, and spending time with my dogs, Aslan and Jasper, and my cat, Beesly. I am currently completing my prerequisites for nursing school through Front Range Community College and look forward to continuing to grow in my career.

Hi, I’m Haylie! My favorite children’s book is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom—a fun memory from my childhood when my parents read it to me and my brothers. I believe in hands-on learning and love watching children grow through play. My superpower would be an invisible cloak so I could quietly observe their amazing moments of discovery and growth. I’m a proud mom to my sweet 2-year-old son, Roman, and have worked as a private nanny for several years since graduating high school. In my free time, I enjoy going on walks with Roman and playing with our puppy. I find so much joy in watching children become independent and build confidence in themselves!

I have three years of lead teaching experience and am passionate about creating a safe, welcoming, and creative environment where every child can learn and grow. Inspired by teaching toddlers and helping care for my younger cousins, I love encouraging children to explore, build confidence, and express their joyful selves. Outside the classroom, I enjoy painting, dancing, making jewelry, going to the gym, and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to getting to know your family and making this a wonderful year together!

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!

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.

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 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!

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.

Hi, I’m Annastyn! I’m excited to be a new member of the Goddard family. I love working with children and watching them grow and learn something new every day. My favorite children’s book is Ferdinand, which my grandma used to read to me. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy expressing myself through art, playing the electric guitar, baking, and listening to music. I’m thrilled to be part of this team and to share in the joy of learning with our little learners!

Watching children learn, grow, and reach new milestones is what inspired me to become a teacher. I am passionate about creating a caring, engaging environment where every child feels supported and encouraged to explore the world around them. My favorite children’s book is The Dot, because it teaches the importance of creativity, confidence, and believing in yourself. A fun fact about me is that I am bilingual, which allows me to connect with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy playing sports and games. I am currently working toward my bachelor’s degree and pursuing my Lash Technician certification. I look forward to continuing my education while making a positive impact in the lives of young children.

I love working with children and creating a positive, welcoming environment where every child feels supported and cared for. My teaching philosophy is to always maintain a positive attitude and bring encouragement and joy into the classroom. I have previous experience working with children and truly enjoy watching them learn and grow. Outside of work, I enjoy playing the piano and going to the gym in my free time. In the future, I hope to continue my education and attend college to further my knowledge and skills in early childhood education.