Our Goddard School Teachers

Ms. Sydney is the on-site owner and operator of The Goddard School® in Cheshire, bringing her lifelong passion for early childhood education to the community she loves. As a certified Head Teacher in Connecticut with experience as both a preschool teacher and center director, she leads with warmth, connection, and a deep belief that children thrive when they feel safe, inspired, and truly known. Her journey—from the classroom to school leadership—shapes her commitment to creating a nurturing, family-centered environment. As both an educator and a mom, she understands the trust families place in her and is dedicated to building a school where every child feels welcomed and supported. Ms. Sydney is honored to serve Cheshire families and to help create joyful early learning experiences every day.

Ms. Karen brings 34 years of experience in the field of early childhood education. She holds degrees in Early Childhood Education and Culinary Arts and is passionate about supporting educators as they create nurturing, engaging learning environments for children. Outside of school, Ms. Karen enjoys spending quality time with her husband and her son, who means the world to her. She is excited to join the Goddard community and looks forward to supporting our wonderful team while building meaningful relationships with our children and families!

Ms. Chantel brings 20 years of experience in the field of early childhood education and has had the opportunity to work with children of all ages, with preschool holding a special place in her heart. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships with children and their families and takes great pride in watching each child learn, grow, and thrive. As a mother of two, Ms. Chantel understands the importance of providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where every child feels valued. She is excited to join the Goddard community and looks forward to creating lasting connections with our children and families!

Ms. Patty brings more than 40 years of experience in the field of early childhood education, working with children from infancy through middle school. She holds degrees in Business and Early Childhood Education and is the proud mother of two adult children. Ms. Patty enjoys reading, going to the movies, and spending summer days at the beach. Her favorite color is purple, and her favorite flowers are tulips. She is excited to join the Goddard community and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with our children and families!

Mr. Tyler holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and brings more than eight years of experience working with children. He is passionate about creating a fun, nurturing classroom where every child feels safe, supported, and excited to learn. Mr. Tyler especially enjoys incorporating singing and movement into the classroom to make learning engaging and memorable. Outside of school, Mr. Tyler enjoys spending time with friends and gaming. He looks forward to learning, playing, and growing alongside our young learners!

Ms. Jil has worked in the early childhood education field since 2021 and is passionate about creating learning experiences that are both meaningful and fun. She graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education at the University of Saint Joseph. Ms. Jil loves watching children discover new things, develop confidence, and build a lifelong love of learning. Creating nurturing, trusting relationships with each child is one of the most rewarding parts of her work. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys music, spending time with her family, and relaxing at the beach!

Ms. Katelyn brings eight years of experience in the field of early childhood education. She is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and develop into confident individuals. She holds a master’s degree in School Counseling, reflecting her dedication to supporting children’s academic, social, and emotional development. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Katelyn enjoys running and spending time with her family and friends. She is excited to join the Goddard community and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with our children and families!

Mr. Justin has worked in the field of early childhood education since 2019, gaining experience with children of all ages and in childcare center leadership. He is passionate about helping children understand and navigate their emotions while creating a classroom environment filled with learning, connection, and fun. Mr. Justin holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys music, reading, and all things Marvel!

Ms. Sara brings nine years of experience working with children, including experience in Pre-K and special education. She is currently pursuing a degree in Human Services with a concentration in Child and Family Services. Ms. Sara is passionate about creating a fun, welcoming classroom where every child feels supported, confident, and excited to learn. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking with her five dogs, and reading. She is excited to join the Goddard community and become part of each child’s learning journey!

Miss Alba brings 14 years of experience working with children and has a deep passion for teaching. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to learn, grow, and shine. Miss Alba believes that every child is unique, capable, and full of incredible potential. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships and creating lasting memories with our children and families!

Ms. Destiny has worked in the field of early childhood education for four years and brings nearly 11 years of babysitting experience. She is excited to be part of each child’s early learning journey and is passionate about creating a classroom where children feel safe, supported, and inspired. Ms. Destiny enjoys reading stories, creating art, and dancing with her students. Her goal is to help every child build confidence, develop independence, and discover a lifelong love of learning!

Ms. Zee grew up surrounded by early childhood education in her family’s childcare program in Brooklyn, New York. She brings more than six years of experience working with children and holds a degree in Business Organizational Leadership with a minor in Education. Ms. Zee is passionate about supporting children’s growth and being part of their developmental journey. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys self-care, shopping, and spending time with her dog, Louis V!

Ms. Riley holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Connecticut and brings seven years of experience in science education. She is passionate about creating an engaging and nurturing environment where children can experience new discoveries, celebrate important milestones, and grow into confident young learners. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Riley enjoys reading, cooking, and caring for her plants. She is excited to begin her journey in early childhood education and become part of the Goddard community!

Ms. Bethie brings 31 years of experience in the field of early childhood education and has worked with children of all ages. She is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and feel supported throughout their early learning journeys. Ms. Bethie is also multilingual and speaks English, French, and Creole. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Bethie enjoys spending time with her two children and dining at Chili’s. Her favorite color is black. She is excited to join the Goddard community and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with our children and families!

Ms. Mimi brings four years of experience in the field of early childhood education, along with ten years of babysitting experience. She has a special passion for working with infants and finds great joy in watching them learn, grow, and reach important developmental milestones. Ms. Mimi is dedicated to providing a safe, loving, and nurturing environment where every baby feels secure, supported, and deeply cared for. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending quality time with the people she loves.

Ms. Valerie is excited to join the Goddard community as a Resource Teacher. She has always enjoyed working with children and finds great joy in watching them learn, grow, and reach important developmental milestones. She is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where every child feels comfortable and confident. Ms. Valerie is currently attending the University of Connecticut, where she is pursuing a degree in Biology. She looks forward to a wonderful school year filled with learning, growth, and meaningful connections with our children and families!