Our Goddard School Teachers

Ms. Kim is the proud owner of The Goddard School in Monroe, CT, which has been providing NAEYC-accredited early childhood education since 2016 for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. With nearly nine years of leadership at the Monroe location, she recently expanded by opening a second center in Shelton, CT. A mother and stepmother to two sets of twins, Kim has always had a passion for working with children. She studied Elementary Education at Florida Atlantic University and previously managed small businesses before finding her calling in early education. Kim also serves as an elected representative on the Goddard Systems Advisory Council for the Northeast region, helping shape the future of early childhood education across the franchise. She is committed to providing families with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and takes pride in seeing children thrive. Kim believes that quality early education sets the stage for future success.

Heather has been working with children for as long as she can remember, inspired by her mother who was a preschool teacher for over 25 years. Her journey in early childhood education began at the University of Connecticut’s Child Development Laboratories, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood. Heather joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2016 after working at a different Goddard School location for 3 years. After six years in a classroom, she transitioned into leadership as the Assistant Director and now serves as the Director of Family Engagement and Enrollment. In this role, she is passionate about building strong relationships with families and ensuring a welcoming, supportive experience from the very first interaction. She believes that a warm, nurturing classroom environment is essential for children’s growth and learning. In her free time, Heather enjoys running, hiking, spending time with her dog Zeke, and visiting with her family.

Mariah was born and raised in Bridgeport, CT and has always had two passions in life: helping people and working with children. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology from the UCONN, followed by a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Her experience includes seven years working at The Lighthouse Program—an after-school and summer program in her hometown—where she developed patience and a deep love for supporting young learners. Mariah also gained hands-on experience caring for her five younger cousins, all close in age, which kept her on her toes and strengthened her caregiving skills. Since joining The Goddard School in 2019, Mariah has grown into her current role as Director of Operations. She is passionate about creating a smooth, supportive environment for both families and staff, ensuring that every child receives the highest quality care and education. In her free time, Mariah enjoys traveling!

Liz began her journey in education in 2010 as an assistant dance teacher, where she quickly discovered her passion for inspiring young minds. Since then, she has built a diverse and well-rounded background in early childhood education, working in a variety of settings including before and after school programs, directing a summer camp in Trumbull, and serving as a lead teacher at a childcare center in Rhode Island. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island and brings over a decade of experience working with children from infancy through adolescence. Her leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of child development and a commitment to fostering a supportive, enriching environment for both students and educators. Since joining The Goddard School in 2020, Liz has been passionate about mentoring teachers, enhancing curriculum quality, and building strong relationships with families. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing by the beach on Cape Cod.

Heather, a Connecticut native, has been a dedicated member of The Goddard School team since 2018. As the youngest of four siblings, she has spent the past 20 years helping care for her nieces and nephews, which sparked her passion for early childhood education. With over 15 years of professional childcare experience—including three years as a nanny for infant triplets—Heather brings a deep well of knowledge, patience, and compassion to her role. In her free time, she enjoys reading mystery novels, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with family and friends. Recently, Heather welcomed her own baby girl, who now attends The Goddard School alongside her. She finds great joy in nurturing the growth and development of the infants in her care and is passionate about creating a warm, supportive environment for every child.

Vanessa has been committed to early childhood education since 2007, gaining valuable experience through babysitting, volunteering in elementary schools, and working as an infant and toddler teacher. She joined The Goddard School in 2024 and brings with her a deep passion for nurturing young children as they grow, learn, and reach important developmental milestones. Vanessa is dedicated to creating a joyful and engaging learning environment where children can thrive while making lasting memories. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending quality time with her two children. Vanessa is proud to be part of The Goddard School community and looks forward to building meaningful connections with the children and their families.

Diana brings years of experience working with children of all ages, from being a private nanny to a learning support specialist and preschool teacher. While she has enjoyed working with every age group, infants hold a special place in her heart. Her dedication to making each child feel included, seen, and heard reflects her deep care and commitment to early childhood development. Diana is passionate about learning the stages of child development and creating nurturing, supportive environments. Outside of the classroom, she loves spending time outdoors—especially with dogs!

Victoria, a Fairfield, CT native, has been passionate about working with children since she began babysitting at the age of 13. She brings a well-rounded background in childcare, having worked in daycare settings, summer camp programs, and as both a babysitter and nanny. Her experience spans a wide age range—from infants as young as 3 months to children up to 13 years old. Victoria joined The Goddard School in 2024 and is enthusiastic about supporting each child’s growth and development in a nurturing, engaging environment. In her free time, Victoria enjoys working out and spending time with her family.

Kimora has an unwavering passion for working with children and brings a nurturing, hands-on approach to early education. With previous experience as an infant teacher, she has developed a strong skill set in supporting the development of fine and gross motor skills while providing individualized care to meet each child’s unique needs. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that teaching is not just a profession—it’s her life. Kimora is committed to creating a learning environment where children feel empowered to explore, grow, and thrive in the world around them. She joined The Goddard School in 2024 and is excited to be part of the community, making a positive impact on every child’s learning journey.

Ms. Ana has been a Connecticut resident since the age of one. She graduated at the University of Connecticut with her Bachelors in Human Development & Family Sciences. She continues her studies in Stratford, CT on the path to becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, hoping to work in pediatrics or OB when finished. Working with children brings her so much joy as she loves watching them grow and see their personalities come to life. On her time off she enjoys a good outdoor activity or watching movies/series with loved ones. She is excited to build connections and make a positive impact here at Goddard!

Lisa has dreamed of becoming a teacher for as long as she can remember and has been working with young children for over 20 years. After earning her bachelor’s degree and becoming certified in Special Education, she began her career in early childhood education, teaching Pre-Kindergarten and sharing her love of art through creative lessons and summer camp programs. Lisa joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2023 and currently serves as the Toddler Program Lead, overseeing classroom activities and curriculum development for the toddler age group. She is passionate about fostering a nurturing and engaging environment where children can thrive. Lisa is thrilled to be part of The Goddard School community and looks forward to supporting the growth and development of each child in her care.

Ariana joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2025 after relocating from sunny San Diego, California. Her journey in early childhood education began in 2020, supporting children with online learning and working as a summer camp counselor. In 2021, she transitioned into a preschool setting, gaining hands-on experience with children from 6 weeks to 4 years old. Ariana is passionate about helping children express themselves and takes joy in watching their personalities blossom. She is also a creative spirit who enjoys hiking, reading, baking, and all things crafty. Ariana brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a strong dedication to nurturing every child in her care, and she is thrilled to be part of the Goddard community.

Julie brings over 10 years of experience in Early Childhood Education with the Monroe Board of Education. As Assistant Director of the Nursery School program, she served as the primary point of contact for families, building open, transparent, and trusting relationships with both parents and staff. She has extensive experience managing daily classroom operations for groups of more than 20 students, including clear and compassionate communication. Julie is skilled in developing and implementing engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans that incorporate art, music, outdoor play, and foundational skill-building, with a strong focus on keeping students safe, happy, and actively engaged during their first school experience. Known for her adaptability and strong communication skills, she thrives in dynamic environments and brings dedication and professionalism to her work, making her a valuable addition to The Goddard School community.

Tracy joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2025, bringing with her five years of preschool teaching experience from the Pacific Northwest. Most recently, she worked with toddlers at a school in Bend, Oregon, where she developed a strong passion for supporting early childhood development through play-based learning. She holds an associate’s degree in psychology from Central Oregon Community College and a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University. Tracy believes that learning through play and meaningful interaction fosters connection, emotional self-regulation, and a lifelong love of learning. As a certified children’s yoga instructor, she is excited to incorporate intentional movement and mindfulness into the classroom experience. Tracy is thrilled to be part of The Goddard School of Monroe community and looks forward to nurturing each child’s growth in a warm, engaging environment.

April joined The Goddard School in 2025 with a lifelong passion for working with children. As the youngest of eight, she began babysitting at a young age and later worked as a nanny before becoming a teacher. She has experience with children from six weeks to five years old. April holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Charter Oak State College and studied Early Childhood Education at Norwalk Community College. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, baking, drawing, and spending time with her family. She’s excited to be part of the Goddard team and looks forward to helping her students grow and thrive.

Paula grew up in neighboring Trumbull, Connecticut, where she began caring for children in her community from a young age. She continued to pursue her passion for childcare while earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Her love for working with children and passion for creativity came together in the classroom when she began working as a Toddler Teacher, inspiring her to bring joy, imagination, and color into each child’s day. Paula is dedicated to fostering strong relationships, encouraging growth, and working as a team with families and teachers to support every child’s development. Outside the classroom, Paula cherishes spending time with loved ones, making art, listening to music, and exploring the outdoors. She is excited to be a part of The Goddard School family and to watch each strong, unique, and amazing child grow.

Marcela joined The Goddard School in Monroe in 2025, bringing over a decade of international experience in early childhood education and hospitality. Originally from Europe and fluent in English, Spanish, Slovakian, and Czech, Marcela has worked as a preschool teacher, lead toddler teacher, nanny, and au pair, demonstrating a deep commitment to nurturing young children in diverse settings. Her warm personality, strong leadership, and passion for learning make her a valued member of our team, dedicated to fostering a joyful and inclusive classroom environment where every child can thrive.

Isabella discovered her passion for high-quality childcare while earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Clark University. Through her studies in Developmental and Emotional Psychology, she developed a deep interest in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and remains committed to supporting each child’s individual growth. Her teaching philosophy centers on nurturing emotional regulation while fostering curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young learners. At Clark, Isabella also served on multiple club executive boards and facilitated a “Consenting Communities” course for incoming students—experiences that strengthened her leadership, collaboration, and communication skills. Outside the classroom, Isabella enjoys drawing, painting, sculpting, playing the bass guitar, practicing yoga, and fishing. She values the role of imaginative play in early childhood development and weaves it into her daily interactions with children.

Carrie has been part of the Goddard School system since 2007 and joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2020. With experience across multiple age groups, she brings a consistent focus on creating classrooms rooted in safety, respect, and fun. She believes in the importance of all emotions—even the tough ones—and works closely with her students to help them navigate each phase of development with confidence. Originally from Milford, Carrie attended college in Maine, lived in North Carolina, and now calls Newtown home with her family. In her free time, she enjoys antiquing, reading, and exploring local festivals and fairs. She is proud to be part of the Goddard community and passionate about supporting each child’s growth.

Kathleen is passionate about naturalistic, play-based learning, social emotional learning and early intervention. She is team-oriented and has collaborated closely with many clinical therapists on interdisciplinary teams in various special education and general education learning environments. Kathleen holds a Master of Arts degree in Special Education and completed supervised fieldwork with a primary focus in early intervention for pediatric behavioral health. As the Inclusion Support Specialist, she collaborates with faculty and families to provide behavioral support that is individualized and responsive to the needs of each child. In her free time, she enjoys baking with heirloom recipes and hiking new trails with her husband and her family.

Megan joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2023. Born and raised in Bridgeport, CT, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Sociology from Southern Connecticut State University. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in industrial & organizational psychology and is set to graduate in January. Megan has extensive experience working with children through babysitting, nannying for multiple families, and after-school programs such as the Boys & Girls Club. In addition to her work with children, Megan is a certified personal trainer who is passionate about health and wellness. She enjoys reading, going to the gym, and spending time with friends. Megan is excited to be part of the Goddard community and looks forward to supporting each child’s growth and development.

Trinity joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in Psychology and has been passionate about working with children since high school. Her experience includes roles in daycare programs, before and after school care, and at the Department of Children and Families. In her free time, Trinity enjoys reading, writing, crafting, and spending time with friends. She is excited to continue building strong connections with the children and families at The Goddard School.

Lexy joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2022 and brings over two decades of experience working with children. Her passion for childcare began early—playing school and babysitter as a child—and truly took shape when she helped care for her baby cousin at age 8. Lexy loves incorporating art into all areas of learning and enjoys fostering creativity in the classroom. In her free time, she likes to read and spend time with her family. She is excited to continue this chapter at The Goddard School and looks forward to helping each child learn and grow.

Lindsey joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2025, bringing with her a strong foundation in child development and public health. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of Rhode Island, where she gained comprehensive knowledge in human development, with a particular focus on early childhood. Her journey in childcare began as a volunteer summer camp counselor at a tumbling gym, where she coached children ages 4–12 in foundational physical skills. Since then, Lindsey has remained deeply committed to creating a warm, engaging, and nurturing environment where children feel confident and excited to learn. She is passionate about building meaningful connections with students and families, and looks forward to fostering a classroom community that inspires growth, curiosity, and joy. Outside of the classroom, Lindsey enjoys spending time at the beach, exploring new cuisines, and making memories with friends and family.

Meryl has been a dedicated educator at The Goddard School of Monroe since 2018 and currently serves as the Preschool Program Lead. With over 13 years of experience in early childhood education and a degree in Early Childhood Education, Meryl is passionate about creating structured, engaging learning environments where children feel safe, respected, and excited to learn. She specializes in classroom structure and behavior management and believes in the importance of teaching children how to navigate all emotions, building a strong foundation for lifelong learning. As both a teacher and a parent, Meryl brings a unique perspective to her role. This dual role allows her to connect with families in a meaningful and supportive way. Meryl is committed to helping every child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, and she looks forward to continuing to guide her students on their learning journey.

Isabella has been part of The Goddard School of Monroe since 2017. Born and raised in Connecticut, she recently graduated from DePaul University in Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in health science, concentrating in Public Health, and a minor in Bioethics in Society. Throughout her time in school, Isabella remained committed to early childhood education, gaining hands-on experience while fostering a creative and nurturing learning environment. She is passionate about advocating for her community and supporting children’s development. In her free time, Isabella enjoys running, shopping, and watching movies.

Yuliya has been part of The Goddard School of Monroe since 2021 and brings a strong passion for early childhood education. She discovered her love for working with children in 2010 while babysitting for families in her church and later worked as a summer camp counselor in New York. Yuliya holds an associate’s degree in early childhood education from Norwalk Community College and has previous experience at another Goddard School, giving her a deep understanding of the Goddard philosophy. She is dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential and creating a supportive, engaging classroom environment. In her free time, Yuliya enjoys hiking, biking, shopping, and trying new restaurants. She is excited to continue her journey with the Goddard community and make a lasting impact on her students’ lives.

Yorladis joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2023 and brings over a decade of dedicated experience in childcare. Her background includes working with children from diverse backgrounds, and as a mother herself, she understands the importance of creating a nurturing, supportive environment where children can thrive emotionally and academically. In addition to her childcare experience, Yorladis has worked as a behavioral therapist, equipping her with valuable tools to support individual needs and foster positive interactions. She believes that every child’s development is a collaborative journey and finds joy in learning from her students as much as they learn from her.

Melina joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2024 and is excited to teach in the same community where she was raised. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication from Boston University and has worked in various educational settings, including as a high school paraeducator and tutor. Her passion for early childhood education grew through these experiences, and she now enjoys fostering a love of learning in young children through creative and engaging activities. Melina especially loves how curious and enthusiastic young learners are. In her free time, she enjoys running, gardening, spending time with her family, and doting on her miniature dachshund. She is thrilled to be part of the Goddard community and looks forward to supporting each child’s learning journey.

Lorraine has been part of The Goddard School of Monroe since 2022 and has been a proud member of the Monroe community for three decades. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Sacred Heart University and studied Early Childhood Education at Housatonic Community College. Her experience includes serving as both a teacher and director at Kiddie Campus Preschool in Monroe, as well as teaching Life Skills at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan. Lorraine believes that Pre-K is a vital foundation for fostering a lifelong love of learning and sees children as full of wonder. She is passionate about building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Outside of the classroom, Lorraine enjoys dancing, walking, playing piano, and spending time with her three children and five grandchildren.

Mary joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2024, bringing three decades of teaching experience to the classroom. Originally from San Francisco, she is excited to continue her educational journey in Monroe, where she’s found many similarities to the schools she taught at in California. Mary is passionate about play-based learning and designs curriculum tailored to each child’s individual needs. She strives to create a classroom environment filled with fun, curiosity, and a love of learning. Mary looks forward to building strong connections with her students and their families as part of the Goddard community.

Carol-Ann brings over 35 years of experience in education, working with children from nursery through high school. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education and a Master of Science in Reading from St. John’s University. She also earned a second master’s degree in administration and supervision from the College of New Rochelle. Carol-Ann spent 15 years as a classroom teacher and another 15 years as an administrator in New York City Public Schools and the Chancellor’s Office. Her lifelong mission has been to ensure that every child receives a high-quality education that lays the foundation for becoming independent, productive, and contributing members of society. She believes that children learn best in a safe and nurturing environment—one that supports their academic, emotional, and social growth. Carol-Ann is excited to continue building meaningful relationships with the children and families at Goddard.

Sabrina has been dedicated to the childcare field since her first job in high school back in 1996. She holds an associate’s degree in early childhood education and has spent the majority of her career working with infants, where her nurturing and attentive approach has made a lasting impact. Originally from Norwalk, Sabrina recently relocated to Shelton with her family. She has been happily married for 12 years and is the proud mother of three children, ages 10, 7, and 5. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, reading, working out, doing puzzles, and spending quality time with her loved ones. Sabrina joined The Goddard School in 2021 and is thrilled to be part of the community. She looks forward to continuing to build strong relationships with the children and families she serves.

Veronica has been working with children of all ages for over 10 years both as a nanny and as a toddler/infant teacher. In the future she plans to complete an accelerated nursing program so that she can one day be a neonatal nurse. She is a mom to three children, and it has been the best experience of her life. She loves working with children and is grateful to have the opportunity to see these children learn and grow every day!

Maria has been working in early childhood education since the age of 18. She brings several years of experience caring for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in a variety of settings, including home childcare, nannying, and early childhood centers. For the last decade, she has worked in Monroe, where she and her husband have lived for over 20 years and raised their six children. Maria also cherishes time with her two granddaughters, who are growing up in the same community. Maria joined The Goddard School in 2023 and is known for her exceptional organizational skills and warm, nurturing approach. Her favorite part of working with children is witnessing the joy on their faces as they learn new skills and engage in imaginative play. Outside of work, Maria enjoys spending time with her family, watching football, decorating her home, caring for plants, going to the movies, relaxing at the beach, and dancing.

Nicole is a passionate and dedicated early childhood professional who joined The Goddard School team in 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Practice. Nicole brings a diverse background in education, community service, and customer engagement through her work with Jumpstart for Young Children, Homes for the Brave, and various service-oriented roles. She has been recognized with the Outstanding First-Year Student Award, a Bronze Leadership Certificate, and an AmeriCorps Scholarship, and has held leadership roles such as President of the Women’s Club Rugby team. Nicole’s strengths in communication, advocacy, flexibility, and teamwork make her a valuable contributor to creating nurturing, inclusive environments where children thrive.

Cassie has always had a deep passion for working with children, especially the youngest learners. Her career in education began in 2004 as a special education paraprofessional, where she supported preschool programs in public schools. Since then, she has continued to nurture young minds in various early childhood centers. Cassie studied Early Childhood Education at Naugatuck Valley before transferring to Western Connecticut State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 2020. She firmly believes that every child is capable and deserving of a high-quality, individualized education that helps them grow into their best selves. Outside of the classroom, Cassie enjoys spending time with her family and friends—especially her two children, a 6-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son, who are the lights of her life. She is thrilled to continue her journey at The Goddard School and looks forward to building lasting connections with the children and families.

Ms. Sarah is on our Inclusion Support Specialist Team here at The Goddard School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, and Psychology from NYU’s Steinhardt School. Sarah brings valuable experience from teaching in special education classrooms across a variety of NYC school settings, where she created engaging lessons, partnered with families, and supported students through individualized instruction and positive behavior strategies. With dual New York State certifications in general and special education, Sarah is passionate about creating a warm, inclusive learning environment where every child feels supported and excited to learn.

Luke recently completed his freshman year at Sacred Heart University and is excited to join our team as a Resource Support Teacher. He has a strong passion for working with children, which he developed through his experience coaching youth wrestling and football. Luke loves helping young children build confidence, teamwork, and an appreciation for physical activity. In the classroom, he works alongside our experienced teachers to support daily routines, learning centers, and play-based activities. He is especially enthusiastic about encouraging movement and fitness in our Preschool and Pre-K programs. Luke also serves as a positive male role model while continuing to explore his future in education and coaching.

Hayley is a caring and dependable team member who enjoys building positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues. Her professional background includes customer service, healthcare coordination, and pet care, where she developed strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills in fast-paced environments. Hayley is passionate about creating welcoming, supportive experiences for others and brings a positive attitude, adaptability, and a team-oriented approach to everything she does. She is committed to helping children and families feel valued, comfortable, and supported each day.

Shelly is a proud Shelton, Connecticut native and a 2020 graduate of Shelton High School. She has spent the past four summers as a Program Director at a Boy Scout camp, where she discovered her love for leadership, mentoring, and creating fun, meaningful experiences for children and teens. Scouting has been a huge part of her life, and she remains actively involved in both Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. With 18 years of dance experience, Shelly brings creativity, discipline, and teamwork to everything she does. She also enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and working on project cars — always eager to learn something new and take on a challenge. Shelly is thrilled to join The Goddard School community and can’t wait to help students learn, grow, and shine.