Our Goddard School Teachers

Sarah’s journey in education began right here in Connecticut, where she was born and raised. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Sacred Heart University, while proudly serving as captain of the Women’s Ice Hockey team. With over a decade of experience leading programs in both Elementary and Preschool settings, Sarah brings a deep passion for early childhood education. In 2016, Sarah became the founding Director of the Goddard School in Monroe, where she’s cultivated a nurturing and enriching environment for young learners. As a dedicated educator and a working mother of two Goddard graduates now in the Trumbull Public Schools, she understands firsthand the importance of high-quality early learning experiences in shaping a child’s future. Sarah is excited to welcome families from Shelton and beyond into a school community that feels like home. She takes great pride in offering exceptional programming for Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Pre-K students.

Morghan has always loved working with children. She has experience with children ranging from the ages of 2-16 years old. From being a camp counselor, to teaching Toddlers and Preschoolers, she has had a variety of experiences with children in many diverse settings. Morghan is a graduate of Mitchell College in New London, CT where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management Recreation Administration. Morghan joined The Goddard School family in 2017 in Monroe and held various teaching and leadership positions during her tenure at the school. She is excited to continue her journey here in Shelton and is looking forward to building more relationships with new families!

Vanessa originally is from a city outside of Boston and moved to Connecticut in 2019. Vanessa has been working with children since 2014! She originally went to college for elementary education but realized she preferred working with children in early education. She graduated with her associate's degree in liberal arts. She started her career in facilitating parent child playgroups and moved onto working within the classrooms. She has experience with preschool students as well as toddlers. Vanessa has worked at other Goddard schools before and is excited about meeting new families and watching the students learn and grow every day!

Kayla, a Connecticut native, is a proud mother to her daughter, Chloe. She holds a Child Studies degree from Post University and has been dedicated to working with children of all ages and abilities since the age of 11, when she started as a mother's helper. Kayla's entrepreneurial spirit led her to own and operate an indoor playground for children for 3.5 years. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, hiking with Chloe and her Bernedoodle puppy, Olive, and indulging in her love for travel. Kayla is thrilled to embark on her new journey with the Goddard School and looks forward to making a positive impact.

Mariah's journey of working with children began early in life, inspired by her love for cheerleading. This passion led her to start coaching and volunteering with the Shelton American Youth Cheerleading Program in 2014. After graduating from Shelton High, Mariah continued her education at Central Connecticut State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing and economics. During her college breaks, she returned to her roots in daycare teaching, where she discovered her true calling: nurturing and teaching young minds. Now, as part of The Goddard School family, Mariah is thrilled to bring her energy, expertise, and enthusiasm to her new classroom and create meaningful connections with her students. She looks forward to embarking on this exciting chapter and making a positive impact on every child's educational journey.

Stephanie is a caring mom to her daughter and enthusiastic toddler teacher who brings patience, creativity and a nurturing spirit to her classroom every day. With a deep understanding of early childhood development, she knows that the toddler years are full of big emotions exciting milestones and endless curiosity. She is passionate about supporting each child through every step of their journey and she believes in partnering closely with families to ensure each child feels supported, seen, and celebrated. Her classroom is a place where every giggle, word and small success is met with encouragement and care. Stephanie is excited to make new connections and relationships here at Goddard!

Liana discovered her passion for teaching children while helping care for her younger family members. She began her career as a paraprofessional and eventually transitioned to a daycare teacher. Liana takes pride in creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive through engaging activities and positive interactions, addressing their social and emotional needs. The experience she has gained over the years has also enriched her ability to support her own daughter, Kiyomi. She is excited to start her journey here at Goddard and getting to know all the kids and their families.

Kim, a resident of Shelton, has been dedicated to childcare since 2011, and is thrilled to be joining the team at The Goddard School of Shelton after previously working at The Goddard School of Westport. She holds an associate's degree in early childhood education and a Child Development Associate Credential from the National Credentialing Program. Kim is deeply passionate about working with children and witnessing their growth. Every day, she looks forward to seeing the children in her classroom achieve milestones and discover new things. She also takes great joy in watching them form friendships and bonds. Her favorite part of her job is seeing the children thrive and become independent individuals. Kim is excited to get to know all the new families here in Shelton.

Jamie couldn't be more excited to join the Goddard team here in Shelton. With over 8 years of experience in childcare facilities, and now the joy of being a first-time mom as of September 2024, her passion for working with children has only deepened. Ever since she started babysitting and nannying at the age of 14, she’s known that helping children grow and thrive is her call. She truly enjoys watching them develop into their best selves and celebrating their unique achievements along the way. She loves arts and crafts and sending home creations that your little ones can proudly share with you. Their enthusiasm and sense of accomplishment always fills her heart with joy. She can’t wait to meet all the families and make meaningful connections with all of them!

Tori has been dedicated to working with children since 2016, bringing both passion and experience to every interaction. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies, with a concentration in Recreation Therapy, from Southern Connecticut State University. Although she initially applied her skills in nursing home settings, she soon realized that her heart truly belonged to childcare. With hands-on experience at multiple Goddard School locations in Wilton and Monroe, as well as years of caring for her younger cousins and babysitting for families, Tori has developed a deep understanding of nurturing young minds. She thrives on creating meaningful connections with children, fostering a positive and engaging environment where they can learn and grow. Outside of work, Tori enjoys crocheting, skiing, reading, fishing, and cherishing time with family and friends. She looks forward to making a lasting impact in your child’s life through warmth, guidance, and encouragement.

Sabrina is deeply passionate about working with children. She earned her bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Southern Connecticut State University and a Master's in Elementary Education from Sacred Heart University. With experience working with children of all ages, Sabrina brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality moments with her children and family. Sabrina is thrilled to be part of the Goddard Family and is excited for her journey here!

Becca has been dedicated to her dream of nurturing young children from a young age. What started as a 10-year-old helping care for her younger cousins, had resulted in over 10 years of professional experience and a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. All of her learning has supported her in gaining extensive experience in childcare settings. From working in a before-and-after school program, working in preschool classrooms, being a private nanny, and ultimately a mom to her son, her love for teaching has grown throughout the years. In her free time, Becca enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, crafting, and making new memories! She is excited for her Goddard journey and looks forward to watching your children learn and grow!

Mufif has been a Pre-K teacher for the past 10 years. While his academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, it was during his post-graduate years that he discovered his passion for teaching. He realized that shaping young minds and fostering their curiosity brought unparalleled joy and hasn't looked back since. Over the years, Mufif honed in his skills in creating engaging, play-based learning environments where children feel safe, inspired, and valued. He believes that early childhood education sets the foundation for building confidence and lifelong learning. When he's not in the classroom, he enjoys playing with his pets, exploring different restaurants, and spending time with his wife, Vanessa. His goal is to ignite a love for learning in every child and help them embrace the wonders of the world around them.

Juliana's journey in childcare began with summers spent as an assistant teacher, which ignited her passion for working with children and inspired her future career in healthcare. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor Degree of Science in Biology at Sacred Heart University and will continue her studies there to earn a master's in occupational therapy. Through her experiences in childcare, she's come to appreciate the unique individuality of each child. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring museums, and reading. She is thrilled to join the Goddard School and look forward to meeting all the wonderful kids and families!

Vanessa creates a warm and nurturing environment where every child feels valued and supported. Growing up in a large family, she naturally developed a strong connection with younger siblings and cousins, sparking her enthusiasm for guiding children's growth and learning. Vanessa holds a psychology degree from Norwalk Community College, which deepens her understanding of child development and learning processes. Her teaching approach is inspired by creativity, nature, and play-based learning, blending these elements to help children build confidence and express their unique voices. Outside the classroom, Vanessa’s creativity flourishes through her love for art and gardening. She enjoys spending time with her husband, while cultivating a diverse collection of plants in their home. Ms. Vanessa is excited to start her journey here with Goddard and create wonderful memories for herself and children.

Hailey, a proud Shelton resident, is thrilled to join the Goddard Community! She is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education at The University of Mississippi and has been dedicated to early childhood care for the past four years. With experience supporting children from 12 weeks to 12 years old, she finds joy in nurturing young minds and fostering growth. Outside the classroom, Hailey loves performing on stage at Center Stage Theatre in Shelton, spending quality time with friends and family, diving into a good book, or unwinding with her favorite TV shows. She looks forward to forming meaningful connections with each child and gaining valuable experience as she prepares for the day she steps into her own classroom!

From the rink to the classroom Mr. Luca has built his life around leadership and perseverance. A lifelong Shelton resident, he has coached hockey for nearly a decade, fostering teamwork and discipline among aspiring young children. He played a crucial role in the University of New Haven’s club hockey team as its President, Captain, and player. Now, with his sights set on the future, he will earn his B.S. in Criminal Justice in June 2025 and complete his M.P.A. in May 2026. His time at Goddard of Orange and his dedication to hockey and public service reflect his commitment to excellence. He’s excited to continue his Goddard career here in Shelton and make new connections and impacts on the families he meets.

Ani’s passion for childcare began in middle school when she became an aunt. Raised in Connecticut, she spent summers babysitting and leading art classes as a camp counselor. Her love for creativity led her to earn a cosmetology license, where working with families reminded her how much she enjoyed making children feel special. Ani later joined The Goddard School of Monroe, gaining over four years of experience with children of all ages—especially infants. She’s known for creating a warm, trusting environment for new daycare parents. In her free time, Ani loves singing, traveling, and bringing joy to others. She’s excited to build strong connections at The Goddard School of Shelton!

Megan has always loved working with kids and has worked with children since 2016. She has worked with children ages 0 months - 10 years of age. She earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts at Central Connecticut State and is looking forward to the connections she will make as a teacher here at Goddard School. With her experience she assures you that they will be happy and in a nurturing learning environment that works for their wondering minds. 

At a young age, Ava began her journey working with and caring for children. She has worked at an amusement park, as a camp counselor, and now as a toddler teacher at Goddard! She is currently in her sophomore year of college, majoring in Developmental Psychology, and taking online classes. Ava is passionate about creating a safe and nurturing environment for all children, enabling them to meet their developmental milestones. She strives to help children develop meaningful relationships with their teachers and peers. In every interaction Ava has with a child, she hopes that they leave with a smile. In her free time, she likes to travel, sing, play volleyball, and attend sporting events. Ms.Ava looks forward to meeting and supporting every child and beginning her journey at Goddard!

Stephanie was born and raised in Connecticut. When she was 12, she started volunteering at her local daycare during the summer. She was hired at 16 to work at the daycare after school. She continued with the company until 2007. She got married, had a daughter, and then opened up her own in-home daycare. She has 2 teenage daughters, a German shepherd named Callie, a rabbit and a chinchilla. In 2017, she opened a roofing company with her husband. Looking for a new beginning, she realized how much she missed working with young children. She is now looking forward to joining the infant room!

Katie has worked in childcare for many years and is so excited to be joining the Goddard team here in Shelton! She grew up surrounded by a big family and a lot of younger cousins. Her up bringing inspired her to have a strong love for working with children. Being a part of the growth and shaping of their personalities she finds the most rewarding! In her free time she enjoys being outside, spending time with my family and friends, and reading a good book. She is thrilled to continue her childcare journey at Goddard and is looking forward to all the relationships that she will form!

Claire originally hails from New Jersey and is very excited to join the Shelton Goddard team! Since 2019, she has volunteered with Camp Quality, a summer camp for childhood cancer survivors and fighters ages 4 to 17. From her experience at various summer camps, Claire has gained a passion for mentoring young children’s skill building and promoting independence at an age-appropriate level. Claire is a recent graduate from Sarah Lawrence College with a Master’s in Genetic Counseling, and she carries core tenets of this field such as empathy and genuine connection into her childcare philosophy. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, singing, and relaxing with her cat, Mojo. 

Emma will be receiving her Associates in Early Childhood Education by the end of Fall 2025. She will be joining Southern Connecticut State University to pursue her Bachelors and Masters in Speech and Language Pathology. She has always loved working with children! With her being the oldest of 8 she almost always had a baby around. Currently, she is a mom to a betta fish, his name is Swim Shady. She used to have her own horse; she rode for 16 years and loved every second of it! She is excited to begin her journey at The Goddard School in Shelton!

Heather has been working with children for the past ten years. She began by tutoring and volunteering at after school programs in high school and went to college to earn her Bachelor's in Elementary Education and Interdisciplinary Studies. She worked in a first-grade classroom for three years, as well as working at a daycare center for three summers. This is where she found her passion for working in Pre-K. She loves to assure that children are best prepared for Kindergarten by practicing routines and skills. In her free time, she loves to visit family and friends and travel. She is so excited to be a part of creating a safe and positive environment in the Oaks classroom and learn and grow!

Sarah is native to Connecticut, living in the valley her whole life. She is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University. She has worked in childcare before and has three children, including twin two-year-olds. In her spare time Sarah enjoys spending quality time with her children, arts and crafts, and playing sport such as volleyball, softball, mini golf and bowling. She is thrilled to join The Goddard School and excited to meet all the children and their adults.