Our Teachers

Hello Parents! My name is Lauren Smallwood and I am the On-site owner of The Goddard School in South Windsor. I was born and raised in Connecticut and studied at The University of Connecticut, where I earned my Master's. The Goddard School, which is where my husband and I turned to care for our own children, has made a lasting impact on our family. We recognize the importance of a safe and nurturing learning environment, so this is an exciting opportunity for me to provide the best in early childhood development for you and your family. We look forward to welcoming you to our new school in Evergreen Walk!

Andrea has worked in early childhood education since 2010. Her career began as an assistant teacher in Massachusetts, which is where she found her love of education. Andrea quickly gained increasing responsibility, owing to her dedication and passion, which eventually led to roles in administration. Andrea says one of the most rewarding aspects of being Center Director is that it allows her to inspire and motivate other educators to be the best in the field! Andrea holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from Merrimack College, with a concentration in school and society – a program that was designed specifically to prepare for a career as a Center Director. She also holds a minor in Elementary Education. Andrea joined the Goddard school in February of 2023, and is excited to be here at the brand-new South Windsor location!

Ms. Alyssa began in the ECE field in 2011. She holds her bachelor of science degree from the University of Hartford in social sciences. She was a lead Goddard Get Set teacher for 6 years and a Goddard parent. In her spare time she loves to watch her son play baseball and spend time with their dog Missy! Her favorite thing about childcare is building a bond with the families and watching the children grow.

Mr. Moe began working in the ECE field in 2006. He holds not only early childhood education credentials but his bachelors in Human Services. He loves watching the children grow and develop. When they love coming to school, so does he! Mr. Moe enjoys playing music and is multi-talented with many different instruments. He also just enjoys having fun!

Ms. Emilee began in the ECE field in 2022. She holds her degree for Child Studies at Post University as well as her teaching credential from the state of Connecticut. For Emilee, her favorite part of education in watching children grow and achieve different milestones. She enjoys her free time by spending it with her daughter and family, going to the beach or pool, listening to music and coloring in adult coloring books. Ms. Emilee has lots of different interests!

Ms. Sydney began in the field of ECE in 2010. She holds her associates degree in Early Childhood Education She is in the process of obtaining her head teacher certification issued by the state of Connecticut as well! Her favorite thing about the field is the moment you can see a concept "clicking" for a child, aside from building those meaningful relationships with children and families. She loves the moment they truly understand something! Ms. Sydney loves to read, hike and spend time with family when she can!

Ms. Kyla began in the field of ECE in 2014. She has completed multiple coursed as ECSU and enjoys continuing to learn in the field. To start off her career she worked with before and after school care tailored to preschool aged children through second grade. She gained experience in different childcare centers and mainly works and enjoys preschool. In Ms. Kyla's spare time she enjoys things that have to do with make-up, fashion and music. For her, seeing a child's eyes light up when they understand or accomplish something new is what is is all about!

Ms. Jaime began in the ECE field in 1997. She has completed a number of college courses and continues to learn professionally and personally in the field. She feels that her experience with children is amazing. She loves to learn how to care for them and learn from them as well. They are loving, kind, smart and fun. Her favorite thing about childcare is simply being with the children and creating that bond together. In Ms. Jaime's spare time she loves going to concerts and seeing local bands. She also enjoys cooking, reading and baking. Most of all, Ms. Jaime loves spending time with family.

Ms. Jill began in the field of ECE in 1989. She has her bachelor’s degree in science from Courtland College and her master’s degree in social work from Syracuse University. A fun fact about Ms. Jill is she was a snow and water ski instructor for over 20 years! Her favorite thing about childcare is everything! Being around children brightens her day and she loves smiling and laughing with them. In her spare time, Ms. Jill loves to be outside, go running, going to the beach and digging for clams, watching football, and spending time with her three kids and her husband!

Ms. Laysha began in the field of ECE in 2018. She started her experience with babysitting her niece who is also a Goddard student. Her favorite thing about being a teacher is she loves to see kids grow learn every day and it so rewarding to her to be a part of the process for each child. In her spare time, she loves to play video games, shop and spend time with her family!

CieAnna has been working in childcare since 2014. CieAnna began her career teaching children how to swim, tutoring, nannying, and working with children with special needs. She has always loved working with children and it is one of her biggest passions. CieAnna was attending school to become a child psychologist/therapist before Covid hit, and is planning to continue her degree. She is a mother of 2 beautiful little girls who attend Goddard as well. In her free time she loves to go on adventures with her kids and make new core memories with them every chance she can get.

Ms. Ashley is new to the ECE field but has a lot of experience with her 5 younger siblings and younger cousins as well as observation hours and student teaching for school. Ms. Ashley obtained her associate degree in early childhood education where she found her love for ECE even more. Over the years she has experienced many different children with different personalities including siblings and cousins from her large family. Her favorite thing about childcare is making a positive difference in the lives of children and hearing the children laugh, seeing them smile, and sharing her kindness and positivity with them. In her spare time, Ms. Ashley loves traveling, spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors, photography along with drawing and writing.

Ms. Elaine began in the field of ECE in 2020. She attended college for Early Education where her passion with working with children grew. She has worked with many age groups from infants to preschool. Ms. Elaine's favorite thing about childcare is helping and watching the children learn and grow. She loves being a part of their journeys and creating bonds with all of her kids. In her spare time, she loves to go shopping and spending time with her two children.

Ms. Emma began in the ECE field in 2021. She is currently attending school to further her knowledge and education in the field. She grew up as the second oldest in a large family and previously had experience working with Pre-K aged children. Ms. Emma’s favorite thing about childcare is the love they give, along with the challenges they bring. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing stories, and spending time with her family!

Ms. Shade began in the ECE field in 2018 where she began baby-sitting for family friends. In 2021 she began working at a summer camp and the YMCA in the before and aftercare program where her love for working with children grew which led her here to The Goddard School. Ms. Shade is a mom to her young son Quincy who also attends the Goddard School. Her favorite thing about childcare is watching and being a part of the children growing and making her students happy! In her spare time, she loves shopping, make up and spending time with her son!

Ms. Anjaleek is new to ECE field. She is working towards her degree for Early Childhood Education. She found her love for working with children in high school where she was part of a program where she would go to elementary schools as a student helper and worked as a paraprofessional shortly after. Her favorite thing about childcare is helping kids learn and grow and showing and teaching new experiences! In her spare time she loves to spend time with her daughter and doing a lot of family activities together!

Ms. Ariel has been an Early Childhood Educator for nearly 17 years! She began as a school-age leader in high school, and continued working with various age groups until finding her niche as a Preschool teacher. Ariel has an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and continues her education through online trainings. When she is not in teacher mode Ariel enjoys spending as much time as possible with her family and her dog Aussie! She enjoys listening to live music, reading, taking care of her many plants, trying new restaurants, watching her favorite movies and TV shows, and spending time with the people she loves most! Ariel believes that the goal of education is to create a life-long love of learning.

Ms. Gianna began working in the field of Early Childhood Education in 2022. Ms. Gianna gained her experience and love of working with children assisting school students, babysitting, and helping take care of her younger siblings. Her favorite thing about working in the childcare field is making a positive impact on the lives of the children she’s teaching. In her spare time Ms. Gianna enjoys hiking, and spending time out with her family!

Ms. Cassie began her journey in the ECE field in 2022. She aspires to expand her knowledge into the medical field alongside her focus on ECE. While most of her experience lies in the infant program, she is currently exploring different age groups and discovering a passion for working with various ages. Her favorite aspect of childcare is witnessing children grow and learn new things as they mature. In her free time, Ms. Cassie enjoys taking her daughter to the park, going on hikes, and painting.

Ms. Rebecca began her journey in the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE) in 2015. After high school, she was accepted into the teaching program at CCUS, where she obtained her Bachelor’s in General Studies with a minor in Elementary Education. She has prior experience with children from student teaching at schools, nannying for a family, as well as being a supervisory paraprofessional. Ms. Rebecca's favorite thing about childcare is seeing the growth and development in their personalities. In her spare time, she loves to be outdoors, reading, and spending time with her boyfriend and dog, Buddy!

Ms. Amanda comes from a family of lifelong early childhood educators. She began in the ECE field in 2018. As a mother, aunt, and older sister, Ms. Amanda has a great love for children. Her favorite thing about childcare is the rewarding feeling of watching children learn new things. In her free time, Ms. Amanda loves reading, trying different types of cuisines, and spending time with her family!

Ms. Imani began her career in the ECE field in 2018. She obtained her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently attending Charter Oak State College to earn her bachelor's degree in early childhood education. She has been working with children all her life, starting with babysitting her three younger siblings. During the summers in high school, she volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club, along with other summer programs. Ms. Imani's favorite thing about childcare is being able to witness the impact teachers can make on their students and observe their growth. In her spare time, Ms. Imani enjoys drawing, painting, reading (mostly poetry), and spending time with her siblings.

Ms. Olivia began in the field in 2020. She is currently working towards a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in leadership and administration. She has been working with children for the past three years along with nannying, babysitting, and working at a Sunday school. Her favorite thing about childcare is watching the children learn and grow over the years and creating relationships with the children and their families! In her spare time, she loves going to the beach, watching sunsets and roller-skating!

Ms. Kemeal started in the ECE field in 2018, although she grew up in a big family, being one of 5 siblings and having many cousins whom she always loved to look after. She is currently working towards obtaining her head teacher's certification. Ms. Kemeal's favorite thing about childcare is the love and getting to be a part of the children’s fun experiences, and she loves how funny they can be. In her free time, she loves to write and hang out with her friends and family.

Ms. Kaithlyn began working in the ECE field in 2022. Her experience started much earlier due to being an older sibling and an aunt. Ms. Kaithlyn graduated from the Connecticut River Academy in 2021. She attended college for business for a few years before finding her true passion and switching over to the ECE field. Her favorite thing about childcare is the joy and development of working with children while watching them grow and build bonds. In her spare time, Ms. Kaithlyn enjoys being out and about to keep busy, as well as cleaning and organizing.

Ms. Maddy began working in the field of Early Childhood Education in 2022. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Ms. Maddy has experience working in a preschool setting, as well as working as a one to one paraprofessional for the 2023-2024 school year. Her favorite thing about childcare is the kids! Ms. Maddie believes that children are the very best people because they think of things that adults/teenagers never would, and everything around them is full of magic and new possibilities. She loves that children are innately caring and full of imagination. In her spare times Ms. Maddy is a fan of arts and crafts projects, scrap booking, and spending time with her family and friends!

Ms. Mollie began her journey in the field of Early Childhood Education in the year 2021. Her love of the field comes naturally, as her mother is a lifelong preschool teacher! Ms. Mollie has worked with children of all ages, and loves each and every stage of childhood development. Her favorite thing about working with children is being the reason a child smiles, and grows academically. She says that the most rewarding thing about teaching is watching children overcome things that they have been struggling with. When Ms. Mollie is not working she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and most especially her son!

Ms. Praveena started her journey in the ECE field back in 2004 while living in India, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. Since relocating to the United States in 2016, she has remained dedicated to her passion for early childhood education. What she loves most about working with children is their innocence and boundless happiness. Outside of work, Ms. Praveena enjoys spending her spare time cooking and singing karaoke!

Mr. Raymond joined the field of Early Childhood Education in the year 2021. His experience prior to joining the Goddard School involves working with children with special needs. Mr. Raymond began a degree in Early Childhood Education, and is planning to return to school to further his education. He believes that the best part of working in Early Childhood Education is watching their educational growth, and giving parents the comfort of a positive school environment! In Mr. Raymond’s spare time he enjoys spending time with his dog Skyla, and his family as well as creating music and designing clothing.

Ms. Stephanie began her journey in the field of Early Childhood Education in April 2022. At this time she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a goal of attaining her Master’s degree. Ms. Stephanie has experience in preschool settings, and as a camp counselor. Her favorite thing about working with young children is making a new memory every day, and making sure that her students feel safe and loved everywhere they go. When Ms. Stephanie is not working she enjoys going to the beach, taking walks in nature, and traveling around the world!