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 been dedicated to early childhood education since 2010, beginning her career as an assistant teacher in Massachusetts, where she discovered her passion for teaching. Her commitment and enthusiasm quickly led to expanded responsibilities, ultimately guiding her into leadership roles within the field. As Center Director, Andrea finds great fulfillment in inspiring and motivating fellow educators to excel in their careers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from Merrimack College, with a focus on School and Society—an academic track specifically designed to prepare individuals for leadership positions like Center Director. Additionally, she earned a minor in Elementary Education. Andrea joined The Goddard School in February 2023 and is thrilled to contribute to the success of the brand-new South Windsor location.

Ms. Alyssa began her career in early childhood education in 2011 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences from the University of Hartford. She spent six years as a lead teacher in the Goddard Get Set program and is also a proud Goddard parent. Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys watching her son play baseball and spending quality time with their dog, Missy. Her greatest passion in childcare is building strong connections with families and witnessing the growth and development of the children she works with.

Ms. Sydney holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and is certified as a Head Teacher by the State of Connecticut. Her passion for teaching began as a teenager, when she taught Hebrew to students preparing for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. With several years of experience in both administrative roles and early childhood education, Ms. Sydney brings a well-rounded perspective to her work. She loves seeing children's faces light up when they grasp new concepts and values the lasting relationships she builds with both students and their families. Outside of work, Ms. Sydney enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, hiking, and reading.

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. 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!

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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!

Ms. Gayatri began her career in early childhood education (ECE) in 2019, starting at a local elementary school and continuing as a tutor since then. She worked in the ECE field in Canada from 2022 to 2024, serving as a French educator in both preschool and elementary school settings. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Mumbai University. Her experience with children includes two years teaching Art, French, and English in preschool and Montessori schools. Ms. Gayatri’s favorite aspect of childcare is witnessing children learn and grow every day. She loves the smiles they bring to her face and their boundless creativity and ideas. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, singing, drawing, and sketching. She also loves going for walks in nature and spending time with her family.

Ms. Marie began her career in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field in 1998. In 2007, she earned her Early Childhood Education certificate from Goodwin College, as well as her head teacher certification from the state of Connecticut. She continued her studies in ECE and Human Services at Goodwin until 2018.Ms. Marie has worked with children of all ages in various environments, from two-year-olds to preschoolers, leading a variety of Mommy and Me classes and summer camps. With over 20 years of experience in classrooms, center direction, and managing an Early Childhood indoor play space, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Her favorite aspect of childcare is building bonds with her students and witnessing their growth in so many ways. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her children, playing with her dog, and enjoying moments with her family!

Ms. Diana is new to the ECE field but has been caring for children in her large family since she was young, coming from a family of educators. She has a great love for children and enjoys helping them grow and develop! Her favorite aspect of childcare is bonding with each child in her care and their families. In her spare time, Ms. Diana enjoys listening to music, spending time with her family, and playing games.

Ms. Nicole joined the ECE field in 2015, working as an aftercare assistant for a program while in high school. She graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey, with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Studies and a minor in Spanish Studies. She has previously worked with 4- to 6-year-olds in an afterschool care program and at state-licensed summer camps before finding her niche as an infant/toddler teacher in 2021. Her favorite part of childcare is watching the children develop and grow into inspired young minds. In her spare time, Ms. Nicole enjoys singing, reading, listening to music, knitting, and spending time with her family, partner, and five pets!

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. Janetsa began her career in the ECE field in 2022. Her experience started when she took care of her little cousins and baby sister, which fostered her love for doing crafts and games. She has also worked as a paraprofessional, caring for preschool-aged children. Ms. Janetsa’s favorite aspect of childcare is seeing the children in her class smile and laugh, as well as their curiosity. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, drawing, and spending time with her family!

Ms. Jackie officially began her career in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field in 2021, although her passion for working with children began in her teenage years. She is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education at the University of Connecticut, with a focus on music. Ms. Jackie finds great fulfillment in observing children as they learn, develop, and grow each day. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, and attending gospel concerts

Mr. Kai began his career in early childhood education (ECE) in 2010, although he has been working with children since his teenage years before deciding to pursue it as a career. He spent many years at a state-funded childcare organization, working with children ranging from 1 to 10 years old. His favorite aspect of childcare is helping children develop their social skills, as well as the valuable lessons he learns from each child. He consistently gains new insights from every child he works with.

Ms. Maddy began her journey in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field in 2005, although she has been working with children since her teenage years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Wheaton College. Her experience in the ECE field includes roles as a former Assistant Director, Program Specialist, Enrichment Program Coordinator, as well as hands-on experience in the classroom with infants, toddlers, and pre-K aged children. Ms. Maddy’s favorite aspect of childcare is the ability to provide children with opportunities to learn and discover new things. Outside of her work, she enjoys volunteering in her community. In South Windsor, she volunteers at the Wood Memorial Library, supports the high school boys' soccer team, and serves as a youth wrestling coach. Additionally, Ms. Maddy enjoys baking with one of her daughters and crafting with her other daughter.

Ms. Denia began her journey in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field in 2022. She graduated from UCONN with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. Ms. Denia has experience working with children ranging from 6 weeks to 15 years old, as well as working in after-school programs for elementary-aged children. Her favorite aspect of childcare is seeing the excitement children experience when learning and discovering new things. In her spare time, Ms. Denia enjoys listening to music, spending time with her daughter, and customizing and making clothes.

Ms. Dynasty embarked on her Early Childhood Education (ECE) journey in 2021. She has pursued studies in Social Work at both Southern Connecticut State University and Capital Community College. Her experience with children began with babysitting and as a bus monitor, providing her with valuable insight into the needs of children across various age groups. Ms. Dynasty has worked with children of all ages and is passionate about supporting their physical, emotional, and intellectual growth. Her favorite aspect of childcare is witnessing the development of each child. In her free time, Ms. Dynasty enjoys reading, cooking, and building with Legos.

Ms. Swanel began her career in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field in 1997. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Animation, a Bachelor's degree in Web Design and Multimedia, and is currently in the process of enrolling in a Master's degree program in Early Childhood Education at Walden University. Ms. Swanel has experience working with children on the autism spectrum as an ABA therapist and has also worked as a preschool teacher. Her passion for childcare lies in fostering children's education and watching them develop and master new skills. In her free time, Ms. Swanel enjoys writing poetry and children's stories, as well as drawing and listening to music.

Ms. Juel is new to the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field but has been caring for children in her family from a young age. She has experience working with infants and has a deep passion for children, particularly in helping them grow and develop. Her favorite aspect of childcare is the opportunity to shape and nurture each child’s development while witnessing their progress. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, reading, and playing soccer with her son.