Our Goddard School Teachers

Marissa is an owner of The Goddard School of Simsbury, which she opened with Kristina in their hometown after co-owning The Goddard School of Farmington since 2013. As a parent of three Goddard graduates, she understands the importance of a caring first school experience. She supports teachers and works to create a nurturing school community where each child’s needs are met and families feel at home.

Kristina is a co-owner of The Goddard School of Simsbury and The Goddard School of Farmington. Her studies in Human Development and Family Studies complement her professional background in sales and operations management. She is committed to leading a school where children’s needs come first and every child and family feels welcomed and valued.

Allison is the Director of Education at The Goddard School of Simsbury. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education and a master’s degree in Education. Her more than 13 years of early childhood experience include five years at The Goddard School of Farmington. She supports curriculum development, engaging classrooms and strong family relationships, with a special interest in helping children develop an appreciation for the natural world.

Melissa is the Director of Operations at The Goddard School of Simsbury. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and brings more than 10 years of experience in teaching and school leadership. Her background includes classroom teaching and roles as Education Director and Preschool Director. She partners with families and fellow school leaders to support teachers and create a nurturing, engaging learning environment.

Alexis is a Lead Teacher who holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Wilmington University. A close bond with a family friend’s child with special needs inspired her minor in Special Education. She began teaching in 2014 and has worked with children from preschool through fourth grade. She brings her love of painting, drawing and clay work into the classroom, giving children hands-on opportunities to explore materials and express their creativity.

Amerie is a Lead Teacher who is completing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Her experience includes working with children at the YMCA, in childcare centers and as a nanny. Art is her favorite classroom activity because it gives children room to express their creativity and make each project their own. She enjoys seeing the different ideas children bring to their work.

Avery is a Resource Teacher who has worked in early childhood education since 2020 and holds an Early Childhood certification. She especially enjoys sensory play and watching how children respond to different textures and materials. Their individual preferences and discoveries help her appreciate the many ways young children explore and learn.

Caitlyn is a Lead Teacher who is working toward her Child Development Associate credential. Art and reading are favorite parts of her classroom, giving children opportunities to express ideas and explore different perspectives. Her background in dance and love of theater and music also bring movement and storytelling into learning. She enjoys discovering how each child approaches a story, creative project or problem.

Charity began working with children in 1999 and brings experience in Pre-K classrooms, preschools and nannying. Art is her favorite classroom activity, especially creating pictures with children’s handprints and footprints. She enjoys seeing children’s creativity emerge and giving families keepsakes that capture their growth. She brings a sense of humor to her work and enjoys making children smile.

Destiny is a Lead Teacher whose experience includes working with children on the autism spectrum. She especially enjoys classroom art and watching children explore colors and ideas together. She values giving children opportunities to express themselves and share in the discoveries that make learning rewarding.

Dhurshanie is an Assistant Teacher with experience in after-school programs, summer camps and caring for children. She especially enjoys arts and crafts, from beading to making animals and musical instruments. Watching children turn materials into something of their own is one of her favorite parts of teaching, giving her opportunities to encourage their creativity and ideas.

Elizabeth is an Assistant Teacher whose experience includes after-school programs, nannying, youth development at the Boys and Girls Club in Hartford and a year as an au pair in Italy. She especially enjoys art and seeing children’s pride in something they have created. She encourages children to slow down, notice small discoveries and appreciate their progress.

Francesca, known as Cesca, is a Lead Teacher who is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys giving children opportunities to express themselves through art, from handprint painting to chalk creations. Her love of nature also inspires classroom projects and science discoveries, while music and dancing give children additional ways to explore, create and learn.

Gianna is an Assistant Teacher who attends the University of Hartford. She enjoys watching children reach new milestones and values caring for each child with the attention she would want for her own family. Her relationships with younger family members helped draw her to early childhood education, where she finds joy in supporting children’s learning and growth.

Haley is a Resource Teacher who began her early childhood career in 1999 and owned and operated a licensed in-home childcare program for 12 years. She holds an associate’s degree in Fine Arts and also brings elementary substitute teaching experience. She especially enjoys classroom art, giving children freedom to explore materials and follow their own creative ideas.

Kathleen is a Lead Teacher who has worked in early childhood education since 2012, beginning as a Pre-K teacher and Assistant Director at The Goddard School in New Jersey and joining The Goddard School of Farmington in 2020. She holds a master's degree in Elementary Education. Reading with her class is her favorite part of the day, watching children make personal connections with a story. An aunt to seven nieces and nephews, she was inspired to teach by watching her niece Emerson grow.

Kayla is an Assistant Teacher who holds a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Writing and a master’s degree in Secondary Education. Her teaching experience includes three years in middle school. She especially enjoys bringing books to life during story time and helping children connect with the characters and ideas they encounter.

Kayla is an Assistant Teacher with experience in childcare, nannying and a Montessori preschool. She enjoys seeing children bring their own ideas and excitement to classroom art, creating different versions of the same project. An avid reader, she also shares her collection of children’s books with her students, bringing new stories into their school day.

Kayte has worked in early childhood education since 2009 and holds a Head Teacher Certification, an associate’s degree in General Studies and a bachelor’s degree in Child Studies. She enjoys watching children figure something out for the first time, giving them room to try and offering support when needed. A parent herself, she values the trust families place in teachers and strives to create a caring classroom that feels like a home away from home.

Khalihah is a Lead Teacher who began her career at a NAEYC-accredited childcare center. She especially enjoys dramatic play, where imagination and pretend experiences give children engaging ways to learn. As a mother, she values the individual attention and meaningful learning opportunities she wants for her own son and believes every child deserves.

Madalyn is an Assistant Teacher with experience working in a preschool. Read-aloud time is her favorite part of the classroom, especially when children become so engaged that they begin inventing stories of their own. She enjoys encouraging their ideas and watching their creativity emerge through books and conversation.

Madison is an Assistant Teacher who studies at Central Connecticut State University and brings experience working at a childcare center in Simsbury. She enjoys collaborative games that give every child a chance to participate and let their personality shine. She values problem-solving and being someone children and fellow teachers can count on.

Mamta holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and brings experience as a preschool teacher. She creates a caring classroom where children can explore through creative art and sensory experiences. Children’s curiosity inspires her own continued learning, and she enjoys discovering new ways to support their growth. She also volunteers as a Hindi teacher, sharing her love of teaching beyond the school day.

Minerva is a Lead Teacher who previously taught Pre-K at The Goddard School in Fairfield. She enjoys helping children transform cardboard boxes into spaceships, castles and pirate ships, encouraging teamwork, problem-solving and imagination. Her stepdaughter Amani, who is on the autism spectrum, inspires her appreciation for different ways of learning. She values patience, listening and adapting her support to each child.

Natalia is a Lead Teacher who studies Sociology with a minor in Psychology at Central Connecticut State University. Her experience includes young toddler classrooms, after-school programs and camps. She especially enjoys connecting with children through art and shared creativity. Watching children discover what they can do is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

Shannon is a Lead Teacher who holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with graduate coursework in Special Education and speech and language. She has worked in education since 2003, with extensive experience teaching toddlers. Sensory activities are central to her classroom, giving children opportunities to learn through exploration as they develop skills they will continue to use and build on.

Sheniah brings experience as a special education paraprofessional and working at the Boys and Girls Club. Morning Meeting is her favorite part of the classroom day, giving her time to read with children and get to know each one. She values providing a safe, caring environment and helping children feel supported as they learn, build relationships and prepare for the years ahead.

Tania is a Teacher who holds a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate. She values everyday interactions as opportunities to get to know each child, from a brief conversation to a shared discovery during play. A mother herself, she enjoys finding new ways to support the children in her care as they learn and grow.

Trinity holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work. Her experience includes working as a YMCA camp counselor and in a preschool. She enjoys music and movement, helping children build coordination and confidence through shared play. Her own experience receiving support through an Individualized Education Program shapes her commitment to making sure every child feels seen, heard and included.