Our Goddard School Teachers

Kristina and I are thrilled to announce the opening of The Goddard School in our hometown of Simsbury, expanding on the success of our Farmington location, which we have co-owned together since 2013. Our mission is to create a dynamic early childhood environment where children can thrive and develop a love for learning. We ensure that each child's unique needs are met while fostering their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth. As a proud parent of three Goddard graduates myself (Wyatt, Quinn & Stetson), I am dedicated to supporting our teachers and providing a nurturing, safe space that feels like a "home away from home" for all our students.

As Co-Owner of The Goddard School of Farmington & of Simsbury, I am thrilled to be surrounded by the laughter and enthusiastic personalities of young children everyday! My education is in Human Development and Family Studies, however, my experiences in corporate sales and operations management, took me in another direction, which ultimately has helped to prepare me to lead The Goddard School. It is important to me to create an environment where the needs of our children come first and where every parent and child who walks through our doors feels welcomed and valued. In my free time I enjoy being with my family, spending time outside, fall fairs and festivals and traveling! Welcome to The Goddard School Family!

My name is Allison and I am the Director of Education at The Goddard School Simsbury. With over 12 years of experience, 5 years at The Goddard School of Farmington, I’m truly passionate about providing a nurturing and enriching environment for young children and am dedicated to ensuring that every child receives the care and attention they need to grow and thrive. I have my bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education in addition to my master’s degree in Education. I have a strong background in curriculum development, classroom environments and building strong relationships with families and am committed to creating a safe, welcoming space where children feel respected, valued, and excited to learn. I’m especially passionate about integrating environmental awareness into curriculum, helping children develop a love and respect for the natural world. When I’m not at The Goddard School, you can find me enjoying outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, biking and kayaking.

My name is Alexis and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2025. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Wilmington University and began teaching in 2014, first with fourth graders, then with four-year-olds. Since moving to North Carolina in 2016, I have been teaching three-year-olds in a child care setting. I’m passionate about hands-on art like painting, drawing, and clay work, and I love sharing that creativity with children. I’ve always enjoyed reading and have a long list of favorite children’s books. A close bond with a family friend’s child with special needs inspired me to pursue a minor in Special Education. Outside the classroom, I’m a big hockey fan and enjoy exploring history through museums and travel. I also love musical theater—especially Broadway shows—and hope to visit every Disney park around the world!

My name is Amerie and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2025. I started working in Early Childhood Education in 2020. I began my work at the YMCA, then moved into childcare centers as well as nannying. I have also work as a Direct Support Professional. I will receive my Bachelor's Degree in psychology in December of 2025. My favorite activity to do in the classroom is any kind of art. I enjoy this because it allows room for creativity and the ability to make things into your own. I am inspired at home and in the field by my family. We are all very close and they are what keep me going!

My name is Avery and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2025. I began working in Early Childhood Education in 2020 and earned my Early Childhood certification in 2025. One of my favorite activities to do in the classroom is sensory play, such as exploring the textures of shaving cream, rice, or different types of beans and seeds. I love this activity because every child reacts differently—some enjoy certain textures while others shy away from them—and it can be eye-opening to watch their individual preferences and discoveries unfold. In both my personal life and my career, I’m inspired by seeing people find something they are truly passionate about and enjoy doing. Something that might surprise others about me is that I am currently in school to become a pediatric prosthetist/orthotist. I’m incredibly excited about this path and look forward to designing and building equipment that will help children thrive.

My name is Caitlyn, and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2025. I started my journey in Early Childhood Education in 2020 and am working towards receiving my CDA this fall. My favorite activities in the classroom are art and reading. I enjoy art because it is messy and you can do it however you want and reading because there are so many stories out there to tell and to learn about. My biggest inspirations are books and music. I danced as a kid and movement with storytelling is very important to me. In my classroom I am inspired by the different minds of each child and how they are able to tackle a story or problem with many different perspectives and I think that is incredibly special. In my free time you'd be surprised to know I have a large book collection, I love to read and I love theater and music performance!

My name is Claire, and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2025. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2024, which gives me a strong understanding of child development and helps guide my approach in the classroom. Although I haven’t previously worked with children, I have always loved teaching, and I’m excited to grow in this field here at Goddard. My favorite activity in the classroom is read-aloud time. I love seeing how excited the children get, the questions they ask about the pictures, and how they read and sing along to their favorite books—it’s always so much fun. In my personal life, I am inspired by nature and animals. When I need a refresh, I enjoy going for a run or walk outside to take in the scenery. I also love bird-watching and often visit a trail near my home to look for my favorite birds.

My name is Danielle and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2025. I started in the early childhood field in 2010 and have worked with children from newborns to teenagers, though my greatest joy comes from working with infants and toddlers. One of my favorite classroom activities is creating sensory bags filled with paint, glitter, and googly eyes to engage babies during tummy time. I’ve always had a natural connection with children and love being part of their early learning journey. My three goddaughters keep me inspired, creative, and full of energy both inside and outside the classroom.

My name is Destiny and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2026. I began working with children in 2022 and with students on the autism spectrum in 2024. My favorite activity in the classroom is art. I love to see the students interact together and watch their minds explore all the fun colors and activities. I have 24 nieces and nephews. I love children and how inspiring they are to me, and I hope to pursue a career in early childhood education in the future. In my free time, I love going to the gym, taking trips and discovering a new passion for reading. I also have a huge family including 5 brothers and 5 sisters!

My name is Dhurshanie and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2026. I started my journey in Early Childhood Education in 2021, working at an afterschool program for elementary school students. I have been babysitting since I was 12 and have also worked at summer camps. I am currently in school for funeral services. My favorite activity to do in the classroom is arts and crafts. I love beading, coloring and making things like animals and instruments. I enjoy doing these activities because it is always so great to see what the children make and how they use their creativity. Something that inspires me is being able to see and make change in the world. Outside of the classroom you'd be surprised to know I am very interested in marine biology and aquarium care. I especially love coral; my favorite being frogspawn!

My name is Diana and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2026. I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology in 2019 and worked as a research assistant at Yale University while also volunteering as a literacy tutor with elementary school children. I began my career in Early Childhood education in 2023 at The Goddard School of Farmington. I recently graduated from CCSU with my master's degree in elementary education and will earn my CT Initial Educator Certification this summer. Within the classroom, I love incorporating sensory play and nature-based activities into learning to help children explore and appreciate our world. In my free time, I enjoy reading books about education and finding creative ways to make learning fun and engaging for young learners. You'd be surprised to know, I lived in New Haven for 2 years, specifically in the East Rock neighborhood. During that time I discovered many favorite local spots, including great bookstores and restaurants!

My name is Elizabeth and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2026. I began working with children as a teenager, babysitting for local families and volunteering at my local dance studio and preschool. After high school, I worked at an after-school program for students ages 6–12, was an au pair in Italy for twin 15-month-old girls, then a nanny. I've also worked as a costume designer for a high school drama department and most recently at the Boys and Girls Club in Hartford as a Youth Development Professional. My favorite classroom activity is art because I love seeing all the different interpretations in a child's artwork and watching them light up when they've made something they're proud of. What inspires me is the reminder to slow down and notice the little things that may seem small in the moment but add up to something significant. A fun fact about me is that I've been taking dance classes since I was 3 years old. I'm also a singer and I love Gilmore Girls!

My name is Gianna and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2026! I started my journey in Early Childhood Education in 2023 at a childcare center. I currently attend college at the University of Hartford. I adore working and interacting with children, as well as watching them achieve milestones. I enjoy this because its such a rewarding event to witness others grow. I am inspired by my many small cousins and babies around me, including my younger sister and my twin sister's newest arrival. I want to continue to treat these children with the same care I would want for my own family. In my free time, you'd be surprised to know that I love the farm lifestyle. I love the outdoors and quiet life. I live in Ellington, Connecticut and most of my time home is spent on a farm. I also love dogs and have a dog the size of me!

My name is Haley and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2026. I started my career in ECE in 1999 at the YMCA, working in their childcare room. In 2002, I opened my own licensed in-home childcare program, which I successfully operated for 12 years. Recently, I have enjoyed substitute teaching in an elementary school setting. I also hold an associate's degree in fine arts. My favorite activity to do in the classroom is art! I love the sense of freedom it allows and I enjoy seeing the children's creativity come to life. What inspires me most is being around people who lead with positivity and integrity. It motivates me to be the best version of myself. In my free time, you'd be surprised to know I am a licensed hairdresser in both Massachusetts and Connecticut! I enjoy spending time with my husband and our four daughters, as well as traveling and being with family and friends.

My name is Kathy and I have been at teacher at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2025. I began my journey in Early Childhood Education in 2012 working as a Pre-K teacher and Assistant Director at The Goddard School in New Jersey. In 2020 I began working at The Goddard School in Farmington. I have my Master's Degree in Elementary Education. My favorite activity to do in the classroom is reading together with my class. I love to see the excitement on their faces when they make a personal connection with the story. I am inspired by my niece Emerson. With her contagious smile and zest for life, she is always excited to meet someone new or visit with an old friend. While I watched her reach her early childhood milestones through music and other unconventional ways, I realized I wanted to be a teacher.  In my personal life you'd be surprised to know I love being an aunt, not only to my seven nieces and nephews, but to many of my but to many of my friends’ children as well!

My name is Khalihah and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2026. In 2023 I graduated from high school early and used that time to begin working in my first NAEYC-accredited childcare center. This experience gave me ample knowledge in the field. Since then I've spent day in and day out providing the best possible care for children. My favorite activity in the classroom is dramatic play. This activity has a multifaceted approach to both learning and playing. Children love to learn through pretend play and imagination, making it fun and easy to engage in lesson plans and classroom environments. I am inspired by my son Micah. He is such a bright light in my home and heart and inspires me to continue to strive as a mother and a teacher. I believe every child deserves quality engagement and education. Outside of the classroom you'd be surprised to know I love to bake, sing and spend time with animals!

My name is Madalyn and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2026. I began working with children in 2024. During my junior year of high school I got my first job in a preschool. I am planning to attend college soon to pursue an associate's degree. My favorite activity in the classroom is read aloud time. When all of the children are sitting around me, listening to a fun story, they are engaged and want to read more! I love when they start to make up their own stories and let their creativity shine. My sister is my biggest inspiration. She has two children under two and yet she still is inspired to do so much! She is the most caring person and I look up to her, especially when I am working with children. In my free time, you'd be surprised to know that I love math. It may sound crazy, but I love doing math outside of work. Puzzles are just as fun and it is a good challenge for me!

My name is Maddison and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2026. I have been working with children since I was in middle school and volunteering in younger classrooms. I began working in a school in 2025, at a children's center at the University of Michigan where I am currently pursuing a degree. My favorite activity to do in the classroom is reading stories to the students, especially when it's a book they love and get excited about. I love being able to hear them recite parts of the story they love and when they ask questions about what's going on. In the field, I am inspired by watching children grow through discomfort and nerves and gain confidence. In my free time, you'd be surprised to know I love to draw and paint! I don't have as much time anymore, but I use any time that I can do to something artsy and creative. It is especially fun when I get to do this together with the kids!

My name is Matt and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2026! I have been working with children since 2016 and began teaching in 2019. In 2025 I worked as a preschool teacher at our sister school, The Goddard School of Farmington. My favorite activity to do in the classroom is reading. I love making silly voices to help children engage and interact with the story. My main inspiration is my wife. She pushes me to be the best I can every single day. In my free time, you'd be surprised to know I am an audio engineer and audio mixer for several small music artists as well as podcasts!

My name is Metilda and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2025. I have been in the education field since 2011. I worked as a teacher in a learning center in Bangkok, Thailand. It’s my passion watching young minds blossom and learn new things. Reading and crafts are my favorite classroom activities. Reading allows me to explore stories with children and see their curiosity as they ask questions and share thoughts. Crafts let me be creative with them and watch them use their imagination to create something unique. These activities help me connect with young minds and make learning enjoyable. I am most inspired by children’s daily learning and growth. Seeing my son’s confidence and progress inspires my decisions. I am dedicated to making a positive impact on my classroom children. In my free time you'd be surprised to know I am a cake artist who’s taught young girls baking and inspired them to start their own home baking business to support themselves!

My name is Minerva and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2026. I spent 18 years working in the hospitality hotel industry where I received multiple awards. Since 2023 I changed careers and began teaching Pre-K at The Goddard School in Fairfield, CT. I loved it and found my new passion! My favorite activity in the classroom is turning cardboard boxes into spaceships, castles, pirate ships or where ever our imaginations take us. You get to think outside the box and be creative. It also develops teamwork, problem solving, motor skills, creative imagination and social and physical d. Each child is unique, presenting new opportunities to learn and adapt. I am inspired by my step daughter, Amani. She is 6 years old and she is autistic. She is a rainbow full of energy and her different ways of learning inspires me everyday. You have to have the right patience and listening ears to help friends like Amani and besides, why blend in when you can stand out!

My name is Natalia and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2025. Before beginning my first job in Early Childhood Education in 2022 as a young toddler teacher, I worked in after-school programs and camps. I am currently enrolled at Central Connecticut State University, where I am pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. My favorite activity to do in the classroom is art. I love watching the children express themselves and explore their creativity in fun and unique ways. It is also a special opportunity to bond with them through shared creativity. Watching children discover who they are and what they can do inspires me to bring that same care and purpose to every child I work with. Something others may be surprised to learn about me is that I enjoy gaming. One of my favorite ways to relax and recharge is by tending to my villagers in Animal Crossing.

My name is Savahna and I have been teaching at the Goddard School of Simsbury since 2026. In 2019 I began volunteering and working with children. I worked at a summer camp and absolutely loved the environment and ability to watch all the children learn and grow I currently have my associate's degree in liberal arts and sciences. My favorite activity to do in the classroom is sensory play. I especially love working with sand and water. In in personal life I am inspired by my daughter, who teaches me something every day. My goal is to help every child prepare for future academic endeavors!

My name is Shannon and I have been teaching at The Goddard School of Simsbury since 2025. I have been in the Education Field since 2003 and have been working specifically with toddlers since 2014. I have my Bachelors in Elementary Education, and some graduate level coursework in both Special Education and Speech & language. My favorite activity to do in the classroom is anything sensory-related. Young children are constantly learning through their senses, so it's a lot of fun seeing them make those connections through play. I am most inspired by seeing the growth my students make over the course of the year. There is nothing more amazing than seeing them develop skills they will use for the rest of their lives. In my personal life, you'd be surprised to know how much I love animals. My dream is to own a small farm one day with mini cows, mini goats, chickens and ducks!