Our Teachers

Scott Sheldon and his wife, Tracy, are proud Oviedo residents. Tracy was raised in this community and they have a beautiful 8-year-old daughter named Ashlyn. He is honored to bring the first Goddard School to Central Florida's families and continues to offer a top-rated program year after year. Scott graduated with a civil engineering degree from UCF and an MBA from the University of Florida.

Kelly Lederer is our Executive Director with over 15 years of experience working at Goddard schools. Kelly’s upbeat personality makes her an exceptional leader in the Early Childhood Education field. After graduating from St. John’s University with her Master’s degree in Education, Kelly began teaching special needs students in her hometown of Long Island before settling in the Central Florida area with her husband, Adam. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys spending time at Disney World with her husband and two daughters, Kaitlyn and Brianna.

Jasmyn Brandt is a Director of Education with over 9 years of experience working at Goddard schools. After graduating from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Jasmyn worked with the public school system as a guest speaker on health and nutrition for a few years before deciding to teach. Jasmyn’s experience teaching VPK has given her the ability to aid teachers in implementing creative and engaging lessons that, not only meet our strict curriculum standards but also create a safe and fun learning environment for our students. On her days off, Jasmyn enjoys going on adventures with her husband, Jacob, and two children, Jordyn and Jonavan.

Sam Knight is an Assistant Director with 10+ years of experience working in the Early Childhood Education field. After graduating from SUNY OCCC with her Associate degree in Liberal Arts, Sam continued growing in the ECE industry by obtaining her National Administrator Credential. Having grown up with a family of 7 in Oviedo, Sam’s passion for children began at a young age. Samantha and her husband, Davon, look forward to watching their daughters, Peyton and Parker, learn and grow with The Goddard School for years to come as raise their family in Central Florida.

With over 20 years of experience, Susan has gained the patience and gentle approach it takes to care for young infants. As a parent, she understands that young children thrive in a nurturing, warm environment and strives to make every transition into her room as smooth as possible. Susan is originally from the Philippines, and spent many of her young adult years living in Hawaii! She began her career in the early childhood education field in 2000, and quickly found her passion in working with young infants. Susan values a positive classroom environment and is often heard singing to her students! In addition to completing her DCF-required training, Susan has also continued her professional development by maintaining Health & Safety requirements and Education Quality Standards through annual in-service courses and daily practices.

Meet Rebecca, our wonderful infant teacher who has been working in early childhood education since 2016. With a passion for helping young children grow and develop, she pursued a Master's degree in Social Work to gain a deeper understanding of child development and family dynamics. Along with her educational background, she has a wealth of experience working with infants and young children, always providing a nurturing and safe environment for them to learn, play, and grow. She believes that every child is unique and deserves individualized attention and care, and she is committed to making a positive impact on their lives every day.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, Abigail began her career in childcare by supervising and tutoring school-aged children. Since then, she's realized her passion for working with young children and enjoys the unpredictability that comes with her work day. Abigail's ability to pivot based on her student's needs proves to be a valuable asset in working with toddler students. Being the oldest of four siblings has given Abigail the experience of caring for and nurturing children from an early age. She understands that the early years of development are crucial, and hopes to teach her students lessons that they will carry on throughout life. With a BA Degree under her belt, she continues to show growth in her professional development by completing Goddard's latest Health & Safety courses in addition to maintaining our Education Quality Standards.

Meet Eri'Yana, a passionate toddler teacher with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and DCF 45 hours certification. With a solid educational background and hands-on experience in early childhood education, Eri'Yana is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for toddlers to thrive. She has a proven track record of implementing age-appropriate curriculum, promoting social and emotional development, and fostering positive relationships with both children and parents. Always eager to learn and grow, Eri'Yana is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the field of early childhood education.

Meaghan is a dedicated toddler teacher with a passion for early childhood education. She has completed the DCF 45 hour training, gaining valuable knowledge and skills that have helped her create a safe and nurturing learning environment for her students. Meaghan has several years of experience working with toddlers, and she understands the importance of providing individualized attention to each child's needs. Her warm and patient demeanor has earned her the trust and respect of both her students and their parents. Meaghan is committed to helping each child in her care reach their full potential and develop a love for learning that will stay with them throughout their lives. In addition to her passion for early childhood education, Meaghan also has a strong interest in cognitive sciences. She minored in this field during her college years, and this knowledge has been instrumental in helping her understand how young children learn and process information.

Cecilia firmly believes that children are best taught by playing and exploring. She sees learning as a natural and fun process that should be integrated into every aspect of a child's day. Cecilia encourages her students to learn through hands-on experiences, play-based activities, and exploration of their environment. Cecilia's classroom is filled with open-ended materials that allow her students to experiment, create, and imagine. Cecilia's approach to teaching has proven successful, as her students develop a love for learning and a sense of wonder about the world around them. Cecilia holds a Staff Credential with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and an Early Childhood Education degree. The DCF Staff Credential is a valuable recognition of Cecilia's dedication to her profession and her commitment to providing high-quality care and education for young children. It also demonstrates her compliance with the standards set by the DCF for early childhood education.

Brandi began working in education in 2001 and credits her grandmother for sparking her interest in the field. She believes that the early years are crucial for setting the baseline for a child's development and hopes what she instills in her students will stay with them for years to come. Growing up, Brandi often heard stories of her grandmother's adventures in the classroom. Carrying those memories with her into adulthood has influenced her career path in Early Childhood Education. Brandi looks forward to an impact on each student she comes across. In addition to completing her CDA certification, Brandi has also continued her professional development by maintaining Health & Safety requirements and Education Quality Standards through annual in-service courses and daily practices.

Kali is a dedicated toddler teacher with a degree in general education and years of experience working with young children. Kali's passion for early childhood education is evident in the way she interacts with children and collaborates with parents. She is patient, kind, and has a great sense of humor that makes her a beloved and effective toddler teacher. Kali stays up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field of early childhood education, and is committed to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment for every child in her care. Kali has a DCF Staff Credential, which is a recognized professional certification in the field of early childhood education. Kali's DCF credential is a testament to her commitment to her work and her dedication to providing high-quality care and education to young children. Kali's combination of education, experience, and professional certification make her a highly qualified and effective toddler teacher.

Meet Cari, a passionate employee who specializes in teaching young preschool children. Fluent in Spanish, Cari brings a unique perspective to the classroom, making her an excellent choice for bilingual families. With DCF 45 hours of training under her belt, Cari has honed her skills and expertise in early child development, ensuring that her students receive the best possible care and education. Her dedication to her craft and her love for children make her a valuable asset to any preschool or daycare center. Cari is enthusiastic about her professional growth and development and often takes the initiative in taking trainings and courses that will help further her knowledge on Early Childhood Education. She has been working towards certifications, such as her CDA, to further improve her skills and knowledge in the field.

Meet Alex, a dedicated toddler teacher who was inspired to work with young children after growing up as the oldest of five siblings. She is currently working towards her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at the University of Central Florida and has completed the DCF 45-hour training in Early Childhood Education. Alex has several years of experience working with young children and has developed a warm, patient, and compassionate personality that makes her an effective and beloved teacher among children and parents alike. Her fluency in Spanish allows her to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking families and children, and to create a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment. Alex stays up-to-date with the latest trainings and best practices in the field of early childhood education and is committed to creating a safe and nurturing learning environment for every child in her care.

Josefina is a dedicated and passionate preschool teacher with over 10 years of experience in the field. She has a strong commitment to creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment for her students. Josefina is known for her ability to engage young learners in hands-on activities that promote critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional development. She is a patient and compassionate teacher who strives to meet the individual needs of each child in her care. Josefina is a highly qualified preschool teacher who has completed the DCF 45 hour training program. This extensive training program has equipped her with the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality early childhood education to young children. Josefina has also received specialized training in areas such as child abuse prevention, health and safety, and inclusion of children with special needs.

Nevin's passion for teaching stems from her belief that children are exciting and unpredictable, which makes every work day a unique adventure. As a preschool teacher, she has learned to expect the unexpected and has honed her skills in adapting to the needs and interests of each of her students. Nevin loves the creativity and energy that young children bring to the classroom and enjoys finding new and innovative ways to engage them in learning. With her DCF staff credential, Nevin has a deep understanding of the best practices in early childhood education and is committed to providing high-quality care to her students. In her free time, Nevin enjoys traveling and cooking. Originally from Egypt, Nevin brings a unique perspective to her teaching and enjoys sharing her culture with her students. She is patient, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to help her students succeed.

Megan is a dedicated preschool teacher with a passion for helping young children learn and grow. With DCF 45 hours under her belt, she has the knowledge and skills needed to create a fun and engaging learning environment for her students. When she's not in the classroom, Megan enjoys spending time in nature and at the beach, where she finds inspiration and relaxation. She believes that learning can happen anywhere, and often incorporates her love of the outdoors into her lessons. Her commitment to her students and her love of teaching make her a valued member of any school community.

Meet Shea, our exceptional preschool teacher who holds a bachelor's degree in English and has completed DCF 45 hours of training. With a passion for teaching and a love for children, she has been providing quality education to young minds since 2010. Her teaching skills are not only limited to traditional methods but she also incorporates innovative ideas to make learning fun and interactive for the kids. She is patient, nurturing, and dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment where kids can learn and grow. Being well-versed in English, she helps children with reading, writing, and communication skills, making sure that they develop a solid foundation for their academic journey. She is committed to providing personalized attention to each child and encouraging their creativity, curiosity, and confidence.

Cathy is a dedicated pre-K teacher with a passion for early childhood education. Cathy has been working with children since 2005, when she first discovered her passion for teaching. With her Child Development Associate (CDA) certification, she has spent years implementing engaging and developmentally appropriate lesson plans to help young children learn and grow. Cathy believes that every child has the potential to succeed and works towards helping each one reach their full potential. Over the years, she has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge about early childhood education. Cathy's dedication to her work is evident in the positive impact she has had on countless young lives. She is committed to helping each child in her care develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Jessica is a dedicated and passionate pre-K teacher with a Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. She has been teaching young children since 2005 and has a proven track record of creating a positive and nurturing learning environment. Jessica is known for her patience, creativity, and ability to connect with each child on an individual level. Her goal is to help her students develop a love for learning and prepare them for future academic success. Jessica believes that early literacy is the foundation for academic success and works tirelessly to create a stimulating and supportive learning environment for her students. Jessica is skilled at developing age-appropriate reading activities that capture her students' interests and spark their imaginations. She understands that children learn in different ways and strives to create a diverse range of learning experiences that appeal to all learning styles. Jessica's goal is to instill a love of reading in her students.

Janice is a passionate and empathetic pre-K teacher who believes in making her students feel understood and cared for. She understands that each child is unique, and therefore requires an individualized approach to learning. Janice's approach to teaching is centered around creating a positive and nurturing learning environment that fosters emotional and social development in addition to academic success. Janice has a deep understanding of child development and is skilled at connecting with each child on a personal level. She believes that building strong relationships with her students is key to helping them develop a love for learning and achieve their full potential. Janice works tirelessly to create a safe and welcoming space where her students can feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring the world around them. Her creativity enables her to come up with innovative ideas that help children learn and have fun at the same time.

Danielle is a highly dedicated and experienced kindergarten teacher with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Florida International University. She has been working in the field of education for over 10 years and is passionate about shaping the minds of young children. Danielle is known for her warm and nurturing personality, which creates a safe and welcoming environment for her students to learn and grow. Her teaching style is hands-on and interactive, encouraging her students to explore and discover the world around them. She believes that every child has their own unique strengths and abilities, and strives to create a personalized learning experience for each of her students. Danielle is committed to providing a high-quality education to her students and is constantly seeking new ways to improve her teaching methods. She is a true asset to the education community and a role model for aspiring teachers.

Hannah is a dedicated resource teacher with a passion for early childhood education. With her DCF 45 hour training, she has extensive knowledge of child development and is well-equipped to handle any situation that may arise. Hannah has a nurturing personality and communicates effectively with families, making her a valuable asset to any classroom she works in. She is committed to providing a safe, engaging, and nurturing learning environment for young children, and is dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential. Hannah's passion for teaching and her ability to connect with children and families make her an outstanding resource teacher.

Annalisa brings over 20 years of experience and wisdom in the education field to Goddard. Having worked in both SCPS schools and early childhood education programs, Annalisa's ability to bond with children of any age shows in the relationships she's maintained with past students throughout our building. Once a New York native, Annalisa now resides in Oviedo with her family. She values quality family time and enjoys visiting her grandchildren in their classrooms here at Goddard! Annalisa's loving nature is what prompted her to make the switch from working with school-aged children to early childhood education where she's found her passion in nurturing young minds. With an AS Degree under her belt, she continues to show growth in her professional development by completing Goddard's latest Health & Safety courses in addition to maintaining our Education Quality Standards.

Marlee is a dedicated resource teacher with a passion for providing classroom support to students of all ages. She has become skilled in identifying and addressing the unique needs of each student. Marlee is currently working towards a BS degree in early childhood education, which has deepened her understanding of child development and educational best practices. She is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. Marlee's commitment to her profession and her students has made her a valued member of any school community.

As a resource teacher with experience working in public school districts, Prathiba has had the opportunity to work with students of all ages and backgrounds. With a passion for education and a commitment to student success, she has developed a reputation as a skilled and dedicated educator. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating engaging and effective learning environments that promote academic achievement and personal growth. In addition to my teaching experience, Prathiba has participated in various professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in education.

We pride ourselves in maintaining a safe, nurturing environment so your children can thrive and learn in a school with professional educators whose top priority is ensuring the health and safety of each student. For details on our standards and practices, copy and paste this link in your browser to read our Code of Ethics : https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:b626ad2b-0b14-3c49-ad54-ca4f5e85f7ad

The Goddard School is now accepting the Family Empowerment Scholarship for our Private Kindergarten and VPK programs! Full-time tuition rates for our programs are $1,040/month for Kindergarten and $1,299/month for Pre-K with a $150 one-time registration fee and $150 yearly supply fee. Contact us for more information on availability and tour scheduling!

Avery is a passionate resource teacher with experience in early childhood education since 2019. She has completed her DCF 45-hour training and is currently working towards her degree in Early Childhood Education. Avery has a firm understanding of child development and is well-equipped to handle any situation that may arise. Her nurturing personality and effective communication skills make her a valuable asset to any classroom she works in. Avery is committed to providing a safe, engaging, and nurturing learning environment for young children and is dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential. Her enthusiasm for teaching and her ability to connect with children and families make her an outstanding floater teacher.

Zaida joined the Goddard School of Oviedo in 2021, continuing her 7-year streak in the Early Childhood Education field. After completing her Bachelor Degree in Education, Zaida continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and her DCF 45 Hours. FUN FACT: “I’M A BIG ANIMAL LOVER!”