Our Teachers

Liz Scott is the On-site Owner of the school. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Georgia Tech and an MBA in Real Estate & Corporate Finance from Georgia State University. She and her family have lived in Ponte Vedra Beach for a decade after moving to the area from Atlanta. Their love for the community lead them to opening the Goddard School of Ponte Vedra Beach in June 2016. Liz and her husband, Trey, have three children, a son and twin daughters. As a family they love to travel to new places, enjoy time on the beach and watching their children discover new hobbies! "I am honored to be a part of such a high quality pre-school program in the Ponte Vedra community. St. John's County is an amazing place to live and raise a family and I am honored to be a part of a program that helps shape the early childhood development for so many children in this community where children can grow and develop a lifelong love of learning." -Liz Scott

Magan is our Executive Director and On-Site Goddard Operator. She holds her B.A. in Psychology, Staff Credential in Early Childhood Education, & Florida State Director’s License. Magan has spent a decade in Early Childhood Education, though she's been working with young children since she was a teenager through volunteer work, babysitting and as a camp counselor. Prior to joining Goddard, Magan was a Director at another area preschool for many years. Magan moved to Jacksonville from Charlotte, NC in 2010. She enjoys living the “Florida Life” with her husband, Logan, and two young children, Hunter & Ella.

Marisa is our Director of Operations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree with an Educational focus from Florida Atlantic University as well as a Florida Directors Credentials. Marisa has been in Early Childcare Education since 2017, and prior to joining Goddard PVB she was the Director at another childcare center. She was born and raised in Jacksonville Beach, a true Florida native who has never ventured too far from the sand! She loves a new adventure as she enjoys spending her free time outdoors and traveling with family and friends.

Jeanne is our Assistant Director of Curriculum & Compliance and has been with Goddard PVB since 2016 when the doors first opened! She joined us with many years of experience in education and a Bachelor’s degree in Business. Though originally from New York, she spent years living in Maryland, prior to moving to Ponte Vedra Beach. While in Maryland she worked in the public education school system for six years. "I am thrilled to be a part of the Goddard School of Ponte Vedra Beach family! I strive to inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning." When Jeanne isn’t at school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, riding bikes, or being on the beach.

Marie Ann is the Regional Director for Goddard Ponte Vedra Beach, Goddard Julington Creek & Baymeadows/ETown. She has been part of the organization since 2016 and has three decades in the Early Childhood Education field. Marie Ann has a Bachelor’s in early childhood education from an English university, where she grew up. Additionally, she holds a National CDA in Early Childhood Education and a Director’s License. In 2002 she created and launched a language school known as “Kids Club – Vilajuiga” located in Catalunya, Spain, predominantly teaching English to non-native speakers. During this time, she also worked as a consultant language teacher for local schools and became a qualified and recognized examiner/invigilator for Cambridge University. Though originally from England, Marie Ann moved to the states in 2011 and has called it home since! Marie Ann and her husband have five grown children.

Amelia is the Regional Director of Compliance and Standards. She has her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from the Univ. of North Florida and is in the process of obtaining a Master's in Educational Leadership. As the Director of Operations, Amelia is responsible for licensing and compliance within the school as well as maintaining the Quality Assurance program in regards to health and safety which the Goddard brand is known for. Amelia has spent many years working in the Early Childhood Development arena at several highly respected schools. She joined the Goddard PVB family in early 2019. She has two young children, a son Vaughan and a daughter Vivian.

Christina joined the Goddard family in Feb of 2022 as our Director of Business & Marketing. Christina oversees all admissions for all three schools with a focus on managing and growing enrollments and welcoming new families to the schools. She is also responsible for all marketing initiatives and will be the point person on all billing and accounts receivable processes. Christina's background is in admissions and marketing with charter schools within the public sector in Duval and St. John's Co and she is excited to be a part of the early childhood education industry!. We are SO thrilled to have Christina join our team as she has already made such a difference for our new families and in her efforts to support the management team at all three locations!

Savanah Hejl joined our team in August as an Administrative Associate. With the announcement of the Nocatee school, Savanah will now step into her new role as Business & Marketing Associate over all school locations - assisting with school admissions, marketing initiatives, faculty engagement, and operational support. Savanah will work out of the Baymeadows location three days a week (MWF) to support the school and assist the management team and teachers with day-to-day operations. If you happen to see her at the front desk or in the classroom, please don't hesitate to say hello or ask for assistance! When she is not working, Savanah enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters. Fun fact about Savanah, she has lived in four different states, moving around with her Military family. Her favorite being Alaska, where she lived for three years!

Dolly is our VPK Education Coordinator and joined us in 2017. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies, as well as a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University. She was a Kindergarten teacher for 4 years and a Certified Child Life Specialist for over 10 years in Maryland before relocating to FL in 2017. “I am ecstatic to be part of the Goddard team! I am passionate about working with children. Most importantly, I strive to provide them with a fun and nurturing environment and experiences that promote optimal growth and development. I look forward to getting to know you and your child and working with you as a partner in their education.” Dolly and her husband have two young children.

Wally is a Lead Pre-Kindergarten/VPK Teacher in the Shipwreck Island and has been with Goddard PVB since May 2017. She has nearly twenty years of experience in the early childhood education arena, including 15 years with the Head Start Program of Bronx, NY. Wally received her AA in Office Technology from Monroe College, as well as the Family Development Credential from Lehman College, both in New York City. Additionally, she has a CDA in Early Childhood Education. Wally and her family moved to Jacksonville from New York in 2008. She takes great pride in building the academic foundation for young children. Wally loves to empower their creativity, growth, and independence. Wally and her husband, Mike, have three children, Jonathan, Sebastian, and Mia. When she’s not at school, Wally enjoys celebrating her rich Puerto Rican culture with her family, as well as art, and dancing.

Erin joined us in July 2023 and is a Lead Teacher for our VPK/Pre-Kindergarten classroom, Shipwreck Island. She has previous experience in childcare and is actively working towards finishing her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. Erin is excited to continue her teaching career with us here at Goddard PVB!

Laura is a Lead VPK/Pre-kindergarten teacher in the Surf's Up classroom and has been with the Goddard family since 2018. She has her Associate of Arts with a focus in Education and Staff Credential. "My favorite part of this job is watching the kids grow academically, emotionally, and socially through the year. I love when they get that "aha" moment!” Laura moved from Birmingham, Alabama to Jacksonville in 2004. She enjoys spending time at the beach and attending music festivals whenever she can!

Robin has an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and my Director's Credentials. She have been in the child care field for over 20 years and have taught VPK for the last 16 years. She loves watching the children learn and grow, especially when the understanding of a new concept finally clicks. Outside of work Robin likes spending time with her 2 adult children, her dog, doing jigsaw puzzles and crafting.

Andrea is the Lead Teacher in the Pirates and Mermaids classroom and joined Goddard PVB in May of 2022. She comes to us with over 15 years of experience in the Early Childhood Field and holds her National CDA Credential. She has taught all ages, but teaching 3-year-olds is her passion. Andrea moved to St. Johns from New Jersey with her husband in March 2022. She is looking forward to exploring Florida, having lots of beach days, and to never have to shovel snow again! In her free time, she loves to travel - especially to Disney World!

Cami is an assistant teacher in our Pirates & Mermaids classroom. Cami was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She moved to the US after her exchange program and fell in love with the culture, places and history. She is a person who loves children and being part of their development and learning experience process, She have over 10 years of experience between Argentina and United States. Cami love crafts, painting and reading books at the beach. Her favorite day of the week is Friday, because this is when the weekend begins and she can plan something fun to do with her family. Cami and her husband, had their first son a year ago, Albano Marco. They also have Bodhi, and Figaro. Fun fact, Figaro came with her from Argentina, so he also speaks Spanish. She is exited for this new chapter in my life at The Goddard School.

Hannah joined the team in 2021 and has been in the childcare field for almost a decade. She has both her CDA and directors credential. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, hiking, geocaching, surfing, and attend concerts.

Stefanie is a Lead Teacher in our Treasure Island classroom and joined us July 2024. Stefanie is joining us from a Goddard in Chesapeake, VA! Stefanie brings over 6 years of childcare experience, with the last 4 years being with Goddard. She is originally from Tampa but has lived in many places due to her husbands career in the Coast Guards, such as the FL Keys and Maine. Stefanie has 3 children of her own and loves spending her free time reading.

Jessica is a Lead Teacher in the Dolphins classroom and joined us 2021. She comes with 10+ years experience in early childhood education. Though Jessica has been in Florida since 2015, she grew up in Maine. Family is very important to Jessica as she grew up with five siblings, and now, enjoys spending time with her nephews any chance she can!

Betsy is a Assistant Teacher in our Dolphins classroom at Goddard PVB and has been with us since early 2021. She joined us with over a decade of experience in early childhood education in various areas such as daycare, summer camp programs, and the YMCA and holds her National CDA for the Toddler level. While her experience is with children of all ages, she specifically enjoys being with preschool-aged children because of the excitement they display as they discover the world around them. Betsy moved to Jacksonville from Parrish, FL in 2020. Her passions include health, fitness, clean eating, and of course her two young granddaughters!

Krista is a Lead Teacher in the Crabs classroom joining Goddard in July 2023. Krista went from watching her mom teach in early childhood as a child, to plenty of babysitting gigs, then completing teacher shadowing in the local public elementary school in high school, to now just reaching her 3rd year in the field of early childhood education. She started off working with infants & young toddlers, explored the dynamics of all age groups, and obtained her National CDA before eventually stepping into a leadership position as Assistant Director at her last center. Krista is a recent transplant to Jacksonville from Columbia, SC and has enjoyed exploring the plentiful beaches, new adventures, and restaurants. When she is not at work she enjoys spending time with her family & friends, cooking, and practicing her various arts & crafts such as drawing and jewelry making. Krista is soon to be married in 2024 and is excited to start a family of her own!

Taylor is a Lead teacher in the Seahorse classroom and joined us in 2021, coming in with 5+ years’ experience in this field. She is in the process of earning her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at Florida State College of Jacksonville as well as just obtained her National CDA. "It fills my heart to be part of a child’s early education. To have the ability to play a role in teaching them, watching them gain new skills, and thrive in the classroom is a gift! I’m thrilled to be a part of the Goddard family." Taylor is a Jacksonville native, so much of her time outside of school is spent with family and friends. A few of her favorite hobbies include arts, crafts, DIY projects, and time on the beach.

Marisa is the Assistant Teacher in the Seahorse classroom. She grew up here in Jacksonville, but has spent the last 10 years living in Miami where she graduated from New World School of the Arts with her BFA in dance. During her time in Miami, she danced professionally and was the director at MyGym Children’s Fitness Center. Ms. Marisa recently moved back to Jacksonville with her daughter to be closer to her family and to continue working with children. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her daughter creating fun memories together.

Miranda is a Teacher in our Seahorse Classroom and joined Goddard July 2024. Miranda has an AA degree in Early Childhood Management and has over 10 years of experience in the field. She has 2 children and loves to spend time outside of work enjoying the pool, going on walks, and most importantly traveling!

Kala is an Lead Teacher in our Starfish classroom. Kala was born and raised in Jacksonville and has been in childcare for 6 years. Her favorite part of working with little ones is seeing how the children view the world in such a positive light. She thinks their laughter and happiness are so pure, and their curiosity is amazing to see and encourage every day. In Ms. Kala’s free time, she enjoys listening to music, spending time with family, taking dance classes, and shopping.

Shelly is a Assistant Teacher in the Starfish classroom joining our team in June 2023. She has lived in the Ponte Vedra Beach area since 2020, working at local childcare facilities during that time. Before that Shelly worked in a Elementary school in New York for about 3 and a half years as the teacher assistant for a 1st grade class. Shelly absolutely loves children! She loves watching them grow and learn news things every day.

Arianna is our toddler resource teacher and joined Goddard in July 2024. Arianna likes to go by "Ms. Ari" and has been in childcare a little over a year. She has a passion for teaching and is currently going to school for early childhood education. She enjoys being a part of a child's journey and watching them grow. Ari grew up in a small town named Ruskin, FL which is south of Jacksonville. She is currently engaged and is super excited planning her wedding for Fall 2025! She loves to draw, do ceramics, and crochet- she is even in the start up of her own small business!

Sara is our preschool recourse teacher and joined Goddard in 2019. Originally from Boston, MA, she has lived in Putney, VT, Tucson, AZ, and most recently Los Angeles, CA before moving to Ponte Vedra Beach in 2016. She holds an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Landmark College, a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Arizona, and her Childhood Development Associate (CDA) certification. Sara enjoys using humor and storytelling in the classroom. She is quick to share her love of animals, plants, and music with her students. She is gratified when guiding toddlers to find their voice and sense of self.

Trisha is our resource teacher here at Goddard PVB since June 2023. Trisha moved to Florida from New York in 1993. She has worked for St. Johns County School District for the last 28 years. Trisha has also been working in childcare for the last 11 years. She loves the Atlanta Braves and motorcycle drives on beautiful Florida days! "I love taking care of children and watching them grow and learn" -Trisha

Jo Ann is a Substitute Teacher at Goddard PVB. She has been a familiar face on campus since 2016. She and her husband have two children, an adult son, and a teenage daughter. Their family relocated to Jacksonville from New Jersey nearly a decade ago. Jo Ann has always been active in her children's schools through volunteer work and PTO involvement. Jo Ann enjoys living an active lifestyle - playing tennis, walking on the Beach, and traveling to Disney World every chance she gets!

Coach Mike Teifer joined the PVB Goddard program in 2017 as our Physical Education teacher. Mike has been a resident of Ponte Vedra Beach for 35+ years. He graduated from Jacksonville University with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and then received a Master's degree in Education Administration from UNF. His career resume includes teaching physical education, coaching high school athletics, and running his own personal training business. Mike has always been heavily involved in coaching local youth athletics, including club baseball and flag football. Mike enjoys working with young children and introducing them to the fundamentals of sports and physical fitness while having fun in a play-based and team-oriented environment. Mike and his wife, Cheryl, live in Ponte Vedra Beach and have three sons – Robert, Chris, and Ryan.

Lindsay has been a Resource Teacher at Goddard PVB since February 2017 . She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from UNF. Growing up on a farm in Middleburg, Fl, lead to her love for animals and being outside in nature.

Maddi is a Resource Teacher at the school and joined us in 2016. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Child Psychology at UNF. Maddi was born in Birmingham, England. During her childhood, her family moved to Spain, where they lived for eight years before relocating to St. Augustine in 2012. She is fluent in Catalan Spanish and Castilian Spanish. As a 4-year Varsity Soccer player and Youth Soccer coach for Ancient City Soccer, Maddi is passionate about sports and encouraging children to aspire to succeed both academically and physically.