Our Goddard School Teachers

Hi, my name is Leslie, and I’m originally from Tennessee. I’ve worked in early childhood for over 10 years and hold both a Child Development Associate (CDA) and a Director’s Credential. For 7 years, I owned and operated a licensed Family Child Care Home which gave me firsthand experience in building strong relationships with families and creating personalized learning experiences. That foundation helped shape my approach to leadership today, centered around compassion, communication, and quality. I’ve been happily married to my husband, Kyle, for 22 years. His military career brought our family to Florida, and we’ve made our home in the Triple Creek community, right alongside the school. We have two wonderful boys, Layton and Trevin. Living and working in the same community gives me a unique opportunity to connect more deeply with the families we serve. It’s a joy and a privilege to help create a school environment that feels like home for everyone.

Hi, I’m Ms. Tasha! I bring over ten years of experience in Early Childhood Education to The Goddard School. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and have proudly maintained my Director’s Credential for the past five years. Over the years, my passion has grown from working closely with young learners to supporting and mentoring teachers. It’s incredibly rewarding to help educators grow and thrive, just like the children in our care. I’m dedicated to creating a positive, inspiring environment where both children and staff feel supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

I’m Ms. Grace! I’ve been working in early childhood education for four years, and I absolutely love it. I hold my Florida credentials to teach in early childcare, along with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Criminal Justice. Spending my days in a warm, child-centered environment brings me so much joy. There’s nothing like the sweet smiles of my little ones as they head home—it truly makes my day. I treasure the special bonds I build with each child and cherish every snuggle, giggle, and milestone along the way.

Hi! I’m Ms. Reagan. I’m so excited to step into my new role as an Assistant Teacher here at The Goddard School! Over the past two years as a Resource Teacher, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work with children in every classroom and support our amazing teaching team. Now, as an Assistant Teacher, I’m thrilled to build even deeper connections with the children in my classroom—helping them learn, grow, and shine each day. I’m passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels valued and confident to explore the world around them. I’m so grateful to continue being part of this caring and inspiring school community!

Hi, I’m Ms. Java, but my students know me as Ms. Jay. I have over three years of experience as a nanny and hold a CDA in Infant and Toddler Care. I’m passionate about creating safe, nurturing spaces where little ones can grow and thrive. Inspired by the quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” I strive to bring positivity to every child’s early learning journey. My dream is to one day open my own early childhood facility and continue making a lasting impact in my community.

Hi! My name is Autumn, and I’ve been working with children for over 10 years. What started as a simple love for kids quickly grew into a lifelong passion for early childhood education. I’ve had the privilege of working at a developmental center, where I gained hands-on experience with children ranging from infants to toddlers — and I truly enjoyed every age and stage! I’m currently finishing up my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and I’m so excited to continue growing as a teacher. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than helping little ones learn, explore, and reach new milestones. My goal is always to create a warm, supportive space where every child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn. I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love each day, and I’m so grateful to be a part of these early, foundational years.

I’m Ms. Ana. I’ve worked hard to earn my Florida teaching credentials in less than a year, and I’m currently working toward my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. I’ve had the chance to work with children of all ages, but I’ve found a special place in my heart for toddlers. There’s something so rewarding about helping little ones grow, explore, and gain confidence in themselves. My biggest hope is that each child leaves my classroom feeling safe, capable, and excited to discover what they can do. I’m passionate about encouraging creativity and building self-esteem in a warm, supportive environment where every child feels loved and valued.

Hello, I’m Ms. Amy. I’ve been in the childcare field for three years now, and with each year, my love for this work just keeps growing. I’ve had the joy of working with children of all ages, helping them build confidence, independence, and a love for learning. Being part of a child’s journey—watching them grow, learn, and reach new milestones—is truly the most rewarding part of what I do. I’m always excited to meet new little personalities and continue growing as a teacher so I can be the best support for every child in my care.

Hi, I’m Ms. Shella. I’ve spent the past five years in education and have found my niche working with young children, particularly in ECE. With a background in the medical field and experience as a military spouse, I appreciate the balance of structure and creativity that teaching little ones provides. I’m passionate about supporting each child’s growth and helping them find their own path in a caring, nurturing environment—it’s truly a joy to watch them thrive.

Hi, I’m Samantha, and all the littles call me Ms. Sam! I’m a high school graduate with one year of experience in early childhood education, and I’ve truly found my passion working with infants. Watching them grow and hit milestones—like their first smiles, steps, or words—fills my heart with joy. I love creating fun, engaging activities that help my little ones learn and explore. Most of all, I’m proud to provide a safe, nurturing space where they can feel loved and supported every day.

Hi, I’m Ms. Julia! I have two years of experience working in early childhood education, and I’m passionate about supporting young children’s emotional and developmental growth through nurturing, engaging, and age-appropriate practices. I’ve completed 45 hours of Department of Children and Families (DCF) training and am currently working toward my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. I’m also pursuing an Associate of Arts in Psychology, which aligns with my long-term goal of becoming a child psychologist. Working directly with children has provided me with invaluable hands-on experience and strengthened my commitment to creating safe and supportive learning environments. I’m also First Aid and CPR certified, ensuring I can respond to emergencies with confidence and care. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where every child feels valued and excited to attend school. Seeing their smiles and confidence blossom is genuinely the best part of my day!

Hi! I’m Ms. Sedria. I have three years of experience working in early childhood education, and my passion for teaching began back in high school. Coming from a large family, I’ve always loved being around children and watching them learn and grow. I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to work at both Goddard Lithia and now Goddard Riverview, where I continue to support and nurture young learners. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming environment where every child feels valued and has the space to explore, learn, and thrive. Being part of the journey of shaping young minds is truly one of the greatest joys of my life.

Hi there! I’m Ms. Tatiana. I’ve been in early childhood education for over two years, and I find so much joy in watching children grow into smart, caring, and confident individuals. What I love most about this field is being part of those early, magical moments when curiosity sparks and kindness begins to bloom. I’m passionate about creating a nurturing environment where every child feels safe to explore, learn, and thrive. Each day brings new rewards, and I’m grateful to share in their journey.

Hello I'm Ms. Lauren, and I’m thrilled to be a part of your child’s early learning journey. I have a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and I’ve been working in early childhood education for the past four years. My background has given me a strong understanding of early language development, and I love using that knowledge to support young children as they grow, play, and communicate. Watching little ones discover their voices and personalities is one of the most rewarding parts of my work! I’m passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels valued and excited to learn. I look forward to building strong connections with both children and families year after year!

Hello, I am Ms. Kim. I am a proud Florida native with 16 years of experience in early childhood education. I hold an Associate’s degree in Private Investigation and a CDA certification, and I’m always looking for new ways to grow through continued learning. Helping children reach their goals and feel confident in themselves is what drives me every day. I love seeing their excitement as they learn something new and leave the classroom feeling proud and independent. I believe in working as a team—with families, staff, and the children themselves—so that every child is not only school-ready and life-ready, but also truly happy.

Hey there! I’m Ms. Whitney. I’ve been in early childhood education for three years and proudly hold my Florida ECE credentials. I’ve had the joy of working with children from infants all the way up to 8 years old. I’m passionate about learning new skills and creating a classroom full of love, laughter, and discovery. My biggest goal is for my students to leave each day excited to share stories about the fun, learning, and adventures they experienced at school. Nothing makes me happier than seeing their smiles and hearing their stories!

Hello! I’m Ms. Marissa. I’ve been dedicated to education for 20 years, including 15 incredible years teaching in Japan. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Language, and my international experience has truly enriched the way I connect with my students. I’m passionate about fostering a love for learning and languages in every child. Carl Rogers’ words inspire me deeply: “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.” I strive to help my students become lifelong learners ready to embrace the world around them.

Hi, I’m Ms. Taylor! I’ve been working in early childhood education for over 11 years, and it’s truly my passion. I believe in creating a warm, supportive, and engaging environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to grow. I’ve completed 45 training hours through the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Over the years, I’ve gained extensive hands-on experience helping children build confidence, develop social-emotional skills, and discover a love for learning. Working with young children brings me so much joy, and I’m dedicated to helping each one thrive during these important early years.

Hi! I’m Ms. Cari, and I’ve had the joy of inspiring young minds for 18 years. I’m a certified CDA teacher and spent 16 wonderful years teaching in VPK before moving into preschool. I find so much happiness in helping my students get ready for the exciting next steps in their educational journey. I live by Benjamin Franklin’s words: “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.” I’m passionate about opening the door to a world of possibilities for every child I teach.

Hello there! I’m Ms. Nova, and I’ve been working in early childhood education for over 15 years. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and have been fortunate to work with children of all ages throughout my career. Teaching is more than just a job to me—it’s my true passion. I strive to create a classroom where every child feels safe, loved, and excited to learn. My greatest hope is that each child I work with feels supported, encouraged, and inspired to grow. I genuinely love what I do, and I pour that love into every moment I spend with my students.

Hi! I’m Ms. Dawn. Before joining early childhood education, I taught middle school, high school, and special needs students in the School District of Manatee County for three years. Helping each student become the best version of themselves has always been my passion. As an empty nester, I’ve found a renewed sense of purpose and joy working with young learners. I’m currently working toward completing my Early Childhood Education (ECE) qualifications, and I’m excited to continue making a positive impact on the lives of the children I teach.

Good day, I’m Ms. Daphne. I’ve had the joy of working in early childhood education for 25 years. I hold both a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and a Director's Credential, and I’ve been proud to serve the Hillsborough County community through roles with the YMCA, local school districts, and various preschools. What keeps me passionate about this work is the joy of watching each child grow and knowing I’ve had a part in their early learning journey. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing those little “aha” moments and knowing I helped make them happen.

Hi, I’m Miss Mimi. With 10 years of experience in education, I find teaching Pre-K to be a joyful blend of curiosity, play, and growth. Each day brings new discoveries as little learners explore the world, build friendships, and develop essential skills. My passion lies in guiding their wonder, nurturing kindness, and celebrating every milestone—big or small.

Hi there! I’m Ms. Aaliyah. I’ve been teaching for four years and bring both my passion for education and my Associate’s degree into the classroom every day. I truly love working with children—helping them grow not just academically, but in life skills too. My goal is to create a safe, trusting space where every child feels valued, supported, and confident in their potential to shine.

Hello! I’m Ms. Bina, originally from Nairobi, Kenya, and I bring 22 years of experience to early childhood education. I hold a degree in Home Management and Family Care, along with my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. I’m soft-spoken and nurturing by nature, and I run my classroom with the same tender care I bring to every interaction. Creating a calm and supportive environment where young learners can truly thrive is what I’m most passionate about.

Hi, I’m Ms. Brown. I’ve been in early childhood education for seven years and hold an associate’s degree in ECE. I previously worked as a teacher assistant with first and second graders and believe in creating a safe, supportive environment where all children can thrive. My goal is to challenge and encourage students, helping them develop a growth mindset through every experience—including their mistakes. Learning is a journey, and I’m excited to share it with them.

Hi! I’m Ms. Patty. I’ve been working in early childhood education for eleven years, and during that time, I’ve slowly progressed towards front office roles simply because I love what I do—nurturing young minds and supporting those around me. I recently completed my Associate’s degree in Child Development, and I truly believe in the power of early education. I’m passionate about creating positive, encouraging spaces where both children and staff feel supported and inspired to grow. For me, learning never stops, and I’m grateful to be part of each child’s journey.

My name is Ms. Rosmary. I’ve been dedicated to childcare for six years and have loved being part of the Goddard family since 2022. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, speak two languages, and enjoy bringing my crafty side into the classroom. I love using creativity to make learning fun and meaningful. My goal is to create a space where every child feels included, inspired, and excited to grow. Seeing their little faces light up with curiosity and joy is the best part of my day!

Hi there! I’m Ms. Chelsea. Before joining the Goddard family, I was known around the community as a trusted sitter, and I’m so excited to be continuing my journey in early childhood education here. I love singing songs, reading stories, and watching the kids light up during those special learning moments. It means so much to me to be a positive part of their day, and I’m grateful to be growing and learning right alongside them!