Our Teachers

I have lived in Lakewood Ranch, on the border of Sarasota since 2010. We moved here from Louisville, KY for my husbands job. But I was born and raised in South East Michigan. My background is in nursing. I have a BSN, Bachelors of Science of Nursing. I have spent most of my career as an Operating Room nurse. As I began to expand my family it became harder and harder to work the long and varying hours, and with my second pregnancy it was near impossible for me to work in the OR any longer so I decided to take a break for a couple of years. I knew I eventually would work again and having a job that I can take my small children with me was the perfect solution for my family. As the owner of the newest Goddard School my goal is to provide a fun and safe learning environment where the children will thrive and prepare them for their future.

Hi, my name is Kiera and I am thrilled to be joining The Goddard school family! I am originally from Sarasota but have lived in Ohio, Michigan and Tennessee as well. I vow to love, teach and respect your children like my own. I graduated from Kent State University in August of 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration and a Minor in Business. I have been teaching since August of 2018 and it truly is my passion. My goal is to always provide a safe, warm and fun learning environment for all children! I can not wait to grow and learn with everyone!

Hi, my name is Shanah Bonny, and I am a seasoned Early Childhood Specialist with over 30 years of experience in the field. I hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and Director’s Credential, reflecting my knowledge and expertise in early childhood education and program management. As a certified parenting coach, I am dedicated to working with children of all age groups and supporting parents in their journey to raise confident, well-rounded individuals. My approach blends compassion, practical strategies, and deep understanding of child development. I am committed to fostering positive family dynamics and empowering parents to be the best teachers/role models they can be.

Hi! My name is Kelly and I relocated to Florida in March 2021. I have been working with children for a long time. I Have 2 children of my own that attend here and Worked in the one year old room for a year before moving up front to a new administrative assistant role. I love the Goddard environment and look forward to meeting you and helping to provide a fun and nurturing experience for your child.

My name is Anita Shanahan. I am originally from Illinois and moved to Florida 2 years ago. I have a degree in psychology with an emphasis on child development. I have been working the field of Early Childhood since 1987. I have been a teacher in every age group and have also been a director. I worked for Goddard for 9 years in Illinois before I moved here. I am very excited to be back with the Goddard Family and to assist our teachers as the curriculum coordinator.

Hi my name is Andrea Burbano. I have an amazing husband and 3 awesome kids. I have been in the field of education for over 20 years, teaching all ages 3 months thru 12 years old. I have a BA in Education and Psychology and a Masters in Early Childhood and Special Education. My family is from Ecuador, and we have lived in México, Chicago, and New Jersey. I love the first years of life and the curiosity and learning that begins in this stage is where my passion is. I am very excited to have the honor and privilege to be a part of Goddard and of your children's life as they learn and grow. Thank you for letting me be a part of your village!

Hi my name is Haydee Mendez Cordovez and I was born in Venezuela in the city of Caracas. I consider myself a responsible person, friend, collaborator, honest, mature and open to changes that arise. I am always willing to treat and respect my co-workers in order to have a good environment. I love children and have worked in a preschool for many years. I am very happy to work at the Goddard School and love all the families and children that I care for.

My name is Juanita. I was born and raised in Florida and am a graduate of Sarasota High School and attended State College of a Florida for general studies. I started working in early childhood education as an assistant floater at a Preschool and quickly grew to love the field. I am very passionate and excited to continue my journey here at The Goddard school and can’t wait to meet and impact all your little ones!

Hi! My name is Brittany and I am from Sarasota, Florida! I am so excited to be working with your children. I have always wanted to work with kids and I am currently finishing school for Early Childhood Education. Aside from loving to teach, I have a deep passion for writing and am in the middle of publishing my own novel. I am always optimistic and love to smile and laugh.

Hi! My name is Danna Contreras. I moved here to Sarasota in 2015. I have a big family and as the oldest I’ve been taking care of children all my life. I love being around all your children and I’m so happy to get to meet all of you!

My name is Angelica and I have had the privilege to work with children since 2015. My goal as a teacher is to be the teacher I would want for my daughter. I studied early childhood education since high school and graduated high school in 2015 from Palmetto High School. I have worked with infants, toddlers and school aged children in an after-school program. I feel very fortunate and blessed to be teaching in an amazing school and I’m very excited to start this new journey.

Hello! My name is Christina Stfoy. I am from Bradenton, Florida. I have been working with children for over two years. I started off as an assistant/floater to now teaching my own class. I have my Associates in Arts Degree with over 20 credits in Early Childhood Education. I am currently working on my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education, which I plan on finishing up sometime in the next 2 years. I love working with children and I am eager to learn and grow to become a better teacher. I am excited to apart of The Goddard School’s team!

My name is Tracy Ross. I am originally from Southern California and lived in New York. I went to the Fashion Institute of Technology for 15 Years. I moved to Florida because the ocean is my happy place. I love to travel and love working with tiny humans.

Hi! I am Catherine "Tin" Sauerbier. I was born in the Philippines and raised in Bahrain. I have lived in Hawaii, Singapore, Sicily, California, and Virginia beach. I have three kids, one girl and two boys. I have been working with children for two years which has been an absolute privilege.

Hello my name is Noris, I'm originally from Cuba and moved here to the U.S. 21 years ago. I have a bachelors in physical education and have worked in childcare for 6 years. The age groups I like the most are the 4-6 year olds. I find they are very funny and learn the most in that age group. I love working with kids because they inspire me, and continue to bring joy with their curiosity and wonder.

My name is Sabrina. I have dedicated a lot of time taking care of children. I am very excited to be a part of the Goddard Team and happy to be in your little ones life.

Hi my name is Carren. I am from the beautiful island of Jamaica. I have worked in healthcare, logistics, and I love to work with children. Thank you for the opportunity to care for your children on the Goddard team.

Hello, My name is Alona, I was born and raised in the heart of Ukraine in Kyiv. I worked in a kindergarten in Hamburg, Germany. I came to Sarasota in July 2023 with my family and I have two sons. But what is more important is that I love to work with children! I am glad to be part of a friendly team and work with little people!

My name is Genesis. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. In 2016 I moved to Michigan and I discovered my passion in childcare. I have worked with kids for 4 years and I love spend my time with them. I have the experience with all age groups from Infancy to Pre-K. Since January I had the opportunity to be part of The Goddard Family and I am so happy for that.

Hello, my name is Kayla. I was born and raised here in Florida and am excited to be a teacher working with young children. I have two younger brothers so I have been taking care of kids for as long as I can remember. I look forward to working with all your children and being part of their early learning experience.

Hello! My name is Tianesha, I was born in Massachusetts and raised here in Florida. I am a proud mother to my son. I have always enjoyed working with children of all ages and being apart of their growth and development. I truly enjoy watching children learn new things and use them in their everyday life. I am very excited to be apart of The Goddard school of Sarasota and to be apart of every childs learning experience!

Hi! My name is Heidi and I moved to Sarasota from Annapolis, MD in 2023. I graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor's of Science in Human development in 2022. I've always had a passion for working with children and I'm so excited to be a part of the community here and to learn and grow as a teacher. I'm very grateful for the opportunity in these little one's lives.

Hi my name is Nardia Harrington. I am originally from Jamaica. I have been working in childcare now since 2014. I have worked back and forth between ages 1 all the way up to high school age children. I really enjoy working with children in their first 3 years of life. Their wonder and curiosity with the world never gets old. Thank you for sharing your little one with me. I look forward to helping them grow.

Hi my name is Erika. I am married and have 3 amazing children. I am originally from Hawaii and have now resided in Florida since 1999. My love for teaching children stretches back to when I was 13 years old babysitting and volunteering at my church during youth programs. The Early Childhood Development Program at MTC that I am currently enrolled in has provided me with tools and techniques that I apply to my classroom every day. My teaching style is a combination of nurturing and kindness, blended with creativity and fun. My motto is to leave a little sparkle wherever I go.

My name is Tina Nickens. I am Originally from Nashville, TN where I grew up. I moved to Lakewood ranch in 2020. I moved to Parrish in 2021. I have an Associates Degree in social work and I love children. I am a mother of 3 and have 14 grandchildren. I have a lot of experience with children and a lot of love to share with them. I just want to be a shining light to these children in a world that is sometimes dark. I look forward to being a part of the Goddard School.

Hello! My name is Makayla Mc'innis. I am originally from Raeford, North Carolina. I have worked with children for over 5 years. I have experience with all age groups. I am excited for the opportunity to make a difference in the Goddard students. I love to see children grow, learn, succeed and become leaders. I am grateful to be a part of the Goddard School team!

Hi, my name is Ana! I have been working with children for many years and also have extensive experience as a babysitter. I truly enjoy working with all the children at The Goddard School and feel fortunate to be part of such an amazing team! I’m also a proud parent of a child who attends The Goddard School, and it’s been wonderful to see how much she has been learning and growing. I’m grateful to work at a place where I can both contribute and bring my daughter to learn and thrive!

My name is Margaret Burton. I am the mother of 3 adult sons and 1 granddaughter. I moved to Florida from the Metro Atlanta area in 2019. In Georgia I had been working in Early Childcare since 2012. I have worked in every classroom from Infant to school age. I have an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and a Diploma in Early Childhood care/ Education. I have also worked as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in Georgia.

Hi my name is Norma I was born in McAllen Texas and raised in Sarasota Florida. I love working with kids, growing up I used to babysit my brothers and that’s when I discovered my passion for childcare. I wanted to extend my goals to become a teacher so I began working on getting my early childhood education degree, which will be completed in the next two years.

Hi! I’m Summer Roland, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the Goddard team. I have always had a love for children, and with a major in Early Childhood Education, I am dedicated to my work here. It is such a joy to support and nurture these young learners during their early years.