Our Teachers

Hello! My name is Colleen Chevalier and I am the Owner of The Goddard School of Temple Terrace. I have a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Queens University of Charlotte. I have over 18 years experience as a Pediatric and NICU RN. I enjoy spending time with my husband Michael and our three children. You can find usually find us at soccer tournaments and cheering on the Gators!

Hello! My name is Ashley Gomez and I am the Director of The Goddard School. I joined the Goddard family in August of 2009 as a preschool teacher and transitioned into the Director’s office in November of 2010. I have a B.S. in Family Social Science with minors in Family Violence Prevention and Sociology earned from the University of Minnesota. I currently hold State of Florida Staff and Director Credentials. My history of working with children starts back in 1998 volunteering at the local Safe Haven runaway shelter, including holding a position of Youth Advisory Board Co-President until relocating in 2002 for college. I initially came to Florida for the warm weather but also gained a passion in Early Childhood Education! I enjoy spending my free time with my husband Jp and our children Maxwell and Loralina. You can find us enjoying sporting events, exploring Florida and many other travel destinations!

HELLO! MY NAME IS MS. SHANNON! I HAVE TWO BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS AND 2 WONDERFUL GRANDCHILDREN. I LOVE BEING A MOM AND MIMI TO THEM. I HAVE THIRTY-TWO YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE CHILDCARE FIELD WORKING WITH CHILDREN OF ALL AGES. I TRULY CARE AND POUR MY HEART INTO THESE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. I LOVE THE EDUCATION FIELD AND AM EXCITED TO JOIN THE GODDARD TEAM. I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!

Hello! My name is Ms. Kim. I moved to Florida in 2007 from Michigan. I was born and raised in Valparaiso, IN and spent much of my adult life moving around the upper Midwest. I received my BA in Elementary Education from Purdue University in Indiana in 1989. I spent 25 years as a stay-at-home mom raising my four children. In 2014 I decided to go back to what I love, which is working with children. I began substitute teaching for the Pasco County School District and did this for several years while I did the necessary testing to qualify for my teaching license here in Florida. In 2018 I accepted a job with the Pasco County Schools as a PreK VE (Varying Exceptionalities) teacher. I am so grateful and excited to have the opportunity to work with your children.

Hello, my name is Danielle Nelson. I have been teaching preschool since 2013. I currently have my National CDA and I am working on my degree in Child Development and Psychology. Before working in a center based childcare center, I worked in a group home as a Behavior Tech, helping children with special needs. In my free time I enjoy reading and writing, with hopes of one day becoming a children’s author. The most rewarding thing about teaching for me is when a child has grasped the knowledge that they have learned from my classroom. I am very excited to be a part of the team at The Goddard School and I look forward to doing great things!

My name is Sushama Patel and I am so glad to be a part of the Goddard School faculty. I have been in this profession since 1995. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Children’s Education and hold a Master’s degree in Economics from India. I worked as an elementary school teacher for 16 years and as a Vice-Principal for 4 years in India. I have also volunteered at local preschools and gained a wealth of knowledge through those experiences. Working with children is the most important part of my life. I have spent 23 years with children and hope many more to come. I can’t imagine my life without helping shape children as they give me inner peace and happiness.

HI, my name is Denilsa. Otherwise known as Ms. Denise to all my little ones. I've worked with children since 2015. I completed my CDA in 2018. I have both my Director's Credential as well as my VPK Credential. I love children! My son is my biggest inspiration. In my free time, I love to read, travel and explore new restaurants. I spend as much time as possible with my son and our family. To me, the humble and simple way of life is the best way to live!

Hello, my name is Jeffrey Coates. The children know me as Mr. C. I was born and raised in Boston, MA. I have always had a persistence to push myself to do my best. I recently graduated with Honors with my Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education. I have over 20 years experience working with children. I believe "together is better". I instill the importance of using our words, choices, and actions to influence ourselves and others in a helpful manner. I live by three things: Love others, do great things, and be a bucket filler!

Hi! My name is Maria! I was born and raised in Venezuela. In 2018, I moved to Florida with my family. I have one son who is my pride and joy! I've worked in childcare in Florida for the last few years with infants through 2-year-old children. Infants are where I feel the happiest! I'm excited to work here at The Goddard School. Thank you for allowing me to care for your infants, they are all amazing!

Hi - my name is Ms. Yanilza! I was born in The Dominican Republic. I lived in Utah for 20 years and moved to Tampa, Florida in 2013 with my husband and five amazing kiddos! I studied Interior Design in college and realized that working with children as an Early education Educator is what makes me happiest. Education is my passion for myself and others. I love working with your children - Thank You!

Hello, my name is Katy. I am so grateful to be a part of the Goddard team! My native country is Argentina and my first language is Spanish. My passion is kids. I’m blessed to be able to work each day with your children. We work on letters, colors, numbers, sharing and potty training! My favorite activity with the kids is singing in Spanish and dancing. I love to see their smiles. Thank you for allowing me to care for your children and watch them learn and grow. Gracias!

Hi! My name is Mirna and I have been living in Florida with my husband and daughter since 2020. I’m originally from Nicaragua, CA. My family moved to New York when I was very young, and I went to New York schools. I studied and received my degree in Marketing Management at Baruch College CUNY. We moved to New Jersey to raise our children. In my spare time, I like to take long walks, read mystery novels and spend time with family and friend. Working at the Goddard School is like raising my children again (which I miss)! I love that I’ll help shape the future generation, see the wonders of the world through their eyes and just enjoy being around young minds!

Hello! My name is Ms. Chetra. I was born in Guyana which is located in South America. I came to the United States in 1982 and lived in New York for 9 years. I then got married and moved to Virginia to start a family. Recently, I have relocated to Florida to be closer to my daughter. I have worked in childcare for nearly 30 years and have been with Goddard for 20 years. I have a passion for working with children and I am grateful that I get to do what I love everyday.

Hello, my name is Jenna. I recently moved here from Kansas City, Missouri where I received my Associates Degree. I am currently a student at USF. I have tutored & worked with children since high school. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with your kids and help them meet their full potential here at Goddard.

Hi! My name is Alaina. I am originally from Wesley Chapel. I moved to Tampa to attend the University of South Florida. I am studying criminology. I love working with children and learning something new every day! I am so lucky to be part of such a fantastic school and family.

Hola! My name is Nathaley. I have worked in the education field in Venezuela and the United States for over 25 years as a teacher, director and principle. My first love are the kids! I’m bilingual in Spanish and English. My favorite activities in the classroom are art and music. In my time outside of school, I love spending time with my children and grandchildren. Spending time outside, hiking and reading are activities that fill my weekend. Thank you for allowing me to teach your little ones!

Hi! My name is Vali. I’m bilingual in Spanish and English. I moved to the United States from Venezuela with my two sons in 2023. The Goddard School is a wonderful school! I am happy to work with children of all ages. In my free time, I enjoy being outside in nature. My favorite activity is horseback riding.

Hi, my name is Tara. I’ve been in the early education field since 2021. I am surrounded by educators in my personal life and thankful for my role models. I love that The Goddard School invests in early literacy. My favorite part of the day is reading stories to the kids. In my free time, I love spending time with my friends and family. My daughter is the love of my life!

Hey! I’m Caybren and I am very excited to be a part of the work that goes on at the Goddard School. I grew up all around the country, moving from state to state because of the military. I have a huge family and have always been surrounded by kids and love working with them. Any chance I get, I love to continue my education and learn new information. I am excited for this opportunity to be here at the Goddard School and to work with the children. I am excited to grow and learn alongside your child!

Ama Manu, also known as Candie, is a woman dedicated to growth and learning. With four years in the educational sector and eight years as a seasoned book editor, her excellent communication skills led her to serve as the public relations officer for her husband's business before passing the role to a successor. Her commitment to education drove her to complete an intensive cybersecurity boot camp, earning a comptia security+ certification. She further expanded her expertise by obtaining certifications as a scrum master, project manager from the University of Central Florida, and Registered Behavior Technician. Currently, she is pursuing a Master's Degree in cybersecurity and has aspirations to obtain a PhD. Despite her academic pursuits, her love for children remains unwavering, and she continues to impact young lives as an educator. Candie and her husband are sought-after speakers for relationships and conferences, gaining recognition on social media platforms.

Hello! I am Ms. Lindsismary. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela. I have been living in this beautiful country for nine years. I am the mother of three beautiful girls which developed my love for teaching children. I love to read, dance, paint, and cook desserts. I love this beautiful life and consider myself a loving, empathetic and kind person. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of your Goddard family!