Our Teachers

Lorri has been the owner of The Goddard School since 2010. She is the proud mother of three children. As such, she recognizes the importance of a safe and nurturing learning environment. She holds a BBA from Georgia Southern University. Prior to owning The Goddard School, she worked in Family Services. As the on-site owner with a human services background, she is committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for the children in this community. Lorri and her family enjoy spending time together - playing board games, biking, fishing, swimming and going to the beach. Family is the basis for why she chose Goddard and is happy to be able to provide Goddard’s outstanding program to the children in the Tampa community. She looks forward to welcoming you and your children to the Goddard family.

Desirae has been married for 27 years and has raised 2 amazing young men. She loves helping children to strengthen their love of self and family, as well as their love of learning! She is always looking for opportunities to further develop best practices in Early Childhood Education, and has been teaching for more than 15 years. Desirae believes that children learn best when they feel loved, accepted, and supported by a teacher who understands their individual needs and works with them to develop a positive/loving relationship. Learning through play is the most effective way young children learn and she enjoys providing this type of learning atmosphere for her students. As an Early Childhood Educator, she believes we shape the love of learning and success that our students will take with them for the rest of their educational journey. Desirae holds her A.S. in Early Childhood Management/Education, a current Florida Director's Credential, and has more than 15 years of experience.

She is the proud mama of three beautiful children. She began her motherhood journey early which led her into childcare but it truly has been a lifelong dream, after many years of playing teacher, as a child. Erica has been in the early childhood field since 2011, gaining loads of experience through each new adventure that life has taken her on. She holds her Florida Child Care Professional Credential and VPK Endorsed Director’s credential. Erica believes that children learn best through experience and on-level learning. Open-ended questions hold such value in aha moments, with each child. Everything truly can be a learning opportunity.

Katie and her husband Calum moved to the Tampa area from Chicago in 2016 and have been enjoying the sunny days ever since! They welcomed their first baby girl in 2021 and she gets to enjoy the Preschool classroom here at The Goddard School. Katie has over 13 years of Early Childhood Education experience and loves being an integral part of children's growth and development. She graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Anthropology and holds her Florida Director's Credential. She was a Preschool Teacher for more than 6 years before moving into administration within the Early Childhood Education field. Katie enjoys coaching, mentoring, and encouraging teachers to bring out the investigative explorer within each child. She is excited to provide meaningful, hands-on learning and the very best high-quality education for children and families.

Melissa was born and raised in Virginia and just moved to Florida in March of 2019 to be closer to her family. She is the proud mother of one son, and Gammie of one granddaughter. Melissa first stepped into the Early Childhood Education field when she was in high school and it was then that she decided she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children and provide them with a classroom they can feel safe in. Now, over 30 years later, Melissa is still providing that safe classroom and enjoying every minute of it. From 2004 to 2019, she was a lead teacher in the Infant Room at The Goddard School in Chantilly, VA. She believes that learning should be student-centered, interactive, and engaging. Children learn through their play and the classroom should create a family of learners as the children all work together and learn in their unique style. Melissa has her Child Development Associates (CDA), is MAT Trained, and has more than 30 years of experience!

Bre joined The Goddard School in February of 2022. She is from a small town in Missouri and moved to Florida in 2020 to further her education and adventure out spreading her wings. Bre started her journey in Early Childhood Education in 2021 and just graduated with her CDA, she is also currently seeking her Psychology Degree. Bre enjoys spending her time with the children in her classroom and it shows! She believes every child is unique and special and she cherishes her children in the classroom

Ms. Julie joined The Goddard School in 2022 and has enjoyed working with our toddler students. Julie has been working with children for several years and believes the most important and formative years in any person’s life are the very first few! Julie loves teaching and encouraging her students to explore and safely navigate the world around them. Her daily goal is to ensure all children feel loved, cared for, and valued.

Mrs. Tami earned her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. She graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg, ID. While in school, Mrs. Tami had the opportunity to work with children of different ages and different ranges of ability. Working with children has been a great blessing for her because she is able to help them start to build a foundation of learning. Her love of working with young children comes from her mother who taught her to love and teach each child as an individual. Working with children and helping them learn and grow has always been Mrs. Tami’s dream. She believes children need to have opportunities to be able to explore and figure out how the world works on their own. Mrs. Tami knows that when you give them these opportunities, you are helping them learn that they can be independent even if they ask for help. She also believes that loving the students and treating them with respect is KEY to a successful classroom. Mrs. Tami holds a B.S. in Early Childhood and Special Education, an Achieved National Director Credential, holds a Child Development Associate Credential, and has worked in Early Childhood Education for over 8 years.

Mrs. Elizabeth was born and raised in Iowa and is the oldest of five children. She moved to Tampa with her husband in 2015. She obtained her Associate in Arts degree in 2004 from Muscatine Community College in Iowa. She earned her CDA in May 2018 and went on to earn her Director's Credential from Pinellas Technical College. She has worked in the Human Services/Early Education field for over ten years. Mrs. Elizabeth’s past work experiences have included working with children and adults with Autism, Angleman Syndrome, Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy. She has taught parenting techniques using the Nurturing Program to families involved with the Department of Human Services. She was part of the enrollment and recruitment team for a Head Start Program and scheduled preschool testing for early intervention. Mrs. Elizabeth has also taught VPK! Early childhood education has always been her focus; as a teacher of early childhood education, Mrs. Elizabeth understands the impact she has shaping and setting the tone for each child's educational career and beyond. Mrs. Elizabeth has earned an Associate’s degree in Arts, holds a Child Development Associate Credential, a Florida Director’s Credential, and has worked in ECE for more than 10 years.

After recovering from stage 4 oral cancer Evelyn wanted to work and be a part of something significant. She has always enjoyed working with children so she decided to work in early childhood education. Evelyn believes that she can learn so much through the innocent eyes of a child.

Sondra joined The Goddard School in 2022 with extensive experience and a love of teaching. Earning her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Sondra brings a deep understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and enjoys fostering a love of learning in each one of her students. Sondra facilitates hands-on learning experiences within her preschool classroom and enjoys the rich conversations she gets to share within the classroom.

Blanca joined our team in 2017. She is cross-trained in all classes as well as in food safety and service. She knows each and every student in our school and greets all by name. She is one of the strong threads of continuity that form our tapestry of teachers. Blanca has over 30 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, is certified in Food Service, is bilingual in Spanish and English, and has experience with all age groups from Infancy to Pre-K.

Jer'ri joined The Goddard School in 2021 and is a real Floridian with two beautiful daughters and one granddaughter. She prides herself on being a "GiGi." Jer'ri has earned her associates and CDA, has her staff credential and is continuing to pursue a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. She believes that children not only learn through play and interaction with their peers, but also with their educators and mentors. Jer'ri loves to get messy, run, jump, and follow along with what her students are doing in order to learn and grow right along with them.

Sara joined The Goddard School in 2022 with extensive early childhood experience working with children of all ages. Sara earned her national CDA and works closely with the children in all of our classrooms. Sara brings kindness and a true joy for teaching everywhere she goes. She enjoys teaching by example and promoting learning in everything she does.

Soyoung joined the Goddard family in 2023. She was born in South Korea and moved to America when she was 9 years old. She has a Masters degree in Psychology. In 2020 Soyoung moved to the beautiful Sunshine State from Chicago. She has been happily married to her college sweetheart for 3 years. She loves working with children of all age groups and is so excited to learn about your child and teach them amazing things!

Kirstie joined the Goddard family in 2023. Kirstie was born and raised in Florida. She graduated from Sunlake Highschool in 2013. She is pursuing a degree in education to become an elementary school teacher. Some of her favorite hobbies are crafting with her Cricut, going to Walt Disney World, and watching anything on Bravo. She is very excited to be a part of The Goddard School in Westchase and continue to make a positive difference in the lives of the children.

Tania has worked in Early Childhood Education since 2013. She has completed her 45 DCF hours and she has obtained her Child Development Associate. She also has an associate degree in Art. As an educator, providing a safe and nurturing environment to children is her number one goal. She also has a passion for cooking traveling and spending time with her family. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing that “lightbulb” moment.

Lauren joined The Goddard School in 2023 and has been working with children for more than 6 years. She truly enjoys working with the infants. Lauren earned her bachelor's degree at The University of Maryland Baltimore County with a teaching certificate and a psychology degree. Lauren believes creative and interactive play and exploring are foundational to learning. Her teaching philosophy centers around guiding children through play to attain knowledge and insight into the world around them.

Jessica joined the Goddard School in 2024. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to Florida in 2021. Jessica has 45 hours of DCF training as well as her CPR and first aid certification. During her free time, she enjoys going on adventures and exploring new places with her three children. Jessica is looking forward to her professional journey at the Goddard School and providing the best possible education for your children.

Brooke joined the Goddard School in 2024! She proudly represents Tampa, Florida as her hometown. Brooke has worked in early education for 13 years. She graduated from St. Petersburg College with an Associate in Arts and is aiming for a Bachelor's degree in Early Education. She is equipped with a CDA and Directors Credential. Brooke is excited to create a nurturing environment for little learners!

Lismary was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Tampa at the age of 18 with her family. Lismary has a house full of boys with 16-year-old twin boys and a 7-year-old son. She has always enjoyed working with children of all ages and has for the past 9 years. Lismary has 45 DCF hours and her CDA. She is excited to work with the Goddard family and meet new families. Lismary provides a fun and safe environment for children to learn and play.

Alysia is a college student at FIU. She recently moved to the Tampa area from Miami. She loves working with children of all ages and being involved in their learning process. It brings her so much joy to see their positive outlook on life and their eagerness to learn. Every day is an adventure with kids. She is excited to further her education in child development and teaching!

Emily joined the Goddard family in 2023. She was born and raised in Lowell, MA and moved to Florida in 2021. She proudly obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from UMASS Lowell in 2017. She has always enjoyed working with children and in 2021 she happily started working in the preschool setting. She has her DCF 45 hours and is CPR/First Aid certified. She always had a passion for helping people and being a part of individual growth and development. Some of her hobbies are drawing, traveling, and spending time with her family. She is very excited to be a part of The Goddard School in Westchase and she looks forward to building relationships with your children and family.

Raneshia is currently working on pursuing a degree in early education at Hillsborough Community College. She has professional teaching experience since 2023 and many years of experience babysitting and nannying. She is detail-oriented, punctual, great at multitasking, and has a love for children!

Yessenia is a proud wife and new mom to a beautiful baby girl. She joined Goddard in 2024 but has early childhood and education experience since 2012. She is a Tampa native who loves to visit Disney and to spend time with her little family. Yessenia has always loved seeing children grow and develop in the classroom setting and beyond. During the school year she is a kindergarten teacher who enjoys teaching reading and writing. Her BA is in education studies and community leadership. As a philosophy of education, Yessenia believes that all children can learn when given the opportunity to grow.

Lisbeth joined Goddard in 2024 and has been dedicated to supporting student success and fostering a love for learning since 2021. She has a degree in early childhood education and her academic journey has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field. Her passion for education and commitment to student success drives everything she does. She is dedicated to creating an engaging, supportive and enriching learning environment.

Kenzie is originally from Virginia but finished off her high school career, graduating from East Lake High School, in 2022. She has been working in the childcare field since February 2024, joining Goddard in July 2024. Her philosophy for teaching is that all kids should have an equal and safe environment to come to and work in. She strives to provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for all students, to come to by offering kindness and support.

Jenny joined Goddard in 2024. She is the proud mama of four beautiful children. Being from a big family she finds purpose in serving parents through taking care of their kids.Jenny is working on her CDA and has been in the childcare field for many years. She is passionate about providing a safe and nurturing environment for her students and committed to working closely with parents to ensure that their children receive the best possible care and attention.

Ms. Maria joined The Goddard School in 2024. She was born and raised in Colombia, moving to the US in 2021. She is a proud boy mom. She has her technical certification in Early Childhood and speaks both English and Spanish. With experience in the field since 2022. Her teaching philosophy is that children learn from the love, trust and understanding that teachers show towards them. We must guide and teach them because they are the future.