Meet Our Goddard Family

Our expertly trained and experienced teachers and staff blend the highest standards in early childhood education and development with nurturing care to help your child have fun while growing physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

Careers

If you want to help shape the hearts and minds of young children in a fun, nurturing environment, we’d love to have you work with us! We’re always looking for great teachers to join our family.

Check Out Our Job Listings

Warm, Nurturing & Highly Trusted

Learning happens best in a warm and nurturing environment, which is why our teachers take the time to make sure your little one feels safe and cared for every day to help them develop a lifelong love of learning. 

Expertise & Skills

Our caring teachers are highly experienced in the best methods to support your child with teachable moments of exploration, discovery and learning each and every day. 

  •  Pam

    Pam

    Owner
    Hello, my name is Pam King and my husband, Shawn, and I are the proud owners of The Goddard School® located on Avalon Rd. in Winter Garden. We opened our first Goddard School in Alpharetta, Georgia in 2000. We live in Windermere, and have three beautiful children (All graduates of Goddard). I graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. Before opening our first Goddard School, I worked as a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. During my free time I enjoy spending time with my family on the lake and watching my youngest daughter pitch on the softball field. Since I was a young girl I knew that I wanted to work with children. It gives me such pleasure to nurture, educate, and laugh with young children. I am beyond thrilled to be able to spend my days with the amazing children that attend our Goddard School®. I look forward to meeting you and showing you our amazing school.
  •  Shawn

    Shawn

    Owner
    Hello! My name is Mr. Shawn. My wife Pam and I are the proud owners of The Goddard School in Winter Garden. We have three children, Shelby, Ryan and Lexi who are all graduates of our program. We founded our first school nearly 20 years ago. The Winter Garden location is the 7th school we've opened and represents the completion of all the things we learned over the years. We were able to incorporate all of our desires into this one-of-a-kind facility. It truly is a campus as opposed to your typical childcare center. It features a state-of-the-art gymnasium with a rock wall! We have three separate secure playgrounds that have specialized surfacing to allow our children to spend more time outside. During a tour of our facility, you can see these and many other features that make our program so special. But the heart of our program is the experienced and talented faculty that deliver cutting edge education programs for your child. While touring our school, you can observe the multi-sensory approach in action for maximizing your child's learning FUNdamentals!
  •  Natasha

    Natasha

    Business Manager
    Hello! My name is Natasha McGill. I am the Business Manager here at The Goddard School in Winter Garden. The early childhood education field has always been my passion. I received my degree in childhood education, focusing on special needs in Bristol, England where I was born until moving to Orlando over 20 years ago. I bring almost 30 years of experience, including roles such as Teacher, Administration, Enrollment, Retention and Managerial. My Husband, Kendrick and I have four daughters, Paige, Kimberly, Shannon, and Alexandria. We also have four Granddaughters ages 8 to 7 months and one Grandson who is 3. In our free time we can be seen walking, bike riding or spending time with our Grandchildren. I am blessed to now be a part of the Goddard family, and look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful school and being a part of the growth and development of your little ones.
  •  Caitlin

    Caitlin

    Director
    Hello, my name is Ms. Caitlin, and I am the Assistant Director at The Goddard School of Winter Garden. I have been working in early childhood education for 10 years. I have an Associate of Applied Science degree in Human Services and Early Childhood Education. I am actively pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. I love that I have been given the opportunity to be a part of your child’s growth and development. Children are so curious about the world around them and it is so much fun helping them learn and explore new things every day! When I am not at school, I take every opportunity to be outside, whether at the beach or hiking. My family lives in Illinois, but I love spending time with them every opportunity that I get. I am thrilled to be a part of The Goddard School and look forward to getting to know you and your family.
  •  Jessica

    Jessica

    Director
    Hello, my name is Jessica Lessin. I am the Director of Education at The Goddard School in Winter Garden, Florida. I have obtained an Associate of Arts degree from St. Petersburg College and studied Music Therapy at The Florida State University. Additionally, I have a Florida Staff Credential as well as a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Director Credential. I became involved with Early Childhood Education six years ago. I am continuously amazed by children’s zest for learning, and could not imagine myself in any other field. On my days away from school I can be found at the parks with my daughter, reading a good book, or exploring our beautiful city! I am overjoyed to be a part of The Goddard School in Winter Garden family. I am thrilled to be presented with the opportunity of inviting your family to join ours as we partner together and provide your child the opportunity to learn, grow, and explore!
  •  Keli

    Keli

    Director
    Hi, my name is Keli Retteen. I am the Director of Health & Safety at The Goddard School in Winter Garden. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Education and Psychology. I have a Florida Staff Credential and a VPK Endorsed Director Credential. I have worked in the early childhood education field for over 20 years. I have experience in a variety of capacities from lead classroom teacher to education specialist at the early learning coalition to assistant director and now as one of the directors at this outstanding school. My husband Sam and I are both Florida natives and enjoy spending family time with our young son Nolan at the beach, exploring state parks, or visiting the theme parks. I feel incredibly blessed to have been a part of this school since its opening in 2019! I look forward to spending many years with The Goddard School and watching the children as they learn, grow, and explore their world around them.
  •  Nadeen

    Nadeen

    Director
    Hi, my name is Nadeen Russell. I am a Director here at the Goddard School of Winter Garden. I graduated from UCF with a bachelor's degree. I have worked in the childcare setting for the last 20 years. I have been a preschool teacher assistant, preschool teacher, and for the last 7 seven years, have been the Director of Children’s Ministry with over 200 children attending. I am the mom of three adult children who live in Colorado and Chicago. My current baby is the family dog, Brandy. When not working, I love Florida State football, going to the beach, and listening to outdoor live music. I am happy to be a part of the Goddard franchise and love watching how our children grow, learn, and prosper here at our school.
  •  Nicole

    Nicole

    Director
    My name is Nicole and I am the Director of Human Resources at The Goddard School in Winter Garden, Florida. I have an Associates Degree from Palm Beach State College and a VPK endorsed Director's Credential. I was first introduced to Early Childhood Education as a ballet instructor for a preschool and quickly found that I was passionate about working with children. I have worked in childcare since 2005, both as a teacher and administrator. My favorite thing about Early Childhood Education is the relationships I get to build with families and staff as we work together to help the children grow and achieve. My husband Jay and I have two children, Colten and Bailey. We also have a husky puppy named Bellatrix and an Australian Shepherd named Skye. Most of our time is spent at the football or softball fields, or hanging out at home. I am excited to be part of your child's early education journey and look forward to helping them grow into confident young learners.
  •  Paris

    Paris

    Director
    Hi! I am Ms. Paris and am a Director. I joined as a teacher in preschool, a role that quickly became a turning point in my career. I have always had a keen interest in early childhood learning and a natural inclination to guide and teach others. In my role, I recognize the quality of education is directly linked to the well-being and motivation of teachers, and I have implemented initiatives aimed at fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. Boosting morale leads to more innovative and effective teaching strategies. In addition, I strive to be a transformative figure, introducing innovative programs that will enrich the school’s curriculum and culture. One of the achievements I am most proud of is creating a dance program as an enrichment activity. Understanding the importance of inclusivity and equality, I developed this program to be gender-neutral, ensuring that every child feels welcomed and valued. And the program has thrived!
  •  Andrea

    Andrea

    Infant Teacher
    Andrea joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2020. After obtaining her Bachelor of Science Degree, Andrea continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, Severe Allergy Training, and her DCF 45 hours. FUN FACT: "I have a twin sister!"
  •  Stephanie

    Stephanie

    Infant Teacher
    Stephanie joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2021. Stephanie obtained her 45 hours and has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I used to work in an optic lab in Puerto Rico!"
  •  Valeria

    Valeria

    Infant Teacher
    Valeria joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2023. Valeria obtained her DCF 45 hours and has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I am tri-lingual and speak English, Spanish, and Thai."
  •  Kena

    Kena

    Infant Teacher
    Kena joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2023. After completing her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Kena continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, Severe Allergy Training, and her DCF 45 Hours. FUN FACT: “I trained in Dance for 10 years!"
  •  Ashley

    Ashley

    Toddler Teacher
    Ashley joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2022. After earning her Child Development Associate Credential, Ashley continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, Severe Allergy Training, and her DCF 45 Hours. FUN FACT: "I absolutely love History!"
  •  Karli

    Karli

    Toddler Teacher
    Karli joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2023. Karli obtained her DCF 45 Hours and managed to expand her training further by obtaining other certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: “I worked for Disney and my favorite princess is Cinderella!”
  •  Marina

    Marina

    Toddler Teacher
    Marina joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2023. After obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Language Arts, Marina continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, Severe Allergy Training, and her DCF 45 Hours. FUN FACT: “I have a fear of butterflies!"
  •  Corrie

    Corrie

    Toddler Teacher
    Corrie joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden when we opened in 2019. After obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Corrie continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, Severe Allergy Training, and her DCF 45 Hours. FUN FACT: “I am fluent in sign language!"
  •  Jennifer

    Jennifer

    Twos Teacher
    Jennifer joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2023. After earning her Child Development Associate Credential, Jennifer continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, Severe Allergy Training, and her DCF 45 Hours. FUN FACT: "I like to ride bikes!"
  •  Chasteanne

    Chasteanne

    Twos Teacher
    Chasteanne joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2023. Chasteanne is currently working towards her Associate Degree in Education and is expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, Severe Allergy Training, and her DCF Staff 45 Hours. FUN FACT: “I speak English, Filipino, and French.”
  •  Daliana

    Daliana

    Twos Teacher
    Daliana joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2021. After obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, she completed her DCF 45 hours. Daliana has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I love to dance!"
  •  Aficha

    Aficha

    Twos Teacher
    Aficha joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2022. Aficha obtained her DCF 45 Hours and managed to expand her training further by obtaining other certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: “I love to braid hair!”
  •  Jacey

    Jacey

    Resource Teacher
    Jacey joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2024, beginning her career in early childhood education. She has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I love art and have worked with every art medium!"
  •  Jennifer

    Jennifer

    Twos Teacher
    Jennifer joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2021. Jennifer obtained her DCF 45 Hours and managed to expand her training further by obtaining other certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: “I love the excitement of teaching my class a new skill!”
  •  Beverly

    Beverly

    Twos Teacher
    Beverly joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2022. Beverly obtained her DCF 45 Hours and managed to expand her training further by obtaining other certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: “I have competed in over 30 singing competitions!”
  •  Lisseth

    Lisseth

    Twos Teacher
    Lisseth joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2021. Lisseth obtained her DCF 45 Hours and managed to expand her training further by obtaining other certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: “I love to dance!”
  •  Haylie

    Haylie

    Bridge Teacher
    Haylie joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2022. Haylie obtained her DCF 45 hours and has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I have my own horse!"
  •  Jewellia

    Jewellia

    Bridge Teacher
    Jewellia joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2022. Jewellia obtained her DCF 45 hours and has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "My favorite color is yellow!"
  •  Amanda

    Amanda

    Preschool Teacher
    Amanda joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2020. After obtaining her Associate's Degree, Amanda went on to obtain a Florida Staff Credential in early childhood education. She expanded her training further earning certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I used to work in a professional theatre!"
  •  Daniella

    Daniella

    Preschool Teacher
    Daniella joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2022. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education, Daniella continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I was so little as a child that my childhood nickname was stick!"
  •  Eulene

    Eulene

    Preschool Teacher
    Eulene joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2020. After earning an Associate of Science Degree in Business, Eulene continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I love going to all the Disney parks!"
  •  Andrea

    Andrea

    Preschool Teacher
    Andrea joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2022. After obtaining a Bacehlor's Degree in Psychology, Andrea has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I love to hike and climb mountains!"
  •  Amanda

    Amanda

    Bridge Teacher
    Amanda joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2024. While working towards her National Childcare Development Associate credential, Amanda has continued to expand her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and her DCF 45 Hours. FUN FACT: "I was in Girl Scouts for 10 years!"
  •  Marie

    Marie

    Pre-K Teacher
    Marie joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2023. Marie obtained her 45 hours and has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as a VPK endorsed National Childhood Development Certificate, First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I love Disney and my favorite princess is Belle!"
  •  Isabella

    Isabella

    Pre-K Teacher/Kindergarten Substitute
    Isabella joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2023. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development and Education, Isabella continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: “I love anything and everything Disney!"
  •  Makenzie

    Makenzie

    Pre-K Teacher
    Kenzie joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2023. Kenzie obtained her 45 hours and has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as a VPK endorsed National Childhood Development Certificate, First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I love having dance parties with my class and was a cheerleader!"
  •  Mikayla

    Mikayla

    Pre-K Teacher
    Kayla joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2022. Kayla obtained her 45 hours and has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as a VPK endorsed National Childhood Development Certificate, First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I Dance while I eat!"
  •  Tiffany

    Tiffany

    Pre-K Teacher
    Tiffany joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2021, continuing her career in early childhood education. Tiffany has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as a VPK endorsed National Childhood Development Certificate, Director's Credential, First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I am related to Abraham Lincoln!"
  •  Kayla

    Kayla

    Pre-K Teacher
    Kayla joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2023, beginning her career in early childhood education. She has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I was in theatre and played three sports in High School!"
  •  Erica

    Erica

    Pre-K Teacher
    Erica joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2020. Erica obtained her 45 hours and has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as a VPK endorsed National Childhood Development Certificate, First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I sing opera and wanted to be an opera singer!"
  •  Samantha

    Samantha

    Pre-K Teacher
    Sam joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2023, beginning her career in early childhood education. She has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I love Disney and my dog!"
  •  Leslie

    Leslie

    Kindergarten Teacher
    Leslie joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2020. After completing her Bachelor of Science Degree, Leslie continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as her Professional Educator Certificate, First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I have been in over 25 musical theatre shows and published my first book last year!"
  •  Sarah

    Sarah

    Kids Club Teacher
    Sarah joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2023. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Sarah continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I play the violin!"
  •  Abbygail

    Abbygail

    Resource Teacher
    Abby joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2024. Abby continues expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I learned to rollerskate before I could walk!"
  •  Destiny

    Destiny

    Resource Teacher
    Destiny joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2022. Destiny obtained her 45 hours and has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I love creative writing!"
  •  Evelyn

    Evelyn

    Resource Teacher
    Evelyn joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2019. Evelyn obtained her 45 hours and has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I love to write poetry!"
  •  Isabel

    Isabel

    Resource Teacher
    Isabel joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2020. Isabel has a Master's Degree in Education and has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: “I love to organnize and label everything!"
  •  Lauren

    Lauren

    Resource Teacher
    Lauren joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2023, beginning her career in early childhood education. She has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I was deaf until I was 6 years old!"
  •  Laurie

    Laurie

    Resource Teacher
    Laurie joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2023, beginning her career in early childhood education. She has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy TrainingFUN FACT: "I love arts and crafts!"
  •  Tina

    Tina

    Resource Teacher
    Tina joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2021. Tina obtained her 45 hours and has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I have my PADI certification and love scuba diving!"
  •  Yasmine

    Yasmine

    Resource Teacher
    Yasmine joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2024, beginning her career in early childhood education. She has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: "I love being creative and crochet my own blankets!"
  •  Code of Ethics

    Code of Ethics

    Our Promise to You
    We pride ourselves in maintaining a safe, nurturing environment so your children can thrive and learn in a school with professional educators whose top priority is ensuring the health and safety of each student. For details on our standards and practices, copy and paste this link in your browser to read our Code of Ethics: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PiqG0GAJkE7JkBPHY-8F238C7-zSFQHV/view?usp=sharing
  •  Faith

    Faith

    Resource Teacher
    Faith joined the Goddard School of Winter Garden in 2024. Faith has a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology and is currently completing her master's degree. She has continued expanding her training by obtaining certifications such as First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, and Severe Allergy Training. FUN FACT: “I have two dogs named Olive and Honey!"
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