Our Teachers

We are Denise and Mitch Manders, proud owners of the Goddard School of West Carmel. Prior to owning the school, we both spent our careers in various leadership roles within accounting/finance. We have three children – Evan, Noah and Layla, who keep us very busy throughout the year! As parents in the school, we recognize how important it is to create an environment of love and empowerment for the children and teachers. With our backgrounds in business and our passion to make a difference for others, we are excited to start this new journey as owners of the school!

Jada earned a bachelor's degree in Special Education and Elementary Education with a focus on literacy from Purdue University, along with a minor in Global Studies. Her journey in early childhood education began as an assistant teacher in a multicultural preschool, followed by teaching standard 1 and preschool in a rural village in Tanzania. Since joining Goddard in 2015, she has nurtured young minds from infants to kindergarteners. Most recently, she served as a curriculum specialist, supporting teachers in fostering intentional learning experiences. Jada believes in offering differentiated learning opportunities through a curriculum focused on play and exploration. She is dedicated to empowering teachers to make a positive difference in the lives of all children at the school.

Stephanie earned her Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is currently in school for a BA in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University. Stephanie comes to us with 10 years of experience in early childhood in positions ranging from Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher, Health and Safety Captain, Assistant Director, and Director. Stephanie believes that children learn best through play while teachers lead by example. She wants to help create a supportive environment for teachers so they can be the best educators for our students.

Rachel brings a strong academic foundation to early childhood education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from San Diego State University and a Master's degree in Education with a minor in Early Childhood Development from Concordia University - Portland. Rachel's teaching philosophy centers on the importance of play and exploration in fostering children's learning. She believes children learn best by making connections through play, and that a safe and structured environment is vital for them to navigate their emotions and social interactions. Her goal is to create a classroom community where children and teachers work together to create a positive and engaging learning experience for all.

Luz has been the kitchen manager at The Goddard School since 2015. Before coming to this school, she worked for several years at another child care facility. Luz feels every child deserves to have tasty, nutritious meals, and that’s what she makes them in return for their huge smiles. Luz looks at her position at our school not only as a job but as a second home where she can cook as she loves to do for her own family!

Donna has joined the Goddard School with over ten years’ experience working with students with autism. She has worked as a teacher in both private centers and public schools in New Jersey, New City, Delaware and Indianapolis. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Rutgers College and her Masters degree in Special Education from Ball State. Donna believes in providing children with the strategies needed to help them develop emotional, social and cognitive skills needed to be successful learners.

Tonya has worked at The Goddard School since 2005 and has been the teacher in various classrooms with infants and toddlers. She attended Ivy Tech Community College and received her CDA in 2004. Tonya has worked with children for over 25 years and has loved every minute of it! Tonya’s work at Goddard allows her to equip children with the tools they need to learn and grow. Her unwavering dedication to the school ensures consistent care and fosters trusting relationships for all the children. Witnessing their journey from infancy to Pre-K students brings her immense joy, as she takes pride in supporting their development throughout their early years.

With a passion for play-based learning, Abigail joined The Goddard School in 2022. She believes that exploration, discovery, and the freedom to learn through trial and error are the cornerstones of a child's development. She believes in providing a fun and engaging environment where messiness is embraced as a sign of active learning. Abigail strives to build strong connections with students and their families and to create a fun and engaging environment where children can flourish and grow.

Allie holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Ball State University. Prior to joining Goddard, she spent two years teaching Kindergarten and has extensive experience leading preschool classrooms. In addition to her traditional training, Allie is proficient in applying Montessori principles in education. She's enthusiastic about integrating these ideas into her Goddard classroom. Allie's teaching philosophy centers on respecting each child's unique development and personality. She believes in meeting children at their level and building upon those strengths. She is dedicated to creating a supportive and loving classroom community full of lifelong learners. An avid reader and children's book writer herself, Allie enjoys igniting a love of reading in her students.

Amber graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising. Since joining The Goddard School in 2013, she has worked with a range of ages, from young toddlers to Pre-K. Amber understands how to create developmentally appropriate learning activities and experiences for children in her care. Building strong connections is a core value for Amber. She takes the time to connect with each child, creating a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive. Her dedication is evident in the long-lasting trust she builds with children and the positive relationships she fosters with families. The joy on children's faces as they learn and grow is what truly motivates Amber, and her commitment to The Goddard School shines through in every interaction.

Audri attended Ivy Tech Community College where she received her associate degree in Elementary Education. Audri views teaching as a journey of building relationships with her students. She prioritizes creating a well-organized and inclusive classroom environment to foster learning for all. Audri is dedicated to celebrating student achievements and actively supporting them in reaching their full potential.

Carolina is currently working toward a Child Development Associate Credential and feels fortunate to be a teacher. By recognizing the unique strengths and personalities of each child, she creates a comfortable and interactive learning environment. Carolina empowers her students to embrace their individuality and express themselves freely. Through engaging lessons and a nurturing approach, she ignites a love for reading and sets them on a path of lifelong learning.

Diana joined Goddard in 2021. With experience in nannying and childcare facilities, she's worked with children from newborns all the way up to kindergarteners. Diana is also CNA-trained and fluent in both Spanish and English, making her an asset to a diverse classroom. Diana's teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning. She believes that children learn best by actively exploring and engaging with their surroundings. She also recognizes the importance of a clean, well-equipped environment for optimal learning. Diana's goals are to build strong relationships with both the children and their parents, ensure a safe and healthy environment, and foster a fun and engaging atmosphere for learning.

Emma holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Ball State University. She believes in meeting the unique needs of her students by getting to know their distinct personalities, learning styles, and strengths. Her goal is to challenge her students with positive learning experiences to get them excited to learn and grow.

Katelynn graduated from Ben Davis High School, also earning her CDA certification. She is currently working towards her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. She has been working with children since graduating. Her approach centers around creating a warm and responsive relationship with each child. Katelynn believes fun, developmentally appropriate activities are pivotal to sparking a love of learning in children. Her goal is to ensure that everyone in the classroom feels safe, confident, and loved.

Madeline holds an Associates Degree in Childhood Development from Vincennes University. She has experience working with children from babysitting to aiding children with differing abilities. She believes children learn best in a warm, supportive and safe atmosphere where individual and cultural differences are valued. Madeline wants the children to be safe and have fun while learning!

Madi has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Butler University. She believes that every child learns differently and designs classroom activities with the diversity of learning styles in mind. She focuses on creating an inclusive learning environment where all children can interact and engage with their teachers and peers. In her free time, Madi enjoys volunteering at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital.

Megan currently holds a CDA and has worked as an Assistant Teacher as well as in summer camps and at the YMCA. She believes an ideal classroom environment has a genuine sense of acceptance, warmth and love. Megan wants to create and environment where everyone is welcomed in light of their differences. Megan wants her classroom to allow children to authentically be themselves, and to foster an environment where their curiosity is encouraged, and their uniqueness celebrated.

Noah officially joined the Goddard team in January of 2024. Noah started his undergrad at Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu and then transferred back home and graduated from IU Bloomington with a BA in English and minor in Spanish. Noah has worked in both after school care and summer camps, He has also worked in various schools as a TA in Special Education, and as a sub. Noah believes that teachers help build the foundation of understanding about the world which is why it is important to be consistent, patient, and educated as a teacher. He also believes children have an incredibly unique perspective to offer that we can learn from everyday. Noah wants to help children learn the importance of safety and respect for themselves, their peers, and the class itself in preparation for kindergarten and beyond.

Amanda graduated from IUPUI with a bachelor's degree in Social Work. She hopes to create a classroom where all learning styles are welcomed and nurtured so her students can thrive. Through art and sensory activities, she fosters an atmosphere of imagination and creativity for her students. Her goal is to encourage a growth mindset where every child believes they can achieve anything they set their mind to.

Ayla comes to Goddard with experience as an Assistant Teacher in PreK and is working toward earning her CDA. Ayla prioritizes fostering a supportive and encouraging environment where her students feel believed in. Her goal is to create a calm, comforting, and creative environment where her students can reach their full potential.

Jordan has a degree in Hospitality Management with a focus on planning children's parties. Her teaching philosophy is that students should feel loved, safe, and cared for at all times. Her goal is to foster a positive, fun, and happy environment where children can thrive.

Katheryn comes to us from Venezuela where she was a nurse for 8 years. She has worked as an RN in operating rooms, maternity, and emergency rooms. She considers herself attentive, friendly, and trustworthy. Katheryn is willing and loves to learn new things. Her favorite part about teaching is seeing the success of the children. She believes in making activities fun and creating structure within the classroom.

Kylie has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Neuroscience. Her teaching philosophy is that children best when they are given a safe environment and fun learning experiences. She believes in teaching children the skills they need to grow and overcome any obstacles they may face. Kylie's goals in the classroom are to establish routines and an environment that will help each child develop their social-emotional skills and communication with their peers.

Maria has been working in Early Childhood Education for several years and has been at The Goddard School since 2021. She believes that children learn best by having hands-on experiences. Maria feels that having a clean and loving environment helps children learn and grow! Her goal is to help children enjoy school and to build relationships with families.

Mitchell studied Music Education at Ball State University. He is inspired by children's natural curiosity and eagerness to learn. He believes in fostering a safe learning environment where every child feels comfortable exploring academic skills and developing emotional regulation. His goal is to incorporate play-based learning and create a positive and supportive classroom environment.

Morgan is currently studying Elementary Education at Butler University. She believes that authentic, hands-on experiences are the most beneficial to learning. Her philosophy on early education emphasizes the power of play as a valuable tool for both students and educators. Morgan believes that all children have the ability to reach full success and exceed expectations when provided with the resources they need. Her goal is to create an environment where children feel safe, curious, and loved.

Ms Hope is a Junior at IU Bloomington majoring in Psychology with a focus on children and pursuing a minor in sociology. She has worked with children for 5 years. She believes in creating a fun, engaging and active classroom.