Our Goddard School Teachers

Ms. Tana holds a Bachelor of Science degree from SDSU and is the proud parent of two young children—both of whom have been cared for and supported by the wonderful teachers here at The Goddard School. Her connection to Goddard began as a parent, where she saw firsthand the safe, nurturing, and joyful environment that helped her children grow and develop a true love of learning. Inspired by the positive impact Goddard had on her own family, Ms. Tana followed her passion for education and opened her own Goddard School. She is grateful for the opportunity to provide the same supportive, high-quality experience to families in the community and is committed to creating a place where all children can thrive.

As Director of the school, Ms. Claire is dedicated to providing high-quality education for every little learner who walks through our doors. She places strong value on community and communication, taking great joy in getting to know every family personally and bridging the gap between home and school to create a seamless, supportive experience. When exploring learning around the building, Ms. Claire’s favorite part of STEM is Science, where she loves seeing children's eyes light up with curiosity. Her favorite children’s book is The Napping House, a cozy storytime favorite she loves sharing with our students.

Ms. Tammy brings warmth, care, and steady dedication to our youngest learners in the Meerkat Room. She believes that early learning begins with security and connection, making her top priority building a trusting, strong bond with babies and their families right from the start. In the classroom, Ms. Tammy loves introducing early STEM concepts through Technology, finding creative and interactive ways to engage curious young minds. Her favorite children’s book to share with the infants is The Napping House, a cozy storytime staple that brings comfort and delight to the room.

Ms. Tara brings patience, warmth, and heartfelt dedication to supporting our early learners. She believes deeply in nurturing every baby’s first milestones with care, creating a safe and encouraging environment where each small victory is celebrated. When exploring hands-on learning, Ms. Tara’s favorite part of STEM is Science, fostering curiosity and wonder about the world around us. Storytime is always special in her room, especially when reading her favorite book, Little Blue Truck, to share messages of kindness and helping others.

Ms. Skylar creates a calm, soothing environment for our youngest students in the Meerkat Room. Guided by her belief in providing a gentle, loving rhythm, she ensures our littlest learners have the space and comfort to grow, explore, and hit milestones at their own unique pace. When introducing foundational concepts, Ms. Skylar’s favorite part of STEM is Math, finding simple, engaging ways to bring spatial awareness and shapes into everyday play. Storytime is always lively with her, especially when reading her favorite book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, to introduce early rhythm and language.

Estela brings boundless creativity and excitement to the Penguin Room every day. She believes learning should be an unforgettable experience, focusing her classroom approach on bringing themes to life through deeply interactive, immersive, and hands-on adventures that capture her students' imaginations. When exploring the world around us, Estela’s favorite part of STEM is Science, where she guides young learners through exciting discoveries and experiments. Her favorite children’s book to share during storytime is Down by the Cool of the Pool, bringing energy, rhythm, and playful fun to the classroom.

Wanda brings warmth, delight, and dedicated care to the Penguin Room every day. She believes deeply in protecting the pure joy and magic of simply being a kid, creating a classroom space where children are free to laugh, imagine, and enjoy every step of their early childhood journey. When it comes to hands-on exploration, Wanda’s favorite part of STEM is Engineering, where she loves helping young minds design, build, and problem-solve through creative play. Storytime with Wanda is always a crowd favorite, especially when she shares her favorite book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

Ms. Meeka brings joyful energy and inspiration to the Zebra Room every day. She centers her teaching on filling every day with laughter, wonder, and a sense of accomplishment, ensuring her students feel proud of what they achieve while having fun along the way. When diving into STEM concepts, Ms. Meeka’s favorite focus area is Math, turning numbers, sorting, and problem-solving into engaging learning games. During storytime, she loves firing up her students' imaginations with her favorite book, Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends.

Ms. Nicole brings structure, warmth, and steady support to the Kangaroo Room every day. She believes in showing kids how a clean, calm, and organized space helps us focus, creating a welcoming classroom environment where students can feel grounded and ready to learn. When exploring new concepts, Ms. Nicole’s favorite part of STEM is Science, where she loves encouraging curiosity and discovery. Storytime is always a classic highlight with her, especially when she reads her favorite book, Curious George, to inspire adventure and playful learning.

Ms. Lauren brings dedication, warmth, and strong leadership to the Dolphin Room every day. She centers her approach on building strong partnerships between the classroom, the child, and the family, ensuring that parents and teachers work hand-in-hand to support every step of a child's learning journey. When diving into STEM activities, Ms. Lauren’s favorite focus area is Math, helping children build early logic and problem-solving skills through hands-on play. Storytime in her classroom is always engaging, especially when sharing her favorite classic book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, to guide young learners through colors, patterns, and rhyme.

Ms. Taylor brings gentle guidance and a big heart to the Dolphin Room every day. She focuses her teaching on what matters most in early childhood, prioritizing teaching kindness, sharing, and big feelings first to help children build strong social-emotional foundations and navigate their world with empathy. When exploring learning concepts, Ms. Taylor’s favorite part of STEM is Math, making numbers and patterns approachable through everyday activities. Storytime is always a fun adventure in her classroom, especially when she shares her favorite book, Curious George, to spark imagination and joyful discovery.

Ms. Brigitte brings enthusiasm and a passion for literacy to the Sea Lion Room every day. She focuses her teaching on inspiring a lifelong love for reading and stories, helping young learners unlock their imaginations and discover the magic within every page. When exploring hands-on learning, Ms. Brigitte’s favorite part of STEM is Science, where she loves guiding her students through interactive experiments and discoveries. Storytime is always full of energy and laughter in her classroom, especially when she shares her favorite book, Mo Willems' Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Ms. Destiny brings encouragement and inspiring leadership to the Sea Lion Room every day. She focuses her teaching on fostering the confidence to try new things entirely on their own, helping young learners build independence, self-reliance, and pride in their capabilities. When diving into STEM activities, Ms. Destiny’s favorite focus area is Engineering, where she loves watching students build, design, and solve problems creatively. Storytime is always meaningful in her classroom, especially when she shares her favorite book, The Rainbow Fish, to inspire lessons on generosity, kindness, and beauty within.

Ms. Tanesha brings joyful energy and endless creativity to the Bear Room every day. She centers her approach on learning through messy play, big imaginations, and fun, creating an environment where children are free to explore, experiment, and enjoy every moment of hands-on discovery. When diving into STEM activities, Ms. Tanesha’s favorite focus area is Science, where she loves guiding young minds through exciting experiments and active exploration. Storytime in her classroom is always upbeat and interactive, especially when she shares her favorite book, Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes.

Ms. Asya brings steady encouragement and deep care to our classroom community every day. She focuses her teaching on building a safe space to try, fail, and grow, ensuring that every child feels supported and confident as they navigate new challenges, learn from their mistakes, and celebrate their progress.

Merlyn brings vibrant energy and inspiring curiosity to the Giraffe Room every day. Guided by her passion for sparking a curiosity for science and how the world works, she encourages young minds to ask questions, explore their surroundings, and embrace active discovery. When diving into STEM activities, Merlyn’s favorite focus area is Math, turning numbers, shapes, and patterns into exciting, hands-on learning moments. Storytime with Merlyn is always full of fun and rhythm, especially when she shares her favorite book, Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, keeping the classroom grooving and learning together.

Ms. Selene brings warmth, enthusiasm, and dedicated support to the Tiger Room every day. She centers her teaching on helping every child find their own unique voice, encouraging students to express themselves with confidence and embrace who they are. When diving into hands-on learning, Ms. Selene’s favorite part of STEM is Science, where she loves sparking curiosity and encouraging young minds to ask big questions. Storytime is always vibrant and fun in her classroom, especially when she shares her favorite book, Pinkalicious.

Ms. Selena is the lead teacher in our Preschool Cheetahs classroom. She holds her Child Development Associate (CDA) and brings several years of early childhood experience to our center. She is passionate about creating a classroom environment that feels like home—warm, welcoming, and full of engaging, hands-on learning. She loves implementing curriculum that sparks curiosity and helps children explore, create, and grow with confidence. When she’s not teaching, Ms. Selena enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs and relaxing at home with fun game nights. She brings that same joy, energy, and sense of community into her classroom every day.

Ms. Veronica brings warmth, joy, and creative energy to the Cheetah Room every day. She centers her teaching on turning everyday play into a love for learning, showing children that discovering new things is an exciting, natural part of their daily routine. When exploring modern skills, Ms. Veronica’s favorite part of STEM is Technology, where she loves introducing early problem-solving and interactive learning tools. Storytime in her classroom is always delightful and expressively fun, especially when she shares her favorite book, Fancy Nancy.

Ms. Niki brings boundless energy and imaginative teaching to the Tiger Room every day. She centers her approach on fostering creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, inspiring her students to look at problems from new angles and express their ideas freely. When diving into hands-on concepts, Ms. Niki’s favorite part of STEM is Engineering, where she loves watching children design, build, and invent. Storytime is always an interactive, laugh-out-loud experience in her classroom, especially when she shares her favorite classic, Grover's The Monster at the End of This Book.

Ms. Nevaeh brings warmth, inclusion, and thoughtful care to the Bear Room every day. She centers her teaching on learning about the world by celebrating our differences and similarities, helping young children build empathy, self-awareness, and a welcoming community together. When diving into hands-on learning, Ms. Nevaeh’s favorite part of STEM is Science, where she loves guiding students through discoveries about the environment and living things. Storytime in her classroom is always lively and full of rhythm, especially when she shares her favorite classic book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

Ms. Mary brings warmth, encouragement, and support to children across the entire school every day. She centers her role on documenting and celebrating every child’s major milestones and everyday breakthroughs, ensuring that every small victory and big achievement is recognized and cherished. When rotating through the classrooms for hands-on activities, Ms. Mary’s favorite part of STEM is Science, where she loves sparking wonder and active exploration. Storytime is always a cozy favorite when she visits, especially when she shares her favorite book, The Bear Under the Stairs.

As our school chef, Ms. Shelby plays a vital role in supporting high-quality education for every little learner by keeping our students happy, nourished, and ready to learn each day. While she serves our school from the kitchen rather than the classroom, her passion for wholesome food fuels every child's growth and daily routines. Ms. Shelby’s favorite part of STEM is Science—a natural fit for someone who loves the culinary arts and chemistry of cooking! Outside of the kitchen, her favorite read is the Harry Potter series.

Ms. Carmen brings warmth, inclusion, and a strong sense of community to the Cheetah Room every day. She focuses her teaching on creating a classroom family where everyone belongs, ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and connected to their peers. When exploring hands-on learning, Ms. Carmen’s favorite part of STEM is Science, where she loves encouraging curiosity and active discovery. Storytime in her classroom is always special and engaging, especially when she shares her favorite storybook, Abiyoyo.

Ms. Paige brings structure, warmth, and consistency to the Kangaroo Room every day. She centers her approach on keeping a predictable daily routine where children know what to expect, creating a reassuring environment that helps young learners feel secure, confident, and ready to explore. When diving into STEM activities, Ms. Paige’s favorite focus area is Science, where she loves guiding students through hands-on observations and exciting experiments. Storytime in her classroom is always full of fun and laughter, especially when she shares her favorite picture book, Peanut Butter & Cupcake.

Ms. Sydney brings creative energy and enthusiastic care to the Meerkat Room every day. She centers her teaching on introducing students to a world of creativity and exploration, helping young learners ask questions, try new ideas, and discover the wonder in everything around them. When diving into hands-on learning, Ms. Sydney’s favorite part of STEM is Science, where she loves sparking curiosity and encouraging active investigation. Storytime in her classroom is always lively and full of rhythm, especially when she shares her favorite classic, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

Ms. Ikhlas brings continuous warmth, encouragement, and care to the Giraffe Room every day. She centers her teaching on making sure every child leaves the classroom with a smile and a sense of pride, fostering an environment where small accomplishments are celebrated and every student feels valued. When diving into STEM activities, Ms. Ikhlas’s favorite focus area is Math, helping children discover patterns, counting, and problem-solving through interactive play. Storytime in her classroom is always upbeat and engaging, especially when she shares her favorite book, Little Blue Truck.