Our Teachers

Shazia Ali is the owner and operator of the Goddard School of Overland Park since 2017 when she purchased the business from her sister! She has experience in administration through other businesses, but discovered a strong connection to childcare which led her to the Goddard Franchise. With a passion for high-quality education and inquiry-based learning, she is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive. She has two daughters and a husband, highly values family time and personal connections, and is looking forward to building a relationship with your family as we embark on the 2024-2025 school year.

Taylor Grooms is our Director here at The Goddard School and she is more than ready to assist your family with any and everything to help your children succeed! Taylor has worked for The Goddard School as the lead infant teacher 2019-2020, and returned to UMKC to graduate with her degree in Music Therapy. She came back to us after graduating, and is thrilled to be part of the administrative team! She has worked with children for 8+ years and is very passionate about doing so, her ultimate future goal is to provide Music Therapy Services in the NICU. Ms. Taylor is excited to meet your family and is eager to work with your child!

Ms. Breanna joined our team in December 2022 and is now our Assistant Director. She is originally from North Carolina and enjoys spending her time being a mom and constructing new activities and centers for her classroom. Breanna is eager to jump in wherever and however she possibly can. She loves implementing and teaching the kids how to explore and accomplish new tasks daily while creating fun hands-on activities for them to complete!

Ms. Mary has been working in our infant room, The Sweet Peas since she joined us in December of 2020. Mary enjoys arts & crafts and she also loves incorporating her hobbies into her classroom activities. Along with her years of experience she has obtained many certificates in early childhood education and is looking forward to implementing what she has learned into her classroom.

Ashley Wellington has been working for the Goddard School of Overland Park since January of 2015. She is the Lead Teacher in the Ladybugs, our Pre-Toddler classroom. Ms. Ashley studied Early Childhood Education at Lane College in Jackson, TN, and continued her Education degree at University of Missouri in Kansas City (UMKC). She looks forward to meeting you and your family.

Ms. Lamanique has been a part of The Goddard School since August of 2015. She is the assistant teacher in the 1-year-old classroom, The Lady Bugs. Lamanique is actively pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at Johnson County Community College. She looks forward to meeting you and teaching your child.

Kristen Duden has been working at the Goddard School of Overland Park since October 2017. She is the lead teacher in the Morning Glories Classroom. Ms.Kristen moved to Kansas from Philadelphia, PA. in May 2016. Kristen graduated from Connections Academy and she has her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credentials™. She provides activities each day throughout the entire day to keep her children constantly engaged and learning. She looks forward to teaching your child!

Hannah Schaffer has been at the Overland Park Goddard School since August of 2017. Ms. Hannah has her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credentials™ and continues to provide love & care for each child that comes into her classroom, she looks forward to meeting you and your family.

Ms. Dasia joined our The Goddard School on Oakmont in October of 2022. She is currently the lead teacher in our Preschool classroom, The Sunflowers. Ms. Dasia is best known for her art projects and hands-on learning approach. She has been teaching for over 9 years and is actively searching for new ideas to implement within her classroom.

Ms. Ivy has been with us since September 2023 where she is primarily our Pre-Kindergarten closing teacher! She is versatile and able to go into each of our classrooms and provide that quality care and support each classroom is needing at any moment. She is currently in school pursuing her Masters in Psychology to become a Pediatric Therapist. She loves working with children and is looking forward to teaching your child.

Ms. Razia has been with us since August 2018 and has many years of experience working with children. She is available to jump into any classroom and provide quality hands-on care for each child. Ms. Razia looks forward to meeting your child and family.

Amanda joined us in December 2022 along with her son who started preschool with us! She graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in Hospitality Management. Amanda has a passion for food prepping, cooking and providing nutritional and delicious meals. She brings a lot to our table and is excited to meet you and your family.