Our Goddard School 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.

Ms. Taylor is the Director at The Goddard School on Oakmont Street. She has been with Goddard For 5 Years. Ms. Taylor previously served as a Lead Infant Teacher before transitioning into an administrative leadership role, where she supports both families and staff in creating a positive, nurturing learning environment. She holds a degree in Music Therapy from UMKC and brings over 8 years of experience working with children. In her role, she focuses on child development, health, and safety, and is proud that the Oakmont Street location has earned two consecutive perfect health and safety inspections! Ms. Taylor is passionate about building strong relationships with families and feels honored to support each child’s early learning journey.

Ms. Breanna is the Assistant Director at The Goddard School. She has been with Goddard For 3 Years. Originally from North Carolina, she brings a strong passion for early childhood education and a creative, hands-on approach to learning. Outside of Goddard, Ms. Breanna enjoys being a mom, building Lego creations, and relaxing with her family. In her role, she is dedicated to fostering interactive experiences that encourage children to explore, learn, and master new skills in a fun and meaningful way. Ms. Breanna looks forward to meeting your family!

Ms. Kristen is our STEAM lead at The Goddard School (Oakmont)! She has been with Goddard for 8 Years. Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she moved to Kansas in May 2016 and loves being in Kansas City. Ms. Kristen holds her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ and graduated from Connections Academy. In the classrooms, she focuses on providing engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that keep students actively learning throughout the day. Ms. Kristen looks forward to partnering with families to support each child’s growth and development.

Ms. Valentine joined our Goddard team in 2026 as the Lead Infant Teacher. She brings over six years of experience working with children, with much of her expertise focused on infants and toddlers. She has a passion for infant development and loves creating an organized, nurturing environment where little ones can learn and grow. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Valentine enjoys reading and playing video games. She is excited to get to know your family and looks forward to meeting your little one!

Ms. Mary is a Teacher in our Sweet Peas (Infant) classroom. She has been with Goddard For 5 Years. Ms. Mary enjoys arts and crafts and loves incorporating her creativity into classroom activities. She has obtained many certificates in early childhood education, adding to her years of experience working with young children. In the classroom, she focuses on providing engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that support infant growth and learning throughout the day. Ms. Mary looks forward to meeting your family!

Ms. Shaquita is an Assistant Teacher in our Sweet Peas (Infant) classroom and has been at Goddard Since 2025. Ms. Shaquita brings 12 years of experience working with children and is passionate about helping little ones learn, grow, and explore. In the classroom, she encourages curiosity and hands-on discovery while fostering a love of learning in every infant. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with an Associate in Science and enjoys spending time outdoors, especially going on nature walks. Ms. Shaquita looks forward to meeting your family and being part of your child’s daily learning and discovery.

Ms. Ellie joined The Goddard School (Oakmont) in 2026 and is our Lead Teacher in the Ladybugs classroom, working with our one-year-olds. She brings five years of childcare experience to our team and has a passion for creating hands-on learning experiences that encourage children to explore, discover, and have fun while learning. Ms. Ellie grew up surrounded by animals and the joys of farm life. She also has family in Switzerland! Ms. Ellie is excited to get to know your family and looks forward to watching your little one learn and grow!

Ms. Lamanique is the Assistant Teacher in our Lady Bugs (1-Year-Old) classroom. She has been with Goddard For 8 Years. Ms. Lamanique is actively pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at Johnson County Community College. In the classroom, she focuses on providing engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that encourage exploration and learning. Ms. Lamanique looks forward to meeting your family and supporting your child’s growth and development.

Ms. Maleigha joined The Goddard School team in 2025 and brings over eight years of childcare experience with her. Originally from St. Louis, she has a passion for working with toddlers and loves creating fun, hands-on art projects that give children the opportunity to explore, experiment, and express their creativity. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Maleigha enjoys watching anime and spending time doing the things she loves. She is excited to help your little one learn, grow, and discover new things each day!

Ms. Krista has been part of The Goddard School of Overland Park since November 2021 and is a teacher in our Morning Glories classroom, working with our toddlers. She is passionate about supporting children as they explore, learn, and grow, and loves creating a warm and engaging environment where little ones feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Ms. Krista has a special connection to The Goddard School—her daughter is a Goddard graduate! Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, going on walks, and riding her scooter. She looks forward to getting to know your family and helping your little one thrive!

Ms. Emily is the Assistant Teacher in our Morning Glories (Toddler/Twos) classroom. She has been at Goddard for 1 year. Ms. Emily brings several years of experience caring for young children and has a passion for working with our youngest learners. In the classroom, she focuses on providing engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that support early learning and growth. Ms. Emily looks forward to building lasting connections with both children and their families.

Ms. Gracie is our Honeybees Lead Teacher and joined Goddard in 2025. Ms. Grace brings 6 years of experience working with children, including daycare, elementary special education, and summer nannying. In her role, she supports each child’s unique learning needs while encouraging curiosity, confidence, and a love of discovery. She is currently pursuing a Liberal Arts degree at JCCC and hopes to continue her studies in wildlife conservation. Fun fact: in high school, she received a free trip to Australia thanks to a recommendation she gave to a design company! Ms. Grace looks forward to partnering with your family.

Ms. Natalie is the newest member of The Goddard School team! She joins us as an Assistant Teacher in our Honeybees classroom and brings three years of childcare experience with her. She is excited to be part of our team and looks forward to supporting our students as they learn, explore, and grow each day. Ms. Natalie is looking forward to getting to know your family and helping make your little one’s time at Goddard a wonderful experience!

Ms. Jaylen brings eight years of childcare experience to The Goddard School and is our Lead Teacher in the Sunflowers classroom. Originally from St. Louis, she has a passion for creating exciting learning experiences that encourage children to explore, wonder, and ask questions. Ms. Jaylen especially enjoys creating hands-on science activities and getting children’s minds “whirring” as they discover how and why things work. She loves encouraging curiosity and helping children become confident little problem-solvers. She looks forward to getting to know your family and helping your little one learn and grow!

Ms. Afsoon is an Assistant Teacher in our Sunflowers (Preschool) classroom. She has been at Goddard since 2024. Ms. Afsoon brings over 5 years of experience working with children and is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Afsoon enjoys horseback riding and spending time outdoors. She looks forward to meeting your family!

Ms. Baleria is the Lead Teacher in our Park Rangers (Pre-Kindergarten) classroom at The Goddard School. She has been at Goddard since 2024. Originally from Kansas City, Kansas, Ms. Baleria is a licensed Cosmetologist and brings a creative, hands-on approach to her teaching. In the classroom, she loves engaging in play with her students and creating fun, interactive experiences that make learning exciting. Ms. Baleria looks forward to making lasting connections with the children and their families.

Ms. Kate is an Assistant Teacher in our Park Rangers (Pre-Kindergarten) classroom. She has been at Goddard since 2025. Ms. Kate brings five years of experience working with children, primarily as a museum educator, and is passionate about creating a safe, fun, and creative learning environment. In the classroom, she encourages children to explore, ask questions, and discover new skills through hands-on activities and imaginative play. Ms. Kate looks forward to meeting your family and being part of your child’s learning journey.

Chef Ana is the Kitchen Manager at The Goddard School of Overland Park. She has been with Goddard For 5 Years. Chef Ana brings many years of experience in the food industry and has a true passion for both cooking and caring for children. In her role, she prepares nutritious and delicious meals that support healthy growth while making mealtimes fun and enjoyable for every student. Chef Ana enjoys seeing children’s excitement during mealtimes and looks forward to creating meals that bring comfort and joy to the students each day.

Ms. Ivy is a Resource Teacher at The Goddard School on Oakmont and has been at Goddard since 2023. Ms. Ivy is versatile and can support any classroom, providing quality care and guidance wherever it is needed. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Psychology to become a Pediatric Therapist. In the classroom, she encourages children to explore, express themselves, and develop confidence through individualized attention and creative activities. Ms. Ivy looks forward to teaching your child and partnering with your family in their early learning journey.

Ms. Razia has been with us for 8 years 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.