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.

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 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 child development. 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. Originally from North Carolina, she brings a passion for early childhood education and a creative approach to learning. Outside of Goddard, she enjoys being a mom and designing engaging activities and learning centers for our classrooms. Always ready to lend a hand wherever needed, Breanna is dedicated to fostering hands-on, interactive experiences that encourage children to explore, learn, and master new skills in a fun and meaningful way.

Ms. Krista has been part of The Goddard School of Overland Park since November 2021 and is passionate about supporting infants as they explore and grow. She loves creating a warm and engaging environment where little ones can learn and thrive. Her daughter is a Goddard School graduate, and she enjoys spending time with her family, going on walks, and riding her scooter.

Ms. Mary has been working in our infant room, 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 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 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!

Ms. Emily has been with The Goddard School of Overland Park since February 2025. She brings several years of experience caring for infants and toddlers and has a passion for working with our youngest learners. She looks forward to building lasting connections with the children and their families.

Ms. Zaria has been part of The Goddard School of Overland Park and brings a love of music, musicals, and performing to the classroom. She enjoys being in plays herself and uses that energy to create a fun and creative environment for the children. She loves helping little ones explore, laugh, and discover new things every day. Ms. Zaria is excited to share these adventures and her passion for learning with your children.

Ms. Kalie has been part of The Goddard School of Overland Park since November 2024 and has seven years of experience in early childhood education, primarily with 2.5-year-olds. She enjoys guiding children through their transition from infants to toddlers and fostering their growth and independence. She holds an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and is currently pursuing a degree in Film, Media Studies, and Education at UMKC.

Ms. Afsoon has been with The Goddard School of Overland Park since fall of 2024 and is a Teacher in the Sunflowers classroom. She brings over five years of experience working with children and is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys horseback riding and spending time outdoors.

Baleria has been a part of our school since August 2024. She grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, and is currently attending cosmetology school. As a dedicated teacher, she loves bringing out her inner child and engaging in play with her students. Her favorite part of teaching is creating fun, hands-on experiences that make learning exciting. She looks forward to making lasting connections with the children and their families!

Lydia, otherwise known as "Ms. Yaya", joined our Park Rangers (PreK) classroom in November 2024 and has six years of professional childcare experience. Growing up between Northwest Arkansas and rural Iowa, she has both city and country roots. She loves watching children grow and develop into their own unique personalities.

Ms. Kate has been part of The Goddard School of Overland Park since the spring of 2025 and brings five years of experience working with children, primarily as a museum educator. She is passionate about creating a safe, fun, and creative environment for the Park Rangers classroom. She loves helping children explore, learn, and discover new things each day. She looks forward to meeting your family and being part of your child’s learning journey.

Neelam came to Goddard in Fall 2024, bringing many years of experience with her! Her expertise in curriculum implementation, classroom management and child development brings support into the classrooms each and every day. Neelam has 2 children, including a 3 year old at Goddard!

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.

Ms. Ivy has been with us since September 2023 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. Shaquita has been part of The Goddard School of Overland Park since the spring of 2025 and has 12 years of experience working with children. She is passionate about helping little ones learn, grow, and explore. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with an Associate in Science and enjoys spending time outdoors, especially going on nature walks. She looks forward to meeting your family and being part of your child’s daily learning and discovery.

Chef Ana has been with The Goddard School of Overland Park since May 2019 as the Kitchen Manager. She brings many years of experience in the food industry and has a true passion for both cooking and caring for children. She enjoys preparing meals that bring comfort and joy to the students and loves seeing their excitement during mealtimes.