Our Goddard School Teachers

Mike and Nini Sokol are the owners / onsite operators of The Goddard School of Blaine, our communities 2020-25 Reader’s Choice #1 Preschool. They believe that children deserve the best chance for success in school and in life, and that begins with a high-quality early childhood education from loving teachers. They started the preschool with a vision to put children first in all that they do while creating a safe, loving, and enriching school where every child can thrive. Mike received his MBA from Carlson, and Nini her finance degree from St. Thomas. They live in Blaine with their 3 children: Isaac, Asher and Elin. Mike’s experience as an educator includes: adult learning at Best Buy and the U of MN, and non-profit experience in primary and secondary education. Mike and Nini are actively involved in Blaine through: Rotary, board of directors and coaches for youth sports, and sponsors for 5x Blaine youth sports. Mike and Nini look forward to welcoming you to our Goddard family!

Ms. Snow is the Director of Operations at The Goddard School of Blaine and brings over 15 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a post-graduate diploma in Computer Applications, a Child Development Certificate, and Director’s Credentials from MnAEYC. With a strong background in both business and child development, Ms. Snow leads with a focus on quality, collaboration, and care. She is committed to supporting teachers, fostering a positive school culture, and ensuring every child has a joyful, meaningful learning experience. Originally from India and now proudly serving families in Blaine, Minnesota, Ms. Snow speaks five languages and enjoys cooking, playing basketball and pickleball, and spending time with her husband, son, two cats (Coco and Ginger), and puppy (Oreo). Ms. Snow looks forward to working closely with your family and supporting each child’s confidence, curiosity, and love of learning.

Mr. Felix is the Operations Manager at The Goddard School of Blaine, bringing over 10 years of combined experience in retail and healthcare to the world of early childhood education. He holds a degree in Nutrition Dietetics from the University of Minnesota and is passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and safe, nurturing environments for children. As a proud father of two, he values the role nutrition and active living play in helping children thrive. In his free time, Mr. Felix enjoys producing music (soundcloud.com/djsirf), DJing, cheering on the Vikings and Timberwolves, and exploring the outdoors with his family. He is excited to serve families in the Blaine community and help create a joyful, supportive learning environment.

Ms. Laura is a passionate early childhood educator at The Goddard School of Blaine, with a degree in Education from Hamline University and over two decades of classroom experience. She began her teaching journey in 1995, inspired by her love for children and learning. A proud mom of three adult children—one currently at Virginia Tech—and soon-to-be mother-in-law, Laura enjoys crafting, flower gardening, and home improvement projects with her husband. She also shares her home with two playful Australian Labradoodles, Beamer and Bentley. Ms. Laura is excited to bring her nurturing spirit and lifelong love of learning to every child and family she works with at Goddard.

Ms. Amber brings nearly 20 years of experience in early childhood education to her role at The Goddard School of Blaine. A proud graduate of the University of Minnesota, she earned her degree in Child Psychology in 2005. Since 2007, she has worked in various roles including Lead Teacher, Kitchen Manager, Health and Safety Coordinator, and Mentor Teacher. As a 4th generation educator, Ms. Amber has always been passionate about fostering a love of learning in young children. Her approach centers on supporting each child’s emotional and mental well-being, creating a nurturing and responsive classroom environment. Ms. Amber has lived in the Blaine community for over a decade with her husband Nick and their three children—Scarlett, Oakley, and Lux. She’s been with The Goddard School of Blaine since before its opening in 2020, making her a familiar and trusted presence within the school. Ms. Amber is excited to partner with families to support every child’s growth, confidence, and joy.

Ms. Kari brings over 25 years of experience in early childhood education to her role at The Goddard School of Blaine. With a passion for high-quality care, she is especially focused on promoting hands-on enrichment to create a nurturing and engaging environment for children to grow and thrive. She loves being part of a school that values professional development, strong family partnerships, and child-centered learning. Ms. Kari has been married to her husband Dustin for 19 years, and together they have three wonderful children—Landin, Levi, and Delaney. Outside of school, Ms. Kari enjoys spending time outdoors, watching her kids’ sports and hobbies like dirt biking, gymnastics, and baseball. She also loves karaoke, visiting wineries, hiking, and going to concerts with friends. Ms. Kari is excited to get to know the families at The Goddard School of Blaine and is dedicated to creating meaningful relationships and supporting each child’s journey through early childhood education.

Ms. Madison brings years of kitchen experience to her role as Kitchen Aide at The Goddard School of Blaine, where she has supported the team since 2023. A Blaine resident since 2016, she is CPR certified and passionate about supporting early childhood education by ensuring every child is well-fed in a safe, nurturing environment. Inspired by her son and her mother, a former preschool teacher, Ms. Madison loves building connections with children and families. She is eager to get to know families and build connections within the community of Blaine!

Ms. Katelyn is a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School of Blaine with over three years of experience in early childhood education, specifically with toddlers and infants. She has a strong background in nannying and babysitting and is proud to follow in the footsteps of her mother and sister, who also worked in childcare. She studied Music Education at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and enjoys singing, dancing, and traveling. Her favorite children’s book is No, David, No! Ms. Katelyn is excited to help infants grow and thrive, while filling each day with play, love, and joyful moments.

Ms. Lynn is an Assistant Teacher at The Goddard School of Blaine, bringing over seven years of experience in early childhood education. After more than 20 years in the banking industry, she followed her heart into childcare and has worked with infants through preschoolers. Her favorite age group is infants—she especially loves hearing their sweet giggles. She holds an Early Childhood Education Certificate from Rasmussen College. A proud mom of two, she enjoys cheering on the Vikings, listening to Prince, and bowling with her close friends. Ms. Lynn is excited to help children grow and thrive in a nurturing, engaging environment.

Ms. Nohemi is an Infant Classroom Aide at The Goddard School of Blaine. Originally from Veracruz, Mexico, she is a proud mother of three and enjoys spending time with her family, especially cheering on her son at Twin Cities Rush Soccer Club games. Ms. Nohemi is passionate about supporting infants and dreams of one day owning a farm and growing her own food. She is thrilled to be a part of your child’s early development and is committed to helping them grow into the very best version of themselves!

Ms. Alejandra is a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School of Blaine, currently working toward her CDA and bringing hands-on experience from her previous roles as a nanny. She brings over a year of experience to the toddler pod. Ms. Alejandra is passionate about early childhood education and creating a nurturing environment for young children. Outside of school, she loves exploring local parks with her daughter Olivia and their pug. Ms. Alejandra is excited to connect with families and help children thrive.

Ms. Amanda is a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School of Blaine with nearly a decade of experience in early childhood education. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Minnesota and began her teaching journey in 2016. A lifelong caregiver, she started babysitting as a teen and continues to love working with young children. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family and her two cats, Simba and Nala. Ms. Amanda is excited to help children grow into confident, capable individuals, building the skills they need for lifelong learning and development.

Ms. Sarah is a Lead Teacher in the First Steps classroom at The Goddard School of Blaine, bringing over 13 years of experience in early childhood education. She is passionate about supporting infants and creating a nurturing, engaging environment. Outside of school, Ms. Sarah enjoys beach days, park outings, and watching football and UFC with her family of five. She looks forward to spending time with infants, supporting their growth, and watching their smiles and unique personalities shine each day.

Ms. Hannah is a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School of Blaine, bringing over a year of experience in early childhood education. She is CPR/First Aid certified and passionate about creating a joyful, engaging learning environment for young children. A lifelong Minnesotan, Ms. Hannah grew up dancing competitively and later found passion in racing snowmobiles with her brother. Her favorite children’s book is 5 Little Monkeys because it makes the children laugh and giggle. She's ecstatic to engage with children through play and help them grow into curious, confident thriving little learners!

Ms. Katie holds a degree in Elementary Education and will soon be receiving her teaching license, with the goal of becoming a kindergarten teacher. She has worked with children throughout her life and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of learners. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, and looks forward to traveling to Florence with her fiancé. Ms. Katie is thrilled to be part of The Goddard School of Blaine and looks forward to helping children grow and develop into their best selves!

Ms. Jasmine is from Blaine, Minnesota, and brings three years of early childhood education experience to The Goddard School. A Blaine High School graduate, she’s always had a passion for helping young learners grow and thrive. As the oldest of eight siblings, Ms. Jasmine gained valuable experience caring for children of all ages from a young age. Outside of the classroom, she coaches cheerleading at Blaine High School and Roosevelt Middle School. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, her boyfriend, and her dog, Aurora. Ms. Jasmine is thrilled to join the Goddard School community and is passionate about nurturing the growth and development of young children.

Ms. Paige has been working in early childhood education since graduating high school and brings years of experience and enthusiasm to The Goddard School. Growing up around her mom’s in-home daycare, she developed a love for working with children at an early age. She currently lives with her boyfriend of seven years and their pets—two dogs, Barry and Winnie, and a cat named Darla. In her free time, Ms. Paige enjoys pottery, baking, cooking, and organizing her home. She often spends weekends babysitting and hosting sleepovers for children who once attended her mom’s daycare. She also loves exploring local activities and play areas with them. A travel enthusiast, she hopes to one day visit beautiful places like Finland, the Maldives, Tokyo, or India. Ms. Paige is excited to be part of the Goddard family and looks forward to helping children learn, grow, and thrive in a nurturing environment.

Ms. Amber recently moved to Blaine from a small town in Iowa and brings over four years of experience as a special needs aide in elementary education to her role as an Aide in the Get Set classroom at The Goddard School of Blaine. She discovered her passion for teaching in Iowa and has loved watching children grow and learn ever since. Ms. Amber enjoys building meaningful connections with her students—nothing brightens her day more than hearing, “Miss Amber is here!” each morning. Outside of the classroom, she loves all forms of art, especially drawing and painting, and enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and camping. Her favorite children’s books are anything by Dr. Seuss, whose stories inspire imagination and offer valuable lessons. One of her dreams is to travel the country in a van and explore the world. Ms. Amber is enthusiastic about engaging with children and helping to nurture their growth and development.

Ms. Tasha brings over 13 years of early childhood education experience to her role at The Goddard School of Blaine, supporting both the toddler and preschool programs. She specializes in social-emotional development, potty training, and creating nurturing learning environments. Her favorite book to share is When Things Don’t Go Right, Go Left. Ms. Tasha is eager to support children's growth an learning while helping toddlers reach important developmental milestones.

Ms. Nan is an Assistant Teacher at The Goddard School of Blaine, bringing years of childcare experience to her role in early childhood education. Her passion for nurturing young minds began early, helping her mother run an in-home daycare. She has worked with children of all ages and is known for her ability to tailor her care to meet each child’s unique needs. Nan holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology, with a minor in Psychology, from Minnesota State University Moorhead. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, cooking, watching movies, and cheering on the Packers, Vikings, and Timberwolves. Ms. Nan is dedicated to creating a caring, supportive environment where every child can thrive and grow.

Ms. Sami brings nearly 8 years of early childhood education experience to The Goddard School of Blaine. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked as a Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, and Director. While she valued her time in leadership, she returned to the classroom to make a more direct impact on children’s growth and enjoy more time with her family. Outside of school, Sami loves being a mom to her daughter Luna and spending time with family. She enjoys going to baseball games (Go Twins!), road trips, antiquing, and being outdoors. She’s also an avid reader and enjoys writing book reviews and participating in book clubs. Ms. Sami is excited to be part of the Goddard Blaine team and looks forward to creating a nurturing classroom where children community can learn, grow and thrive.

Ms. Kim is a Lead Teacher Float within the Pre-K pod. She is excited to join The Goddard School of Blaine family. Born in Vietnam and raised in Minnesota, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Development from the University of Minnesota. She is a proud mom to her 11-month-old daughter, Violet, and pet owner to a dog, Frank, and cat, Rose. In her free time, Ms. Kim enjoys traveling, cheering for the Vikings, discovering new Minnesota eateries, and spending summer days on the lake. She looks forward to partnering with families and brightening each day with the smiles of happy, thriving children!

Ms. Courtney brings over seven years of experience in early childhood education to her role at The Goddard School, including time as a Kindergarten teacher and a K–5 substitute teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a STEM certificate. Her favorite children’s book is If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and she loves creating fun, engaging learning moments with her students. Outside of school, she enjoys relaxing at her cabin, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. Ms. Courtney is excited to share her passion for early childhood education with the Blaine community and looks forward to bringing joy, laughter, and meaningful learning experiences to your children every day.

Ms. Joy is an Assistant Teacher at The Goddard School of Blaine, bringing a vibrant background in the arts, education, and customer service. Originally from Georgia, she moved to Minnesota in 2021 for new opportunities and growth. She studied Esthiology at the Aveda Arts and Science Institute and has over four years of leadership experience in customer service. Joy has taught West African music and dance at the elementary level and has performed in choirs and dance groups for over a decade. She loves bringing creativity, movement, and joy into the classroom and is excited to inspire children and create an engaging learning environment.

Ms. Mary brings over nine years of preschool teaching experience to The Goddard School of Blaine. With a background in elementary education from the University of St. Thomas and early childhood education from Concordia University, she discovered her passion for working with young children early on. She taught third grade for three years and found her true joy in supporting children’s development during their early learning years. In her free time, she enjoys singing at church, reading historical fiction, baking, going for walks, and spending time with friends over coffee or board games. Ms. Mary is thrilled to join The Goddard School family, where she looks forward to inspiring young minds and supporting each child’s growth and development.

Ms. Cayla is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Blaine. As a Lead Teacher in the Pre-K pod, she and brings over 8 years of experience working with children. Originally from Zimmerman, Minnesota, she holds a degree in Child and Adult Care Education and Paraprofessional Studies from St. Cloud Technical and Community College. She is currently pursuing her B.A. in Early Childhood Education (Birth–3rd Grade) at Southwest State University with the goal of becoming a kindergarten teacher. Cayla has always had a passion for teaching and learning and values creating a supportive, nurturing classroom environment. In her free time—between full-time work and full-time school—she enjoys watching hockey, being outdoors in every season, and spending time with friends and family. Ms. Cayla is thrilled to help children thrive and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with the families at The Goddard School of Blaine.

Ms. Sabrina is an Experienced Aide at The Goddard School, bringing over two years of experience in early childhood education. She supports the preschool and pre-kindergarten classrooms, working with children ages 3 to 4. Originally from Blaine, she holds a high school diploma from Blaine High School and is certified in First Aid. Her background includes caring for children with special needs at Adventures Plus in Eisenhower Elementary. Sabrina’s passion for child development began in her teenage years through babysitting. Her favorite childhood books include If You Think There’s Nothing to Do by Dr. Seuss and Curious George Makes Maple Syrup. Outside the classroom, she enjoys pickleball, biking, tennis, and running. Ms. Sabrina is excited to continue building strong connections with families and supporting the growth of every child at The Goddard School of Blaine.

Ms. Sylvia is a Lead Teacher Float in the Pre-K pod, and holds a B.S. in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota and brings a diverse background in education, language services, and community outreach to The Goddard School of Blaine. She began her teaching career in 1993 with St. Paul Public Schools, working with 1st and 2nd grade students and teaching ESL to Vietnamese immigrants. She later became a certified Vietnamese medical interpreter and worked with Minnesota Language Connection, then served as a Program and Engagement Coordinator with Vietnamese Social Services. Ms. Sylvia lives in Blaine and enjoys reading, storytelling, tutoring her nephews, spending time outdoors, and cooking for family and friends. She is honored to be part of the Goddard family and looks forward to fostering a nurturing, inclusive environment while building strong relationships with children and families in the Blaine community.

Ms. BJ is a Lead Teacher in the Llamas classroom. She brings years of experience with a rich, diverse background to The Goddard School of Blaine. Born in the UK with Indian roots, she holds a degree in English and a Master’s in Journalism. Her true passion is nurturing young minds, fostering creativity, and helping children grow into kind, caring global citizens. Outside of teaching, Ms. BJ enjoys traveling with her family, spending time with friends, and taking long walks with her dog. She’s passionate about nurturing young minds and is dedicated to making a meaningful, lasting impact on children’s early learning and development.

Ms. Sophie is currently an Assistant Teacher in the Pre-K pod. She grew up in Ramsey, Minnesota, and is currently pursuing a degree in Exercise Science at the University of Kansas. She has a passion for early childhood education and loves watching children grow and thrive. Outside of Goddard, Ms. Sophie works as a swim instructor. In her free time, she enjoys frisbee golfing, reading, cooking, and attending sports events. She is excited to join The Goddard School family and build meaningful connections with children and families.

Ms. Kathryn is an experienced early childhood educator with over 30 years teaching in pre-K, kindergarten, and elementary classrooms. Born and raised in Duluth, she started her family and career there before moving to Blaine with her husband, Peter, to raise their two children, Ben and Ailee, in the north metro area. Passionate about nurturing young learners, Ms. Kathryn enjoys gardening, cooking, baking, and walking her dog, Angus. She is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Blaine and instill her years of teaching experience and wisdom into the children within the Blaine community.

Ms. Melissa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and brings a passion for early learning and inclusive classroom practices to The Goddard School of Blaine. She is especially dedicated to integrating special education strategies and creating interactive, hands-on experiences that help children build foundational life skills. Melissa is a proud mom of three boys and is married to her junior high sweetheart. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, trying new cultural recipes, and spending quality time with her family. She is also an advocate for autism awareness and enjoys educating others on the importance of inclusion. Ms. Melissa is excited to be part of the Goddard Blaine team and looks forward to fostering a positive, supportive environment for every child.

Ms. Taylor is an aide in early childhood education serving families in Blaine. With over a year of experience working with toddlers, she discovered her passion for teaching after completing childcare courses and babysitting throughout high school. She loves supporting children as they reach new milestones. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, ice skating, and being outdoors. Ms. Taylor looks forward to supporting your children as they learn, grow, and reach important developmental milestones.

Ms. Karissa joins The Goddard School of Blaine as a Lead Teacher, bringing a background in psychology and hands-on experience working with children in mental health clinics, as a paraprofessional, and as a substitute teacher. She is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and thrive. Outside the classroom, Ms. Karissa enjoys crafting, swing dancing, and spending time with her husband, Cam, their 8-month-old son, Micah, their dog Jet, and cat Ace. The family loves golfing, hiking, kayaking, and cheering for the Minnesota Vikings. Ms. Karissa is thrilled to join the Goddard community and looks forward to guiding each child as they grow, learn, and reach their fullest potential.

Ms. Elizabeth brings over eight years of early childhood education experience to her role as Lead Preschool Teacher at The Goddard School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Dakota. With a strong background in curriculum implementation and experience as an education coach, Elizabeth is committed to creating a nurturing preschool learning environment rooted in kindness, compassion, and child development. Inspired by her own teachers, she strives to spark curiosity and confidence in every learner. Ms. Elizabeth is excited to help children in the community thrive and grow while building lasting, meaningful relationships.