Our Goddard School Teachers

Meet your on-site owner of The Goddard School® in Brooklyn Park, Tina Joens. Tina has worked in the Early Childhood field for over 30 years. In 1988 she began her career in the military with her husband, where they were stationed in England. She has worked all over the country in Military Child Development Centers. Tina earned her Child Development Associate degree in 1991 at Boise State University. In 1996 Tina and family (daughter, Jordyn, husband David) moved from New Mexico back to Minnesota. Since that time she has worked in several corporate centers in the metro area and also managed her own home childcare program for 5 years. She looks forward to working with all the children, parents, and staff to provide the best education for the children at The Goddard School.

Hello, I am Miss Erin! I have worked in childcare since 2016, with experience ranging from infancy to pre-kindergarten and management. I earned an Associate of Arts degree from Anoka Ramsey Community College and continued my studies at Southwest Minnesota State University. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dogs, Luna and Roxanne, reading, hiking, and being with my friends.

My name is Janelle, and I have been working with children since 2013 in Early Childhood Programs. I initially joined the Goddard team for the 2016 school year. My previous work experience included over 13 years of selling books, which helped me solidify my love of reading and sparked my passion for getting kids excited about reading. I hold an Associate of Arts degree, as well as a previous pursuit of a degree in Graphic Design. My passion for art has translated well into the classroom. I enjoy working as a Curriculum Coordinator here at Goddard, where I help our teachers grow in their knowledge and experience.

My name is Jereline. I have been working with children for quite a while. While in high school, I started working at the Adventure Club in the Robbinsdale district and subsequently became an Education Assistant (EA). I saw that I loved working with children, so I decided to get a teaching degree after high school. After college, I worked at PICA (Parents In Community Action) Head Start. I enjoy interacting with children and making learning a fun experience. I joined the Goddard Team in 2022 as a Pre-K Red Lead Teacher. Currently, I work as a Health and Safety Coordinator, ensuring that we comply with state regulations. Also, ensuring that children's allergies, medication, and files are up to date. I love that I can still interact with the children.

Ms. Susan has been with Goddard for four years, starting in the Preschool classroom and then transitioning to the Kitchen Manager position. Susan graduated from the College of St. Catherine with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. She has 20 years of experience teaching preschool through high school, and is also a mom herself. Susan has taught across the country, from Minnesota in the north to New Mexico in the south. She loves catering to the unique educational needs of each child.

My name is Betty. I have been married for over 15 years to my wonderful husband, Ben, and we have four children together. I have been working in childcare since 2020, and I very much enjoy working with children and exploring new things with them. I previously worked at 3Rs, where my passion for kids grew even stronger. My hobbies include cooking, exercising, and singing. I am happy to be part of the Goddard team. My goal is to provide the children with a friendly and safe environment in which to learn.

Hello! My name is Caylee. I have been working with children since I was a young teenager. My family ran an in-home daycare center, where I discovered my passion for working with kids. I later worked at Elm Creek Elementary before finding my home at Goddard. I plan to return to school soon to obtain a degree in Childhood Administration, having already studied early childhood development and psychology. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, painting, and collecting rocks!

Hello, my name is Yulisa! I have been working with children as a babysitter since 2020. I started at Goddard in the summer of 2025. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, and playing with my two cats, Kirby and Obi. I am committed to providing a nurturing environment with the patience every child deserves, and I'm excited to watch their minds grow and learn every day!

Ms. Heather is originally from a small town in southeastern Minnesota, where she grew up on a farm with her parents and two sisters, one of whom is her identical twin sister. Ms. Heather earned her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Winona State University and has worked in childcare centers since 2007. Most of her experience is in caring for infants. Ms. Heather has been married since 2008, has one daughter, born in 2014, and owns a dog, a Chow Chow Lab mix.

Ms. Anitra has been in the teaching field since 2001. She attended Hennepin Technical College and received a degree in Child Development in 2002. Anitra's experience at Goddard started in the Infant Room in August 2010. It is her passion to care for children and watch them learn and grow. Each new day is fascinating as she gets to know the uniqueness of each child.

Hello, my name is Ms.Trinity, and I have been working in childcare since 2019. I am attending NHCC part-time and working towards my degree in Elementary Education. A few of my hobbies include spending time with friends and family, playing softball, and exploring new places!

My name is Ms. Mj, and I have been working with kids for 4+ years. I started working at Goddard School in the fall of 2025. Before that, I worked at a summer camp for kids, as well as babysitting. I discovered my love for working with kids during my early teenage years, after volunteering a few times with my mom. I'm excited to meet and make a positive impact on these kids' lives, and to watch them grow in their early years. In my free time, I love to work on art projects and go out with friends and family or play with my three cats, Dingle, Berry, and Sticks.

Hi, I'm Emily! I am the Toddler B teacher. I have been working in childcare since 2022, half of that time at The Goddard School! I have worked with many different age groups, but genuinely love the Toddler age! In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, doing arts and crafts, or trying new places to eat!

Hello, my name is Ms. Ari, and I have been in childcare since 2023. I come from an educator family and plan on being a teacher or a child therapist. I will be providing support throughout the school. I'm very excited to meet and work with all the kids to help them become the best they can be!

Hi, my name is Ms. Kelsey! I have been working with young children as a nanny/babysitter since 2019, and I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Developmental Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Some of my hobbies are crafting, reading, and enjoying the outdoors. I am excited to see the children grow and learn!

Hello, my name is Mrs. Dinah! I began working in childcare in 2013 as a kindergarten teacher. After five years, I moved into a management role allowing me to work with ages 6 weeks to 10 years. I graduated from St Cloud State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two children, Terry and Zelda. I also enjoy coffee, going on walks, and playing games on my Switch.

Based in Minneapolis, Ms. Marqesha brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education to The Goddard School of Brooklyn Park. She has served as both a head teacher and a teacher aide, and holds certifications in CPR and a background in CDA. Families love Ms. Marqesha’s warm, nurturing presence and the genuine care she shows each child. Outside the classroom, she enjoys volunteering at her church, spending time with her grandkids and daughters, and traveling. Ms. Marqesha is passionate about helping young children grow and thrive, and she looks forward to building strong, lasting relationships with every family she meets.

My name is Daija, and this is my first teaching job! My career goal in life is to be an entrepreneur, but I’m delighted to be working with the Goddard School as I finish my education. My hobbies are crocheting, singing, and spreading knowledge.

Hi, my name is Miss Wendy. Since high school, I have enjoyed working with children. I was a TA to some of my favorite teachers. I graduated from Cornell College with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I enjoy reading a good book with a nice cup of coffee. I also enjoy learning new things. I am currently trying to learn ASL. My goal is to get my master's in special education. I believe working with children in early childhood development will help me better understand how to teach developing minds. I am excited to be part of the learning journey here at Goddard.

Hi, my name is Angel! My hobbies are reading, painting, meditating, and writing. I began my career in childcare in the spring of 2020, when I became a nanny. Currently, I am studying criminal justice at Southern New Hampshire University. My goal is to become a social worker and, subsequently, a child therapist. Working with the kids at Goddard is a great way to prepare me for my future career path. I believe that children are the future, and we must nurture and cater to their needs, implanting seeds of wisdom in their minds, so that they may become great leaders. The environment at Goddard is very welcoming, and I love working with the staff and students.

Howdy, I am CJ. I've been in childcare since 2024. I taught SPED for 2 years while studying to be a dental assistant. Once I received my degree, I moved to Minnesota to further my education. I have no children of my own, but I am the proud father of a fur baby, Eva. I like to spend my free time fishing and rescuing animals.

Ms. Laure graduated from the University of Eau Claire with a degree in Elementary Education. After staying with her kids while they were young, she began substitute teaching in the Osseo School District and part-time at The Goddard School in 2006. She realized her true passion was working with younger ages and began working full-time at the Goddard School in August 2012. Laure also works in restaurant management training for new managers. In her spare time, Laure loves reading, working out, and watching almost any kind of sport! She has two wonderful children and is very glad to be teaching here!

Hello, I’m Ms. Megan. I have been working with kids since 2024.  Some of my family and friends are educators. I am in college, working on obtaining my business degree. I am very excited to get to know all of the little ones and watch them grow.

Ms. Ray has recently joined The Goddard School as a part-time float/teacher's aid. Ms. Ray is from a small town in Wyoming, and she moved here permanently recently. She's been in the Brooklyn Park area for the last few years during the summer months. When she was here in the summer, she worked at an in-home daycare just down the road. She enjoys spending time with the kids, making them giggle and smile, and creating a high-energy, positive environment. Outside of The Goddard School, Ms. Ray enjoys spending time outside, going on hikes, camping, and of course, shopping.