Our 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.

Hi, I'm Steph! I graduated from Rasmussen University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education Leadership, specializing in Child Development. I began working in childcare immediately after graduating from high school. I have worked with all ages, from infants to school agers. I have also worked with children as a nanny and even on Disney Cruise Line! In my free time, I love spending time with my friends and my little rescue dog, Stella.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Hello, my name is Esther Lozano, and I have been working with children as a babysitter since 2019. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, and participating in outdoor activities. I joined the Goddard team in the summer of 2024, and I am excited to see the kids grow and learn new skills. I am committed to helping each child thrive during their early years.

Hi, I'm Ms. Emily. I have been working in childcare since 2023 and have also held many nanny positions. I studied at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Some of my hobbies include spending time with my family and friends,creating art, and being outdoors.

Hi, I'm Irene! I have always had a passion for working with kids, and I spent most of my time babysitting my nieces and nephews. Over the next five years, I aspire to become a registered behavioral therapist, working with nonverbal children with autism to help them navigate the world.

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!

Hello! I am Ms. Alice. I work in the Preschool room! I have been in the childcare industry since 2019. I have my CDA certificate. I love and enjoy learning the knowledge of the early young learners. I am learning with your child and that is the best part. Outside of work, I run my own photography buisness and I enjoy my days with son. I am so excited to meet all the faces of the children and the families that come to The Goddard School!

Hi my name is Sheila! I have been babysitting kids for my whole life! Being around kids is so much fun, they never fail to brighten up your day when you are having a bad day! I love to spend time with my family and friends on my free time.

Hi, My Name is Zenobia Latovia Hampton. Before I came to Goddard School, I worked in coffee for over six years. I chose to work at The Goddard School so that I can determine if I want to pursue a career in elementary education. I've always loved being around kids, and growing up, I was often told that I would make a great teacher one day. Coming to Goddard has helped me decide that I will be attending North Hennepin College for elementary education in the Fall of 2024. I look forward to getting to know your kids!

I've been working in childcare since 2018. I hold an associate's degree in graphic design and am currently pursuing my master's degree in early childhood education. Child development is exciting to me, so I'm grateful for the opportunity to observe the children as they learn and grow.

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!

My name is Jereline. I have been working with children for about 10 years. While in high school, I started working at the Adventure Club in the Robbinsdale district, and then I went on to become an EA (Education Assistant). 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) Headstart. I love interacting with children and making learning fun. One rewarding part of teaching for me is knowing how you can impact a child life positively and knowing that what you have taught them will carry them to the next stage in life. I am excited to be apart of the Goddard family!

Jaila is a full time student at Augsburg University. Jaila has participated in working for her church's Sunday School, babysitting, tutoring, and being a nanny. She loves being around children and has experience working with children of all ages, from infants to teens. Jaila is looking forward to the involvement and opportunities working with the amazing staff and young ones at Goddard!

Ms. Mikayla is currently enrolled at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and working towards her nursing degree. Mikayla became teacher-qualified in 2018 and has worked at daycare centers for the past five years, caring for infants through School-Age Children. Her favorite age/stage is the "New Toddler" time, because they are rapidly building their communication skills and outgrowing their infant stage.

Off-Site School Owner

Ms. Patricia is a graduate from Rasmussen College and the recipient of a Certificate with Honors in Early Childhood education. She was placed on the Dean's list for Academic Achievement in 2020. She taught at Grove Town Basic School, the same school that she attended as a kindergarten student in Jamaica. She likes to play the guitar, sing and write music. Children need motivation to learn and achieve academic success and it is her intention to provide them with the best learning experience possible. She is currently working as a preschool teacher with a goal of pursuing further professional development as a Special Education Teacher.

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.

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 Graphic Design degree. My passion for art has translated well into the classroom. I love working with the Preschool and Pre-K program here at Goddard, creating a safe environment for kids to explore their feelings.