Our Teachers

Hello Parents and Parents to Be! I’m the proud On-site owner of The Goddard School in Edina. l graduated from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Cell Biology and a minor in Finance. After working in the pharmaceutical industry for 5 years and becoming a mother to our first child, we decided to relocate to Minnesota. Minnesota has been my home now for over 15 years. I have 3 amazing children and am proud of all their academic and extracurricular accomplishments. I value the importance to make learning fun and to encourage social and emotional growth in order for future success in school, college, and in life beyond. As an avid volunteer in our schools and community, I have instilled compassion and empathy in my children and have shared with them the importance of sharing and caring for others. I am committed to partnering with every parent in the Goddard family, so your children can grow and learn in a safe, loving, and encouraging environment!

Hi I'm Ms Maria! I'm from Portugal and I recently moved to Minnesota to follow my passion in teaching Early Childhood Education. I have a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology, but my ultimate goal is to always work as an Educator and help children thrive. I couldn't be more excited to join the Goddard School of Edina team in honoring each child's individuality and supporting and nurturing their development. I look forward to meeting all our families!

Hello! My name is Cal and I am very excited to be working at The Goddard School in Edina. I have been working in Early Childhood for a little over 7 years and I have enjoyed it immensely. I have been lucky enough to work in both infant rooms and am now working as the Assistant Director to provide all families with a easy and wonderful experience as soon as they walk through the door. I am also currently working towards getting a degree in Biology. I am married and have the sweetest little cat named Sora. In my free time I enjoy reading, writing, exercising, and playing sports. My favorite color is yellow and my favorite food is Native American tacos! I am thrilled to be a part of the Goddard School Family!

Hi! I'm Ms. Emily! I am the School Support Specialist at The Goddard School of Edina and have experience working in all of the classrooms here. I have many years of working with children both inside and outside of the Early Education age group, but the younger age groups are my favorite! Outside of work, I am a mother of two young girls and they take up most of my free time, but that leads to lots of fun! My youngest daughter is a student here at The Goddard School of Edina! I look forward to watching and helping our students grow and develop new skills as well as connecting and supporting our families along the way.

Hi, I'm Katy! I am so happy to be working at The Goddard School in Edina. I began working in childcare while I was still in high school. I love teaching infants and have over 20 years of providing care for the littlest of learners. I have earned a CDA Certification for Infants & Toddlers. I grew up in Illinois, however I have lived in Bloomington, MN since 2011. In my spare time I enjoy crafting with my Cricut machine and I recently took up crocheting! I look forward to getting to know all of the families here and our little friends!

Hi! My name is Ms. Nara and I am so excited to be working here at The Goddard School of Edina! I have been working with children since high school, and I have been in support staff and lead teacher roles since graduating college. I have a Social Work degree from UW-Eau Claire and a certificate in Child Welfare. I am very passionate about working with children of all abilities and fostering their growth. In my free time, I love to spend time with friends, walk around the lakes, read, and listen to music. I’m so happy to join the team and I look forward to getting to know all students and families!

Hi! I'm Ms. Chloe and as a mother of a young child, I understand the importance of a helping hand and a resourceful community. Being a parent is the most rewarding and challenging job I have ever faced. While I am still new here, I can say with absolute certainty that I have never been happier to have found a place for my daughter to continue her early education. This experience has filled me with hope and reassurance, and I am committed to providing the same experience for your children. I will strive to give them the best care possible and ensure their health and safety while you work. I am eagerly looking forward to meeting you and your children, and to the opportunity to be a part of their early education journey.

Hi! My name is Ms. Anna and I am so excited to be back working at the Goddard School of Edina. I spent the last two years living and working in the South of Spain, where I worked in primary schools teaching English. It was an incredible experience that sparked my work with young children and education. I graduated from Luther College with a degree in Visual Communications and a minor in Art History. During my free time I enjoy photography, yoga, reading, traveling, and anything that involves being outside. I love working with young learners and look forward to getting to know the families and students.

Hi! My name is Ms. Yulia, I am a new Toddler Teacher here at The Goddard School of Edina. I am not new to toddlers though, as I have now been working with my little friends for two years! I found a strong passion for helping little minds grow and seeing the joy on their faces as they learn something new. In my free time, I like to relax and try new things, spend time with friends, listen to music, and make the most of every summer day. I am excited to create new relationships and expand young minds while having a lot of fun!

Hi my name is Ms. Ari and I'm excited to be here at The Goddard School of Edina! I have a little over 2 years experience in childcare. I formerly worked at a center along with Ms. Yulia. I have a 2 ½ year old daughter who is a student here at Goddard! I love the toddler age group as they are so curious about the world around them. My grandmother also managed her own home daycare so I used to work and help with her students a lot! My daughter and I love to play soccer, do arts and crafts, dance parties, and of course going on adventures! I look forward to getting to know all our students and families.

Hi my name is Ms. Sierra! I’ve worked with toddlers in various positions for the last 4 years: aide, assistant teacher, nanny, and lead teacher! Toddlers are by far my favorite age group, as they learn so much every day. I enjoy teaching the children as well getting on their level and playing with them. I recently moved back from Colorado. In my free time I love to hike, go for walks around the lake, and really enjoy doing anything outside! I’m so excited to watch your kids’ personalities grow and get to know everyone here the Goddard School of Edina.

Hi! My name is Ms. Anna but our students call me Ms. A! I am so excited to be a team member at The Goddard School of Edina. I am the second youngest of 16 children I have been working in childcare for 3 years and have been a nanny for over 4 years. I love working with children and love helping in classrooms. I also love watching our students grow and enjoy their thirst for knowledge! During my free time, I love to hike and travel. I also manage a horse farm when I am able to. I love being outdoors. I look forward to continuing to get to know all of the students and their families.

Hi, my name is Isabella! I have been working with kids for over 4 years. This includes working with students with special needs and with ASD. I am very patient, caring, and calm. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Concordia University St. Paul/ the University of Roehampton in London, England. A fun fact about me is that I am a triplet! When I am not at work, my partner and I like to hangout with our cats and watch The Great British Baking Show! I am so excited to get to know everyone and to be a part of The Goddard Family.

Hello! My name is Mr. Austin and I'm so excited to be continuing my teaching journey at The Goddard School of Edina. I started my teaching career about two years ago as a float teacher and I taught every room at my former school. I have been working with children since high school and I am currently working on getting my CDA specializing in the preschool age group. Outside of work, I enjoy golfing with friends, going to the gym, and staying in and watching movies. I look forward to getting to know all of my new students and families at The Goddard School of Edina.

Hi! My name is Ms. Lexie. I have worked in childcare for over five years and most recently, I graduated from Dakota County Technical College with my associates degree in Early Childhood Education. I'm passionate about teaching young minds and I absolutely love watching students as they develop and grow in the classroom. In my free time, I enjoy hiking with my boyfriend, baking desserts for my family and friends, or snuggling on the couch with my three cats, Tilly, Olive, and Oscar while reading a good book.

Hello! My name is Nariela, aka Ms Gen! I am so excited to join The Goddard School in Edina! I have a 2 year old and she is an energetic and happy little toddler. I have been working with children since I was in High School. When I'm not working, I love going on walks, reading books, and if I have enough time playing some video games. I am working towards a Child Development Associate Certificate and am excited to enhance my career in this field. I look forward to getting to know all the students here.

Hi, my name is Nisha. I was born and brought up in India and I have a background and Master's in English Literature. Having spent many years raising and nurturing my own children, I have developed hands on experience with Early Childhood Education. I am excited about teaching and fostering an engaging, supportive, learning environment for young minds here at The Goddard School. In my free time, I enjoy knitting, crocheting, baking, painting, and henna designing. I am very excited to get to know all the children and families here at The Goddard School of Edina.

Hello! My name is Ms Ann Marie and I am thrilled to be at The Goddard School of Edina. I've been here for over two years now and I enjoy helping out in all of the classrooms as a Teachers Aide. I have two young girls myself. In my free time I am a part-time ice skating instructor and I embrace the outdoors whenever I can!

Hi! My name is Alex and I am very excited to be working at the Goddard School of Edina! I have always loved working with children and have experience babysitting and volunteering at Orchestra Camps to help young children with music. I live in Eden Prairie and I'm currently in my senior year of high school. Some of my hobbies include playing double bass, working out, and watching goofy cartoons. I also do shotput and discus in Track and Field. After high school, I plan to attend college for Pre-Med. I am excited to get to know all of the children here at the Goddard School.

Hi, I'm Ms. Joan. I'm thrilled to join the Goddard team as the Yoga Enrichment Specialist. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Business with an emphasis in Psychology. My career was spent in Human Resources with a strong side interest in Yoga. Receiving my Yoga Fit certifications led to adult teaching for the last 14 years. I'm excited to bring those skills to Goddard to work with a slightly younger group of students!

Hi! My name is Ms Dreneisha, or Neisha for short! I have over 2 years of work experience in the food service industry and I am excited to take on the role as the Kitchen Coordinator at The Goddard School in Edina! I am born and raised in Minnesota. During my free time I like to hang out with my family and travel whenever I can. I am a mother of 2 children and I have a 13 year old daughter and 11 year old son. I love going to all their activities and they keep me busy!