Our Teachers

Ms. Mary Sue is the proud onsite owner at Goddard in Lakeville. She has a degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas and a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine University. Before opening the Goddard School in the fall of 2015, she was the Associate Dean of College Counseling at Providence Academy in Plymouth and before that was Associate Director of Admissions at St. Catherine University. She is a mother to three spirited children, all of whom graduated from Goddard. Mary Sue and her family can be seen at the park, enjoying Twins games in the summer and enjoying time with family at the cabin. Mary Sue's favorite children's book is "The Adventures of Taxi Dog" by Debra Barracca, Sal Barracca, Mark Buehner.

Ms. Katie has over ten years of experience working with children. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a focus on pre-primary ages and has her teaching license in the state of Minnesota. She believes that young children deserve the best start to their education and feels children can grow and learn best when feeling safe and loved. Ms. Katie’s favorite children's book is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.

Ms. Baylee has over 5 years of experience with children working as a private nanny and at the Goddard School. She has worked with all age groups at Goddard and is excited to be returning as the Assistant Director for Operations. Baylee believes that children grow and learn every single day and need a safe and nurturing environment to do so. When not at school, Baylee can be found drinking coffee, swimming and spending time with her family. Ms. Baylee’s favorite children's book is "Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown.

Ms. Maura has 6+ years of experience working with children. She completed her Child Development Associates in the spring of 2021. Her experience started working with Before and After School care with the YMCA prior to joining our toddler program in 2018. Maura believes that all children deserve fair treatment and a respectful environment to allow them to learn and grow. When not at school Maura can be found hiking and spending time with her dog, Monty. Ms. Maura’s favorite children's book is "Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister.

Ms. Kathleen has over 10 years of early childhood experience including experience as a preschool director and infant and toddler teacher. She has her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies. Ms. Kathleen believes that each child is unique and should be given support to thrive in their own way. Outside of school Kathleen is busy spending time with her two young children. Ms. Kathleen favorite book is " The Little Blue Truck" by Alice Schertle.

Ms. Sam recently graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has over six years of experience working with young children in a traditional preschool setting and is excited to bring her talents to The Goddard School. She believes that children learn best when they feel both safe and loved. You can find her outside of the classroom golfing, playing board games or mastering a new jigsaw puzzle. Ms. Sam’s favorite children’s book is “If you Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff.

Ms. Aby graduated from University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Mass Communication. She has spent time working and volunteering with young children in shelters in Minneapolis and is excited to bring her talents to The Goddard School. She believes that children learn best when they are in an engaging and interactive environment. While not inside the classroom you can Ms. Aby enjoying time outside, reading, and spending time with friends. Ms. Aby’s favorite children’s book is “Where the Wild Things Are,” by Maurice Sendak.

Ms. Sarah attended Rasmussen College where she completed her Early Childhood Certificate. She has over 20 years of teaching eperiences working in early childhood. She believes that every child deserves to be loved. Outside of school Ms. Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and going on bike rides. Ms. Sarah’s favorite children’s book is “The Very Hungry Caterpiller,” by Eric Carle.

Ms. Lexi graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. She has always been a teacher. Working as a swim lesson instructor in high school and teaching art classes to both children as adults. For the last four year, she has worked with special education students as a para-professional and classroom teacher. She believes that children thrive in a positive and nurturing environment where they are given grace and shown affection. While not inside the classroom you can find Ms. Lexi creating art, running and playing with her two young children. Ms. Lexi’s favorite children’s book is “I Will Love You Forever,” by Robert Munsch. Lexi has certifications in CPR and first aid along with infant training in SUIDS and ADH.

Ms. Sarah is a graduate of Southwest Minnesota State University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has over nine years of experience working with young children as a summer camp counselor, long term subsitiute teacher and in a traditional preschool settings She is excited to bring her talents to The Goddard School. Sarah believes that each child has their own path and the adults around them are there to help them on their journey. When not at school, you can find Sarah at the lake relaxing, fishing or reading a good book. Ms. Sarah’s favorite children’s book is “Llama Llama Red Pajama” by Anna Dewdney.

Ms. Jazmine has over 5 years of experience working with children as a private nanny, volleyball coach and working as a leader for the Boys and Girls Cub if America. She believes that every child deserves a place to explore and learn in a safe and loving environment. Outside of the classroom you can find Ms. Jazmine enjoys long car ride and watching Netflixs. Ms. Jazmine’s favorite children’s books are the Winnie the Pooh series by A.A. Milne.

Ms. Hamdia is working toward her degree in Early Childhood Education at Metro State University. She is excited to bring her talents to the classrooms at The Goddard School. Hamdia believes that every child needs safe space to learn and grow. Outside of school she enjoys spending time with her younger counsis, cathing up on her favorite shows and being outdoors. Ms. Hamdia’s favorite children’s book is “No, David” by David Shannon.

Ms. Laura has over 5 years of experience working with children in various childcare settings . She believes that every child deserves equal opportunities for learning regardless of their background. Outside of the classroom you can find Ms. Laura spending time with her family, epically her niece and nephews. Ms. Larua’s favorite children’s book are the Cliffard series by Norman Bridwell.

Ms. Anna is a graduate of Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Interdisciplinary Studies. She has over nine years of experience working with young children as an elementary school teacher and in traditional preschool settings. She is excited to bring her talents to The Goddard School. Anna believes that each child deserves a stable environment, positive role models and structure to thrive and learn. When not at school, you can find Anna spending time with her family at the lake or hanging out with her nieces and nephews. Ms. Anna’s favorite children’s book is “First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg.

Ms. Becca graduated from Centenary College with a bachelor’s degree in history. She has always been a teacher and went on to complete a certificate in Early Childhood Education at Rasmussen College. She has worked as a private nanny before joining our PreK team. Becca believes that the effort, love and attention we put into our students are the foundation for their learning now and in the future. When not at school you can find her playing games or camping at the lake with her family. Ms. Becca’s favorite children’s book is “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Amanda has over 10 years of experience working with young children. She has worked in formal preschool setting and home based program all while continuing professional education in the most up to date early childhood development. She is excited to join the Goddard faculty. She believes that children thrive when given opportunities and tools. Outside of the classroom Ms. Amanda enjoys camping, swimming and spending time with her family and old english bulldog. Ms. Amanda’s favorite children’s book is “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown.

Ms. Bailey is a recent graduate of Northfield High School. She has experience as a private nanny prior to joining the Goddard team. Bailey believes that children deserve a stable environment to learn with their friends. Outside of school, Bailey can be found four wheeling and taking care of her chickens and goats. Ms. Bailey’s favorite children’s book is “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Tagen is a recent graduate of Burnsville High School and is looking to pursue her Child Development certificate. She has experience as an assistant teacher in a preschool prior to joining the Goddard team. Tagen believes that all children deserve a happy place and teachers who support them. Outside of school, Tagen can be found looking for adventure with her four energetic dogs. Ms. Tagen’s favorite children’s book is “Where the Wild Thing Are” by Maurice Sendak.

Ms. Zoe is a Certified Nursing Assistant who worked in health care for five years before finding her passion for early childhood. Before joining the Goddard team Zoe worked as a program assistant at a military base childcare program in Hawaii. She is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to the Goddard preschool program. Zoe believes that every child needs a loving environment to grow and learn. Outside of the classroom you can find her spending time with her husband and two children or enjoying a good book. Ms. Zoe’s favorite children’s book is, “The Day the Crayons Quit,” by Drew Daywalt.

Ms. Annie joins the Goddard team after working as an elementary para professional for 6 years. She believes that children thrive with love and support and she strives to create a safe and comfortable environment or all children to learn. While not inside the classroom you can find Ms. Annie spending time watching her two children play lacrosse, taking her dogs for walks or enjoying a day at the lake. Ms. Annie’s favorite children’s book is “I Will Love You Forever,” by Robert Munsch Sendak.

Ms. Jeni graduated from Concordia University in St Paul with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and plans to pursue a Graduate degree in Elementary Education. She has spent time as a private nanny and is excited to gain experience in a formal childcare setting. She believes that children learn best when they are encouraged and given opportunity. While not inside the classroom you can find Ms. Jeni at the cabin, enjoying long walks or working out at the boxing gym. Ms. Jeni’s favorite children’s book is “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” by Dr Seuss.

Ms. Katie has been working with children for over 10 years. She graduated from Hennepin technical college where she took coursework in child development before pursuing a career in cosmetology. After staying home to care for her now 8-year-old daughter and 6 year old son, she is excited to be a member of the Goddard faculty. Katie believes that children thrive with structure, emotional support and love and she strives to bring that to each classroom at The Goddard School. When not at school you can find her playing games, watching movies or spending time with her family outdoors. Ms. Katie’s favorite children’s book is “Brown Bear, Brown Bear,” by Eric Carle.

Ms. Halle graduated from the University of Minnesota - Duluth with a bachelor’s degree in Art History and French Studies. She has always loved working with children. She has worked as a dance instructor for over 5 years and most recently as a character attendant at Walt Disney World. She believes that children need an avenue to explore, express themselves and be whomever they want to be. While not inside the classroom, you can find Ms. Halle painting, roller skating and playing with her cat Jerry. Ms. Halle’s favorite children’s book is “Is your Mama a Llama?” by Deborah Guarino.

Ms. Amber is a current student at Farmington High School. She was captivated by her child development classes and is excited to gain more experience at The Goddard School. Prior to joining Goddard as a resource teacher, she babysat and has taught introduction to dance classes. Outside of school she spends most of her time dancing, as a member of the Farmington Dance team and other dance related activities. After high school Amber plans to go to college and major in Child Psychology. Ms. Amber’s favorite children’s book is “The Christmas Hat” by A. J Wood.