Meet Our Goddard Family

Ms. Mary Sue as onsite owner is proud to bring the Goddard School to Lakeville and the surrounding communities. 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 who attend our school. 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.

Prior to joining us in Lakeville, Ms. Catherine worked for 4 years at the Goddard School in Plymouth. She has a BA in Early Childhood Education from North Dakota State University and has worked in early childhood education for the past 8 years. She has seen firsthand the power of a play based curriculum at work in her five years at Goddard. Her experience and passion for children is evident to all she meets and she loves bringing on and helping new staff to grow as the Goddard School grows. When not at school Catherine can be found hiking, crafting or in the kitchen cooking and baking. Ms. Catherine's favorite children's book is "Brown Bear Brown Bear" by Eric Carle

Ms. Katie has over seven 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. 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. 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. Kayla graduated from Metropolitan State University with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood development. She has over five years of experience working with both infants and toddlers in a formal preschool setting. She believes that children are special and must be treated with kindness and respect. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her two children visiting museums, playing at the park, and swimming at the pool. Ms. Kayla’s favorite children's book is "Barnyard Dance” by Sandra Boynton.

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. Meghan has a Masters in Counseling with a concentration in community and a certificate in child and adolescent mental health. Meghan has worked with children in some capacity for most of her life. She believes that children are resilient and have so much to teach us while we provide as safe and nurturing environment for them. Outside of work she enjoys cooking, baking, fishing and hanging out with her two dogs and her family. Ms. Meghan’s favorite children’s book is “The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles” By Julie Andrews.

Ms. Sarah graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She has over four years of experience working with children and is excited to bring her knowledge to The Goddard School. She believes that every child deserves a safe, comfortable space to learn and grow. While not inside the classroom you can find Ms. Sarah spending time with friends and family, watching movies, playing games, and doing puzzles. Ms. Sarah’s favorite children’s book is “You are Enough,” by Margaret O’Hair and Sofia Sanchez.

Ms. Savannah recently relocated from Fargo where she was working with infants to preschool children. She has always loved working with children and is excited to join the Goddard faculty. Savannah feels that there is no limit to what you can teach a child. When not at work she enjoys going on walks and spending time with her friends and family. Ms. Savannah’s favorite book is the “Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Taylor is currently in school working towards her degree in Elementary Education. Her mom provided in-home childcare and she has enjoyed working with children from a young age. She believes that children will thrive in a positive learning environment to help them learn and grow. Outside of school she enjoys family walks with her son. Ms. Taylor’s favorite children's book is “Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom.” By Bill Martin Jr.

Ms. Hani attended Normandale Community College where she completed her Nursing Assistant Certificate. She has over nine years of teaching experience working in both childcare centers and as a paraprofessional. She believes that children are our future, and we need to teach them so they can lead the way. Outside of the classroom you can find Ms. Hani spending time with family and friends, going to the lake, and enjoying new restaurants. Ms. Hani’s favorite children’s books are the Llama Llama Series by Anna Dewdney.

Ms. Elena completed her Child Development Associate Credential in 2021. She has been working with children for over four years. Ms. Elena believes that children are our future and it is our responsibility as the adults in their lives to teach them to be amazing human beings. Ms. Elena’s favorite children’s book is “How do Dinosaurs Go to School,” by Jane Yolen.

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. Destiny is currently working on her Child Development Certificate and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Destiny has worked with children in a variety of different settings for the last 2 years. She believes that all children should be treated with respect and love as well as being treated equally and fairly. While not working Destiny enjoys spending time with her family, going fishing and to the park. Ms. Destiny’s favorite children's book is “There was an old lady who swallowed a fly” by Lucille Colandro.

Ms. Destinee is a recent graduate and is looking to pursue her Child Development Associates. She has six younger siblings and has always loved helping out with them. She believes that all children are precious. Destinee loves music, singing, and art. Ms. Destinee’s favorite children’s book is “If you Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff.

Ms. Maddie is currently getting her associates degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching since 2006 and has enjoyed coaching basketball as well. She believes that each child learns, develops, and processes things at different times. Outside of school she enjoys spending time with family, watching sports, and spending time outdoors. Ms. Maddie’s favorite children’s book is “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” by Bill Martin.

Ms. Britta is currently working towards and education degree at Inver Hills Community College. She has over three years of experience as a nanny and is excited to continue working with children at The Goddard School. She believes that every child needs a nurturing environment to explore their creativity and learn about themselves and the world around them. Outside of the classroom you can find Ms. Britta spending time going on bike rides, drawing, or painting. Ms. Britta’s favorite children’s book is “Where the Wild Things Are,” by Maurice Sendak.