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. Adela has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point in Child, Youth and Family Studies. She recently relocated to from Wisconsin where she worked for Ho-Chunk Nations Youth Services and Indian Education for the Shawano School District. She also has experience working for the YMCA as a school age camp counselor. Adela believes that each child deserves to have an adult in their life that makes them feel seen, cared for, and heard. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, spending time outside, being with her cats. Ms. Adela’s favorite children's book is "Thunder Boy Jr.” By Sherman Alexie.

Ms. Ashley has spent the last seven years working with children including serving as a private nanny and working with children on the Autism Spectrum. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Wisconsin- River Falls. Ashley believes that each child can learn once we can help them learn their own way. When not at school, Ashley loves camping and hiking with her fiancé and their beagle as well as crafting with her mother. Ms. Ashley favorite children's book is “Green Eggs and Ham?” by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Baylee has over 5 years of experience with children working as a private nanny. She is currently working as an assistant teacher with our Pre-Kindergarten program. 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. Hannah has a Bachelor of Science in English Education and is working towards a Masters of English and Creative Writing. She has been working with children for the past six years with ages ranging from preschool to high school. She believes that children need love and empathy to thrive and learn. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys reading, writing, and playing with her dog, Gunner. Ms. Hannah’s favorite children's book is “The Lightning Thief” Percy Jackson.

Ms. Kaleigh has a Bachelor’s Degree in Child/Adolescent Development from California State University, Fullerton and is currently working on a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Kaleigh has been working with children and their families for the past ten years in California before relocating to Minnesota. She believes that each child is deserving of love and support as they learn and grow. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and taking hikes with her dog. Ms. Kaleigh’s favorite children's book is “If you Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff.

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. 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. 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. 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. Shannon has over 25 years of early childhood experience including 20 years running her own home based program. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Minnesota. She believes that continual love and support help our children grow into lifelong learners. Outside of school she enjoys playing Volleyball, scrapbooking and spending time with her children. She is excited to bring her experience to work with the families at the Goddard School. Ms. Shannon’s favorite children's book is “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White.

Ms. Alicia graduated from Stillwater High School and is currently attending Century Collage. She has been working with children for the past two years and is excited to be part of the Goddard faculty. Alicia believes that all children are a gift and need to be nurtured. Outside of work, she enjoys eating pizza, watching movies and cleaning. Ms. Alicia’s favorite children's book is “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein

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. Madeline graduated from Winona State University with a degree in Psychology. She has worked as an infant teacher for 3 years, and also as a doula and student mid-wife. Madeline believes that a calm, safe and nurturing environment is crucial in helping children learn their best. Outside of work, she enjoys live music, embroidering, walks and gardening. Ms. Madeline’s favorite children's book is “Mrs. Nelson is Missing” by Harry Allard.

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. Kaitlyn is currently attending the University of Wisconsin River Falls studying Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education. Kaitlyn has been working with children for over 5 years as a classroom teacher and camp counselor. When not at Goddard she enjoys playing volleyball, crafting, and hanging out with her family and friends. Ms. Kaitlyn’s favorite children's book is “The Hungry Caterpillar” Eric Carle.

Ms. Kelsey is a recent graduate of Farmington High School. She is excited to be part of the Goddard faculty after taking course in Infant Development and spending lots of time with her three-year-old niece. She believes that with a good mindset you can accomplish anything. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and playing with her niece. Ms. Kelsey’s favorite children's book is “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff.

Ms. Kelsey has been working with children for over 5 years after receiving her Early Childhood Certificate from Dakota County Technical College. She is exciting to be part of our toddler team. Kelsey believes children are special in every way and deserves a happy safe loving environment to learn and grow. Outside of work, she enjoys going on walks and spending time with friends and family. Ms. Kelsey’s favorite children's book is “The Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.

Mr. Zack is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at Crown College. Zack has worked for 8 years with the children, most recently as a Pre-K and Kindergarten assistant. He believes that children need intentional, proactive, and patient teachers in their life. Outside of work, Zack enjoys spending time with family, playing sports and video games. Mr. Zack’s favorite children's book is “Oh the Places We Will Go” by Dr. Suess.