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. 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. 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. 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. Morgan graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. She been working with children for over five years, most recently at The Goddard School in Fargo. Morgan believes that all kids deserve affection and for their needs to be met. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, drinking coffee. Ms. Morgan’s favorite children's book is “Knuffle Bunny” by Mo Willems.

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. Leslie attended Riverside Community College in California and is working on completing her degree in Early Childhood Development. Prior to working at Goddard, she worked for three years with kids in an after-school setting. Leslie feels that all children have the right to the best education possible. Outside of work she enjoys painting, roller skating and hanging out with family. Ms. Leslie’s favorite children's book is “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak.

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. Savannah has worked with kids for many years. While pursuing her general education coursework and working in cosmetology, she realized she enjoyed working with children and decided to pursue a position at Goddard. Savannah believes for kids to grow; they need to be part of the most caring environment possible. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her friends and being outdoors. Ms. Savannah’s favorite children's book is “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister.

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. 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.

Ms. Jo is working as a resource teacher and is spending time supporting in all ages. She is continuing her education in childhood development/pediatric dentistry. 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. Jo playing with her cat, spending time with family, and playing volleyball. Ms. Jo’s favorite children’s book is “The Rainbow Fish,” by Marcus Pfister.

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. 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.