Our Goddard School Teachers

Tom and Mary Sue Walker are the proud onsite owners of The Goddard School in Lakeville. Now celebrating 10 school years, they remain dedicated to creating strong partnerships with families and fostering a school community where children feel valued, families feel supported, and teachers are empowered. Mary Sue holds a degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine University. Before opening the school, she served as Associate Dean of College Counseling at Providence Academy and as Associate Director of Admissions at St. Catherine University. Tom, a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College, built his career in financial services before seeking the opportunity to put his customer service and business skills to work for himself. Together, their backgrounds in education, leadership, and business have been invaluable in guiding the school’s success.

Ms. Katie has been a dedicated member of the Goddard School community for nine years, serving in roles ranging from toddler teacher to assistant director, and now as our school director. She brings over a decade of experience working with young children and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a focus on pre-primary ages. She is also a licensed teacher in the state of Minnesota. Ms. Katie is passionate about providing young children with the very best start to their educational journey. She believes that children grow and learn best in environments where they feel safe, loved, and supported every step of the way. Outside of school, Ms. Katie is a proud mom of three and enjoys spending time with her family. Her 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 brings over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, including 8 years as a valued member of the Goddard School faculty. She has held a variety of roles throughout her career, including infant and toddler teacher as well as preschool director. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies. Ms. Kathleen believes that each child is unique and deserves the individualized support they need to thrive in their own way. She is passionate about creating nurturing, responsive learning environments where children feel safe, seen, and empowered to grow. Outside of school, Ms. Kathleen stays busy with her two young children. Her favorite children’s book is The Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle.

Ms. Sam graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She brings over 11 years of experience working with young children in traditional preschool settings and is excited to share her talents with the Goddard School community. She believes that children learn best when they feel both safe and loved. Outside the classroom, Ms. Sam enjoys golfing, playing board games, and mastering new jigsaw puzzles. Her favorite children’s book is If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff.

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. 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 leader with the Boys & Girls Club of America. She recently completed her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is excited to bring her knowledge and passion into the classroom. Jazmine believes that every child deserves a safe, loving environment where they can explore and learn. Outside the classroom, Jazmine enjoys taking long car rides and relaxing with a good Netflix show. Her favorite children’s books are the Winnie the Pooh series by A.A. Milne.

Ms. Hamdia is currently pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education at Metro State University and is excited to bring her talents to the classrooms at The Goddard School. She believes every child deserves a safe and nurturing space to learn and grow. Outside of school, Ms. Hamdia enjoys spending time with her younger cousins, catching up on her favorite shows, and being outdoors. Her favorite children’s book is No, David! by David Shannon.

Ms. Jeni graduated from Concordia University in St. Paul with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and is planning to pursue a graduate degree in Elementary Education. She has experience as a private nanny and is excited to bring her passion for working with children into a formal childcare setting. Jeni believes children learn best when they are encouraged and given meaningful opportunities to grow and explore. Outside the classroom, Jeni enjoys spending time at the cabin, going on long walks, and staying active at the boxing gym. Her favorite children’s book is Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Grace graduated from Inver Hill’s Community College with an Associate of arts degree in Early Childhood Education. She has over 6 years of experience working in a traditional preschool setting. She believes that children flourish when given the opportunity to come out of their shell and let their personality shine. While not inside the classroom you can find Ms. Grace outside at the dog park or spending time with her family. Ms. Grace’s favorite children’s book is “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes” by Eric Litwin.

Ms. Katrina brings over a decade of experience in early childhood education to our school community. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Over the past 10+ years, she has served as a lead teacher, curriculum coordinator, and center director—roles that have deepened her belief in the importance of structure, clear expectations, and unconditional love in helping young children thrive. Ms. Katrina believes that great teaching starts with great listening. She values creating a classroom environment where every child feels seen, heard, and supported in their individual growth. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Katrina is an avid reader and outdoor enthusiast who enjoys kayaking and participating in escape rooms—she’s completed over 200! Her favorite children’s book is Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang.

Ms. Bethany holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and is licensed to teach pre-primary children in both Minnesota and Florida. She brings over four years of experience as a lead preschool teacher in Florida and recently returned to her home state of Minnesota to join the Goddard faculty. Ms. Bethany believes that children thrive in environments where they feel safe, encouraged, and truly seen. She fosters a classroom where curiosity is welcomed, exploration is celebrated, and every question is a chance to learn something new. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Bethany enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and trying out new recipes. Her favorite children’s book is We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen.

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. 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. 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. Amanda brings over 10 years of experience working with young children, both in formal preschool settings and home-based programs. She has continually pursued professional development to stay current with the latest in early childhood education. She is thrilled to join the Goddard faculty and believes that children thrive when given meaningful opportunities and the right tools to explore, learn, and grow. Outside the classroom, Ms. Amanda enjoys camping, swimming, and spending time with her family and her Old English Bulldog. Her favorite children’s book is Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown.

Ms. Maddie is thrilled to be back in Minnesota and to bring her passion for early childhood education to the Goddard faculty. She recently completed her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential this summer. Before joining Goddard, she worked at the child development center on a military base in California and is excited to apply her knowledge and experience to our preschool program. Ms. Maddie believes that every child thrives when given guidance in a nurturing environment. Outside the classroom, she enjoys drawing, painting, and hiking with her family. Her favorite children’s book is Love You Forever by Robert Munsch.

Ms. Ella is a graduate of Zimmerman High School and has hands-on experience as a teacher's aide in classrooms ranging from infants to preschool. She is passionate about providing children with the love and support they need to grow and thrive. Her enthusiasm for working with children, along with her belief in the power of a positive learning environment, makes her a wonderful addition to the Goddard community. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Ella enjoys dancing, singing, and spending quality time with her family.

Ms. Lizzy recently relocated to Lakeville from Ironwood High School and is excited to be working with our toddler program. After serving as a summer camp counselor, she knew she wanted to continue working with children and helping them learn and grow. She believes that a loving support system and plenty of time in the sun help create the ideal environment for early learning. Outside of school, Lizzy enjoys relaxing in her hammock with a good book, listening to music, and crocheting in her free time. Her favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.

Kaydance brings over five years of experience working with children, most recently serving as a site supervisor for a before and after school program. She recently relocated from Fargo and is excited to be back in Lakeville. Kaydance believes that children thrive in welcoming, safe environments where they feel supported to learn and grow. She is passionate about giving children the freedom to express themselves and explore the world around them without unnecessary restrictions. Outside of school, Kaydance enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog Wayne, and baking sourdough bread. One of her favorite children’s books is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault.

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.

Laura graduated from Winona State University with a degree in Art History and earned a Master of Arts in History from Southern New Hampshire University. She has experience as a private nanny and believes in the power of positive encouragement and creating an engaging environment for children. Laura is passionate about ensuring children feel safe and supported in their environment while celebrating their achievements. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys listening to classical music and watching soccer. Ms. Laura’s favorite children’s book is “Berenstain Bears” by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Rebecca graduated from Rosemount High School and is excited to continue pursuing an associate’s degree in Early Childhood and Youth Development. With 10 years of experience in education, she has worked in various roles, including bus driver, teacher’s aide, assistant teacher, and personal care assistant. Rebecca believes that children thrive when they have a balance of creativity, fun, and routine. She is passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where children can learn and grow. Outside the classroom, Rebecca enjoys reading, drawing, and spending quality time with her son. Ms. Rebecca favorite children’s book is “Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch.

Ms. Martha is currently working toward a Certificate from Rasmussen University and brings two years of experience working with young children. She believes that children are at their best when they feel safe, loved, and supported, and that giving them time to explore and imagine helps build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Outside of school, Ms. Martha enjoys weightlifting and running. Her favorite book is What a Wonderful World by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele, which reminds her to appreciate the joy and beauty in everyday moments.

Ms. Rose holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality from her home country, the Philippines. Her experience includes teaching English and caring for family members, where she discovered her passion for supporting children’s growth and learning. She believes that children thrive when they are encouraged and guided to discover and explore the world around them. Outside of school, Ms. Rose enjoys going on adventures with her husband—hiking, kayaking, and exploring new places—but also treasures quiet moments relaxing at home.

Ms. Tonya holds a Child Care Certificate from Rasmussen College and brings over 20 years of experience running her own home-based child care program. She believes that children thrive when they have opportunities to learn through play, developing their problem-solving skills, creativity, and social awareness along the way. Outside of school, Ms. Tonya enjoys going on walks and watching her son play soccer. Her favorite book is The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone, a playful reminder of the fun and imagination found in early childhood.