Our Goddard School Teachers

Rick and Shannon are thrilled to be able to provide The Goddard School’s outstanding educational program to the children and families of the Woodbury community. Their vision for opening a Goddard started with a desire to not only provide children with a consistent, nurturing, and top notch early educational experience but also to provide families with a joyful and meaningful experience for their family’s early childhood years. Rick and Shannon also aim to be the best for their team by focusing on hiring only the best early childhood educators and investing in their development and engagement, ultimately, creating a great culture and environment for staff, children, and families!

Ms. Sarah is our Human Resource and Marketing Director here at Goddard (Woodbury). She is originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and graduated from Gogebic Community College with her associate degree in Elementary Education. She moved to MN in 2009 but loves to go back home any chance she can get to visit family and the beautiful area of the U.P. of MI. Teaching has always been her passion as she has been in childcare since 2014. Ms. Sarah loves watching children learn, as it is such an amazing sight! Her favorite part about Goddard (Woodbury) is the positive and warm environment she gets to be surrounded by each and every day.

Ms. Dana joined the Goddard Leadership team as the Education Director for the younger side. She grew up in North Dakota and graduated from NDSU with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Science degree. She began her career in 2005 working with toddler-age children. After teaching for many years, she got her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction for Early Childhood Education. She is a perfect fit for our school; we are so lucky to have her!

Mr. Gavin began working in childcare in 2019 as a Pre-K teacher and holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. He loves getting to know each child and building positive relationships with both children and their families. He also enjoys the carefree nature of kids and the way they find joy in even the smallest things. He is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Dr) in a leadership role, where he looks forward to growing as an employee, coworker, and role model while contributing to a positive and supportive team. Born and raised in Minnesota, Mr. Gavin has four wonderful children with his wife, Ellie, who keep their lives full and joyful. Life is always moving forward and full of adventure, which inspires him to bring energy and care to each day.

Ms. Gretchen is excited to be part of the Goddard (Woodbury) family as the Events and Marketing Coordinator. She originally joined as a Co-Lead Teacher in the Toddlers Classroom in 2020 and is now thrilled to support the school through her new role. With a passion for Early Childhood Education, Ms. Gretchen enjoys using her creativity and organizational skills to help create meaningful experiences for both children and families. What she loves most about Goddard (Woodbury) is the opportunity to collaborate with such a kind, caring team and be part of a positive, welcoming community.

After nannying following high school, Ms. Ellie embarked on her teaching career in 2015, armed with a background in Child Development and American Sign Language. What she finds most rewarding about teaching is seeing the sheer delight on children's faces when they witness the results of an experiment or activity. At Goddard Woodbury, she appreciates the family-like atmosphere created by our dedicated staff—it truly makes her feel like she's a part of something larger and meaningful. In her spare time, she's busy renovating her house, enjoying bowling in two leagues, and spending quality moments with her family. She also loves exploring new craft projects, which adds a creative spark to her life outside the classroom.

Since beginning her career in childcare in 2022, Ms. Isela (pronounced E-sela) now currently pursuing her CDA, has been deeply inspired by the joy that children experience when they discover and learn something new. Witnessing their faces light up with excitement as they master new skills is what fuels her passion for teaching. She finds immense satisfaction in guiding children through their developmental milestones and watching them continue to build upon these skills as they grow. Joining The Goddard School in Woodbury excites her because of the opportunity to work in such a positive and supportive environment that values both education and family connections. She is a proud parent of two wonderful children. In her free time, she loves spending quality moments with her family, exploring new parks, splash pads, and embarking on various adventures together.

Ms. Elizabeth began her early childhood career in 2000, drawing from her extensive experience in teaching swimming since 1995 and her academic background with a bachelor's degree in history and a minor in Elementary Education. Her love for working with children stems from their pure, authentic nature and their ability to find joy in the simplest things. Being part of their journey as they discover the world around them is an incredibly special experience. She is thrilled to be a part of The Goddard School in Woodbury because she believes babies are the most precious beings, filling her soul with peace, joy, and hope every day. The school’s exceptional reputation and the genuine care of its staff make it an ideal environment for her. Outside of work, she cherishes spending time with her family—her husband and two children. She is passionate about babies, dogs, and swimming, and she has enjoyed coaching the local USA Swimming club team for many years.

Ms. Madison became a part of our Goddard (Woodbury) family in 2024, bringing a passion for childcare that started back in 2020 with babysitting. In 2021, she gained more experience working at an at-home daycare before joining us. She loves working at Goddard because of the positive environment and the opportunity to connect with each child on a personal level. Originally from St. Paul Park, Ms. Madison believes that every child is unique and enjoys getting to know them individually. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family and friends.

Ms. Kylie is thrilled to begin her career in early childhood education at The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Drive)! As she takes her first step into the field, she is looking forward to learning, growing, and gaining valuable experience. Ms. Kylie loves working with children and especially enjoys watching them develop their unique personalities. For her, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is seeing a child gain confidence after mastering a new skill. She is excited to join the team, learn alongside wonderful educators, and create meaningful, fun-filled experiences in the classroom. Born and raised in Minnesota, Ms. Kylie comes from a large, close-knit family and currently lives with her boyfriend and their spirited cat. Outside of the classroom, she loves expressing her creativity through drawing, singing, and exploring various forms of art—passions she looks forward to bringing into her teaching!

Ms. Christina had the privilege of working in diverse roles with children, from serving as a teacher's assistant in college to working in a children’s group home, supporting homeless youth, and nannying and tutoring. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and English literature, which has equipped her with a deep understanding of child development and diverse learning styles. What she truly loves about working with children is building meaningful connections and tailoring her teaching to each child’s individual needs. Partnering with families to help each child reach their fullest potential is a passion that fills her heart with joy. At Goddard Woodbury, she is thrilled to be part of a positive learning environment surrounded by kind, friendly, and knowledgeable teachers and leaders. Outside of teaching, she enjoys listening to music, watching movies, attending concerts, and delving into classic literature.

Ms. Bailey began working in a childcare center in 2011 and has found the experience incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. There's something truly special about witnessing children's minds at work and observing their growth in real-time. At The Goddard School in Woodbury, she is consistently impressed by the unwavering care and exceptional quality provided for the children, families, and teachers alike. She believes it's a privilege to be part of such a dedicated community. Outside of work, her and her significant other enjoy spending quality time with our three children. They love exploring museums, visiting parks, and watching movies together, cherishing these moments of connection and fun as a family.

Ms. Erin began her teaching journey in 2016 as a teacher assistant at a local dance studio in Cottage Grove, later becoming a dance teacher in 2021. Her experience in the studio, combined with her time working in a daycare setting, helped her discover just how much she loves supporting children as they learn, grow, and express themselves. What she enjoys most about working with children is watching their confidence develop and seeing their excitement as they explore new skills and ideas. She is thrilled to bring her passion for teaching to The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Dr), where she is excited to step into a lead teacher role. She looks forward to being part of an encouraging and enthusiastic team and continuing to help children thrive each day. Outside of work, Ms. Erin enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog Miles. She loves listening to music, watching movies and TV shows, swimming, attending concerts, and traveling to new and exciting places—activities

Ms. Allison began her teaching career in 2023 as a Lead Two’s teacher and holds a CDA in Infant–Toddler Care. She is passionate about early childhood education and finds the greatest joy in seeing children light up as they learn something new or master a new skill. Being part of each child’s educational journey is incredibly meaningful to her, and she values partnering with families to support children as they grow, learn, and build confidence. Ms. Allison is proud to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Dr), where she is excited to create a warm, welcoming environment and build strong, trusting relationships with families. She appreciates the supportive, family-centered culture and believes that when children feel safe and encouraged, their confidence and love of learning truly shine. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Allison grew up in Cottage Grove and later moved to Woodbury, where she attended middle and high school. She lives with her boyfriend and enjoys spending her fre

Ms. Dani has been deeply involved in early childhood education since 2014, supported by an associate’s degree in education. What she cherishes most about teaching is observing children as they grow into their unique selves and forming strong, supportive relationships with both them and their families. She takes pride in being a reliable and secure figure that children can always turn to. At The Goddard School in Woodbury, she loves the welcoming and safe environment, the exemplary leadership, and the genuine passion of her fellow teachers. Outside of work, her and her husband love riding their Harley, spending quality time with friends and family especially their son and enjoying quiet moments watching TV and movies together.

Ms. Kailey began her career in childcare in 2021, though her journey with children started much earlier, as she began babysitting and nannying at the age of 10 and volunteered with various age groups at her church. What she loves most about working with children is witnessing their growth as they develop unique personalities and forming meaningful bonds with them. She is excited to bring her passion for early childhood education to The Goddard School in Woodbury, where she can continue to nurture and support young minds. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, boyfriend, friends, and her two cats. Being part of a military family (National Guard) also plays a significant role in her life, adding depth and a sense of pride to her personal journey.

Ms. Jeannie began her career in childcare in 1990 at an in-home daycare and has been passionate about early childhood education ever since. She earned her Associate of Arts degree and loves building meaningful relationships with children and their families. Ms. Jeannie especially enjoys watching each child's unique personality blossom and celebrating those exciting "aha!" moments as they reach new milestones. At The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Drive), Ms. Jeannie is excited to be part of a supportive team where children are encouraged to thrive. She looks forward to building strong relationships with families and helping each child grow in confidence and a love of learning. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Jeannie enjoys spending time with her husband, their four children, attending show choir and marching band events, and traveling, especially on cruises.

Ms. Julia began her career in childcare in 2019 as a daycare assistant teacher and nanny, where she discovered her passion for helping children learn and grow. She loves supporting each child's individual developmental journey while building meaningful relationships with children and their families. Ms. Julia finds it especially rewarding to watch children gain confidence as they learn new skills and celebrate each accomplishment along the way. At The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Drive), Ms. Julia is excited to collaborate with fellow teachers, build lasting relationships with families, and create a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels supported and encouraged to thrive. She looks forward to making a positive impact while continuing to grow in the field of early childhood education. Originally from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, Ms. Julia enjoys spending her free time reading a good book and making memories with her family and friends.

Ms. Kylee began her career in childcare in 2022 as a daycare teacher and quickly discovered how much joy it brings her. She loves working with children and finds their smiles, laughter, honesty, and playful energy to be the best part of each day. For Ms. Kylee, being part of their learning and growth is both rewarding and inspiring, and she feels truly lucky to do what she loves. She is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Dr), where the team feels more like family than coworkers. The welcoming and supportive atmosphere makes every day meaningful, and Ms. Kylee is grateful to be part of such a caring community. Originally born in North Carolina and raised in Minnesota, Ms. Kylee has been playing softball for 18 years, a passion that continues to bring her joy. Outside of the classroom, she loves spending time with her three dogs and staying connected with her boyfriend, who is currently stationed in Alaska.

Ms. Shawnee began her journey in childcare in 2009 as a nanny and transitioned to working in a childcare center in 2022, bringing with her a background in biology. She is passionate about how each day with young children is a new adventure, filled with opportunities for exploration and discovery. She thrives on learning about the unique ways each child’s mind works and appreciating their diverse personalities. Joining The Goddard School in Woodbury has been a wonderful experience, particularly because of the collaborative spirit across classrooms and the supportive team environment. At home, she lives with her husband and two kids, along with their pug, Winnie. In her free time, she loves playing outside, visiting the cabin, and spending quality moments with friends and family.

Ms. Sarah embarked on her journey in early childhood education in January 2023, drawing from her background in art to bring a creative touch to her teaching. One of the most rewarding aspects of working with children for her is their delightful unpredictability and the humor they bring to each day. Their ability to surprise and amuse with their spontaneous thoughts and actions never ceases to make me smile. She is thrilled to join The Goddard School in Woodbury because she is passionate about fostering a positive and enriching environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. Outside of the classroom, she immerses herself in reading, writing, and creating, finding inspiration in nature and the company of her cat at home. She also values quality time with her family, enjoying games and shared activities that bring them closer together and enrich our lives.

Ms. Sarah began her early childhood journey babysitting as a teenager and later went on to earn her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. She truly loves working with children for all the fun, the wonderful relationships, and the opportunity to see her positive impact firsthand as she watches them learn and grow every day. Being part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Dr) is an exciting new chapter for her, where she values the structured environment, the beautiful facility, and the chance to build meaningful connections with children, families, and colleagues. A lifelong resident of Woodbury, she is deeply rooted in the community. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, whom she married in 2022, and their sweet baby boy, Elias, born in 2025, alongside their two dogs and two frogs. She is also passionate about singing, playing guitar, and celebrating all things Disney.

Since 2015, Ms. Makayla has been dedicated to nurturing and educating young minds, having pursued her studies at Northwood Tech. Her passion for working with children stems from her admiration for their endless curiosity, vibrant imaginations, and genuine love for learning. She finds immense joy in observing their developmental milestones and the excitement of their daily discoveries. Joining The Goddard School in Woodbury is particularly exciting for her because of the opportunity it presents to build strong, lasting relationships with families and to witness their children’s growth firsthand. Originally from Hammond, WI, she enjoys spending my free time on the golf course, exploring the great outdoors through camping and long hikes, and sharing adventures with her two dogs.

Ms. Nickole began her career in childcare in 2022 as a childcare aide with the Proctor Kids Zone program. She has since earned both her Early Childhood Education degree and her Associate of Arts degree. Ms. Nickole loves building meaningful relationships with children and enjoys watching them learn, grow, and reach new milestones. She especially enjoys getting to know each child’s unique interests and strengths and helping them build confidence along the way. Ms. Nickole is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Drive) and looks forward to learning from her fellow teachers while building strong connections with children and families. Originally from Duluth, Minnesota, Ms. Nickole recently moved to Cottage Grove with her significant other. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family.

Ms. Hallie began working in childcare in 2016 as a daycare helper and babysitter and has loved being part of this field ever since. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy, and while her studies led her down a unique path, her heart has always been drawn to the joy of working with children. She finds it incredibly fulfilling to play a role in helping young minds grow, learn, and explore the world around them. She is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Dr), where she can help bring the school’s vision to life and support children in reaching their full potential. For Ms. Hallie, being part of such a positive and nurturing community is truly rewarding. A recent college graduate, Ms. Hallie has a strong passion for learning and education. She enjoys challenging herself with new opportunities and exploring new knowledge whenever she can. She looks forward to carrying that same love of learning into her work and continuing to grow alongside the amazing God

Ms. Ling has been working in childcare since January 2021 and holds her Child Development Associate (CDA) in Early Childhood Education. She truly loves working with children because they are always eager to learn new and exciting things each day. It brings her so much joy to witness every milestone and to be part of each child’s growth and discovery. She is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Dr), where the environment is warm and welcoming. The teachers are kind and supportive, and the families bring such wonderful energy. For Ms. Ling, it feels like a place where everyone belongs and where children can truly thrive. Originally from China, Ms. Ling’s first language is Chinese, and she speaks both Mandarin and Cantonese. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her little boy who fills her days with laughter and love. Family time is very special to her, and she brings that same warmth and care into her work with the children each d

Ms. Tekeshia began her career in childcare as a nanny before moving into the classroom as an assistant teacher at KinderCare in 2015, later earning her degree in Early Childhood Education. She loves watching children learn and grow, finding constant joy in the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the classroom. She is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Drive) because of the opportunity for a fresh beginning and the chance to build strong connections with a vibrant school community. Ms. Tekeshia believes in creating a warm, supportive environment where children feel encouraged to explore and reach their full potential. Outside the classroom, Ms. Tekeshia and her partner are proud parents to four children and share their home with three cats. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships with the students, staff, and families in the community.

Mr. Alex began his journey in early childhood education in 2023, building on his experience working with children as a swim instructor since 2019. He is CDA certified and passionate about creating positive, engaging experiences where children feel supported as they learn and grow. He thrives on celebrating each child’s milestones and discovering the unique ways every child’s mind works. Joining The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Dr) has been a wonderful experience, particularly because of the strong sense of community, collaboration across classrooms, and the supportive team environment. At home, he lives in Woodbury with his wife and their daughter. In his free time, he enjoys being active in the community, bringing his daughter to swimming and gymnastics, and spending quality moments with family and friends.

With a passion for early childhood education, Ms. Ariel began as a nanny in 2012, she has since earned her CDA and found her true calling in nurturing young minds. She absolutely loves witnessing the growth and progress of each child, and she loves the relationships she builds with both children and their families—it's never a dull moment! At Goddard Woodbury, she's thrilled to be part of such a positive environment where the atmosphere is supportive and collaborative. Here, everyone is a team, working together to help each other succeed. Outside of school, her and her husband enjoy life with their daughter, Noelle, and our playful dog, Nora.

Mr. Jeremiah has been dedicated to working with children since 2018, when he began teaching soccer in the youth division. He thrives on finding innovative ways to explore and explain the world around us, believing that teaching kids how to break down complex ideas into digestible bits is one of the most rewarding challenges. Mr. Jeremiah is passionate about his role at Goddard Woodbury, where he is inspired by a community of educators who genuinely love their jobs and believe in the impact of their teaching.

Ms. Emma began her career in early childhood education in 2019, working in a childcare center before transitioning to a K–8 school, where she continued teaching preschool from 2022–2025. She holds a degree in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Education from St. Cloud State University. Ms. Emma is passionate about watching children grow and develop over time and finds it incredibly rewarding to guide them as they build confidence and master new skills. She is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Drive), especially working with older Pre-K students, one of her favorite age groups. Ms. Emma values strong partnerships with families and believes collaboration creates the best foundation for children’s success. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, spending time with family, and relaxing with music or a good movie.

Ms. Abby began her teaching journey as a kindergarten teacher in 1998, she holds a degree in pre-elementary education and has dedicated herself to nurturing young minds ever since. She finds immense joy in watching children grow and achieve milestones, knowing that she played a part in their development. Building long-lasting relationships with both children and their families and making a meaningful difference in their lives is incredibly fulfilling. At Goddard Woodbury, she is fortunate to be part of a community that truly feels like home; the love, respect, and encouragement foster an environment where everyone can thrive. Originally from Guatemala, her and her husband are proud parents to three boys and a delightful Cavapoo named Milo. She treasures their Friday night dinners, trips, and visits back to Guatemala, creating cherished memories together. In her free time, she enjoys listening to audiobooks and cooking, finding relaxation and inspiration in these activities.

Ms. Liz began her teaching journey as a substitute teacher in 2011 and took on a full-time role as a kindergarten teacher in 2016 after earning her master’s in elementary education. What she loves most about teaching is witnessing those "aha" moments when students grasp new concepts and learning from them along the way. At Goddard Woodbury, she has found the ideal environment that aligns perfectly with her teaching philosophy. She believes it's incredibly rewarding to help prepare these young learners for kindergarten and watch their excitement grow. Outside of school, her husband and their two sons enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, and biking together. In her free time, she indulges in her creative side by crafting with her Cricut.

Ms. Amy began her teaching career in 2008 and holds a CDA, driven by a genuine excitement for learning new things alongside the children. She thrives on watching kids discover new ways to explore and proudly share their achievements. Partnering with families to support their child's growth and development is a cornerstone of her approach, and she is proud to be part of The Goddard School in Woodbury. The quality of care provided to families, children, and teachers is unmatched, and the trust and support extended to the staff are truly inspiring. She believes that when teachers are empowered and valued, the children’s success shines even brighter. In my spare time, She enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids, engaging in activities like hiking, camping, playing board games, and watching movies. She is also a plant enthusiast, passionate about nature, animals, and creative pursuits such as making jewelry and crocheting.

Mr. Sudays began his journey in childcare in 2022 through babysitting and quickly discovered a passion for helping children learn and grow. He loves working with children because of their curiosity, positivity, and warm-hearted nature. Mr. Sudays especially enjoys the conversations he has with children each day, as their creativity, honesty, and silly sense of humor bring joy and excitement to every moment. At The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Drive), Mr. Sudays is excited to be part of a welcoming and supportive team. He was drawn to the positive culture and strong character of the staff, as well as the willingness of everyone to help one another. He looks forward to building meaningful relationships with children and families while creating a fun and engaging learning environment. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Sudays enjoys spending time with friends and family and exploring new adventures. One of his most memorable experiences was going skydiving in Wisconsin.

Mr. Mike joined the Goddard (Woodbury) team in November of 2022 as our Bus Driver. He has many years of experience bus driving but wanted to take the opportunity to be a part of the Goddard family. His favorite part about Goddard is the way it makes him feel young again and that the kids tell him good jokes on the way to school!

We are so fortunate to have Ms. Kathy as part of our Goddard (Woodbury) family! With many years of experience working with children, Ms. Kathy is passionate about nurturing young minds. Whether she's providing delicious meals or reading stories, she finds joy in every moment spent with the children. Watching their faces light up with curiosity and seeing their growth is what keeps her excited about her work every day. Family is at the heart of everything for Ms. Kathy. A proud mom and grandma, she cherishes every moment with her loved ones, and they are always her biggest blessing.

Ms. Miranda began her journey in early childhood education in 2014 at an in-home daycare and holds a Preschool CDA. What she loves most about working with children is witnessing their growth and celebrating their major milestones. She is also passionate about teaching kindness and fostering a loving environment where children learn to care for others. At The Goddard School in Woodbury, she is inspired by the inquiry-based, child-centered learning approach, which nurtures each child’s love of learning and allows them to thrive. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her niece, and enjoy relaxing with friends or cuddling with her two cats.

Ms. Hager began working in childcare in 2021 as a preschool teacher and has loved every moment since. She enjoys helping children learn and grow each day, and she finds it truly inspiring to watch their confidence and creativity bloom. Being part of their journey is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work. She is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Dr), where fun, learning, and supporting each child to reach their fullest potential are valued. The positive atmosphere and supportive community make it a truly special place to be. Originally from Egypt, Ms. Hager is proud to hold two nationalities. She speaks three languages, is fluent in two, and continues to learn the third. She is also a proud mom of two amazing boys who bring joy to her life. In her free time, she enjoys reading, diving, cooking, traveling, and painting. Ms. Hager is grateful to be part of the wonderful team at Goddard and looks forward to growing alongside the children and families each

Ms. Jazlynn began her career in early childhood education in 2019 as a Teacher Assistant and has since earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. She is passionate about working with children because every day brings new adventures and opportunities to learn and grow together. She enjoys seeing the world through the eyes of children and loves discovering something new alongside them each day. She is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Radio Drive) because of the strong sense of teamwork and support within the school community. Ms. Jazlynn believes that a team that guides, supports, and advocates for both students and staff creates the foundation for success. She values working in an environment where collaboration and encouragement help everyone reach their full potential. Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Ms. Jazlynn enjoys journaling, spending time in nature, traveling, and creating lasting memories with her family. She looks forward to building meaningful