Our Goddard School Teachers

Rick and Shannon are thrilled to be able to open their second location within Woodbury and to be able to offer more families the The Goddard School’s outstanding educational program within the community that they live and love. 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. Paige is our operations Director here at Goddard (Woodbury) and has been on our team since 'Day 1!' She has her associate degree and a Credential in Early Childhood Education. She started her career in Early Childhood in 2012 and is passionate about ensuring that children learn, grow, and thrive every day in her care. Her favorite part about Goddard Woodbury (Settlers Ridge) is our Vision Statement (which is about being THE best for teachers, families, and children) and that we (the entire team at Goddard Woodbury (Settlers Ridge)) actively ensure that we live our Vision every day.

Ms. Tayler is our Education Director at The Goddard School of Woodbury (Settlers Ridge)! She began her career in Early Childhood Education in 2013 and holds both a CDA in Early Childhood Development and an associate degree in Spanish Language and Literature. She loves working with young children because of their curiosity, imagination, and the joy of watching them grow. Being a part of their milestones is something she finds truly rewarding. Ms. Tayler is excited to be part of the Goddard Woodbury (Settlers Ridge) community because of its strong sense of inclusiveness, love, and care. Outside of school, she’s a proud mom of four, has been with her husband for 20 years, and enjoys being active in her kids’ sports and activities.

Ms. Lily is our Administrative Assistant at The Goddard School of Woodbury (Settlers Ridge)! Originally from Fargo, ND, she attended Minnesota State University Moorhead and began her journey in early childhood education in 2015 and hasn’t been able to stay away since! With a warm and friendly presence, Ms. Lily loves being part of a school where every day brings something new and rewarding. She especially enjoys the energy and joy that children bring, and feels lucky to be part of such a meaningful and welcoming community.

Ms. Gretchen is excited to be part of the Goddard Woodbury (Settlers Ridge) family as the Events and Marketing Coordinator. 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 (Settlers Ridge) 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 (Settlers Ridge), 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.

Ms. Kelley began her career in childcare in 2006 and holds an associate’s degree in psychology and early childhood education. She is passionate about being an integral part of children’s daily learning experiences, witnessing their milestones, and building meaningful relationships with both kids and their families. What she particularly loves about working at The Goddard School of Woodbury (Settlers Ridge) is the strong emphasis on play, health, and safety, along with the high standards for educators and the encouragement for children to embrace their individuality. Outside of work, her husband and their three sons enjoy spending time at the cabin and exploring the outdoors. She also finds joy in reading, cooking, and cheering on their oldest son during his baseball games.

Ms. Emily started her career in childcare in 2016, bolstered by a degree in Early Childhood Education. Her passion for working with children lies in the incredible process of watching them develop and grow, and in guiding them through their unique developmental stages. She finds it deeply rewarding to support their milestones and celebrate their achievements. At The Goddard School of Woodbury (Settlers Ridge), she is particularly drawn to the supportive and nurturing atmosphere, which fosters an environment where both children and staff can thrive. The sense of community and the shared commitment to continuous learning and growth make it a truly inspiring place to work. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband, exploring new books, and enjoying the quiet moments that reading provides.

Ms. Savanna began her journey in childcare in 2022 as a teacher aide and quickly discovered the joy that comes from helping children grow and explore new things. She loves being part of their daily discoveries and finds it incredibly rewarding to watch their confidence and curiosity flourish. She is excited to join The Goddard School of Woodbury (Settlers Ridge), drawn to the positive environment and supportive team. Ms. Savanna feels grateful to work in a space where children are celebrated, encouraged, and empowered every day. Originally from Minnesota, Ms. Savanna also spent seven years living in Iowa. She is a proud parent of two wonderful children and enjoys teaching, going on walks, and spending time outdoors. Exploring new things and connecting with nature are among her favorite ways to relax and recharge.

Ms. Anna started her early childhood career as a nanny at the age of 15 and later pursued a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. What she loves most about working with children is the endless opportunities each day brings for new discoveries and joyful laughter. She is particularly impressed with how The Goddard School of Woodbury (Settlers Ridge) has created a beautiful, fun, and safe environment for children, families, and teachers alike. Balancing her roots as a nature enthusiast from Bemidji with her current life in Minneapolis, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors and the vibrant cityscape. Whether hiking through natural trails or discovering urban gems, she finds inspiration and joy in both worlds.

Ms. Kelly finds joy in ending each day knowing she has made a difference in the lives of children. She loves creating fun, engaging environments where children feel immersed in their learning and excited to explore new ideas. For her, the best part of teaching is seeing the joy and curiosity that shine when children are truly engaged. She is thrilled to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Settlers Ridge), where the atmosphere is fun, supportive, and filled with teamwork. Ms. Kelly looks forward to contributing to a community where everyone helps one another thrive and, most of all, to building meaningful connections with the children and families she serves. Outside of school, Ms. Kelly enjoys life with her husband and their child. She loves to draw, swim, take Disney trips, and travel to the beach. These passions bring her happiness and creativity, and she is excited to bring that same energy and enthusiasm into her role at Goddard.

Ms. Alyssa began her teaching career in 2021 and has loved every step of the journey. She values creating a safe and supportive space where children can grow into their unique personalities, and she feels grateful to witness their confidence blossom as they reach new milestones. For her, the most rewarding part of teaching is watching each child’s individuality shine. She is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Settlers Ridge), where the community feels like one big family. The warm atmosphere and strong connections between teachers, families, and children make it a place she is proud to call home. Originally from Oakdale, Minnesota, Ms. Alyssa enjoys spending time outdoors with her boyfriend. Together, they love fishing, swimming, and hiking—activities that help them relax, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Ms. Jayme began her teaching career in 2014 after earning her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Management. Over the years, she has cherished building lasting relationships with children and their families, finding joy in watching each child grow, discover, and experience those unforgettable “light bulb” moments when new understanding shines through. She is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Settlers Ridge), where the warm, welcoming environment, supportive leadership, and strong sense of community make each day meaningful. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Jayme enjoys a full and vibrant family life with her husband, their daughter, and their three Pomeranians. Together, they love traveling to Arizona to visit her best friend, going jeeping, enjoying family movie nights, and exploring fun places like the zoo. She also enjoys playing video games and looks forward to her book club gatherings with friends.

With a teaching career that began in 1994, Ms. Alanna has journeyed through roles as a nanny before returning to the classroom, and she is proud to have earned her CDA from Rasmussen College. What truly excites her about teaching is witnessing that magical moment when a skill clicks in a child’s mind—their pride and joy is incredibly rewarding. At Goddard Woodbury (Settlers Ridge), she cherishes the supportive, family-oriented atmosphere and the strong sense of teamwork that extends throughout the center. Originally from Minnesota, she moved to California before returning to her roots, where her and her husband embraced the role of 'bonus' parents to their niece and nephew. Outside of teaching, she enjoys hiking and staying active at the gym.

Ms. Tanya has been a part of our Goddard Woodbury (Settlers Ridge) Family from the very beginning! She was born in Russia, and moved to Colorado before settling in locally, here in Minnesota. After completing her degree in Early Childhood Education, Ms. Tanya dove into the role as an Early Childhood Educator in 2010. She believes it takes a village of dedicated and positive individuals to raise children. Ms. Tanya is so thankful to be a part of that village to help your child have a meaningful and positive experience while they are here to be empowered and become the best they can be.

Ms. Olivia began her career in education in 2023 as a first-grade teacher after earning her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology from the College of St. Benedict. During her time teaching, she discovered just how much she loves helping children grow—especially in reading. For her, there is nothing more rewarding than watching students grasp new concepts and proudly share their learning with others. She is excited to join The Goddard School of Woodbury (Settlers Ridge) and to be part of a community that celebrates and supports all learners. Creating a classroom where children feel confident, encouraged, and celebrated is at the heart of her teaching philosophy. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Olivia enjoys life in Oakdale with her husband and their energetic bernedoodle puppy, Thor. She loves working out, traveling, baking, and curling up with a good book in her free time.

Mr. Zach began his journey in education by volunteering at a local preschool in 2017 and holds a degree in Exercise and Sports Science from UW-River Falls. What excites him most about teaching is the boundless energy and creativity that children bring to the classroom with their vivid imaginations. Being a part of the Goddard Woodbury (Settlers Ridge) community is a privilege, as the school’s stellar reputation within the community aligns perfectly with his values and passion for early childhood education. Outside of the classroom, he loves staying active and embraces the great outdoors, drawing on his background as a dedicated runner and former track and cross-country athlete from high school through college.

Ms. Rochelle began her career in childcare in 2022 as a teacher aide and quickly discovered how rewarding it is to grow and learn right alongside children. She loves the way each day brings something new, and she finds great joy in watching children reach milestones, explore with curiosity, and share their excitement for learning. She is thrilled to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Settlers Ridge), drawn to the welcoming, child-centered environment and the strong sense of community. In her role as Nutrition Specialist, she looks forward to helping fuel children’s days with healthy meals and snacks that support their learning, play, and growth. Outside of work, Ms. Rochelle enjoys life in Woodbury with her husband, their two kids, and their dog, Janet. As a family, they love camping, fishing, spending time with animals, and exploring the outdoors together—always finding new adventures to enjoy.

Mr. Mike joined our Goddard Woodbury (Settlers Ridge) team 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!

Ms. Cynthia began working in childcare in 2021 at KinderCare and has loved every moment since. She cannot imagine working in any other field and finds it incredibly rewarding to watch children learn and grow. Seeing what they can accomplish at such a young age and being part of their journey brings her so much joy. She is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Settlers Ridge) and looks forward to getting to know the children and their families. Ms. Cynthia is also eager to build strong connections with her coworkers and to be part of such a welcoming and supportive community. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Ms. Cynthia has lived in Minnesota since she was two years old and loves calling it home. She cannot imagine Christmas without snow. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her boyfriend and his son, spending time outdoors, and making the most of every adventure.

Ms. Myra began working in childcare in 2023 as an assistant teacher for Pre-K and quickly discovered how much she loves building lasting bonds with children and their families. Her goal is to create a welcoming environment filled with trust, laughter, and growth. She believes every child deserves a safe and encouraging space to explore their individuality and takes great pride in helping them reach new milestones both socially and academically. She is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Settlers Ridge), where teachers are truly appreciated and supported. Helping children learn, grow, and discover their confidence brings her so much joy, and she is grateful to be part of a team that shares that same passion for early education. Originally from Beaufort, South Carolina, Ms. Myra has been married since 2007 and is the proud mother of five wonderful children. She loves spending time with her family and cheering them on in their sports and activities.

Ms. Riley began working in childcare in 2020 and has earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. From the very beginning, she knew early education was where she belonged. She loves getting to know each child’s unique personality and building strong, lasting relationships with both children and their families. Watching them grow, discover new things, and reach exciting milestones brings her so much joy and purpose each day. She is thrilled to be part of The Goddard School of Woodbury (Settlers Ridge). The positive energy, teamwork, and support from everyone make it feel like one big family. Ms. Riley loves being surrounded by people who share her passion for helping children learn and thrive in a fun, nurturing environment. Born and raised in Minnesota, Ms. Riley has always loved calling this state home. Outside of the classroom, she runs a small business creating custom clothing, which allows her to express her creativity in a different way. She also enjoys camping, spendi