Our Goddard School Teachers

Abby Hendren is the Owner of The Goddard School – Lakewood. She and her husband, Shane, have lived in Lee’s Summit for 15 years, and were both raised in the area. Abby is from St. Joseph, MO, and Shane is a Blue Springs High School graduate. Abby & Shane met at Missouri State University and their love for Missouri & outdoor adventures is evident in the decor of the school and in their personal lives, as they spend their free time with their two young boys, camping, hiking, and doing anything outdoors they can! Abby has always been passionate about education and knows the importance of the role children’s educators play in their development & learning experience. Abby grew up helping her mom, a now retired elementary school teacher, in her classrooms and realized the impact a safe, nurturing environment has on children’s capacity to learn and to WANT to come to school. Abby is passionate about instilling a love for both learning and for school from the youngest age possible!

Ms. Laura is our Director of Operations. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Development from the University of Central Missouri. Ms. Laura has worked in childcare since 2013. She began as an aid in the Blue Springs School District’s before and after school program, while having a second job as a paraprofessional. In 2015, she became the Site Lead for the before and after school program. Ms. Laura has always had a passion for working with children and loves seeing their smiling faces every day! She chose The Goddard School because she believes in their hands-on approach and high quality standards. When Ms. Laura is not at school, she loves spending time with her husband, son and daughter, and their 3 dogs!

Ms. Brandi is our Health & Safety Director. She is a certified CPR/First Aid and AVERT instructor and trains the Goddard School staff in those areas. Ms. Brandi received her EMT license in 2009 and was a volunteer firefighter who visited schools to teach about fire safety. She also has been a paraprofessional which left a powerful impact on her. Ms. Brandi is continuing her education in Business Management through William Woods. She chose a career with the Goddard School because she believes in hands-on learning and the high health and safety standards the school upholds. When Ms. Brandi is not at school, she loves spending time with family and enjoying the outdoors.

Ms. Amanda has an Associates in Arts and a Medical Assistant degree. She began her career in 2001 in early education. In 2005, she went into MA school and started her MA career in 2006. She worked in the medical field for 12 years and in 2018 she retried to her true passion, Early Education. Ms. Amanda is married and has 3 children Makayla, Isabel and Brayden. She also has a granddaughter, Everlee. In her spare time, Ms. Amanda loves to workout and spend as much time with family as she can. Ms. Amanda chose The Goddard School for the core values and the F.L.EX. framework.

Ms. Alyssa has been in childcare since 2018. She is working towards getting her bachelor’s degree in business management at Northwest Missouri State University. Ms. Alyssa has always had a passion for working with children and has experience in all ages through both nannying and working in childcare facilities. She loves watching children learn and grow through their different stages. Ms. Alyssa’s favorite thing to do outside of work is to travel and exercise. Ms. Alyssa chose the Goddard School because of the warm welcoming environment and the amazing curriculum that is offered.

Ms. Amy has been in child care since 2004. She went to M.C.C where she studied early childhood. Ms. Amy has known from a very young age that working with children is her passion. Ms. Amy is a mom of four. She has two girls with her husband and in 2021 they grew their family and adopted a son and daughter. She has always wanted a large family and adoption was the perfect way to complete their family. Ms. Amy's favorite part about working with children is seeing the world through their eyes. They remind her to remember the little things in life. Ms. Amy chose The Goddard School because of their focus on families as a whole.

Ms. Britney recently graduated from high school and is new to the child care profession. She is eager to learn and build relationships with faculty and families. In her free time, Ms. Britney plays competition softball. She chose The Goddard School because of it's consistent 5 star rating.

Ms. Brooke has been in early child care since 2023. She graduated with a degree in secondary Education. She quickly found her passion for the younger toddlers and babies when she joined the Goddard team. She recently moved here from Nevada Missouri with her Fiancé. She chose Goddard because she has always wanted to work in early childhood and believed that Goddard was the best place to be because of their high standards.

Ms. Hailey graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She is a mother of three children and she and her husband thoroughly love seeing each one of their children learn and grow in their own unique way. Ms. Hailey has tutored young students in both reading and math and is excited to implement a Reading Enrichment program here at the Goddard School of Lakewood! She loves doing crafts in her spare time and is looking forward to bringing that creativity into her classroom. Ms. Hailey chose Goddard for the individualized education and enrichment programs the school encourages their educators to pursue.

Ms. Jenni has been in childcare since 2000. She started working in a childcare facility before starting her own in-home daycare in 2002 to be closer to her own children and nephews. In 2020, she left the childcare profession to take care of family. Ms. Jenni has been married since 1998 and has two daughters- Dakota and Kendra. When Ms. Jenni is not working, she helps her sister take care of their dad who has Alzheimer’s. In her spare time Ms. Jenni likes to go to the golf course with her husband, spend time with her daughters, and work on jigsaw puzzles. In 2021, Ms. Jenni attended her nephew’s Pre-K graduation at the Goddard School. Ms. Jenni was impressed at the difference the Goddard School had made in her nephew’s life and wanted to be a part of the wonderful school. Ms. Jenni chose the Goddard school because of the impact the enrichment programs, such as the phonics tutoring, had on her nephew’s education.

Ms. Jessica received her degree in Early Childhood Education in 2005 from the University of Central Missouri. Ms. Jessica is married with two children, and both have had the pleasure of attending The Goddard School. In her free time, she enjoys camping, going to baseball games, concerts, and spending time with her family. Ms. Jessica has a passion for reading and being creative with art activities. She chose The Goddard School because of their amazing hands-on learning experience and enrichment programs. She has always loved working with children and teaching them using play-based learning!

Ms. Jordan has been working with kids since 2015. She has a bachelors degree in education and training and Child Psychology from The University of Central Missouri. She has worked for daycares, private schools and communicative disorder schools. Ms. Jordan loves working with children and helping them grow. She believes that every child is special and unique and being able to help each child grow is the best job in the world! Ms. Jordan loves to travel, going to sporting games and going to the lake. She is the type of person to constantly be on the go with friends and family. She is married and has two boys.

Ms. Isabel has been working in childcare since 2018. Some teachers and students like to call her Ms. Izzi for short. She is currently pursuing her certification in Computer Aided Drafting. She is the oldest of seven and has five sisters and one brother. Ms. Isabel loves to spend her free time in the kitchen trying new recipes as well as having movie marathons to some of her favorite films. Ms. Isabel chose Goddard because of their amazing use of technology. She loves to see how technology is used in their hands on learning experience!

Ms. Nazifa taught for twelve years in an elementary school located in Pakistan. Once she arrived in the United States in 2011, Ms. Nazifa taught at a local Montessori for four years. She loves being involved with kids and witnessing their abilities expand during their time together. She believes learning is vast and unlimited, it gives her contentment and satisfaction to teach! Ms. Nazifa chose the Goddard school because of all of the wonderful things she had heard. Ms. Nazifa felt that this was the place for her to grow and learn herself so that she could encourage the kids to learn and grow more as well.

Ms. Tiffany has been a Pre-K teacher since 2003. She studied at Northwest Missouri State University where she received a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, and an Associate’s in Early childhood, SPED and Learning Disabilities. She worked in a MPP/SPED classroom for 6 years. Ms. Tiffany also spent many years coaching competitive basketball and is active in PTA. Ms. Tiffany is married to her husband Bryan. She has a daughter, a son, and a stepdaughter. She loves her dog and 2 cats and is a big fan of Kentucky basketball (Go, Big Blue!). She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and drinking coffee on her deck. Ms. Tiffany chose The Goddard School for their high standard in learning, Phonics tutoring, and their fantastic curriculum.

Ms. Shelby has been a preschool teacher since 2016 as well as a nanny for. She plans on furthering her education and studying Child Psychology. Ms. Shelby does not have any children of her own yet but is raising her younger brother. She loves spending time and traveling with her family, watching her favorite sports teams, and doing outdoor activities. Ms. Shelby chose Goddard because of their hands on approach to learning through play, investigation, and discovery.

Ms. Sky has been working in childcare since 2016. She has experience working with infants and older children. She is currently going to school to become a Medical Billing and Coder. She loves spending her free time shopping and hanging out with friends and family. Ms. Sky chose the Goddard School because of the diversity and hands on learning experiences.

Ms. Yancey has been in childcare since 2021. She has a background in the food industry, so she is used to a fast-paced environment. Ms. Yancey always wants to improve and make sure that tasks are being done right. She also makes sure that those around her are holding up the high Goddard standards. Even though Ms. Yancey is new to working in a licensed childcare facility, caring for children is not new to her. As she grew up, she spent a lot of time caring for her nieces and nephews. Ms. Yancey really enjoys working with infants and toddlers. She loves to watch their personalities grow. Although Ms. Yancey loves working with children, she hopes to work in the construction field one day with large machinery. Ms. Yancey chose The Goddard School because of their positive communication and collaboration between the teachers and children.

Ms. Elena has been in childcare since 2011. Before starting in childcare, she worked for the Government in quality control for 10 years where she met her husband in 2008. It was after her son was born that she made the switch to early childcare. She has two children, a son and a daughter. She also has a dog and cat. Ms. Elena loves anything outdoors. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, swimming and bouldering. Some of her favorite trips include relaxing on the beach in Florida and hiking in Colorado! Ms. Elena chose the Goddard School because of the welcoming environment for both families and teachers.

Ms. Micha has worked with toddlers since 1995. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary/Early Childhood from The University of Central Missouri. She really enjoys working with toddlers and says they are her kind of people! She has no children of her own so working with toddlers everyday brings her great joy. Ms. Micha a lives in Raytown with her husband Jim. She believes in active, hands-on learning in the classroom which is why to chose to work with The Goddard School. She brings her patience, flexibility, creativity and energy to the classroom everyday. It is very exciting for her to be apart of their social, emotional and cognitive development. Ms. Micha believes that communication with parents is key and she is very eager to build a relationship with each family.

Ms. Aspen has been working in childcare since the fall of 2020, and she is confident and passionate about her chosen career. When she is not at work, Ms. Aspen likes to spend her time being creative and artistic, or cuddling with her cat. Ms. Aspen was initially drawn to The Goddard School's consistent high standards and their reputation for excellence. Now that she is part of the team, she is excited to continue to grow with the school, its staff, and the students and families.

Ms. Vicki is our Brand Ambassador. As an avid road-tripper, hiker, and camper, Ms. Vicki embodies the spirit of The Goddard School – Lakewood. She’s an adventurer with an explorer’s spirit, and has a passion and talent for making our school a welcoming & nurturing environment. From our outside decor to indoor seasonal & holiday decorations, Ms. Vicki’s visions truly make our school feel like a home - warm, fun, and inviting! Ms. Vicki is the proud mom of three grown kids, watched her four grandchildren (plus bonus grandkids) for years, and is famous in our school for her “Grandma Vicki’s Banana Muffins” on our menu. She and her husband, Gene, can be found relaxing on their pontoon boat or cruising down Route 66 pulling a tear-drop trailer. Their adventures often result in even more unique and outdoorsy décor for our school!

Ms. Jodie joined the Goddard School in 2023. She has been in child care since 1983 and has an Associates Degree in Child Development and Early Childhood Education. She is married and has one daughter and three grandchildren. When she is not at work, you can find her spending time with her family, crafting or reading. Ms. Jodie chose the Goddard School because of their child lead curriculum with hands on experiences. Ms. Jodie's favorite quote is "Don't give up, I believe in you all. A person's a person no matter how small."-Dr. Seuss

Ms. Dani has worked in childcare since 2021. She is currently working towards earning her Associates Degree in Early Child Development. When Ms. Dani isn't working, she enjoys helping with her Sunday school class, reading books, crafting and spending time with her friends and family. Ms. Dani chose The Goddard School because of their hands on experience in the classroom and their compassion for young, developing minds.

Ms. Shannon began her career in child care in 1995 and has always had a passion for working with children. She joined Goddard in 2024. She is a proud mother of three sons and has two grandchildren. Ms. Shannon loves being part of The Goddard School community. She enjoys watching children grow and flourish each day. She chose Goddard because of the warm and supportive atmosphere for both families and teachers alike.

Ms. Casi has been working in early childhood since 2016. She looks forward to furthering her education in child development and psychology. Ms. Casi is a mother to three girls and her hobbies include spending time with her family, water-coloring, being outdoors and advocating for mental health. Ms. Casi chose The Goddard School because of their focus on early education. She is excited to see her students learn and grow!

Ms. Kayla has been in childcare since 2022. She graduated from the Blue Springs School District in 2020 and later began working as an aid in their before school program. Although she is undecided, she is currently taking courses through MCC, she plans to major in education or law. Ms. Kayla comes from a blended family and is the second oldest of 5. Her favorite city to visit is Galveston Texas because of the fun atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Ms. Kayla chose The Goddard School for the student empowerment approach and the immediate sense of safety and security she felt was provided for the children in the school.

Ms. Alyssa has been working in childcare since 2017. She joined the Goddard team in 2025. Before beginning her career in childcare, Ms. Alyssa gained valuable experience in a variety of fields, from customer service and floral work to management roles in the restaurant industry. She also spent many years babysitting, which sparked her love for working with children. In her free time, Ms. Alyssa enjoys playing video games, doing nails and spending quality time with her daughters, who mean the world to her. Ms. Alyssa chose The Goddard School because she appreciates Goddard's focus on hands-on learning and the emphasis on nurturing every child's curiosity and growth. Ms. Alyssa loves seeing how involved the school is in fostering each child's love of learning and creativity and she loves that her girls get to benefit from this amazing curriculum!

Ms. Marissa is beginning her journey as an educator here at Goddard. She joined the team in 2025. Ms. Marissa is working towards earning her Associates in Education to continue her growth in the field. Creativity plays a big role in Ms. Marissa's life. She enjoys expressing herself through crocheting, knitting, sketching and painting. Her love for learning and creativity shines though in her work with children each day. Ms. Marissa was inspired to join The Goddard School after hearing wonderful recommendations. She chose Goddard because of the opportunities for both educators and children to learn, grow and thrive.

Mr. Steve has been in childcare since 1999 and at The Goddard School since 2024. He attended Missouri State University where he studied Secondary Education. He is married to Ms. Elena who is also on the team here at Goddard! They have 2 kids, a son and a daughter. Mr. Steve is very passionate about sports, especially his Jayhawks! He also loves traveling and is trying to make a visit to every MLB and NFL stadium. Mr. Steve chose The Goddard School because of its great reputation and core values.

Ms. Meghan, who also goes by Ms. Meggie, has been in child care since 2024. She joined The Goddard School in 2025. Ms. Meggie is currently pursuing a business degree with the goal of one day starting her own business. During high school, she was active in marching band, competitive drama and debate, where she developed strong teamwork skills. A few fun facts about Ms. Meggie: She has 4 dogs and a cat. She enjoys reading spending time with her mom. Ms. Meggie chose The Goddard School because of the warm and inviting atmosphere for both families and staff.

Ms. Tara has been in childcare since 2012 and joined The Goddard School in 2025. Throughout her career, she has supported children from a variety of backgrounds, including those in domestic violence shelters. Ms. Tara is passionate about creating safe and nurturing environments where all children can learn and thrive. As a mother of four children, two of which attend Goddard, she understands firsthand the importance of high quality early childhood education. She chose The Goddard School to continue growing in her teaching career and to be part of a school community that values excellence in education and is filled with dedicated, inspiring teachers.

Since beginning her journey in child care in August 2024, Ms. Aeryn has discovered a deep passion for working with children. We were thrilled to welcome her to the team at Goddard in 2025. A lifelong resident of Lee's Summit, she values the strong sense of community and has no plans to leave the place she proudly calls home. Ms. Aeryn is currently pursuing her college degree at MCC-Longview with the goal of building a long-term career centered around children. Outside of her professional aspirations, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and baking with her little one. She has a strong desire to explore the world and looks forward to beginning her travels soon. Ms. Aeryn chose The Goddard School because of the warm, welcoming environment that is felt the moment you walk through the doors. She is especially drawn to the school’s approach to learning, where children's natural curiosities guide the curriculum and are woven into engaging, meaningful activities.

Ms. Ella has been at Goddard since 2025 and in childcare since 2023. Ms. Ella spent over 10 years dancing, an experience that taught her discipline, creativity, teamwork and patience. Ms. Ella has always had a passion for working with kids and enjoys creating a nurturing, engaging environment where they can learn and thrive. She chose The Goddard School because of its commitment to high standards in early childhood education which she deeply respects and strives to uphold everyday.

Ms. Kelsie joined the Goddard team in 2025. She graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She is a proud mother of two children, Lincoln and Olivia. Outside of work, Ms. Kelsie and her husband enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. Ms. Kelsie has always had a passion for working with children and loves watching them learn and grow in their own unique ways. She chose The Goddard School because she values its hands on learning approach and the strong sense of community it fosters. She finds great joy in building meaningful connections with both her coworkers and the children in her care.

Ms. Micah began her career in child care in 2023 and joined The Goddard School in 2025. Her first job was as a Little League umpire for youth softball a natural fit, as she played softball for nine years. This experience taught her the importance of teamwork, patience, and clear communication skills she now applies every day in the classroom. Ms. Micah chose The Goddard School because she deeply values what it stands for: a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, grow, and learn through play and curiosity driven experiences.

Ms. Alexis has been working with children since 2015 and joined The Goddard Lakewood location in 2025. Childcare has been a meaningful part of her life from a young age and she has always had a passion for teaching and inspiring children to grow and thrive. She finds joy in watching their minds expand and develop through hands-on learning experiences. Ms. Alexis began her journey with Goddard in Nevada and was thrilled to discover another Goddard location after relocating to Missouri. The school's strong focus on community and educational excellence is what drew her back. She is grateful to be part of Goddard once again!

Ms. Haven has been in child care since 2024 and started at The Goddard School in 2025. She loves being part of a field where she can bring joy, laughter and creativity into the classroom while helping children grow and thrive. She enjoys building meaningful connections with children, families and coworkers. Meeting new people is one of her favorite parts of the job. Ms. Haven chose The Goddard School because their values align closely with her own.

Ms. Sarah has been in child care since 2006 and joined The Goddard School in 2025. Her love for working with children started very early on. From babysitting and reading to younger classes to teaching Sunday School and volunteering in classrooms, Sarah has always loved helping children learn and grow. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from UCM and has since worked in a wide range of roles, including special educator, training specialist and assistant director. Sarah's love for "the littles" and Goddard's dedication to providing high quality, developmentally appropriate care and education is what brought her to The Goddard School. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships with children and families and is excited to be part of their learning journey.