Our Teachers

Ms. Allie took the helm as the owner of this school in 2017, following a journey at Goddard that began in 2012. She's held diverse roles within the institution, from teacher to director, leading her to her current ownership. With an educational background encompassing an associate's degree in Education and a bachelor's in Business, she brings a unique blend of expertise to her role. Her "Why?" is founded on the joy she finds in witnessing the "ah ha!" moments in children. Ms. Allie's love for these moments of understanding and growth propels her dedication to providing an environment where children can experience these enlightening breakthroughs, making her a significant and compassionate leader within our school.

Ms. Andrea holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Lindenwood University, accompanied by an Early Childhood Certificate. Her journey with The Goddard School began in 2009, and she has worked in every classroom, gaining comprehensive experience. Rising through the ranks, she became Assistant Director in 2019 and assumed the role of Director in 2021. Her "Why?" is rooted in her deep love for witnessing children learn and grow. Ms. Andrea's passion for nurturing the development of young minds is a driving force behind her dedicated leadership at our school.

Ms. Moni holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish from UMSL and began her teaching journey in 2010. Her dedicated service at The Goddard School commenced in 2011 as an assistant teacher. Over the years, she has worked in various classrooms, even serving as the Spanish teacher for a period. In 2021, she assumed the role of Assistant Director. Her unwavering mission is to create a warm and inclusive environment where all families, children, and staff feel secure and valued from the moment they enter the school. Ms. Moni's "Why?" is rooted in her belief that every child deserves the best possible start in life, making her a compassionate and vital part of our school leadership.

Miss Sierra is our Kitchen Manager. She has over 10 years of experience in the food service industry. Her favorite food to cook is Soul Food because it's feel-good food! She is excited to be at our school and to create nutritious and delicious means each month for our little ones!

Ms. Kristen is an experienced childcare provider with over 15 years of nurturing and guiding young minds. She has earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in early childhood education. Ms. Kristen's passion lies in creating a delightful and secure learning environment for infants, where their growth and development are of paramount importance. Her "Why?" is deeply rooted in the joy of witnessing babies as they embark on their incredible journey of learning, growth, and the achievement of important milestones.

Ms. Kayla brings 4 1/2 years of valuable childcare experience to our team. While she began her journey in the Monkey room, she discovered her true passion in the infant room, where she has truly flourished. Ms. Kayla is not only an outstanding team player but also a valuable asset to our school. Her primary objective is to create a joyful and secure environment for the children under her care. Her "Why?" is driven by the simple pleasure of observing these little ones as they learn and grow.

Ms. Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in child development from SEMO and boasts more than 6 years of experience in childcare. At our school, she serves as the Health and Safety Coordinator and also works as an office assistant. Ms. Lauren's primary goal is to foster the growth and development of the children in her class. She achieves this by cultivating a secure and affectionate environment, tailoring learning opportunities to each child's unique developmental levels and interests. Her "Why?" is rooted in her genuine love for guiding her students as they grow and learn, ensuring they have a safe and nurturing space to do so.

Ms. Makena joins us with several years of experience caring for children of all ages and is currently pursuing an associate's degree in Health and Sciences. Her goal is to create a safe and loving environment for the children. Her "Why?" is rooted in the joy of watching children grow and learn, along with building bonds that make each child feel safe and comfortable. Ms. Makena is dedicated to fostering a nurturing space where children can thrive.

Ms. Makayla, with over 5 years of experience in childcare, is a familiar face to the Goddard community, having accumulated over a year of experience at a previous location. As she embarks on a new journey at our school, her goal for the year is to offer a diverse range of daily activities that promote exploration, learning, and social interaction, aspiring to be the best teacher she can be. Her “Why?” is driven by the profound satisfaction of knowing she is making a positive impact on each child’s life. Ms. Makayla takes joy in helping children grow and learn about the world around them, highlighting her commitment to fostering a rich and supportive learning environment.

Ms. Marissa, who has over 3 years of experience in childcare, is not just a teacher but a mother of two. She extends the same love to her class as she does to her own children. Her “Why?” is rooted in the joy she finds in watching children grow and learn, especially cherishing those precious moments when they express themselves by saying something new for the first time.

Ms. Amber, a dedicated member of our team for just over a year, received a noteworthy parent nomination for Goddard Midwest Teacher of the Year in 2023. Her goal is to create a safe, fun, educational, and loving environment where children can thrive. Her “Why?” is rooted in a significant career shift. After spending 8 years running hotels, Ms. Amber decided to take a break and recalibrate her career goals. Now, having found something she loves, she is enthusiastic about contributing to the growth and development of the children in her care.

Ms. Catalina, a valuable member of our team, has dedicated a year to nurturing and guiding children in our infant and toddler rooms. Recognized for her exceptional teamwork, she actively contributes to creating a positive environment within our school. Her "Why?" is driven by her commitment to sharing the power of therapeutic humor with others. Ms. Catalina's focus on using humor as a tool for healing and fostering connections makes her a uniquely impactful presence in our educational community.

Ms. Charlotte is a seasoned educator with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood from the University of Cincinnati, boasting an impressive 25 years of experience in childcare. At our school, she serves as the Teacher Mentor and an office assistant. Her "Why?" is rooted in her passion for tailoring education to each child's unique learning journey. Ms. Charlotte aims to provide individualized support, understanding that every child learns and grows in their distinct way. Her commitment to personalized learning and vast experience make her an invaluable asset to our educational team.

Ms. Polina brings over a decade of childcare experience to her role, and she has earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) with the support of a ChildCare Aware Scholarship. As a mother of two, she extends the same care and love to her class as she does to her own children. Her "Why?" is deeply rooted in a personal journey inspired by her fourth-grade teacher, whose hard work and determination helped her succeed in school after being adopted. Ms. Polina is driven by the desire to ensure that all children, even at a young age, feel loved and successful, making her a compassionate and dedicated teacher.

Ms. April is a dedicated educator with a CDA credential, actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Early Education. With a remarkable 16 years of experience in the field, she brings a wealth of expertise to our school. While she is new to our school, she has plenty of experience in the Goddard community. Having diverse roles at previous schools, we are enthusiastic about her professional growth at this school. Her immediate objective is to establish herself at our location and develop strong connections with the families we serve. Ms. April’s “Why?” is deeply rooted in the sheer delight of witnessing the “Ah ha!” moments in children as they grasp new concepts. She finds immense joy in the sparkle of excitement that lights up their eyes during activity.

Ms. Katie has been passionate about child development since high school and is currently pursuing an associate's degree in child development psychology at Saint Charles Community College. She brings valuable experience from an internship teaching first grade students and extensive babysitting. Her goal for this year is to further her teaching experience and learn from her co-teachers. Her "Why?" is rooted in her love for helping little minds grow and learn, reflecting her dedication to nurturing and guiding young children on their educational journeys.

Ms. Ellyen is a dedicated educator holding an associate's degree in early childhood development from State Fair Community College. With over 7 years of diverse experience working with children in various settings, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her goal for the year is threefold: to advance as a lead teacher, ensure her students are prepared for pre-K and kindergarten, and to provide a safe, healthy, fun, and loving environment for them. Additionally, Ms. Ellyen aims to foster strong relationships with both the children and their parents.

Ms. Jessica joins us with valuable experience in childcare and preschool settings. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Southeast Missouri State University with a minor in Family Studies, as well as a Child Advocacy Studies Certificate. Her goal is to build meaningful relationships with the children. Her "Why?" is her love for witnessing those "I got it!" moments when children learn a new skill, making every day in the classroom rewarding.

Ms. Debbie brings a wealth of over 28 years of experience in childcare and holds a dual role as an office assistant at our institution. Her primary aim this year is to achieve her Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. Driven by her belief that children learn by the experiences they encounter, Ms. Debbie is devoted to fostering an environment where children can live their best life under her care. Her dedication to creating an environment that promotes positive learning experiences makes her an invaluable part of our team.

Ms. Skylar brings previous experience in childcare and child development classes to our team. Currently finishing high school, she plans to pursue her CDA and an associate's degree. Her goal is to build strong connections with the children and be someone they can trust. Her "Why?" is simple and heartfelt: she has always wanted to work with kids. She loves playing with them and watching them grow into their own unique little people.

Mr. Brandon has been a highly valued floater teacher at our institution for two years. Though he mainly supports the preschool and pre-K rooms, he also relishes spending time with the youngest children in our care. His passion for bonding with the kids is often expressed through art and drawing activities, providing opportunities to connect and engage with the children on a creative level.

Ms. Amber brings over 10 years of valuable childcare experience to our team. While she dedicates her mornings to working in the kitchen at the school district, she joins us in the afternoons. Her goal is to cultivate a positive and loving environment for the children under her care. Her “Why?” is deeply personal, rooted in her commitment to being there for her two daughters, who are her everything. Ms. Amber’s dedication to creating a nurturing space for the children reflects her genuine passion for fostering positivity and love within our educational community.

Ms. Karla joins our school with prior experience in childcare, having worked in a center and spent time as a stay-at-home mom. Her goal for the year is to explore new teaching methods to enhance her skills both as a teacher and a mother. Her "Why?" is deeply rooted in her own fulfilling experience of raising and teaching her children. Ms. Karla aims to extend the same enriching experience to other children, driven by her desire to continue nurturing young minds and fostering growth in a supportive and caring environment.

Ms. Shala, a newcomer at our school, is eager to embark on this journey with enthusiasm. Drawing from her diverse background, which includes nannying, involvement with children in her church, and several years in pediatrics and NICU, she brings a rich tapestry of experiences. As a mother of 5 herself, she is well-acquainted with the joys and challenges of caring for children. Her “Why?” is deeply personal, rooted in her strong love for children. Ms. Shala aspires to be the supportive adult figure for children that she wishes she had when she was young, underscoring her commitment to creating a positive and nurturing environment for the children at our school.