Our Teachers

Barbra Bryan – Franchise Owner After a long and successful career as a Sales & Marketing Executive and a business Leader at Fortune 200 Corporations, Barbra left the Corporate world to pursue her passion – Building a successful Early learning place where children could learn and grow in an enriched, loving environment that prepares them to be the best they can be in school and in life. She and her husband Gordon bought the Mooresville Goddard School in the spring of 2008 and began building her dream. Barbra is also involved in her community as she strives improve educational access for all students. Barbra earned her BA in Business Administration at Queens University in Charlotte and her MBA at Wake Forest University.

Ms. Amber is our Education Director, she has been with us at the Goddard School for over 3 years and has a Bachelor's Degree in History from Appalachian State University. Ms. Amber enjoys working with children because they constantly bring a smile to her face and she loves the feeling of making a difference to them, no matter how small.

Ms. Nikki is our Operations Director. She began her career at The Goddard School as Lead Teacher in Infants and continued later in Preschool. She is currently pursuing her Bachelors in Educational Studies from Western Governors University and has been a part of the team since 2019. She enjoys watching children develop and grow and being a part of that process brings her joy!

Ms. Crystal is our Assistant Director and has been at Goddard since 2019. She started her journey at Goddard briefly working with 2-year-olds and then moving to our 4-year-old classroom where she was the lead teacher for 3 years. Crystal was promoted to Assitant Director in November of 2022. In May of 2022, Crystal graduated from Liberty University with her degree in Developmental Psychology. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, also from Liberty University. We are thrilled to have Ms. Crystal join our Administrative team. Her experience as a teacher and her education will be an asset.

Ms. Ashley is our Administrator's Assistant. She has been at Goddard since 2018, formally as the Fantastic Frog's teacher and has been teaching since 2015. Ms. Ashley has her Associate Degree from Central Piedmont Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Western Carolina University. She loves getting to be an advocate for children's learning and welcoming families to the school.

Ms. Sharon is our Lead Teacher in our Tiny Turtles classroom. She has been with Goddard since 2011 and has taught young children for over 30 years! She has her North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials, SIDS, and BSAC certifications. Her focus has always been with younger children- infants and young toddlers being her specialty. She creates a fun and interactive environment for her infants who love to learn and play with Ms. Sharon!

Ms. Elaine is the assistant teacher in the Tiny Turtles classroom. She has over 25 years of experience working with young children. Ms. Elaine believes that not every child learns in the same way and as a teacher, it is important to meet each child where they are in development and learning. When Elaine is not in the classroom she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.

Ms. Katherine is a Co-Lead teacher in the Cuddly Calves classroom. Ms. Katherine is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in Business Administration in Computer Skills. She believes that “not every child learns the same as the next. Knowing a child’s strengths and weaknesses are important to help encourage learning and confidence.

Ms. Tori is a Co-Lead Teacher in the Cuddly Calves classroom. She has been at Goddard since 2016. Tori has her NC Early Childhood Credentials and over 5 years of experience working with young children. Ms. Tori loves teaching because she can feel the positive impact she has on each of the children every day

Ms. Thusnee, also known as Ms. Taz, is the Little Lambs Lead Teacher. She has her bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Fresno State University. She comes to us all the way from California and has taught preschool for 5 years. Some of her favorite classroom moments include seeing the child's reaction when they make the connection to what they are learning!

Ms. Alyssa is the Assistant Teacher in the Little Lambs classroom. Ms. Alyssa grew up in Hickory and moved to Mooresville when she was 16 years old. She is the middle child of two sisters. During High School and in her spare time she loves to play softball. Working with children brings her great joy and she believes that every child should feel loved and safe.

Ms. Debbie is the Lead teacher in the Pigs Classroom. Debbie has her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and 10 years of experience in the field. Children always bring a smile to Ms. Debbie's face especially when they learn new and exciting things or accomplish milestones.

Ms. Nakia is one of our lead Teachers in the Galloping Goats classroom. She comes to us with a Bachelors's in Sociology from UNCC and 4+ years of childcare experience. She hopes to make a difference in all her students' lives and provide them with a welcoming environment where they can learn and grow.

Ms. Pazao is the Co-Lead teacher in our preschool classroom, Galloping Goats. She has a bachelors degree in Child Development from Appalachian State University. Ms. Pazao has three years of experience in the Early Childhood field and believes that "every child is capable, competent, and an explorer. Her job as an educator is to encourage and facilitate learning and to be excited about learning.

Ms. Shelby has been at the Mooresville Goddard School since May 2023. Ms. Shelby retired in 2019 after 30 years as a teacher and principal. Ms. Shelby retired in August 2019 from the school district and began to work in the field of Early Childhood as a floater, teacher, and Education Director. Ms. Shelby believes in advancing strong educational programs and enabling educational excellence. She strives to motivate students with meaningful engagement.

Ms. Amanda has been with us since January and is a graduate from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science and is a member of the National Guard. Ms. Amanda comes to us with a huge passion for teaching children. Amanda prioritizes a child-centered approach, acknowledging that each child is unique and learns differently.

Ms. Sarah is one of our Lead Teachers in the Prancing Ponies classroom. She has been with Goddard since 2017 and has 5+ years of experience with children. Ms. Sarah has her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UNC- Charlotte and her Birth to Kindergarten Degree and Teaching License from Catawba College. She loves working with children and seeing them learn and grow!

Ms. Katie is one of our Lead Teachers in our Prancing Ponies classroom. She recently relocated from Massachusetts and has a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Framingham University. She has been teaching for over 3 years, and prior to working at Goddard she worked with as a Special Needs Teacher for children who had experienced trauma. She is passionate about watching children grow and loves to watch how their minds expand.

Since 2017 Ms. Katherine has worked as an After-school and Summer Camp Counselor. She has been at the Goddard School since August 2023 and is one of our amazing Support Teachers. Katherine believes "each child is unique and entitled to their own learning style. It is crucial to approach teaching with an open mind."

Ms. Leah is our Nutritionist and she has been with us since 2018. In her role, Ms. Leah manages the snack menu selections, and procurement of food and paper products, and organizes and distributes lunchtime meals and morning and afternoon healthy snacks. She is a mother of 3 and she has the warmth and outgoing spirit that fills whatever classroom she helps in. When she is not at school you can find her with her family at the ball field making memories!

Ms. Sandra is originally from Mexico and moved to the United States at the age of 13. She has her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Mitchell Community College. Ms.Sandra believes that a classroom should be a safe and loving place where children feel free to express their emotions and their social and academic development is supported.