Our Teachers

Chelli and Ryan Motherway are the on-site owners of The Goddard School in South Reno. Chelli has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Baldwin-Wallace University. Prior to becoming an owner of The Goddard School, she worked in the field of human resource management focusing on employee relations. Ryan earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from UCLA and has a MBA from Case Western University. Prior to Goddard, he worked in the field of industrial distribution. During his tenure, he gained valuable experience in operations management. They have two children who are both graduates of The Goddard School and are excited to provide families the same great experience they had as Goddard parents.

Crissy began her career with The Goddard School, South Reno in 2008 as a teacher and became the Assistant Director in 2012. In 2016, she became Director. Crissy grew up in Nevada and loves the small-town community that we still have in Reno. She has worked in Early Childhood since 2006 and obtained a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Human Development & Family Studies from The University of Nevada, Reno. She has served on the Reno Association for the Education of Young Children board as the Historian. Crissy enjoys watching children grow and discover the world around them, while guiding and shaping their young minds.

Kristi began her career with The Goddard School, South Reno in 2015. She has worked in all roles starting as a Flex Teacher, Assistant Teacher, and Lead Teacher. In 2020, Kristi became the Assistant Director, and a few months later the Director. She has worked in Early Childhood Education since 2010, and she has her CDA Credential. Kristi is currently enrolled at TMCC continuing her education. She has experience working with children in different demographics, including a mental health capacity. Krist is also fortunate to experience Goddard from a parent's perspective, she loves the care and compassion her daughter receives every day!

Samantha received her Human Development & Family Studies degree from Auburn University. She has been teaching in the classroom for three years but found her love for childcare during middle and high school while babysitting and nannying as much as she could. Samantha loves how much fun children bring to every situation. Her favorite season is Spring because you can do almost any activity. Outside of Goddard, Ms. Samantha enjoys being outdoors – hiking, biking, and skiing.

Ms. Sam is continuing her education through Nevada State University and has completed her CDA, Child Development Associate. She has been working professionally with children since 2014 and has experience with infants through school age. Ms. Sam loves learning through what children teach her, seeing their successes and knowledge grow as she teaches. Her favorite season is fall because of the sweaters, spooky movies, warm drinks, and leaves. Outside of work, Ms. Sam loves crocheting, tattooing, sketching, visiting museums, and exploring old towns.

Ms. Julia graduated high school and is looking forward to enrolling in a professional development program in the near future. She grew up taking care of her niece and nephews, which created a desire to work in child care. Ms. Julia loves that children are learning and trying to be the best versions of themselves. Her favorite season is winter; the cold brings her comfort and reminds her of love and warmth. Outside of work, Ms. Julia loves writing, it is a huge passion of hers.

Ms. Lorena has been teaching at our school since 2010 and has completed her Child Development Associate. She has been working with children ages 2 to 4 years for over 20 years. As a teacher, Ms. Lorena loves to help children explore new experiences in life and watch them grow. Ms. Lorena’s favorite season is Summer because she loves to go camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Her favorite activity outside of Goddard is trying new restaurants in town.

Ms. Evelyn has earned her Child Development Credential and has over 6 years of experience working with children in a professional setting. She said that loves teaching and watching the kids improve their development skills and seeing them soak up all of your knowledge and that they are little sponges and pick up things so fast. Ms. Evelyn's favorite season is snow because she loves seeing the snow on the trees and on the mountains and bundling up at home with a cup of coffee. Outside of work, her favorite activities are hiking and exploring nature, reading books at home, and practicing her cooking skills.

Ms. Cristina earned her Bachelor of Art in Marketing Management, a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and attended the Mandarin Language Academy. She has 2 years of experience teaching kindergarten as well as 2 years teaching English for Early Learners. As a teacher, Ms. Cristina loves the children’s positivity and happiness they share with each other and their unique behavior. Ms. Cristina’s favorite season is Summer because she enjoys the sun and doing outdoor activities. Her favorite activities outside of Goddard are staying outside when the weather is nice and doing activities or gathering with friends and families.

Ms. Gladdys has earned her Bachelor of Science with a major in Human Development & Family Studies from UNR. She grew up babysitting and completed her internship at the Child & Family Research Center at UNR. Ms. Gladdys loves being able to watch children grow, learn new things, and being able to watch them explore the world. Her favorite seasons are fall and winter because of the holidays and being able to get cozy and spend time with family. Outside of work, Ms. Gladdys loves spending time with her family and friends and taking her dog to walk at the park.

Mr. Anthony began teaching at our school in 2024. He has completed his Associate's Degree in Secondary Education and has been working professionally with children for over 6 years with his first job in child care. Mr. Anthony loves doing creative work with children to see how they express themselves and their individuality. His favorite season is winter as it is cold enough for hoodies and it gets dark sooner. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, playing video games, and hanging out with his girlfriend.

Ms. Pam has earned over 150 credits of training specific to Child Development and has earned her CDA, Child Development Associate. She has been working with children for over 7 years in a professional setting. As a teacher, Ms. Pam loves the sparkle in their eyes when they learn something new. Ms. Pam’s favorite season is Fall because of all the colors and the cozy feeling of the change in weather. Her favorite activities outside of Goddard are going hiking, painting with watercolors, and drawing. She also enjoys spending time with her family.

Ms. Danielle earned her Associate's Degree in Special Education from UNLV. She has professional experience working with two-year-olds and through her student teaching. Ms. Danielle loves the laughs and imaginations that children have and being able to contribute to their world. Her favorite season is fall; bring on all the boots and flannels! Outside of work, Ms. Danielle loves going to concerts and wandering around flea markets and antique stores.

Ms. Izzy joined our school family in 2024. She has earned her Associate Degree in General Education from TMCC and is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a goal of completing her Master's Degree in Social Work to be a therapist for adolescents. She has worked with children professionally in a childcare setting, in foster care, and as a camp counselor. She loves that there is never a dull moment working with children and that she can see the positive impact made. Her favorite season is spring because she loves the rain. Outside of work, Ms. Izzy enjoys reading, painting, and playing music. She plays the viola and autoharp.

Ms. Candice has attended the University of Nevada and is the parent of a Goddard Alumni. She has worked with children babysitting and with her own child and is excited to gain more professional experience. Ms. Candice loves being able to help children grow and develop while watching their eyes light up and smile when learning something new. She loves fall with the color changes and cooler weather and Halloween with the fun/spooky decorations. Outside of work, Ms. Candice enjoys camping with her family and her side hobby of painting/drawing and all art activities.

Ms. Diana graduated from High School with her Advanced HS Diploma. She has experience working with children through babysitting and practicum and is looking forward to more professional experience. Ms. Diana loves the conversations she has with children and doing interactive songs with them. Her favorite season is summer because she gets to wear dresses and eat ice cream/popsicles. Outside of work, Ms. Diana enjoys hanging out with her family and friends as they always find something to do!

Ms. Joecy has earned her CDA, Child Development Associate. She has worked with children professionally for almost six years and feels that her daughter has taught her a lot too! As a teacher, Ms. Joecy loves that kids think you are the coolest person no matter what you are doing. “I could draw a line and they’ll be amazed!” Ms. Joecy’s favorite season is the Fall! She loves when it starts to get chilly and rain. She actually likes the wind and says that Fall is the perfect season to wear her Doc Martens! Her favorite activity outside of work is to go out and shop with her daughter and family!

Ms. Angie has her CDA, Child Development Associate, and is continuing her education in Early Childhood Education. She has been working with children professionally since 2020. Ms. Angie loves seeing children grow, learn to love themselves and be confident. Her favorite season is spring because of the rainy days, the plants start to grow, and the warmer weather. Outside of work, Ms. Angie enjoys learning how to cook new things, trying new foods, and movie nights.

Ms. Yami began teaching at our school in 2023. She is currently attending TMCC and UNR working towards earning her degree in Criminal Justice. She has been working with children since 2020 and was previously the Site Director for a before and after-school program. Ms. Yami loves seeing kids grow up and see the ideas that they have. She loves that they're able to express how they feel and have a lot to say. Her favorite season is Winter; she loves to play in the snow and have movie nights with her family. Ms. Yami's favorite activities outside of work are going swimming and being outdoors.

Ms. Liz began teaching at our school in 2024 and has been working professionally with children starting in 2022, with previous experience babysitting for over 9 years. She loves teaching for the excitement it brings when the "lightbulb" goes off and the children are so excited to be able to do it on their own. Her favorite season is summer because she loves the vibrancy around her and all of the available outdoor activities. Outside of work, Ms. Liz loves anything art and craft related as well as outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.

Ms. Bianca is currently finishing up her CDA, Child Development Associate, and has earned her AA in Early Childhood Education. She worked at a Nature Center for 5 years teaching children all things nature (wildlife, plants, arthropods, pond ecology). Ms. Bianca loves the "ah-ha" moments when kids learn something new and reading books with them. Her favorite seasons are spring/Easter, because of the sun and breeze, and Christmas, because of gifting, making people feel special, all the lights and decorations, and spending time with family. Outside of work, she likes exploring new places with her husband, Andres, and playing with their german shepherd pups, Xena and Phoebe.

Ms. Kelly received her high school diploma from McQueen High School. She has experience working with young children as a nanny. Ms. Kelly enjoys listening to children and adapting her teaching style to fit their individual needs. Her favorite season is Summer because she likes to do outside activities. Outside of Goddard, Ms. Kelly likes to take walks on the beach.

Ms. Paris has been teaching at our school since 2023 and is working towards earning her CDA, Child Development Associate Certification. She has worked with children through babysitting and is excited to gain more professional experience. Ms. Paris loves making kids smile and watching them learn something new every day. Fall is her favorite season because it's filled with seasonal treats and cozy sweaters. Outside of work, she loves reading any kind of story or writing about the books she has read.

Ms. Toni joined our school family in 2023. She has earned her CDA, Child Development Associate Certification, and has over 18 years of experience working with children. Ms. Toni loves teaching and knowing what she is teaching is their foundation for life. Her favorite seasons are Spring because everything is coming to life and Fall because she loves the colors. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family and dirtbike racing.

Ms. Nichole is currently working towards earning her CDA, Child Development Associate. She has experience working professionally with children since 2023. Ms. Nichole loves getting to know kids and their different personalities and being able to be there for them. Her favorite season is fall because it is the perfect weather and it is aesthetically pleasing. Outside of work, Ms. Nichole enjoys playing board games with her family.

Ms. Maricela joined our school family in 2024. She is working towards her degree in Elementary Education and has gained experience through substitute teaching, dance instruction, and as an outdoor educator. Ms. Maricela loves being a safe person that children can love. Her favorite season is summer as she loves the warm, longer days. Outside of work, Ms. Maricela loves hiking and running!