Our Goddard School Teachers

Adrienne and Tim Clark have been the proud owners and onsite operators of The Goddard School of Collegeville since 2016, where they live with their children, Flynn and Amelia, and their Goldendoodle, Honey. Adrienne brings over a decade of experience as a Senior Project Manager at PwC, specializing in professional development and training. Tim lettered in baseball at LSU before being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers and went on to play professionally for nine years in the U.S., Taiwan, and Mexico. Following his athletic career, he transitioned into finance, serving as a Financial Advisor and Consultant with Morgan Stanley and Hartford Funds. Together, Adrienne and Tim are dedicated to providing families with exceptional early childhood education in a nurturing, family-centered environment.

Ms. Samara holds her bachelor’s degree from West Chester University and acquired her teaching certificate in 2017. She has been involved in the field of early childhood development since 2014, working with a variety of age groups, including preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten. She also created and implemented a STEM course for kindergarten through 8th grade at a Philadelphia charter school. Before her career in early childhood, Ms. Samara began as a production assistant and eventually became a producer for major cable networks. Ms. Samara believes the early years are a pivotal time in brain development. Fostering an environment for critical thinking and allowing children to engage in active learning lays the groundwork for a child’s academic success. In addition, Ms. Samara knows that ongoing positive relationships with parents creates a strong community throughout the school.

Ms. Phoebe joined the management team at Goddard as the Director of Operations after working as a Lead Pre-K teacher since 2017. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Ursinus College in Education and is a licensed teacher in the state of Pennsylvania. Ms. Phoebe believes that learning occurs when children meaningfully engage with their environments and diverse points of view. School offers children a chance to explore their interests and pursue their passions in a safe place with support from trusted and kind educators. Early childhood education expands upon a child’s natural curiosity by relying on inquisitive-based curricula facilitated by teachers and guided by children’s motivations. Having taught at Goddard for over seven years, Ms. Phoebe’s favorite part of her day is seeing her former students and their families. Purposeful partnerships between educators and families go a long way towards forging a home-school connection in the minds of even the youngest children at Goddard.

Ms. Olisa is Goddard's Teacher of the Year 2024 Northeast Regional Winner for the toddler age group! She attended the Institute of Business Education and the University of Guyana. She has her Child Development Associate certificate and has been with Goddard since 2018. Prior to coming to The Goddard School, she taught in a childcare setting and babysat for five and a half years. Ms. Olisa thinks that Early Education affects the overall growth and development of children throughout their lives. She feels that as a teacher, understanding the importance of teaching children social skills, helping with their physical development and how to handle their emotions, plays a large role in the people they become as adults. Connecting with families benefits all involved. When adults model positive interactions while communicating, children build trust, learn how to build healthy relationships, and communicate better. This type of healthy environment is one that children will thrive in!

Ms. Venafra graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Adolescent Education along with her PA Teaching Certification. She has 8 years of experience working in the early childhood education field in both teaching and management positions. Ms. Venafra has worked as an instruction paraprofessional and kindergarten teacher as well as an assistant director and interim director of a childcare center. Ms. Venafra is passionate about creating a love for learning at an early age. She believes that when placed in an effective learning environment, students ignite their love for learning by having opportunities to explore their surrounding and learn new skills in a supportive environment. Ms. Venafra aims to create a classroom that promotes creativity and investigation to show children that learning can be fun! Ms. Venafra makes it a priority to work with families in order to create a successful learning pathway for each individual child. She feels that it is important for teachers and families to work together to design a cohesive educational plan that can be followed seamlessly at home and in school. This allows for the gap between home and school life to close giving each child a feeling of security and stability.

Mr. Frangoulis is the 2023 Goddard Systems Teacher of the Year Recipient! He is a graduate of Villanova University and is currently attending Eastern University to obtain a Master’s in Early Childhood Education. Prior to joining our Goddard School, he was a Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Kindergarten Enrichment teacher at another school. Mr. Frangoulis believes that teaching children means shaping the future and knowing that the values we teach in class will be directly reflected on our society. He feels that teaching is an act of love, hope, and peace. By teaching children effectively, we will make the world a better place. He feels the most influential people in a child’s life are their family and their teachers. Partnering together helps to share a common goal of nurturing and education. Together we actualize on a child’s potential and foster a robust community of caregivers that children can trust and feel safe with.

Ms. Crystal earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in psychology from Kutztown University. She has over 12 years of experience in the early childhood education field through her time as a substitute teacher for both Pottsgrove and Spring-Ford area school districts and as a lead pre-k teacher. Ms. Crystal believes that early childhood education plays an important role in how a child develops academically and socially. She believes that the education of children in their early years helps to create a strong foundation for healthy development in the later years. Ms. Crystal feels that it is important to partner with families because both the teacher and family should be actively involved in their child’s learning and development. When there is open communication, parents and teachers are able to work together to ensure that each child is receiving the best quality care and education possible.

Ms. Stacy holds a Bachelor of Telecommunications/English from Ohio University. After a career in the field of communications, she felt a pull to step in a different direction and pursue teaching. Ms. Stacy got her foot in the door by volunteering to work with children at a local school and then went on to teach preschool to kindergarteners for about five years. Recognizing the pivotal role of early childhood education, Ms. Stacy’s commitment is personal, as both of her own children benefited from their experiences at a Goddard school. With her innate warmth and composed demeanor, Ms. Stacy effortlessly integrates into any classroom environment offering invaluable guidance and support.

Mrs. Schaeffer holds her Bachelor’s Degreee from York College of Pennsylvania. She has worked in special education in the Pottsgrove public school system and operated an in-home child care center for 4 years. Mrs. Schaeffer is dedicated to forging connections with students in the classroom. She knows that education in the early years sets the foundation for future social and educational development. She actively builds partnerships with Goddard families to keep them informed of their children’s progress. Mrs. Schaeffer brings a patient and proactive mindset with her into the classroom, encouraging students to reach their full potential while providing excellent care.

Mrs. Karen graduated with her Bachelor's in Psychology and has worked with children as an ABA therapist and a paraprofessional for children from kindergarten through high school in local school districts. She also served as a preschool teacher for over two years. Mrs. Karen believes that early education in a child's life plays a crucial role in molding a child's development and personality, creating a strong, positive foundation for their future. Recognizing the significance of collaboration with families, Mrs. Karen is dedicated to ensuring a child's success both inside and outside the classroom. Additionally, she understands that children learn in diverse ways and come from different backgrounds. She fosters this understanding by providing individualized attention to each child.

Ms. Sarah joins the Goddard School of Collegeville with nearly ten years of experience teaching in the Pottstown School District, where she worked as both an Autistic Support Teacher and an Intervention Specialist. She holds Bachelor's degrees in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Temple University. She teaches with the mindset that education during a child’s early years lays the building blocks for a child’s academic and emotional development. She provides a consistent, supportive environment for children to develop based on their individual needs.

Ms. Erin joins the Playful Patriots team as an assistant teacher, bringing with her a deep passion for working with young learners. Before joining our staff, she spent several years volunteering in elementary classrooms, where she discovered her love for helping children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Her experience also includes serving as a Girl Scout Leader, where she enjoyed mentoring young girls, planning engaging activities, and encouraging teamwork. A graduate of Spring-Ford, Ms. Erin went on to pursue studies in Early Childhood Education, completing coursework in child development. Though she paused her formal education to start her family, she continued to nurture her teaching skills through years of active involvement in her children’s schools. As a mother of three, she has spent countless hours volunteering, assisting teachers, organizing classroom activities, and supporting both academic and social-emotional growth in students.

Ms. Meena is a teacher in our Toddler program. She has a Bachelor’s degree and has earned her Child Development Associate Certificate. She has over 13 years of experience working with young children, including her own, and has over 4 years of experience working in a formal child care settings. Ms. Meena also volunteers her time to teach foreign languages to children on the weekends. Ms. Meena enjoys working with young children because she believes that early educators have a direct impact on a child’s overall growth. Investing in young children is important to maximize their future well-being. Ms. Meena feels that it is an ongoing challenge for every educator to develop and enhance skills that will offer students the best possible learning experiences and opportunities, in school, at home, and in community settings.

A graduate of Pune University in India, Ms. Jebby is a dedicated and kind-hearted teacher who brings a global perspective to the classroom. Before joining the Shining Stars classroom, Ms. Jebby served as a multi-classroom specialist at The Goddard School, gaining hands-on experience across various age groups. Ms. Jebby believes that early childhood education plays a vital role in helping children develop a love for learning and establish the social-emotional skills needed to thrive. She is especially passionate about creating a classroom environment where play, creativity, and exploration are encouraged every day.

Mrs. Colleen graduated from Boyertown High School and has received 27 Early Childhood Education credits from Northampton University. Ms. Colleen has over 30 years of experience working with children as a caregiver, teacher and nanny. She feels it is important for children to learn through play and positive social interactions with their peers. These two things help a child’s mind become more receptive to learning new material. Mrs. Colleen currently lives in Pottstown with her husband Kyle and her three sons. She also has three dogs, and a cat named Meowzer. When she is not working at Goddard, she likes to spend time with her family and watch movies. Ms. Colleen’s favorite children’s book is, “I Love You Forever”, by Robert Munsch.

Ms. Michelle received her CDA credential and earned her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bucks County Community College, and recently earned her Director's Credentials! She has been working in the Early Childhood field with children ranging in ages from 2-12 for over 25 years in both teaching and director positions. Ms. Michelle feels that education in the early years is important because at such a young age, children look to adults for comfort and guidance. They put their trust in teachers to keep them safe and be a positive role model in their lives. Ms. Michelle believes that it is imperative to work with parents in order to create an education that is individualized for each child and for teachers to inform parents of their child’s day to day learning experiences. When parents and teachers communicate with one another, they are able to work towards the common goal of facilitating the best educational outcome possible!

Mr. Mike, a graduate of Neumann University, has been a life-long musician and performer achieving local radio success as well as touring with national acts. His focus and dedication to instructing young musicians started over 12 years ago. When he is not rockin’ with the students at the Goddard School, Mr. Mike can be found at Rock & Roll After School in Collegeville. As the Music Director at RRAS, he provides guitar, bass, and drum instruction to area students during the week, as well as coordinates Band, Pre-K and KinderRock programs on Saturdays. Mr. Mike works closely with our faculty and staff to incorporate the school’s curricular goals into our music program thus helping to reinforce the children’s daily learning. Don’t be surprised if your children come home singing Mr. Mike originals such as, “Highway to Health!” (think AC/DC), “Share If You Care,” “Circle of Friends,” “Dance, Dance, Dance!” and “Solfege.” Mr. Mike currently lives in Pottstown with his wife, Tracey; his daughter, Sage; their dog, Niko; and their cats, Guinness, Severus, and Seamus. He likes spending his free time relaxing in the Adirondack Mountains and experiencing life with family. His favorite book is “Giraffe’s Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae.

Having graduated from Daniel Boone High School in Douglassville, Miss Tori W. chose to pursue her education at Millersville University and Reading Community College before attending Montgomery County Community College, where she currently studies. With 6 years of experience working at her church’s childcare, Miss Tori W. brings compassion and empathy into each classroom. She understands that the years they spend at Goddard are critical for their behavioral development. Together with the Goddard team, Miss Tori W. strives to be a positive presence in the classroom and a valuable partner in the dynamic between families and the school.

Ms. Maddy is a Spring-Ford graduate and is currently working toward obtaining her degree in business. She was the go-to caregiver in her neighborhood, as parents knew their child would have fun with 'Ms. Maddy!' She believes that education in the early years is important for them to have new experiences and interactions. She knows the importance of building relationships with parents as she strives to show each family how much she cares about their child!

Ms. Ryleigh is attending her senior year at Spring Ford Area High School. Ms. Ryleigh has gained experience working with children through her time as a babysitter for various friends and family as well as completing early childhood education courses offered at her high school where she worked as an assistant teacher in a preschool. Ms. Ryleigh feels that a child’s first experience in school greatly impacts how they feel about learning in the future. When in an early education classroom, they are able to develop the necessary social, emotional, and educational skills needed to thrive in their future schooling. Ms. Ryleigh believes that it is critical for parents and educators to work together. When the school and family are united, parents have greater confidence that their child is being cared for in a way that allows them to explore and thrive in the classroom!

Before joining The Goddard School as an afternoon teacher, Ms. Addyson worked with young children at a swim school, where she developed a strong understanding for young learners and their needs. Her experience there, along with caring for younger family members, deepened her understanding of how children begin to develop problem-solving skills at a young age. Ms. Addyson believes that all behavior is a form of communication and is passionate about supporting children as they learn to regulate their emotions—an essential part of their growth alongside academic learning.

Ms. Lisa graduated from West Chester University with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She has worked in the childcare field for more than ten years as an early education teacher and nanny. Ms. Lisa began working at Goddard in 2016, and after taking a brief break, she returned to be a consistent teacher in our Infant Program and Goddard family! Ms. Lisa believes that early childhood education is vital in providing a solid educational foundation for children. She feels that childcare settings foster a love for learning in children and create life-long learners! Ms. Lisa enjoys speaking with parents about their child's day so families can continue to support their child's learning and development at home. As a parent herself, Ms. Lisa works to build relationships with her students and their families to ensure they feel comfortable and safe while at school.

After graduating with her master's from West Chester University, Ms. Tayla worked for two years as a nanny and at a different center before working at The Goddard School as an afternoon teacher. She believes that education during a child's early years is important because it provides the foundational blocks for a child's growth. Providing a healthy and inclusive environment for the children in her care is Ms. Tayla's first priority as an educator. She strives to be someone who gives children room to grow, supports their needs, and practices patience and empathy.

A graduate of Pinebrook Junior College and Nyack College in New York, Ms. Diane holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She taught 5th grade for 15 years before transitioning to working with infants and toddlers from six weeks to eighteen months. She aspired to be a teacher from a young age and enjoys singing, dancing, and reading with the children. During her time teaching infants and young toddlers, Ms. Diane has experienced firsthand how early learners soak up knowledge that goes on to benefit them socially and academically. Their excitement to learn and explore their environments instills a love for learning that incorporates skills they use at school. Ms. Diane appreciates the value that teaching sign language can have in children’s language development. Ms. Diane fosters a dialogue with families to encourage a shared experience for the children. An enthusiastic educator, Ms. Diane uses creativity to engage the children.

A senior at Renaissance Academy, Ms. Eliza is a valuable member of our afternoon staff. She grew up in the Royersford/Sanatoga area and spends her time outside of Goddard volunteering with underprivileged families and art clubs. Ms. Eliza plans on pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Before joining Goddard, Ms. Eliza babysat and worked as a counselor at summer camps. Ms. Eliza believes that early childhood education builds young minds and introduces different facets of the world to children.

A former gymnast and current gymnastics coach, Ms. Abby discovered her passion for working with children while teaching gymnastics to students ranging from ages three to fifteen. Through this experience, she developed a deep understanding of how to guide and support young learners with patience, structure, and encouragement. Ms. Abby believes that early childhood is a critical time for cultivating curiosity and independence. Her approach to teaching is rooted in creating a nurturing, engaging environment where each child feels empowered to explore the world around them. By combining her background in gymnastics with her passion for early education, Ms. Abby fosters a classroom environment that promotes physical activity, emotional awareness, and a lifelong love of learning.

Ms. Katie attends Springford Area School District and Montgomery County Community College. She has cared for children of various ages, including her siblings and family friends. She has also spent time working as a camp counselor for three years. She believes early childhood education helps a child grow and develop; and with a well-rounded early childhood program, children can achieve greater success in school.

With a decade of experience in early childhood education, Ms. Brittany brings a combination of knowledge, compassion, and enthusiasm to her work with our Bouncing Bells. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and has had the opportunity to work with every age group, gaining a comprehensive understanding of child development. While she values the unique joys of each stage, the toddler years hold a special place in her heart. Ms. Brittany is passionate about creating a classroom environment that is welcoming and responsive to each child's individual needs. She believes that the early years are essential for developing a child’s sense of self. Her open-minded and energetic approach helps toddlers feel safe, confident, and excited to explore the world around them.

Ms. Susan has been with our Goddard School as an Infant Teacher since 2016. She has over 18 years of experience working with all age groups in different child care centers and while raising her own family. Ms. Susan believes that the emotional, social, and physical development of young children has a direct effect on their overall development and the adult they will become. Education in the early years in these areas is most important for that reason. She feels that teachers and parents provide a vital support system to help children flourish and they should partner in each child’s development and education to meet their individual needs.

Ms. Debbie is a mom to two grown children and lives in the Collegeville area with her husband. Her sweet demeanor and love for children make her a classroom favorite in the afternoons as one of our Multi-Classroom specialists! She brings a lot of energy and patience to the classroom and can step into any classroom and offer her expertise. We are thrilled to have her as part of the Goddard team.

Ms. Gittan is a graduate of West Chester University where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Marketing and Management. Her experience with children stems from raising her two children at home for 11 years. Ms. Gittan believes that an early education environment teaches children the necessary skills needed for healthy social interactions and effective decision-making. The practice students have at school utilizing these skills helps children to create a strong foundation for future growth and development. Ms. Gittan feels that children should have consistency between their home and school environment. She takes pride in partnering with families to foster a smooth transition when they begin school and go home at the end of the day.

A graduate of Upper Bucks County Technical School, Ms. Hailey returns to the Montgomery County area after living in Orlando. Her passion for educating young learners stems from her experience looking after her niece and nephew. She believes that every child deserves access to a high-quality educational experience. She partners with families in her classroom to build a strong foundation of mutual trust and respect.

After graduating from Spring-Ford High School, Ms. Victoria pursued her career in Early Childhood Education through her work at the YMCA and other childcare centers. She understands that children are uniquely receptive in their early years and by starting their educational journey at a young age, they will excel in adulthood. She reaches out to families to develop a better understanding of their child’s needs and what educational approaches will benefit them. An understanding and caring educator, Ms. Victoria is an impactful addition to our toddler team at Goddard.

Ms. Brianna is one of our talented multi-classroom specialists! She currently attends Ursinus College and dreams of becoming a music teacher one day. Ms. Brianna’s calm and positive demeanor is an asset in any classroom she steps into.

For the past twenty years, Ms. Elba has dedicated herself to providing a nurturing and safe environment for children in her care. She has watched little ones grow and develop under her care and fostered their social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Through engaging activities, creative play, and age-appropriate learning opportunities, Ms. Elba has helped children build confidence and independence. She prioritizes open communication with parents and strong relationships with each family in her care. Ms. Elba obtained her CDA in 2020. She has a 23 year old daughter who is college graduate from Syracuse, NY. She also has a 13 year old son who is in middle school.

A graduate of Bengaluru University in India, Ms. Lakshmi discovered her passion for working with young learners after working at another childcare center before joining The Goddard School in Collegeville as a multi-classroom specialist. With an understanding of the importance of a strong educational foundation, Ms. Lakshmi works to foster responsibility among the students at Goddard.

Ms. Schwartz is excited to bring her passion for science into the Kindergarten classroom this school year as a Long-Term Substitute Assistant Teacher. A graduate of Bloomsburg University, she earned her degree in Biology and is eager to apply her scientific knowledge in creative, hands-on ways that spark curiosity in our Kindergarteners. With nearly a decade of experience working with children, Ms. Schwartz has developed a strong foundation in both academic support and social-emotional development. Her background includes serving as an abilities counselor, a summer camp counselor, and collaborating with organizations focused on environmental education and conservation. Ms. Schwartz is committed to helping children develop a love for learning, especially through exploration and inquiry-based activities. She is excited to contribute to a collaborative classroom community and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with both students and families throughout her time in the Fre

OCTOBER 2025 TEACHER OF THE MONTH! Ms. Emily grew up in Montgomery County and lived in the Bay Area for a time before moving back. From her experience looking after children, including her younger brother, Ms. Emily learned that the early years of a child’s life are an impactful time for their development. She believes that children are naturally curious and possess an incredible capacity for learning, making these formative years essential for fostering a love of learning. She believes that a child who is cared for, loved, and nurtured is set up to be a confident and bright adult. Ms. Emily has a deep respect for the different bonds that families share. In her classroom, Ms. Emily embraces a growth mindset that supports continuous learning and creating enriching experiences.