Our Teachers

Adrienne and her husband Tim are the proud owners and onsite operators of the Goddard School of Collegeville, PA. They reside in Collegeville with their school-age son, Flynn, their infant daughter Amelia, and their Golden Doodle, Dixie. Adrienne earned her BA with Honors in Psychology & Economics from Randolph-Macon Woman's College in Lynchburg, VA and spent a year studying at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Prior to becoming an owner of a Goddard School, Adrienne worked for ten years as a Senior Project Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Philadelphia where she managed the design and implementation of various professional development curricula for managers. She devoted the early part of her career working in our Nation's capital for The US Customs Service in various roles, and briefly ventured into the tech start-up world. Tim lettered in baseball at LSU before being drafted into professional baseball by the Milwaukee Brewers. Tim spent nine years playing professionally in the US, Taiwan and Mexico. Prior to becoming owner of the Collegeville Goddard School, Tim worked in Finance as a Financial Advisor and Consultant for Morgan Stanley and Hartford Funds. Recognizing the need and demand for a quality alternative to standard daycare, Adrienne and Tim decided to open The Goddard School of Collegeville. Very simply, their mission is to offer families the absolute best Preschool for early childhood development and childcare. Adrienne and Tim thank you for the opportunity to share in your child’s growth.

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION: Ms. Jenna graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies, with a concentration focused in Children and Youth. Ms. Jenna has been a Director at The Goddard School since 2016. Ms. Jenna is responsible for everything relating to education, curriculum and child development. She comes to The Goddard School with over 18 years of experience working with at risk teenagers, autistic children and working in the child care setting, as well as raising her own family. Prior to joining the Goddard family, Ms. Jenna spent over ten years as a Program Director for another child-care facility and oversaw the daily operations. Ms. Jenna believes that early education sets the foundation for a child’s future and provides a strong base for life long learning. She feels that social development is one of the most important skills to assist children in becoming kind, compassionate, and respectful adults. Ms. Jenna enjoys getting to know each family here at Goddard and finds it important to make connections with families in order to collaborate about learning goals and planning for a child’s success in school.

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 Assistant Director 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.

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. 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.

Ms. Regina has her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Towson University. Her graduate work was completed at Notre Dame with a concentration in gifted education. She has received multiple awards, including a most promising teaching award through Towson and a “Doc” Lamborn Master Teaching Chair. This is an endowed chair honoring and recognizing great teaching. Ms. Regina has over thirty years of teaching experience with children 3-10 years of age. Additionally, she has written curriculum for a gifted program and served as head of the math department in a lower school. She has taught everything from an arachnid course in kindergarten to a forensic science course for fourth-grade students. Ms. Regina’s experience as a mother and grandmother has allowed her to see the uniqueness of each child and the importance of allowing children to grow and develop using imagination and self-discovery!

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!

Miss Wetzel earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Design and Merchandising from Drexel University before finding her passion in Early Childhood Education. Prior to teaching at The Goddard School, Miss Wetzel taught at the Saint Matthew Early Childhood Center in Conshohocken. Bringing kindness and patience into the Curious Colonists classroom, she believes that early childhood education is important because it lays the foundation for future learning. She works everyday in the classroom to help children gain the tools and skills necessary to succeed academically and socially. Miss Wetzel aims to create a positive learning environment that facilitates a love for learning. She partners with families to ensure a supportive network for the child, where goals are reinforced and successes are celebrated together.

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.

Ms. Jenny was born and raised in Chester County area and attended Harcum College for Early Childhood Development. Ms. Jenny has ten years of experience teaching children. She has two sets of teenage twins and spends her free time running, reading, and spending time in nature with her German Shepherd, Toby! Ms. Jenny knows that children are sponges and early childhood education paves the road to lifelong learners. She enjoys communicating with families and feels that being supportive and a good listener helps to develop strong relationships. Ms. Jenny believes in broadening a child's interest and imagination by engaging them in many different open-ended learning opportunities. Most importantly, she brings abundant energy and positivity to the classroom daily!

Ms. Michelle was born and raised in Venezuela and settled into the Collegeville area. She is recently engaged, and her fiance has played baseball professionally! She was a nanny for over two years, caring for two children while planning daily engaging activities. Ms. Michelle says that one of her passions in the classroom is watching the children learn something for the first time and have that 'aha' moment! She is bilingual and enjoys incorporating Venezuelan words into lessons. Ms. Michelle's loving and warm nature brightens up the classroom and we are thrilled to have her as part of our preschool program!!

Ms. Michelle received her CDA credential and earned her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bucks County Community College. 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!

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. 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. 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.

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 Spring-Ford High School, Ms. Jordyn studied early childhood education before pursuing work in the food service industry. A true love for children and education inspired her to come back to the field and she found her home in the Bouncing Bells classroom. A patient and nurturing addition to our school, Ms. Jordyn knows that early childhood education is important because it helps children develop the skills they need to prepare them as they grow and shift into adolescence. She partners with Goddard families to further the understanding that inclusivity is essential for children’s educational journey.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.