Our Goddard School Teachers

We are the proud owners of The Goddard School located in Adams Township. Our journey began with the inspiration of our three wonderful children—Giovanni, Leana, and Luciano—and we have been proud residents of Mars since 2007. My vision for the school is to create a nurturing, safe, and loving environment that supports children’s social, emotional, and academic growth, laying the foundation for their long-term success. I am excited to introduce The Goddard School's “Wonder of Learning” curriculum to Mars, offering children the opportunity to explore their interests and foster a love of learning through play-based, child-driven experiences that encourage their natural curiosity. My wife Caterina and I are actively involved in the community, especially in youth and high school sports, and we look forward to connecting with both the families we know and those we have yet to meet. Above all, the health and safety of our students will always be our top priority.

I am thrilled to be the Executive Director at The Goddard School of Mars. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education from University of Mount Union. I have many years of experience working with children and have taught a variety of ages at The Goddard School of Cranberry Township for the last 13 years with spending 9 of those years teaching Kindergarten. In my free time I enjoy reading, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. I am looking forward to building strong relationships with our families and supporting our incredible teachers.

Hello! My name is Vanessa and I am honored to be the Assistant Director at The Goddard School In Mars. I have a Bachelor’s degree in child and family psychology from La Roche University as well as a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Carlow University. I have many years of experience working with children and taught Kindergarten before becoming the Assistant Director. Some of my favorite things include spending time with my daughter, two dogs, our baby boy on the way and going to Pens games with my husband. The thing I am looking forward to most in this role is meeting new families and watching your children thrive and grow in our classrooms each day!

Abigail graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Thiel College in Religious Studies and holds a Child Development Associate certificate. Abigail has fifteen years of experience working with children from being a camp counselor to working in the child care setting. Outside of working, she enjoys playing dungeons and dragons and playing video games. Abigail also loves going to the movies! A fun fact about her is that she is obsessed with musical theater!

Brooke graduated from Clarion University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching for seven years and has worked with children for fourteen years as a babysitter. When Brooke is not working, she enjoys reading, watching Penn State University football, and working out. A fun fact about Brooke is that she just got married on July 5th!

Julie graduated from the Community College of Allegheny County. Julie has been working with children for over ten years and brings excitement to learning everyday! In her free time, she enjoys birding, kayaking, traveling, museums, crafting and DIY! A fun fact about Julie is that she was born left-handed but was taught to write with her right hand!

Debbie graduated from Westminster College with a degree in Education. Debbie has been working with children for more than twenty years. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, crafting, repurposing and DIY items. Debbie also enjoys spending time with family, walking, and enjoying nature. Something interesting about Debbie is that she went on an airplane for the first time last year to Colorado, she became a grandma this year, and DIY/crafting makes her happy!

Mackenna earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in ESL and a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning both at the University of Arizona. Mackenna has been working with children for six years. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, weight lifting, and walking. A fun fact about Mackenna is that she was on the track and field team at the University of Arizona; she threw shot put and discus!

Rebecca graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Master’s degree in Education Psychology. In Rebecca’s free time, she enjoys hiking, fishing, watching motocross, shopping, and hunting. A fun fact about her is that she is a certified Psychologist with extensive experience in behavior, trauma, and neurodiversity!

Sophia graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Special Education K-12 and a Master’s in Special Education K-12 from Slippery Rock University. In Sophia’s free time she enjoys playing games, listening to audio books, spending time with her family, and pets. A fun fact about Sophia is that she is a vegetarian, loves animals, and books

Tracey holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master’s degree from Slippery Rock University, and a Principal Certification from Slippery Rock. In high school, Tracey began working with children which led her to working as a nurse for a pediatrician and then taught grades four and five for twenty years. In her free time, Tracey likes to cook and read, and travel as much as possible!

Maggie graduated with a degree in Journalism from West Virginia University. She has nine years of experience working with children. Outside of work, Maggie enjoys shopping, walking her dogs, yoga, reading books, and watching football. A fun fact about Maggie is that she can memorize anyone’s birthday.

Nicole graduated from Mars Area High School. Nicole has twenty years of experience working with children as a nanny and in a daycare setting. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, her husband, and going out. Nicole also enjoys reading books and relaxing. A fun fact about Nicole is that she became a grandma in 2023!

Gloria graduated from National University in Colombia with a degree in Music Performance, as well as a Master’s in Music Performance from Duquesne University. Gloria has been working with children for over 25 years. In Gloria’s free time she loves doing yoga, spending time with her family, and going to concerts and theater shows! She also really enjoys traveling. A fun fact about Gloria is that she was born in Columbia and she lives on a farm!

Caitlin attended school at Clarion University. With over 12 years of experience working with children, including several years as a gymnastics instructor, she brings a unique blend of energy, patience, and expertise to every interaction. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, and being with her family. A fun fact about me is that I took an internship for a year in Stockholm, Sweden!

Hailey has over a decade of experience working with children, and brings unmatched energy and positivity to everything she does. Her upbeat nature and genuine passion for helping kids shine through in every interaction. In Hailey's free time, she loves spending quality time with her family, boyfriend, and close friends. She’s also a big sports fan. A proud Yinzer at heart, Hailey has a special love for baseball and an impressive collection of baseball memorabilia!

Meghan holds an associate’s degree from Community College Beaver County. She has over twenty years of experience working with children. In Meghan’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and cat, Pox. Meghan also enjoys watching soccer and playing video games. Something interesting about Meghan is that she has lived in three different states.

Jamie earned her degree in Elementary Education from Slippery Rock University. She has been working with children for almost 20 years. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her husband, and two kids, reading, hiking, building puzzles, and playing board games. An interesting fact about Jamie is that she enjoys photography.

Raeline graduated from Slippery Rock University with a degree in Health and Safety. She has been working with kids for about five years! While she is not working she enjoys playing with her kids, swimming, working out, cleaning her house, and spending time with her family. A fun fact about Raeline is that she has never broken a bone or had stitches.

Emily has her degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Towson University. She has been working with children for the last 8 years with two of those years teaching third grade. When Emily isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her friends and nephews. She also loves to explore new places and coffee shops and spending a relaxing night at home.

Enrica has her degree in Recreational Therapy from Slippery Rock University. She has been working with children for the last 5 years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her 2-year-old niece and her dog Ivy. She also enjoys spending time with her friends and going to concerts. Something interesting about Enrica is that she just recently got engaged in Italy.

Kristen holds an associate’s in Business Administration from Community College of Allegheny County and a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from Slippery Rock University. Kristen has been working with kids for the past year. In her free time, she loves spending time with her two kids, traveling, hiking, fishing, hunting, and running! Something interesting about Kristin is that she loves interior designing and crafting.

Jillian graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has five years of experience working with children and has spent that time teaching preschool. Outside of work, Jillian enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and walking her French bulldogs. A fun fact about Jillian is that she is adopted, and so are her two brothers.