Our Teachers

I am the On-Site Owner of The Goddard School in Downtown Pittsburgh. I am dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where children can thrive. I believe in the power of play-based learning and am committed to supporting each child’s unique growth and development. I hold a business degree from Mercyhurst University and have successfully owned and operated sports companies geared toward early childhood athletes. My family means the world to me: my amazing wife, Ashley, and I are blessed with a precious baby girl, Cali, born in November 2024 who soon will join her three-year-old big brother, Tristan, and the rest of our Goddard Family at the school. I also have a beautiful 16-year-old stepdaughter, Laila who is a sophomore in high school. I am eager to further nurture the inclusive culture at The Goddard School alongside my talented team, and to forge strong relationships with families to provide the best possible experience for every child.

I am thrilled to be the Director of Education at the Downtown Pittsburgh Goddard School! I have been working with The Goddard School since September 2012. Before The Goddard School, I was active in Pittsburgh Public Schools as a substitute teacher and Programming Coordinator of an after school program. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, graduated from Carlow University in 2009 with a BA in Elementary Education and Special Education, and from Penn State in 2022 with a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction. I have known since I was young that I wanted to be a teacher and am so excited to be able to share my love of learning with all of the students at The Goddard School!

Miss Kathryn has her Bachelor's of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. She has over 10 years of experience working with children. Miss Kathryn was inspired to become a teacher through her mother, who is also a teacher. I look forward to having different experiences each day with all of the children at our school and being a part of The Goddard Family as the Director of Operations!

Ms. Alyssa received her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Carlow University. She has over 6 years of experience working with children. She has been passionate about teaching from the moment she was introduced to child development classes in high school. She believes that children are our future and their learning years impact who they become greatly, and she loves being a part of that!

Ms. Lori has her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Infant Toddler Care as well as her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University. She has over 13 years of experience working with children. She is inspired to teach by a drive to help struggling students be successful.

Ms. Gracie has over 8 years of experience working with children in various settings such as the foster system, nannying, and childcare centers. She was inspired to be a teacher from her two grandparents who were also teachers, and she always enjoyed helping in a classroom setting. Ms. Gracie's favorite children's book is Love You Forever by Robert Munsch or Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein.

Miss Allie completed 3 years at a Vocational Tech School for Child Care where she received her certificate in working for Early Childhood Education. She has over 10 years of experience working with children. Miss Allie always told people when she was younger that one day working with children would be her dream job. She was inspired to become a teacher knowing that everyday she is helping to shape the future minds of the next generation. Her favorite children's book is From Head To Toe by Eric Carle!

Ms. Erin is currently studying Psychology at Purdue University. She has over 4 years of experience working with children at child care centers and babysitting. Ms. Erin was inspired to be a teacher by her love of children and the curious and excited energy they bring to every situation. Her favorite children's book is Pete the Cat by James Dean, Kimberly Dean, & Eric Litwin!

Ms. Lakiesha has her high school diploma from Perry Traditional Academy. She 5 years of experience working with children in daycares and school settings. Ms. Lakiesha was inspired to be a teacher to make a difference in young lives. Her favorite thing about working with infants is that it reminds her of home with her four children. Her favorite children's book is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr!

Ms. Marissa studied photography at Point Park University! She has over 15 years of experience working with children as a nanny and babysitter, through volunteer work, and at childcare centers. Ms. Marissa was inspired to be a teacher to change lives and the world, which starts with the new generations. Her favorite children's book is Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown.

My name is Ms. Savannah and I am 23 years old and have ben assisting at daycare centers for 2 years and have many years of experience helping with my nieces and nephews. I was inspired to be a teacher because it comes naturally to me and I love helping others. I am a mom to two boys and one daughter and I feel like I am a role model to them. My favorite children's book series is Junie B. Jones!

Ms. Marie has her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Carlow University. She was inspired to become a teacher from her Elementary School teachers and to help people in whatever way possible. Ms. Marie’s favorite book is The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Cipprianna is currently studying Early Childhood Education and Child Development at CCAC. She has over 3 years of experience working with children as a childcare provider. Ms. Cipprianna was inspired to be a teacher from seeing her Kindergarten teacher have fun with them when she was a child. Her favorite children's book is If You Give A Mouse A Cookie by Laura Numeroff.

Ms. Giovanna is working towards her Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Neuroscience . She has over 5 years of experience working with children as a cheer coach and at a childcare center! Ms. Giovanna was inspired to be a teacher by the amazing teachers that she has had. Her favorite children's books are Pinkalicious by Victoria Kamm and Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor!

Ms. Sharee has her diploma from the Creative and Performing Arts High School. She has over 10 years of experience working in childcare in an afterschool program through Family Resources. Ms. Sharee was inspired to be a teacher because it is very special to see the children who you serve come full circle later in life, knowing you helped shape them in a positive way. Ms. Sharee's favorite children's book is Soul Food Sunday by Winsome Bingham!

Ms Holly received her Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education from Point Park University. She has over 10 years of child interaction experience. When she was growing up she was inspired to be a teacher by the dedication of her own childhood teachers.

Ms. Sheila graduated from McKeesport High School and studied Communications at LaRoche University. She has over 20 years of experience working with children in various settings such as daycare centers, babysitting, teaching, and having her own child. Ms. Sheila was inspired to be a teacher by the ongoing forever passion she has for the children of the world. She loves to help people and be apart of a child's educational growth. Ms. Sheila's favorite children's book is Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish!

Miss Tammy has over 17 years of experience working with children and is always taking educational classes for professional development. She loves teaching children and believes they are full of life and energy and most of all are so much fun! She finds it so important to make a bond with each child and really get to know them!

Ms. Ocean has her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from St. Mary's College of Maryland. She has over 9 years of experience working with children a a tutor, babysitter, camp counselor, and a lead Preschool teacher! Ms. Ocean was inspired to be a teacher since she is the oldest of 16 cousins and the oldest sibling! She grew up taking care of her younger siblings and cousins. Ms. Ocean's favorite children's books are The Wump World by Bill Peet and Are You A Spider? by Judy Allen!

Ms. Carolyn has her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Psychology with a concentration in Support Services for Children and Adolescents from Bucknell University. She has over 3 years of experience working with children as a camp counselor, tutor, and intern/teacher. Ms. Carolyn was inspired to be a teacher by the positive experiences she had with her own teachers inspiring her to never give up. Her favorite children's book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin & Eric Carle.

Ms. Nora has her Child Development Associates Certificate. She has over 20 years of experience working with children in childcare centers. Ms. Nora was inspired to be a teacher through her love of children and enjoys watching them grow and achieve their milestones!

Ms. Michelle is currently a Senior at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Applied Developmental Psychology with a minor in Spanish. She has over 6 years of experience working with children as a paraprofessional, babysitter, and assistant teacher. Ms. Michelle was inspired to be a teacher after her nephews were born and she realized how much she loved working with kids. She decided she wanted to work in a field with children and families after taking a Developmental Psychology course. Ms. Michelle's favorite children's book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein!

Ms. C.G. graduated high school from Pittsburgh CAPA. She has over 5 years of experience working with children while babysitting and in a preschool setting. Ms. C.G. was inspired to be a teacher by her mom and all the great mentors she has had throughout her education. Her favorite children's book is Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh!

Ms. Mia is currently studying Speech Language Pathology at Duquesne University. She has over 6 years of experience working with children as a dance teacher and nannying experience. Ms. Mia was inspired to be a teacher by her mother who teaches preschool and shadowing speech therapists at the preschool. Her favorite children's book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle!