Our Goddard School Teachers

The Santo Family’s story in Pittsburgh is rooted in coming home—and building something that serves families for the long term. After moving back to Pittsburgh, where Bob and Lori grew up, they opened the first Goddard School in Pittsburgh in 2007 with a simple calling: create a place where children thrive and families feel known, safe, and supported. What began as one school became a mission that couldn’t stay small. Over time, the next generation joined the journey—Jake, Tyler, and Maddi—and today the family owns and operates four Goddard School locations across multiple states. The Santo Family continues to grow thoughtfully by investing in exceptional teachers and leaders and building cultures rooted in trust, warmth, and accountability. The goal is simple: create extraordinary experiences for every child, every day, while strengthening the communities the family is privileged to serve.

We are the proud owners of The Goddard School located in Peters Township. Our school was inspired by our 3 amazing children, Jake, Tyler and Madison, and we reside in Peters Township. We appreciate the importance of providing a solid foundation for young children and believe taking care of children's hearts, bodies and minds gives us the opportunity to make a difference in their future and the future of all of those who are touched by them. This, together with helping families find balance in their lives, has inspired us to offer the BEST early childhood education program available. Lori’s Background: • Slippery Rock University - Bachelor of Arts in Communications Bob’s Background: • General Motors Institute - Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering • Purdue University - Masters Degree in Business Administration

Jake Santo is one of the owners of The Goddard School of Peters Township, proudly supporting early childhood education in Peters Township and the surrounding South Hills community for over 10 years. He attended Ohio University where he studied Education and Law, and is also currently an on-site owner of The Goddard School of Upper St. Clair. Jake is passionate about providing premier early childhood education to the area in which he himself grew up. He believes that creating a nurturing, engaging environment can give children an advantage early-on, and believes this preliminary pipeline is one of the reasons the Peters Township area is known as one of the strongest educational environments in the state.

Tyler serves as one of the on-site owners of The Goddard School in Peters Township, PA, bringing experience from both his time at The Goddard School of Wexford, PA as an on-site owner as well as his current position as an on-site owner at The Goddard School of Upper St. Clair, PA. He holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Penn State University and is passionate about early childhood education. Tyler is committed to creating a nurturing, engaging environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. He looks forward to supporting families and helping every child reach their full potential.

Maddi Santo is one of the on-site owners of The Peters Township Goddard School of PA. She graduated with a degree in Exercise Science from Virginia Commonwealth University, however, growing up in a household influenced by her parents' ownership of many Goddard Schools, she became increasingly invested in what the Goddard School has to offer. As time went on, specifically after college, she recognized the importance of a nurturing environment that fosters creativity and a love for learning. Understanding that children are the future of our world, it feels incredibly special to make a difference in their lives on a daily basis. At The Goddard School, we are dedicated to providing the resources they need to grow and flourish, and Maddi believes that children learn compassion by observing the compassionate behavior of others, which is why it’s essential to model this behavior in everything we do.

Ms. Natalie is one of our Co-Directors here at the Goddard School. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary/Middle Level Education at Waynesburg University. She has her Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate in Grades 4-8. Natalie has a long background of working with children. She worked as a long-term substitute teacher for four years with various school districts, worked as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher for the Goddard School in Upper St. Clair and was an assistant director at a previous center. When asked why she loves working with children, Natalie replied, “Teaching is a very rewarding career. I love being a positive role model for young adolescents and I love being a part of their educational development.”

Ms. Heather is a graduate from Edinboro University, with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been working in the education field for 25 years as a teacher, director and owner of a school. Her biggest accomplishment in life was becoming a mother of three amazing daughters, who are all currently teenagers at Canon McMillian High School. In her spare time she love being in the water, on a boat, sitting on the sand with a good book in hand or at the theater watching a good play or musical. She hopes to instill my love of reading and early literacy into all children. When asked what she valued most about teaching, Ms. Heather said: “Knowing that I am making a difference in the life of a child one day at a time! I love that each lesson I am teaching will last a lifetime and help mold young minds to become lifelong learners."

Ms. Amanda is the Assistant Director of The Goddard School of Peters Township. She graduated from Clarion University with a Bachelor’s in Communication and is currently working toward a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been a part of the Goddard family for four years and has loved every minute of it! When asked what she enjoys most about working at our school, she said, "Getting to watch the kids learn and grow up is so incredibly rewarding. We're so lucky to get to be a part of the beginning of their educational journey!"

Ms. Stephanie is a Lead Infant Teacher here at the Goddard School. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Slippery Rock University as well as her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Butler County Community College. Although taking time off to be a stay-at-home mother to her two children, Stephanie has lots of experience in classrooms ranging from preschool through high school. Most recently she has been a small group leader with Jr High girls through her church and held various roles in Vacation Bible School and PTA supported programs in the Peters Twp School District. When asked why she loves teaching, Stephanie replied, "I love teaching because of the influence that I can have on young lives and in return the joy that they provide for me. My goal is to recognize each child as an individual and discover how I can best develop their social and academic potential."

Ms. Afton is our Co-Lead Teacher in the Infant Classroom. She has been in the nursing field for 12 1/2 years. She has a true passion for helping and caring for others. Recently, she decided on a career change and chose the path of childcare. She has experience with babysitting her 12 nieces and nephews over the years. She also recently has had the experience of becoming a first-time momma to a beautiful baby girl. When asked what she values most about teaching, Ms. Afton said, “I love being able to help young minds flourish, nothing compares to having a helping hand in being able to help someone grow and learn.”

Ms. Lindsay is one of our lead infant teachers! She graduated from Penn West University's California campus with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Science in Lib Sci. She brings with her years of experience in childcare, and says that her favorite part of working with kids is "watching them grow and learn."

Ms. Rylie is our Lead Teacher in the First Steps classroom. Ms. Rylie earned her Associates Degree in Fine Arts from Edinboro University. She has previously been a Personal Care Assistant at the AIU. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Rylie replied, "The most important thing a teacher can do is teach in a way that all of her students can learn and grow from!”

Ms. Kayla is one of our First Steps co-lead teachers. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Educational Studies. She is passionate about early childhood education and says her favorite part about working with children is "they always make my days brighter!"

Ms. Brittany is our Co-Lead Teacher in our Pre-Toddler Classroom. Brittany is a graduate from Northport High School. While attending high school she babysat as well as worked in many daycares. She also has experience working as a counselor at a local summer camp for many years. When asked why she loves teaching, Brittany replied “I enjoy watching the children learn about everything around them and experiencing different ways of learning.”

Ms. Marissa is our Co-Lead teacher in the Pre-Toddler room. She received an Associate’s Degree from CCAC in Early Childhood Education. She also received a Bachelor’s Degree from California University of Pennsylvania in Professional Studies in Education. When asked why she loves teaching in early childhood, Marissa replied with “Learning is taught through hands on experiences and through play at a young age. If you supply children with the tools to learn, the children will pick up the skills to be successful through trial and error. They will also be successful by learning from other children in the classroom and with scaffolding from the teachers in the classroom."

Miss Alyssa is our Lead Teacher in the Toddler classroom. She received her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Health Science from Gettysburg College. She was a lead teacher for a two year old classroom at a previous center for almost two years. When asked why she loves to teach, Alyssa replied, "I love teaching because of the children. It is such a gratifying experience to see them learn and grow every day."

Ms. Erin is our Lead Teacher in our Toddler classroom here at the Goddard School. She is a mom of six children and former public school teacher with a PreK-12 Principal Certification. Erin believes that our greatest investment is in our children. “There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to teaching; good teaching must extend beyond traditional academic readiness and take into account the unique needs, strengths, interests, and learning styles of each child.” Erin looks forward to working with and serving our children and families.

Ms. Jess is our Co-Lead in the Get Set Classroom. She received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Clarion University. She has volunteered to work with children throughout high school and college. Jess previously has 5 years of experience working with children in an early childhood setting at another center before coming to Goddard. When asked why she loves working with children, “I love seeing their faces light up with excitement when they learn something new. I want to help our future generations grow to love learning!”

Ms. Mallory is a Co-Lead Teacher in our Preschool classroom. She received her Bachelor’s Degree at California University of PA in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Mallory has worked in several positions with children, which include: daycare settings, church nursery, as well as various childhood programs throughout her church (i.e. Vacation bible school). When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Mallory replied, “The most important thing a teacher can do is to be a good role model for the students and ensure students are being taught as individuals not as a group.”

Ms. Holly is the Co-Lead Teacher in the Preschool classroom. She graduated from Westmoreland County Community College with an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Holly was a previous teacher at a childcare center for four years. When asked why she loves teaching, Holly replied, “I love teaching because I love to observe children having fun through educational activities, learning new skills, and growing into their own person. I genuinely believe each child will make the world a more kind and brighter place!”

Ms. Chloe is a Co-Lead Teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten classroom. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education at Duquesne University. Chloe also has her PA Teaching Certification in grades PK-4. She began working with children at 15 years old as a babysitter. Most recently, Chloe worked part-time at a childcare center while also completing her classroom observations and undergraduate coursework. When asked what she values most about teaching, she replied " I believe that it is my duty to help shape young learners into the future leaders of our world. I am honored to be a part of this process."

Ms. Nicole is one of the lead teachers in the Pre-K room. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Duquesne University. She also has her Pennsylvania Teaching Certification for grades PreK-4. Through Duquesne University she was able to gain experience in a variety of classroom types, where she discovered a love for the younger grades. She believes that a child’s love and desire for learning begins in their early years and she is happy to be able to be a part of that for her students here.

Ms. Cassady is our co-lead teacher in our Junior Kindergarten Classroom. She received her Master’s in Early Childhood Education and received her teaching certificate for Prekindergarten to 4th grade from Robert Morris University. Cassady has been working with children for as long as she can remember. She has experience with babysitting, nannying, and being a building substitute for Peter’s Township. She has worked with children ranging from infants to school aged throughout her years. When asked what she values most about teaching, Ms. Cassady said, “I believe letting your students own creative uniqueness come out in a way that works best for them is an incredible thing to experience. Seeing that my students feel safe, warm, and welcomed in my classroom is also extremely important as well.”

Ms. Taylor is our Co-Lead teacher in our Junior Kindergarten classroom. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Washington and Jefferson College. Taylor has been working with children for years. She also currently works part time at The Little Gym, and she works with ages from 3-12. When asked why she loves working with children, she replied “I believe that one teacher can make a difference in someone’s life, and I want to be that teacher.”

Ms. Cayla serves as the Lead Teacher in our Kindergarten classroom. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Slippery Rock University, where she also completed minors in Special Education and Global Education. Additionally, she holds a Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate for Pre-Kindergarten through 4th Grade. Her journey in childcare began as a babysitter. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience working with school-aged children, including several months of teaching Kindergarten and Third Grade. Ms. Cayla has also been involved in a variety of summer programs catering to children of different ages. When asked what she values most about teaching, Ms. Cayla said, “I believe that learning is contagious. By spreading peace, love, and kindness through my teaching, I have the opportunity to shape and influence my students' lives, making their learning experiences both enriching and rewarding.”

Ms. Brooke is a Support Teacher here at the Goddard School. She received her Associate Degree in Travel and Hospitality Management at Sawyer School, Pittsburgh, PA. Along with raising her two sons, Brooke has enjoyed being a nanny for the past 20 years and a substitute para educator for five years. When asked why she loves teaching, Brooke responded "I love the eagerness and the joy of learning in children. They are our future and who best to teach them than teachers?"

Ms. Pat is a Support Teacher here at the Goddard School. She is a graduate of Bethel Park High School. As a mother of three children, and grandmother of four, Ms. Pat has gained valuable real life experience as a caretaker. She was an active parent and participated in a variety of roles, such as room mother, to support the growth and development of her children and their classmates. When asked why Ms Pat loves working with children, Pat replied, "I will bring the same enthusiasm and dedication as I did with raising my children and grandchildren to my role at the Goddard School!"

Ms. Nicole is one of our valued Support staff here at the Goddard School. She is a graduate of Canon McMillan high School. She has years of experience working in childcare, and has worked at her church's nursery for the past 10 years. When asked why she loves working with children she replied, “I enjoy watching students thrive when learning a new topic.”

Ms. Jaime is a support teacher here at the Goddard School! She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood from Slippery Rock University. She has three teenagers of her own, and has been a stay at home mom for most of their lives. Her son is attending Washington and Jefferson College and her two daughters attend Canon McMillan. She has a background caring for children of her friends and neighbors. Ms. Jaime loves working with children because she enjoys seeing them light up when they learn something new.

Ms. Melanie is one of the Support teachers here at the Goddard School of Peters Township! She attended CCAC South Campus and earned an Associate's degree. She also raised four children, and brings those skills with her to her work at the school. Melanie says her favorite thing about working in childcare is "watching them learn and grow in their independence!"