Our Goddard School Teachers

OWNER- Ms. Tricia and Mr. Dave McKay are the proud owners of The Goddard School, dedicated to creating a nurturing, engaging, and high-quality learning environment where children can grow, explore, and thrive. With a strong passion for early childhood education and a commitment to supporting families, Tricia and David believe that every child deserves the opportunity to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. As the owners, Ms. Trish and Mr. Dave are committed to fostering a positive school community where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to discover their unique strengths. They work closely with educators and families to promote a culture centered on learning through play, meaningful relationships, and developmentally appropriate experiences.

MANAGEMENT TEAM- Ms. Lauren re-joined our Goddard family in the summer of 2026. She previously worked here for four years. Ms. Lauren has a BA in Human Development and Family Studies from Messiah College Ms. Lauren believes that children are miracles and that students learn best through purposeful, play-based experiences. She is committed to supporting the growth and development of both the students and the teachers within the Goddard community. In her role, she works alongside Ms. Trish and the other directors to ensure that all licensing, educational, and Goddard standards are upheld with excellence. A Goddard graduate herself, Ms. Lauren grew up within these walls and carries forward the legacy of her mother, Ms. Trish, by helping cultivate a school where students and teachers learn, thrive, and feel deeply supported.

MANAGEMENT TEAM- Jeni Shade joined The Goddard School in the summer of 2007 and serves as our Education Director. Ms. Jeni holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Kutztown University, along with her Pennsylvania teaching certification. She also holds a specialized Director’s Certification in Early Childhood. She brings over forty years of experience working with young children and more than twenty-five years of experience as a director. Ms. Jeni previously worked at The Goddard School in the late 1990s as a teacher, and returning years later felt very much like coming “home.” She finds great joy in overseeing the office, mentoring teachers, and ensuring a healthy, safe, and enriching learning environment where children learn through play.

MANAGEMENT TEAM- Candace Murry joined our Goddard family in the winter of 2025 and serves as our Assistant Director. Ms. Candy holds a B.S. in Psychology from West Chester University and previously spent over five years as a director at another Goddard School. She has also worked as a veterinary assistant and an EMT, bringing a unique blend of care, calm, and responsiveness to her role. Ms. Candy believes that children are naturally happy and that they love to learn from the world around them like sponges. She is committed to creating a safe, healthy environment where children and teachers learn through the wonder of play and exploration. Highly organized and detail-oriented, she ensures our school remains in full compliance with DHS/OCDEL regulations and Goddard’s quality assurance standards.

INFANT PROGRAM- Ms. Ashley joined our Goddard family in the fall of 2006. Ms. Ashley holds her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and an Occupational Child Development Certificate from Berks Career and Technical Center with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. She has over eighteen years of experience working with young children. Ms. Ashley loves working with infants, encouraging them as they learn and celebrating each new skill they master. She believes that being a positive role model helps guide children toward making good choices. She creates fun, engaging learning experiences that support the development of new skills and language.

INFANT PROGRAM- Ms. Grismileidy joined our Goddard family in the fall of 2025. Although this is her first formal child-care position, she has spent many years caring for her infant nieces and nephews. Ms. Gris believes that children are naturally curious and love to explore their environment. She is eager to support the lead teacher in creating fun, engaging learning experiences that spark a sense of wonder. She strives to understand each child’s unique nature so she can encourage their growth and believe in their potential. She is committed to fostering a positive, safe environment where children feel supported and valued.

INFANT PROGRAM-Ms. Gaby joined our Goddard family in the summer of 2024. She is currently a student at Reading Area Community College studying Early Childhood Education. She previously took child development courses in high school and worked as a student helper in local elementary schools through an honors program. Ms. Gaby believes that children are full of genuine joy and loves their naturally curious nature. She enjoys playing alongside them as they explore and learn new things. She is passionate about creating positive, engaging experiences that help children grow and discover the world around them.

FIRST STEPS PROGRAM- Ms. Charlene joined joined our Goddard family in the winter of 2020. Ms. Charlene holds her Infant/ Toddler Child Development Associate. She has worked in the early childhood field for more than thirty years, always as a teacher in a one-year-old classroom. Ms. Charlene previously worked at The Goddard School in the 1990s and is excited to return to her first early childhood family. Ms. Charlene loves creating fun, engaging learning experiences for her students. She designs a variety of homemade materials to help them explore and get their wiggles out. She believes children are loving little people and works to build a foundation of kindness as they learn how to be good friends. She encourages independence by offering opportunities for children to complete tasks across all learning domains. She is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and caring environment where her students can thrive.

FIRST STEPS PROGRAM- Ms. Kelly joined The Goddard School in the winter of 2020. Ms. Kelly is a teacher resource working where there is a need to support the classroom teachers. Ms. Kelly has obtained a BA in Early Childhood Education from Reading Area Community College . She also holds her Occupational Child Development Certificate from Berks Career and Technical Center with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Kelly brings seven years of experience in the early childhood field. Ms. Kelly enjoys engaging with her students as they explore fun, hands-on learning experiences. She believes in supporting children as they grow and develop, asking open-ended questions that lead them to new discoveries. She feels that when children feel secure, they are happy and able to have a positive educational experience.

FIRST STEPS PROGRAM- Ms. Kaylee joined our Goddard family in the summer of 2026. Ms. Kaylee is working as a teacher’s aide in our First Steps classroom. Ms. Kaylee has cared for children through babysitting. Kaylee wants to create an environment that is safe, caring, and positive where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. Ms. Kaylee believes that young children are curious and energetic, thus learning best through hands-on, repetitive play that leads them to the wonder of learning. She enjoys playing with her students and works hard to be patient, supportive, and kind while meeting all of their needs. She values honest communication with everyone, including her students, their parents, and her coworkers.

TWEENIES PROGRAM- Ms. Xylie joined our Goddard family in the spring of 2024. She graduated with her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Reading Area Community College in May 2024 and has two years of experience as an assistant teacher in a child-care center. Ms. Xylie believes that children are fantastic and inspiring as they constantly explore and discover new things. She feels her most important role is to support her students and encourage them to try new experiences. She strives to understand each child as an individual so she can tailor her teaching to meet their needs. She enjoys creating and implementing fun, engaging learning opportunities that spark curiosity and growth.

TWEENIES PROGRAM- Ms. Isabella joined our Goddard family in the spring of 2025. She previously worked as a caregiver for young children for two years and in a recent high school graduate who is excited to begin her career in early childhood education. Ms. Izabella believes that children are naturally curious, creative, and fun. She is eager to support the lead teacher in providing a healthy, nurturing, and safe learning environment where children can explore, create, and enjoy hands-on, play-filled experiences. She has a joy for learning and hopes to inspire that same sense of wonder in her students. She values building trusting, consistent relationships so children feel respected, loved, and able to learn at their own pace.

TODDLER PROGRAM- Ms. Sara joined our Goddard School family in the fall of 2004. Ms. Sara holds her Child Development Associate credential. Ms. Sara brings over nineteen years of child-care experience to her role. Ms. Sara is passionate about mentoring toddlers and helping them make meaningful discoveries that lead to learning. She believes that when she is having fun with the children, they naturally want to join in—and in doing so, they learn so much. She also believes her students are eager to learn good manners, so she encourages them to use their words to express kindness throughout the day. She values being an active, engaged teacher, knowing it helps her students stay focused and involved. She enjoys creating hands-on learning experiences through the center activities she designs while writing her lesson plans.

TODDLERS PROGRAM- Ms. Olivia joined our Goddard family in the spring of 2025. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Penn State University and has long-term goals of obtaining her master’s degree in speech pathology. Ms. Olivia believes that children are fun-loving, unique individuals with tremendous potential. She is committed to ensuring that her students have a healthy, safe, and caring environment where they can thrive. She enjoys engaging children in hands-on experiences and asking open-ended questions to spark curiosity and develop a love of learning.

GET SET PROGRAM- Ms. Joanne joined joined our Goddard family in the winter of 2013. Ms. Jo was honored as the 2020–2021 Goddard School Infant-Toddler Teacher of the Year. She brings over twenty-five years of experience as an assistant teacher in early childhood education. Ms. Jo believes that children are naturally excited to learn. She understands that children learn in different and creative ways, so she provides a wide range of engaging, hands-on learning experiences for them to explore. She loves incorporating music, movement, and yoga to energize her students and give them opportunities to express themselves creatively. Ms. Jo encourages her students to help and take responsibility, knowing that these experiences build confidence and independence.

Ms. Layla joined our Goddard family in the summer of 2026. She is taking classes in Early Childhood Education at Reading Area Community College. She has been babysitting since 2017 and has experience as an assistant preschool teacher. Ms. Lyla believes that children are curious, creative, and full of energy. She feels that students thrive when teachers create a clean, safe, and supportive learning environment. She is committed to fostering a nurturing, inclusive classroom where children feel valued. She enjoys creating fun learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Outside of school, Ms. Lyla loves spending time with her family and friends.

PRESCHOOL 1 PROGRAM- Ms. Danielle joined our Goddard family in the winter of 2026. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Reading Area Community College and has completed additional coursework toward her Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Ashford University. Ms. Danielle believes that children are our future and deserve a strong foundation built on meaningful early learning experiences. She embraces each child’s inner light—their unique strengths, gifts, and ways of learning—and strives to help that light shine. She is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming classroom where every child feels valued, supported, and confident to grow. Through fun, hands-on activities that spark curiosity, she nurtures the wonder of learning and encourages each child to reach their full potential.

PRESCHOOL 1 PROGRAM- Ms. Amanda joined our Goddard family in the spring of 2025. She has worked with young children for over twelve years. Ms. Amanda believes that children are naturally curious, open-minded, and full of potential. She enjoys creating a challenging yet supportive environment where her students can thrive. She takes time to get to know each child as an individual so she can encourage their learning through tailored instruction that reflects their unique styles and needs. Her goal is to inspire a sense of wonder while building mutual respect between herself and her students. She models positive teamwork with her coworkers to help children learn how to work together as a group.

PRESCHOOL 2 PROGRAM- Ms. Linda joined our Goddard family in the fall of 1999 She holds a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Penn State University and also maintains her private academic teaching certificate. She has over 40 years of teaching experience. Ms. Linda was honored as The Goddard School’s Teachers of the Year in 2013. Ms. Linda enjoys creating prop boxes for every theme, so her students have a variety of tools to enrich their learning. She is also known for creating magnificent student scrapbooks that capture each child’s growth and experiences. She believes that every child is an individual, so she remains flexible and creative in her teaching, allowing children to gain knowledge through their own unique learning styles.

PRESCHOOL 2 PROGRAM- Ms. Laura joined our Goddard family in the summer of 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a master’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She brings over twenty-five years of experience working with young children. Ms. Laura believes that children are curious, active, and caring. Her goal as a teacher is to provide a warm, safe, and healthy environment where her students can thrive as they explore hands-on, playful learning experiences. She engages with her students by joining them in their play, taking advantage of teachable moments, and asking open-ended questions that foster growth and deeper exploration. She offers loving guidance as children learn to navigate social situations and develop strong communication skills.

PRESCHOOL 3 PROGRAM- Ms. Vanessa Vanessa Valdez-Gonzalez joined our Goddard family in the summer of 2022. She graduated from Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center with a certification in Early Childhood Education and is furthering her education at Reading Area Community College. Ms. Vanessa believes that children are amazing and unique in their own way. She feels that when she provides a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment, children feel cared for and are able to learn. She enjoys assisting in implementing fun learning experiences and loves playing with her students as they explore hands-on, play-based centers that lead to meaningful learning.

PREKINDERGARTEN 1 PROGRAM- Ms. Julie joined our Goddard family in the winter of 2022. She completed most of her college coursework i our Goddard family in the winter of 2022. She has completed most of her college classes in social work and special education at Bloomsburg University. She is currently enrolled at RACC in ECE. Ms. Julie worked as a paraprofessional in a local public school for five years. She works with the Cub Scouts as a program specialist. She also worked as the cub scout camp director at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation. Ms. Julie believes and loves that children are unpredictable because they are always busy investigating new ideas. She loves to create a fun learning environment where students can explore through hands-on and mind-on activities where they learn through trial and error. She believes that as she communicates with her students that they can learn to self-regulate their emotions.

PREKINDERGARTEN 1 PROGRAM Ms. Bre joined our Goddard family in the winter of 2022. She previously worked as an aide at another center for two years. Ms. Bre believes that children are a joy to be around because they are truly amazing. She loves playing with them as she helps implement fun learning experiences, knowing that children learn best through play. She understands that every child learns in their own way, so she works to develop each child’s strengths, skills, and abilities while extending their knowledge through meaningful, individualized experiences.

PREKINDERGARTEN 2 PROGRAM- Natily Smith joined our Goddard family in the winter of 2025. Ms. Natily is nearly finished with her associate’s degree in early childhood education at Reading Area Community College. Ms. Natily believes that children are at their creative and curious. She wants to create a safe environment for her students to learn and grow. She believes that young children learn best through hands-on experiences. She strives to create an engaging environment where children can explore, use their creativity, and learn through those hands-on activities. Ms. Natily understands the importance of being able to adapt to the needs of even her youngest students to support their individual needs. As a mom of young children, she knows the importance of building strong relationships with families. She wants to provide a positive start to each child’s education journey.

PREKINDERGRATEN 2 PROGRAM- Ms. Tamara joined our Goddard family in late summer 2026. Ms. Tamara as an assistant teacher in our Prekindergarten 2 classroom. She brings several years of experience working with young children, including one year in a childcare center, more than three years as a babysitter, and two years teaching in her church community. Ms. Tamara believes wholeheartedly that children are a blessing. She strives to positively impact each child by offering kindness, respect, genuine love and care in a safe and nurturing environment,. She is passionate about creating joyful learning experiences that spark curiosity, exploration, and a sense of wonder. Her goal is to support children as they grow in confidence, emotional awareness, independence, to develop a lifelong love of learning.

TEACHER RESOURCE- Ms. Vicki joined our Goddard family in the fall of 2021. Ms. Vicki earned her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Reading Area Community College. Ms. Vicki believes that children are inquisitive and eager to learn about the world around them. She feels that children learn best through play, and she enjoys creating fun learning experiences where they can create, imagine, discover, and explore. She values each child as an individual and strives to honor their abilities and learning styles so she can extend their learning in meaningful ways

TEACHER RESOURCE- Ms. Noreen joined our Goddard School family in the fall of 2018. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and philosophy, an Early Childhood Education Montessori-based certification, and her Child Development Associate credential from Ashworth College. She brings more than twenty years of experience working in early childhood schools. Ms. Noreen thrives on guiding children as they grow in their educational journey. She enjoys discovering each child’s unique way of learning and supporting them as they explore and make new discoveries. She loves using open-ended questions to deepen their thinking and enrich the fun learning experiences provided for them.

TEACHER RESOURCE-Ms. Julianna joined our Goddard family in the winter of 2025. Ms. Julianna has experience working as an infant assistant teacher, babysitting, and supporting children through her church. Ms. Julianna believes that young children are natural explorers. She loves engaging with them through hands-on, fun learning experiences. She believes children learn best when their teacher models positive behaviors—whether eating, playing, reading, singing, or exploring new skills. She aspires to be like Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus, making learning both exciting and educational.

TEACHER RESOURCE- Ms. Jeyani officially joined our Goddard family in the summer of 2026, though she has been part of our community since the fall of 2025 as a volunteer through an internship with Berks Career and Technology Center’s Early Childhood Education program. Ms. JJ graduated with an Occupational Child Development Certificate from Berks Career and Technology Center, specializing in Early Childhood Education. She will be pursuing her associate’s degree in Pre K through 4 at Reading Area Community College. Ms. JJ serves as a teacher resource, supporting classrooms wherever there is a need and partnering closely with teachers to help create a smooth, nurturing learning environment. She believes that children learn best through play and by exploring the world around them with hands on, joyful learning experiences. She strives to create an environment where children feel respected, nurtured, safe, and secure—so they can learn with confidence in their own unique way.

TEACHER RESOURCE- Ms. Nautica joined our Goddard family in the summer of 2026. Ms. Nautica is working as a teacher resource, helping to heat lunches and cover breaks. Ms. Nautica has her AA in Social Work from RACC. She has been providing childcare for five years. Due to her educational background, she is acutely aware that academic growth cannot occur without emotional security. Her primary goal is to make every child feel safe, respected, and loved. She believes that education is not “one size fits all,” and through observation and empathy she ensures that each child has the things they need to learn in their own unique way. Ms. Nautica places a heavy emphasis on a multi-sensory education, incorporating oral, visual, and hands-on learning activities. She wants children’s knowledge to increase as she celebrates their uniqueness and natural curiosity through the wonder of learning.