Our Goddard School Teachers

Ms. Kristine is the onsite owner and brings a strong background in early childhood education and leadership. She holds a degree in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University and began her career as a preschool teacher before advancing into assistant director and director roles. She joined The Goddard School in 2014 as the Education Director and stepped into her role as onsite owner in 2020. Ms. Kristine is passionate about creating a nurturing, high-quality environment for children, families, and staff. Outside of school, she enjoys reading and spending time outdoors—especially at the beach—with her husband and two sons.

Leena is proud to be the owner of The Goddard School located in York! She graduated from Lebanon Valley College with Biology degree. As a mother of three, she believes that all families want safe, clean, fun-filled, quality care with an educational focus for their children. She chose The Goddard School because its philosophy of providing high quality care with a top-notch educational program in a safe, nurturing environment aligns with her own beliefs. She loves watching children grow and have fun while learning the skills they need for success in school and life! Welcome to our Goddard Family! Fun Fact About Ms. Leena: She enjoys traveling to different places with her family!

Ms. Britney holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Harrisburg Area Community College. She has worked in the field of early childhood education since 2008, gaining experience with children ranging from infants through school-age. As the Education Director, Ms. Britney is passionate about supporting both teachers and students, and she is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and engaging learning environment. She brings a strong sense of advocacy for young learners to her role, inspired by the belief, “A person’s a person, no matter how small” (Dr. Seuss). Outside of work, she cherishes unique life experiences—one of her favorites being the opportunity to feed a manatee during her honeymoon.

Ms. Julie holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Quinsigamond Community College. She has worked in the field of early childhood education since 2012, gaining experience with children ranging from infants through school-age. As the Operations Director, Ms. Julie plays an essential role in supporting the daily functions of the school and helping ensure a positive environment for both staff and students. She is passionate about the impact of education and is guided by the belief, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” (Nelson Mandela). Outside of work, she enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors, especially skiing, snowboarding, and hiking.

Ms. Karissa has been working in early childhood education since 2019 and has experience with children from infants through school age. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood–Elementary Education from Harrisburg Area Community College and currently serves as our Assistant Director, while still enjoying time in the classroom. Ms. Karissa especially loves working with toddlers and preschoolers, where she enjoys watching children learn and grow each day. Her favorite children’s song is “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, kayaking, crafting, and listening to music. She lives by the quote, “A person’s a person no matter how small.”

Ms. Michele has over 30 years of experience in early childhood education and has worked with children from 6 weeks old through school age. She holds a CDA and is dedicated to creating a caring, supportive environment for every child. Ms. Michele enjoys sharing meaningful stories like Love You Forever and singing classics like “You Are My Sunshine” with her students. She especially cherishes the full-circle moments in her career, now caring for children whose parents she once taught. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, as well as thrift shopping with friends. She lives by the quote, “Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”

Ms. Jess has been working in the field of early childhood education for over 20 years, gaining experience with children ranging from infants through school-age. Ms. Jess has a deep love for working with young children and is especially drawn to their innocence and need for care, love, and attention. She believes that caring for children is her true calling and brings warmth and dedication to her role each day. She is inspired by the words, “Don’t count the days, make the days count” (Muhammad Ali), which reflects her positive and purposeful approach to both life and teaching. A fun fact about Ms. Jess is that she has previously worked at another Goddard School in a different state.

Ms. Rylie is currently pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education and enjoys working with children of all ages. She loves supporting each child’s growth and brings creativity into the classroom through activities like arts and crafts and stories such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In her free time, she enjoys staying active, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. Ms. Rylie is passionate about helping every child feel confident and believes every small step forward matters.

Ms. Lori has over 40 years of experience working with children and holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from York College along with a PA teaching certificate. She has taught children from infants through 5th grade and especially loves working with babies. Ms. Lori is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, listening to music, golfing, and traveling. She is married, has three grown children, and a two-year-old French Bulldog named Charlie.

Ms. Ariana has five years of experience working in childcare and education, supporting children from infancy through 12th grade. While she has enjoyed working with all age groups, her favorite is caring for infants to one-year-olds, where she loves nurturing their early development and forming strong bonds. In the classroom, Ms. Ariana enjoys engaging children with fun and familiar songs—“Baby Shark” is always a hit! She believes in creating a positive, playful environment where little ones feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Outside of school, Ms. Ariana loves spending time outdoors, enjoying fresh air and nature whenever she can.

Ms. Leah has over 15 years of experience working with children of all ages, from infants to elementary, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Her favorite age group is toddlers (1–2), where she loves encouraging curiosity and growth. She enjoys music and stories like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” and Olly’s Odyssey. Outside the classroom, she likes spending time with family, watching movies, listening to music, and exploring for critters. Her favorite quote: “It is what it is.”

Ms. Jessica brings more than a decade of preschool and childcare experience to our school, along with several years of homeschooling her son. She has worked with children from infancy through school age in both daycare settings and public school districts, and she especially enjoys creating hands-on science experiences that spark curiosity and joy in the classroom. She completed educational coursework at Penn State University and plans to pursue her CDA as her next professional goal. One of her favorite children’s books is Put Me in the Zoo by Dr. Seuss. Outside of school, Ms. Jessica enjoys spending time outdoors with her son—hiking, fishing, camping, kayaking, swimming, bowling, and relaxing around a campfire. A fun fact about her: she and her son have spent several summers raising and releasing monarch butterflies to support the species. Her favorite words to live by are: “We can’t choose the music life gives us, but we can choose how to dance to it.”

Ms. Stephanie has over 22 years of experience in childcare and has worked with children of all ages, though she especially enjoys working with younger learners and watching them grow. She has held her CDA since 2014 and loves engaging children through art, science, and music. Her favorite book is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and she enjoys songs like “I Have a Little Turtle.” Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family, hiking, camping, and reading. She lives by the words, “The greatest thing you'll ever learn is to love and be loved in return.”

Ms. Lisa has worked in the field of early childhood education for many years, working with infants through school agers. Favorite Quote: “Taking one day at a time living life to the fullest" Fun Fact About Ms. Lisa: She likes to play and draw with her daughter. Ms. Lisa loves working with children because she likes that she can teach children and watch them grow. Just being able to work with children makes her feel happy and grateful!

Ms. Rainie has been working in early childhood education for 20 years and has experience with children of all ages. While she enjoys every stage of learning, she especially loves working with younger children and helping them build a strong foundation for success. In 2020, she earned her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and graduated with honors. When she’s not in the classroom, Ms. Rainie enjoys crafting, reading, and spending time camping with her family whenever possible. One of her favorite children’s book series is The Old Lady Who Swallowed... books, which always bring fun and laughter to story time. She believes every decision is an opportunity to learn and grow, and she enjoys embracing a little spontaneity and adventure in life.

Ms. Mariela has worked in childcare for nearly eight years, beginning her journey in early education as a teenager. She loves supporting children as they grow, explore, and discover new things, and she brings patience, creativity, and warmth to every classroom she’s part of. She holds a high school diploma and a cosmetology degree, which she completed last year. Her favorite childhood books are the classic Dr. Seuss stories, and she enjoys taking late-night drives to unwind in her free time. Two quotes she carries with her are: “Hope is being able to see the light in spite of all the darkness” and “To live in ignorance is to die before death.” A fun fact about Ms. Mariela is that she is also an artist.

Ms. Ashley has 21 years of experience in childcare and loves working with two-year-olds. She holds her CDA and enjoys helping young children learn and grow. Her favorite book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family. She lives by the quote, “It takes a big heart to shape little minds.”

Ms. Kenzie began working at The Goddard School in May 2023 and has experience with children of all ages, from infants through school age. She especially enjoys working with toddlers and loves being part of their daily growth and learning. Her favorite songs to sing with the children are “Wheels on the Bus” and “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” In her free time, she enjoys making jewelry, watching shows or hockey with her cat, and spending time by the water in the summer. She loves the quote, “We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.”

Ms. Faith has several years of experience working with children of all ages, with a special love for toddlers and preschoolers. She has cared for infants through school-age children and enjoys supporting early growth and development. She holds a high school diploma and is working toward her CDA. Ms. Faith loves sharing books and songs, relaxing with a good show, and learning about different cultures and languages. Her goal is to help raise and inspire the next generation.

Ms. Brittany began her child care career in 2018 and has been dedicated to supporting children and their families ever since. She has primarily worked with toddlers ages two and three and also brings valuable experience working with infants. Ms. Brittany holds multiple early childhood education certifications, including her CDA, and is currently working toward earning her Associate’s Degree. She enjoys creating a hands-on, engaging classroom where children can learn through play, movement, and creativity. Music and dancing are some of her favorite ways to make learning fun and interactive for her students. One of her favorite books to share is The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister—a story she loved as a child and now enjoys sharing with her class. In her free time, Ms. Brittany enjoys paint-by-number projects and spending time with her friends and family.

Ms. Tara brings 19 years of experience in childcare, working with children from infants through preschool. While she has enjoyed every age group, toddlers hold a special place in her heart. She is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging environment for young learners. Ms. Tara loves the book Goodnight Moon and enjoys spending time playing, coloring, reading, and making crafts with the children. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading, solving puzzles, listening to music, and exploring new places. A fun fact about Ms. Tara is that she loves going to rock concerts!

Ms. Kaitlynn holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from York College of Pennsylvania and a Pre-K–12 Art Education teaching certificate from Millersville University. She has been with The Goddard School since 2023 and currently teaches preschool, where she enjoys fostering creativity and curiosity in her students. Her favorite children’s book is Ricky, the Rock That Couldn’t Roll. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with loved ones. She lives by the quote, “Creativity takes courage.”

Ms. Dee has over 25 years of experience in childcare and has worked with children from infancy through school age. She especially enjoys working with children ages 2 and 3, where she can support their growing independence and curiosity. Ms. Dee holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in youth. She loves sharing imaginative stories like Harold and the Purple Crayon and encouraging creativity in the classroom. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing board games, walking in nature, and reading. Ms. Dee is guided by the belief that “in the present is where your power lies,” and she brings that positive, mindful approach into her work each day. A fun fact about her is that she has heterochromia—her eyes change color, a trait shared by only a small percentage of people.

Ms. Cori began her journey in early childhood education as a babysitter and furthered her passion through her studies at York County School of Technology. She now enjoys working with young toddlers, where she loves watching their personalities grow and shine. Her favorite book to share is The Pout-Pout Fish, and outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, dining out, and attending concerts with her mom. She lives by the words: “There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done.”

Ms. Dalaney has worked in childcare for two years and is a dedicated lead teacher with experience in both toddler and Pre-K classrooms. She especially enjoys working with Pre-K students, where she can help prepare children for their next stage of learning while encouraging independence and confidence. Ms. Dalaney holds her CDA and loves creating engaging, hands-on activities, including fun science experiments with baking soda and vinegar that spark curiosity and excitement. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking, and reading. Ms. Dalaney is inspired by the lyrics, “Look at all the light you’re making, send it out no reservation,” and strives to bring that same positivity and encouragement into her classroom each day.

Ms. Yadeliz has worked in the field of early childhood education since 2014, gaining experience with children ranging from infants through school-age. She enjoys supporting children as they grow and develop, and loves watching them reach new milestones each day. Ms. Yadeliz is passionate about guiding children through the different stages of development and brings a positive, encouraging mindset to her classroom. She lives by the words, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), which inspires her both personally and professionally. In her free time, she enjoys baking and loves bringing that creativity into what she does.

Ms. Emily holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bloomsburg University. She has worked in the field of early childhood education since 2017, gaining experience with children ranging from toddlers through school-age. As a kindergarten teacher, Ms. Emily loves helping children discover how much they are capable of learning and achieving, and she takes great joy in watching their growth each day. She brings a spirit of positivity and encouragement to her classroom, guided by the belief, “Throw kindness like confetti!” (Bob Goff). Outside of the classroom, she enjoys playing games of all kinds, especially board games and card games.

Ms. Princess has worked in childcare for two years and has experience with children of all ages. She enjoys creating a welcoming, engaging classroom where students feel supported and excited to learn. Her favorite children’s book is Feast for 10, a story she loves sharing with young readers. She holds a high school diploma and enjoys listening to music and keeping things organized. Her favorite quote is: “Work hard in silence, let your success be your noise.” Outside the classroom, Ms. Princess loves painting and drawing, and she brings that creativity into her work with children.

Ms. Sophia has worked in childcare for six years and has experience with children from infancy through age four. She especially enjoys working with infants and one-year-olds, where she can help support early growth and development. She loves sharing The Very Hungry Caterpillar and engaging children in creative art activities. In her free time, she enjoys playing games with her husband and spending time with their little one. Ms. Sophia lives by the words, “Anything you're willing to practice, you can do,” and brings that encouragement into her classroom each day. A fun fact about her is that she loves collecting Pusheen and has over 100 items in her collection.

Ms. Tykera has worked in childcare and early education for over a year, with experience supporting preschool learners as well as neurodivergent children. She loves helping children grow into their own personalities and enjoys creating a classroom environment where creativity and connection thrive. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work with minors in Psychology and Multicultural Studies. Her favorite children’s book is Love You Forever, and she especially enjoys group activities and free play because they spark imagination and collaboration. In her free time, Ms. Tykera enjoys learning new languages, drawing floor plans, reading novels, and daydreaming. She speaks English, Mandarin, and German, and loves practicing all three. A veteran, she hopes to continue serving both children and fellow veterans — a unique passion she carries proudly. Her favorite words to live by are: “Life is too short to be normal. Be weird, be goofy, and be yourself.”

Ms. Emily has worked in childcare since 2019 and has experience with children of all ages, with a special love for infants and young learners ages 2–4. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University. She enjoys sharing books from the Bear series by Karma Wilson and loves spending time with family and friends or visiting the mountains. Ms. Emily is guided by the words, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Ms. Lis brings seven years of experience working with children of all ages, from infants through school-age students. While she enjoys supporting every stage of development, she especially loves working with pre-kindergarten and school-age children. She has a passion for fostering a love of reading, with Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss being one of her all-time favorite children’s books. Outside the classroom, Ms. Lis enjoys staying active and creative through hobbies like running, sewing, and baking. Guided by her favorite quote, “Hakuna Matata,” she brings a positive, caring, and joyful approach to her work with children every day.