Our Goddard School Teachers

David and Marcedes are the dedicated owners of The Goddard School of Avery Ranch, bringing over seven years of hands-on operational experience and a shared passion for early education. David, a former applications engineer with a Mechanical Engineering degree from UMass, loves integrating engaging S.T.E.A.M. concepts into the children’s daily activities. Marcedes, a native Austinite and St. Edward’s University alumna, pairs her entrepreneurial background with deep local roots to ensure the school feels like a true extension of the community. When not managing the school, their world revolves around their four-year-old daughter, Sofia. As a family, they enjoy spending sunny days at the lake, hiking local trails, and soaking in Austin's vibrant live music and sports scenes. Deeply invested in their city, David and Marcedes actively support organizations like HAAM and Mobile Loaves & Fishes, extending their positive impact well beyond the classroom walls.

Corrine is a native Austinite with over 21 years of experience in education, serving students from infancy through high school. She holds a master’s degree in Education and Counseling and has worked as a bilingual teacher, school counselor, administrator, and principal. During her career, she was honored as a National Blue Ribbon Principal by the U.S. Department of Education and named Texas PTA Principal of the Year. Corrine is passionate about supporting the whole child and coaching teachers to create engaging, meaningful learning experiences. She lives in the Avery Ranch community with her three children and enjoys spending time with her family, golfing, and traveling.

Ms. Aliza is the Assistant Educational Director at our school, bringing over 10 years of experience in early childhood education. Her background includes curriculum development, applied behavior analysis therapy, and classroom leadership. She is passionate about building supportive environments where both teachers and students can thrive. She takes a hands-on approach to coaching staff, strengthening systems, and fostering a collaborative school culture. Her focus is on creating consistent, joyful, and developmentally appropriate classroom experiences across the school. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in her pottery studio.

Nour holds Texas Director Credentials and brings extensive experience supporting teachers, guiding families, and ensuring program compliance. Nour has 8 years of hands-on classroom experience and she brings a strong classroom management and experience in guiding families and ensuring high-quality program compliance. Originally from North Africa, she is multilingual and passionate about communication and culture. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, she applies a thoughtful, research-based approach to child development. Known for her hands-on classroom support, and commitment to safe, engaging learning environments, Nour believes quality education begins with empowered teachers and consistent, nurturing routines. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, hiking, camping, and doing arts and crafts with her daughter, Lilly. Her compassion, structure, and professionalism greatly enrich our program and community.

Tae, originally from Japan has called Austin home for the past 7 years. With a background in Japanese literature and a love for cooking, she enjoys exploring different international flavors and sharing her culinary skills. Tae is passionate about working with children and loves being in an environment where she can be part of the children's growth and happiness. Outside of her work, she’s an active part of her son’s marching band, serving as the Meal Mom during the season!

Maria is our Infant Interim Lead Teacher and brings over 24 years of experience working with children of all ages. Originally from Chicago, Maria recently relocated to Texas, where she continues to follow her passion for early childhood education. She is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and loving environment where infants can grow, learn, and feel supported every day. Maria truly enjoys working with children and finds joy in their honesty, innocence, and unique personalities. With many years of hands-on experience, Maria understands the importance of helping children reach important developmental milestones through encouragement, consistency, and compassionate care. Outside of the classroom, Maria enjoys working out, reading, and spending quality time with her family.

Introducing Ms. Jenniffer, the Lead Teacher in our First Steps classroom, boasting three years of valuable experience in early childhood education. Not only does she take joy in teaching our students with love and respect, but she also values the learning experiences they provide. Ms. Jenniffer holds a degree in Administrative Law from The University of Los Andes in Venezuela. Beyond the classroom, her happiness extends to taking walks with her family and discovering new places. Eager for both personal and professional growth, Ms. Jenniffer is excited about the journey that lies ahead with the school!

With a heart for little learners and over 20 years of hands-on experience, Ms. Vida brings energy, patience, and joy into the toddler classroom every single day. Having worked extensively with both toddlers and preschoolers, she understands the magic of early childhood and is passionate about helping each child discover, grow, and thrive in their own way. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Computer, but found her true calling in the classroom, where curiosity and creativity are part of every day. Ms. Vida is dedicated to creating a loving, playful, and safe space for every child. Outside the classroom, you’ll find her enjoying sports, diving into a good puzzle, or coming up with new ways to make learning fun.

Ms. Makayla has experience working with children from infancy through 14 years of age. She enjoys working with children because each day is filled with laughter, learning, and meaningful moments. Makayla values building strong relationships with children and families and is excited to make a positive impact on each child’s education and life. She also brings many years of experience coaching gymnastics, where she created lessons and routines to help students reach their personal goals. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies.

Ms. Nikhila brings a calm, caring presence and a passion for early childhood education to everything she does. She has lived in the Austin area for the past six years and has spent much of that time working closely with young children, particularly two- and three-year-olds. Her experience with this age group has helped her develop a deep understanding of early developmental milestones, as well as the patience and creativity it takes to guide and nurture little learners. Nikhila holds a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. While her background is rooted in a technical field, her love for working with children led her to the world of early education, where she brings a thoughtful and structured approach to her classroom.

Meet Ms. Aurelys, the Lead Teacher in our Jr. Preschool 1 classroom. With over six years of experience working with children from infancy through school age, she brings warmth, expertise, and a deep passion for early childhood education to our program. Aurelys began her teaching journey in Florida, where she worked at a Goddard School before joining our team. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Florida and is dedicated to creating nurturing, engaging environments where children can grow, explore, and thrive. One of her favorite parts of teaching is watching children grow and build confidence as they discover the world around them. She values the strong, meaningful connections she forms with each child and believes those relationships are the foundation of lifelong learning. Outside of the classroom, Aurelys enjoys watching movies.

Ms. Nadiya is the Lead Teacher in our Jr. Preschool 2 classroom and brings two years of experience working with young children. She is passionate about early childhood education and loves watching children’s curiosity and excitement as they explore and discover new things. Ms. Nadiya finds joy in seeing her students grow and develop over time. She is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment where every child feels supported and valued. In her free time, she enjoys reading books and cooking.

Sylvia is the Pre-K 1 Lead Teacher and brings seven years of experience working with children. She loves teaching because young learners are full of energy, curiosity, and eagerness to explore. Sylvia earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and her master’s in Professional Accounting while studying in Australia. She is passionate about creating a nurturing and engaging environment where every child can thrive. In her free time, she enjoys working out and cooking.

Meet Kiran, our Pre-K 2 Co-Lead Teacher. With over 15 years of experience working with children from kindergarten through 12th grade, she brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, and dedication to the classroom. Kiran’s favorite part of teaching is helping children develop strong social-emotional skills while supporting their academic growth and building their confidence. She studied science in college in India and is passionate about fostering curiosity and a love of learning in her students. In her free time, Kiran enjoys reading and spending time in her garden, where she finds inspiration and peace.

Meet Ms. Amy, our esteemed Co-Lead Teacher in the Pre-K 2 program, bringing an impressive 24 years of teaching experience in both Early Childhood Education and the ISD. A proud graduate of UT with a Bachelor's degree and certifications across various education fields, Ms. Amy is a seasoned educator. Passionate about preschool education, Ms. Amy believes that exposing children to cognitive, psychosocial, and physical development-based learning empowers them to explore their environment and develop verbal communication skills. Her dedication to fostering a holistic learning environment shines through in her approach. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Amy cherishes her time with her three children. Her hobbies include the expressive realms of painting and drawing, and she finds inspiration by visiting art museums. Ms. Amy's wealth of experience and enthusiasm make her an invaluable asset to our educational team at Goddard!