Our Goddard School Teachers

Candice graduated from Texas Tech University with a BBA in Finance. She then went on to pursue her CFP with a focus on helping families and their children. Shortly after, she met her future husband and spent the next five years traveling the country with him during his Major League Baseball career. Candice and her husband have two young sons and understand the importance of a high quality learning experience for all children. Candice’s passion and long term goal is to provide children with an early learning experience where they can develop the social and academic skills they need to flourish in school and in life.

Desirae Melter holds a B.A. in Speech & Hearing Sciences with a Psychology minor from the University of New Mexico and is certified in Texas EC–6 and 4–8 Core Subjects with STR. She started her career in early childhood education, teaching infants and Pre-K students in nurturing, play-based environments that supported social, emotional, and cognitive growth. She later served in elementary and middle schools as an instructional coach, MTSS facilitator, Dean of student behavior, and curriculum designer, strengthening restorative practices, data-driven instruction, and systems that improved school culture and student support. Her HR experience further shaped her leadership in training, communication, and team development. As a Preschool Director, she is committed to joyful, inclusive environments where children thrive, teachers feel supported, and families are true partners. She and her husband recently welcomed their first child, deepening her dedication to high-quality early learning.

Ms. Nancy was born and raised in Oklahoma, that’s where she met her husband of 30 years. She has traveled and lived around the world as a Military Spouse. That’s where her love for Early Childhood Education began. Ms. Nancy has 24 years of experience working with children of all ages. She earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) in 2009. Since then, she has been a teacher, Assistant Director and Director. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her daughter and grandchildren enjoying life! Her favorite children’s book is Where The Wild Thing’s Are.

Hello families! My name is Jonathan Martinez, I am the school Chef. I have ten years of culinary experience. I am also a dad to an eight year old son, so preparing meals that kids genuinely enjoy is a big part of my daily life. My mom worked in early childhood education for over twenty years which gave me the opportunity to complete culinary hours inside child care facilities. Here at Goddard I strive to serve your children healthy and delicious meals.

Hello, my name is Ms. Martha and I have been with Goddard since 2022. One thing that inspired me to become an educator was my passion with my own children. I have my Associates degree in Early Childhood Development. My primary goal for my classroom is to create a safe, engaging environment where students build both academic proficiency and social, emotional confidence. One way to describe my classroom is a vibrant, organized and collaborative second home filled with sunlight and colorful student projects. One of my favorite books is Where the Wild Things are. One fun fact about myself is that I enjoy teaching.

Hello, my name is Ms. Tabby and one thing that inspired me to become an educator was the opportunity to truly be there for kids and guide them. Seeing the difference one caring teacher can make in their lives especially when they just need that support, is what truly motivates me. I have an Associates degree in Psychology. My primary goal for my classroom is to make it feel like a second home but also an educational place for kids to grow and learn new things. One way to describe my classroom is a fun environment with lots of music, lots of energy and a cozy cave. One of my favorite books is If you give a mouse a cookie. By Laura Numeroff One fun fact about myself is I used to live in Egypt for seven years.

Hello, my name is Ms. Amri and I am the Lead Preschool Teacher. I have been working in early childhood education for five years, including two years as a Lead Teacher, and I hold my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. I am passionate about being intentional with everything I do in my classroom to create meaningful learning experiences and inspire curiosity in every child. I believe strong relationships are the foundation of a successful classroom, so I focus on building positive connections with both my students and their families. My goal is to create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn each day. When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family. My son, Jonah, is also part of The Goddard School community and attends school here, which makes Goddard a special place for our family. I feel grateful to be part of a community where children can learn, grow, and thrive together.

Hello, I'm Ms. Esme, the Preschool Lead Teacher. I am a trained art therapist with experience supporting children from early childhood through 12th grade. I am passionate about helping children express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas through creative experiences. I especially love incorporating process art into the classroom because it encourages children to explore, experiment, and learn through the creative journey. I believe children learn best when they stay curious, ask questions, gather evidence, and discover new ideas through hands-on experiences. One of my greatest joys is watching children develop confidence in their creativity and find new ways to communicate and express themselves. Outside of the classroom, I am a professional artist, and my artwork has been featured in gallery exhibitions. I love sharing my passion for art with my students and inspiring them to see themselves as artists, problem-solvers, and lifelong learners.

Hello, my name is Ms. Alysse and one thing that inspired me to become an educator was seeing my own mom be such an amazing teacher. I am currently working on my Associates degree in early childhood education and have goals to pursue my Bachelors degree as well. My primary goal for my classroom is to create an environment where my students feel safe and loved. I also remind my students that being kind is important. One way to describe my classroom is that every student knows they are loved and cared for. Some of my favorite books are by Dr. Seuss. A fun fact about myself is that I have wanted to be a teacher since I was four years old.

Hello, my name is Ms. Brittany and one thing that inspired me to become an educator was a passion for helping our smallest friends grow in to good humans and lifelong learners. I have completed some college credits and have plans to receive a degree in early childhood education. My primary goal for my classroom is to create a calm, safe and loving space where infants can grow, bond and meet developmental milestones through responsive care. One way to describe my classroom is an environment full of sensory rich, play based activities while prioritizing individualized schedules and family partnerships. One of my favorite books is Llama Llama Red Pajama. One fun fact about myself is I have a 17 year-old son who makes me more proud every single day.

Hello, my name is Ms. Ashley and one thing that inspired me to become an educator was that ever since I was a child I looked up to the teachers who made me feel supported, encourage and inspired me. That passion motivated me to become the kind of teacher who helps children feel seen. I have a Bachelors degree in Art. My primary goal for my classroom is to support both teachers and students by helping create a positive environment. One way to describe my classroom is welcoming, supportive and creative. As a floater I work with different age groups and classes so when I’m in each classroom, I help create those spaces. One of my favorite books is Color Blocked by Ashley Sorensen One fun fact about myself is that I enjoy painting, especially semi realism with oil mediums.

Hello, my name is Ms. Valeria and one thing that inspired me to become an educator was the relationships I get to build with my kids. I have my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. My primary goal for my classroom is to create a warm and welcoming environment for all my kids. One way to describe my classroom is that it is warm and welcoming and feels like a second home for my students. My favorite book is Pete the cat, I love my white shoes. One fun fact about myself is that I am from Illinois.

Hello, My name is Ms. Shauna and I have been with Goddard since 2022. One thing that inspired me to become an educator was my passion for children, and knowing I could help build a strong foundation for their education while showing them love and nurturing them. I have completed some college credits and my primary goal for my classroom is to provide a safe, caring and nurturing environment for every child. One way to describe my classroom is a warm, nurturing, and welcoming place for learning and exploring. One of my favorite books is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. A fun fact about myself is that I love cake decorating.

Hello, My name is Ms. Angela and I have been with Goddard since 2021. One thing that inspired me to become an educator was when I was in high school. I took a child development class and I enjoyed it and I knew working with children would be my passion. My primary goal for my classroom is to have a safe, fun and loving environment for each child that enters the classroom. One way to describe my classroom is that it is a happy place. One of my favorite books is Pie Love You. One fun fact about myself is that I love thrifting in my free time.

Hello, my name is Ms. Alyssa and one thing that inspired me to become an educator was my love and passion for infants. Also, I realize how important the early stages are for children. My primary goal for my classroom is to create a safe and loving classroom where children can grow. One way to describe my classroom is nurturing, safe and developmentally supportive. One of my favorite books is any of the Harry Potter books. One fun fact about myself is that I work with my mom, and I am also a licensed esthetician.

Hello, I'm Ms. Zeta, the Infant and Toddler Resource Teacher! I love supporting teachers and children throughout our school by helping in different classrooms and creating positive learning environments for our youngest learners. One of my greatest passions is cleaning and organization. I take pride in helping keep our school clean, organized, and welcoming for everyone. Whether I'm supporting teachers, preparing classrooms, or tackling deep-cleaning projects, I'm always happy to lend a helping hand wherever it's needed. I love being part of the Goddard community and contributing to a safe, nurturing, and well-organized environment where children can learn and grow every day.