Our Goddard School Teachers

With over 17 years of experience in early childhood education and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Erica has taught preschool and kindergarten, served as a school director, and led the launch of a new preschool program. These experiences have given her a deep understanding of every role within a school and the teamwork it takes to create a nurturing, high-quality learning environment. Erica believes children thrive when they feel safe, supported, and inspired. She is dedicated to building strong relationships with families and fostering an environment where both children and educators grow with confidence and joy. A Utah native, Erica enjoys spending time with her family, especially her nephew. In her free time, she loves watching great movies, doing crafts, hiking, and making the most of meaningful moments with loved ones.

Sadie brings 10 years of experience teaching preschool-aged children and holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Early Childhood Development. She is deeply passionate about creating classroom environments that are inclusive, nurturing, and responsive to the unique needs of every child. Sadie believes children thrive when they feel seen, valued, and supported. Her goal is to meet each child where they are developmentally while thoughtfully guiding their growth at a pace that builds confidence and a genuine love for learning. Building strong, trusting relationships with both children and families is at the heart of her teaching philosophy. She is committed to fostering a true sense of community within the classroom and maintaining open, supportive partnerships with families to ensure every child’s success. Outside of the classroom, Sadie enjoys exploring different art mediums, spending time outdoors, and relaxing at home with her fiancé and their two cats.

Jake has worked in education for the past 5 years and has worked in childhood development settings for the past 8 years. He specializes in working with neurodivergent students and has loved his time as a teacher, running classrooms and managing teams of paraprofessionals. He is passionate about advocating for vulnerable populations, especially those on the Autism spectrum where resources can be far and few between. He is thrilled to join the Riverton Goddard team as a fellow educator and administrator. During his off time, Jake is a devoted father of 2 boys and 1 girl. He was recently wed back in May to his beautiful wife Alexandra. He has 3 cats (Sage, Storm and Director) and when he's not snuggling with them, he enjoys video games, Dungeons and Dragons and reading.

Hi! My name is Brooklyn, and I have always loved working with children and being part of their learning and development. I have experience caring for infants in an early childhood education setting and have developed a passion for creating safe, loving, and nurturing environments where children can thrive. I believe children learn best when they feel supported, encouraged, and valued. My goal is to help each child build confidence as they reach new milestones while fostering a strong sense of security and belonging. I am excited to continue growing as an educator while building meaningful relationships with the children and families I serve. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, and exploring nature through new adventures.

Hi! My name is Montana, and caring for children has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I began babysitting in my neighborhood at the age of 12, and that passion eventually led me to earn my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Utah in 2022. I have had the opportunity to work with children ranging from 6 weeks to 12 years old in a variety of educational settings. Throughout those experiences, I have learned that every child and every family is unique, and it is truly a privilege to be part of each child's growth and development. I strive to create a warm, engaging, and supportive classroom where children feel confident, valued, and excited to learn each day. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my little family, reading, painting my nails, and treating myself to something sweet every now and then… okay, maybe a little more often than that!

I bring over nine years of professional childcare experience, including two years as a Lead Preschool Teacher at Kiddie Academy, and I am First Aid and CPR certified. I believe children learn best in a safe, supportive environment through play and consistent routines. My teaching approach focuses on meeting each child where they are, building confidence, and supporting their individual strengths while fostering a positive, growth-minded classroom. I value strong partnerships with families and open communication to support each child’s success. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my two children, hiking, camping, roller skating, and baking.

My name is Kailee, and I have over three years of experience working in childcare. During that time, I’ve developed a strong passion for building meaningful connections with children and supporting their growth and development. I truly enjoy being around kids and helping them learn, explore, and thrive. Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors, especially in the spring and summer when I can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. In my free time, you’ll often find me reading a good book or working on a craft. I also cherish spending quality time with my husband, Max, our dog Jojo, and my friends, who always keep life fun and full of energy.

Hi! My name is Jordan, and I love working with young children and helping them learn, grow, and build confidence every day. I strive to create a fun, safe, and welcoming classroom where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to explore the world around them. I believe that building strong relationships with both children and their families is an important part of creating a positive and successful learning environment. My goal is to help each child feel confident, cared for, and excited to come to school each day. I look forward to making this a wonderful year filled with learning, laughter, and meaningful experiences. When I'm not at school, I enjoy collecting HydroJugs, trying different specialty sodas, and spending time with family and friends. I can't wait to get to know your family and be part of your child's early learning journey!

Hi, I’m Chelsie! I have been working in childcare and education for over six years and have experience as a center director, summer camp leader, and preschool teacher. While I’ve enjoyed each role, my true passion is being in the classroom with children and helping them learn, grow, and succeed. I especially love celebrating milestones and achievements alongside the children I teach. My favorite subjects to teach are art, writing, and science because they encourage creativity, curiosity, and self-expression. I strive to create a positive, engaging, and supportive environment where every child feels encouraged to explore and learn. When I’m not working, you can usually find me spending time with my daughter, reading a good book, or enjoying a movie.

Hi, I’m Hannah! I’ve been working in Early Childhood Education since 2022 and earned my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in 2024. I’m also honored to have received an award recognizing my work as an educator. I have experience as a Preschool Lead Teacher, Teacher Assistant, and in a variety of classroom roles, giving me a well-rounded understanding of supporting young children. Early Childhood Education is more than just my career, it’s my passion. I love creating a nurturing, engaging environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to learn, grow, and build confidence each day. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my partner, exploring nature, working on creative art projects, playing video games, and practicing meditation. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with the children and families I serve.

Hi, I’m Kayla! I have been working in childcare for over seven years and have experience in both nannying and early childhood centers. I recently earned my CDA in 2024 and am passionate about continuing to grow as an educator. I believe children thrive when they feel safe, supported, and cared for. I focus on building strong, trusting relationships with both children and families through open communication, love, and support. My goal is to create a nurturing environment that provides both structure and encouragement for every child to learn and grow. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, spending time with loved ones, going to concerts, and being outdoors. I look forward to creating a positive and welcoming environment for your little ones!

The Santo Family’s story is rooted in building schools where children thrive and families feel known, safe, and supported. After opening their first Goddard School in Pittsburgh in 2007—returning to the community where Bob and Lori grew up—they grew from one location into a family-led organization focused on exceptional early childhood education and strong, values-driven culture. Over time, the next generation joined the journey—Jake, Tyler, and Maddi—and today the family owns and operates multiple Goddard School locations across multiple states. In February, the Santo Family proudly opened their first out-of-state school—and Goddard’s first location in Utah—marking an exciting new chapter of thoughtful expansion. The commitment remains the same: invest in great teachers and leaders, build warm and accountable teams, and create extraordinary experiences for every child, every day, while strengthening the communities they’re privileged to serve.