Our Teachers

Welcome to our village away from home! We are the Parlanti/Vozza family, and we are excited to share our passion for nurturing young minds with you. My name is Vanessa Vozza. I am the daughter of Hebe Vozza, one of the original owners who founded the school in April 2000. I was a teacher here and an Assistant Director before I moved on but, brought back with me over 15 years of corporate experience and a successful sales career. Over the last 7 years I’ve dedicated myself to creating an environment that fosters growth and learning for everyone in our village. My husband Roy Parlanti, brings over 20 years of experience in running family-owned restaurants. We have 3 children we love to spend time with! We are committed to continuing the legacy of excellence that my mother started. We are honored to have your precious little ones with us at Goddard, where we promise to provide the highest quality experience in preparing your children to be kind, curious, and successful little humans!

Amy has a Bachelors in Psychology and has been working in child care for 20 years. She started working part time as an assistant teacher, became full time and lead teacher for many ages over several years. She has been an Assistant Director and a Center Director for the last seven years. She married a Marine (now retired) and has worked in three states, too! Children and serving people are Mrs. Amy's passions! She loves watching children conquer challenges and learn through new experiences and values the partnership with families through it all. She has two children of her own and in her spare time, cherishes making memories with her family. They love being silly, having dance parties and laughing!

LeeAnn Roope is the Operations Director here at The Goddard School. She joined the faculty in 2000 and became a member of the Administrative Team in 2005. LeeAnn is dedicated to the health and safety of all the children and strives to make each child feel loved and welcomed. She loves vacationing in tropical beaches and spending time with her loved ones.

Ms. Jessica received her bachelor's of science degree in psychology from Old Dominion University. While there, she volunteered in their child development program. Ms. Jessica has been in the childcare field for over 15 years, teaching at this school from 2011-2021, and again starting in 2023. Ms. Jessica has a real passion for working with children and strives to always do what is in the best interest of every child.

Ms. Mariah holds a bachelor degree from Longwood University. Ms. Mariah strives to make her classroom feel like a family environment for the children, the parents and her co-teachers.

Ms. Deborah (Debbie) attended Virginia Union University where she was studying Early Childhood Education. Ms. Debbie has previous experience both as a nanny and as an assistant teacher in a preschool setting. As a child, Ms. Debbie attended a Goddard School in New Jersey.

Ms. Aurora is a resource teacher in our infant program! Ms. Aurora believes that with teaching you need to be patient and understanding. She also believes that that it is important to be observant to ensure the safety of the children in her care.

Ms. Sara is the lead teacher in our first steps classroom! She believes that we as adults can learn just as much from children, as they do from us. She also believes that every child is unique and different, making them all special.

Ms. Makayla is an assistant in our First Steps classroom. She believes that children learn best when they are treated with love and respect. Ms. Makayla feels it is important to let children lead and show off their independence.

Ms. Kaitlyn has an associates degree in Liberal Arts from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Ms. Kaitlyn also has her cosmetology license. Ms. Kaitlyn has several years of experience as both an assistant teacher and lead teacher in a preschool setting, and also as a nanny. Ms. Kaitlyn loves making fun learning projects for her students and seeing the children in her class learn and hit developmental milestones.

Paige "Skye" is an assistant in our toddler program! Skye believes that children should explore and learn on their own but be present to help then when they need it.

Ms. Michelle attended Georgia State University with a major in criminal psychology and minor in film. Ms. Michelle has over 16 years of experience working with children and has over 10 years of teaching experience. Ms. Michelle strives to make a difference by teaching tomorrow's decision makers and is fortunate to continue teaching at the Goddard School.

Ms. Keniyah attended an early childhood education program in high school. Ms. Keniyah has experience working in a childcare setting through the early childhood education program as well as another childcare facility setting where she worked with young children.

Ms. Ava is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at VCU and has also taken classes at Piedmont Virginia Community College. Ms. Ava has experience with children from 10 months old to 4 years old as a nanny. Ms. Ava believes that all children need patience and grace, and that a safe and comfortable environment for children is crucial to learning.

Ms. Autumn "Faith" is the Lead Teacher in our Preschool One classroom. Ms. Autumn has worked with children for several years and is currently pursuing the CDA credential. She strives to create a welcoming environment where every child can grow and learn in a safe space.

Ms. Trisha "Trish" has 2 decades of experience in the childcare field. She believes that children feel empowered by learning experiences, which translates to a lifelong love of learning! Ms. Trish believes that children bring a sense of wonder and curiosity to the world, and her job is to foster that curiosity!

Mr. Lee is the lead teacher in our Junior Kindergarten program! Mr. Lee believes that the mental health of each child under his care is extremely important. He believes that this mentality allows children to feel comfortable within themselves as they learn and explore. Mr. Lee feels that the most important thing a teacher can do is help each and every child under his care feel valued and loved.

Ms. Stephanie is the assistant teacher in our Junior Kindergarten class. She has a true passion for working with children and it shows in her work. Ms. Stephanie believes it is important to build and maintain strong relationships with her children and parents.

Ms. Hannah is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education at Longwood University. Ms. Hannah went to a Goddard School when she was young!

Ms. Emily has her bachelor's degree in communication studies from Christopher Newport University. She absolutely loves working with children of all ages and believes that children are curious, kind and unpredictable in the best way!

Ms. Jenna was a previous student at our school. She interned at our school as part of the Steward School program and returned as a resource teacher! Ms. Jenna believes that all children are deserving of love, and she strives to give that love and support through her teaching!