Our Goddard School Teachers

Christina is the heart behind The Goddard School – Woodlake. A former kindergarten teacher and passionate advocate for early childhood education, she blends her classroom experience with strong leadership and a deep love for people. Christina holds a Master’s Degree in Early and Elementary Education and a degree in Deaf Studies, which have shaped her belief that every child learns best through connection, understanding, and individualized care. As the on-site owner, she is involved in every aspect of the school — guiding teachers, supporting families, and creating a warm, engaging environment where children thrive. At home, Christina is a proud wife to a firefighter and mom to two boys, Micah and Asher, who inspire her daily to create a school that feels like an extension of home — full of heart, laughter, and learning.

Ms. Emily has been part of the Woodlake Goddard School family since 2009, and she’s done it all—from caring for tiny infants to guiding energetic school-age kids. She loves helping little minds grow, explore, and discover the joy of learning every day. When she’s not at school, you might find Ms. Emily running on a trail, reading a good book, spiking a volleyball, or camping under the stars. She enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their playful pups, making every adventure a family affair!

Ms. Rachael joined our Goddard Family in the fall of 2022 as a Pre-Toddler teacher and quickly found her way into the front office, where her sunny personality brightens everyone’s day. She loves watching how every child brings their own special light to the world and feels lucky to be surrounded by our future generations every single day! When she’s not at school, Ms. Rachael enjoys spending time with her daughters, attending concerts, loving on her fur babies!

Ms. Tara joined our Goddard Village in 2021 as a Lead Teacher and, about a year ago, brought her energy and smile to the front office of both of our buildings. She serves as the bridge between the annex and preschool building, making sure everything runs smoothly and everyone feels welcome. With years of experience working with children, Ms. Tara is First Aid and CPR/MAT certified. Her favorite part of working with little learners? Seeing the world through their eyes—it’s a daily reminder to slow down, enjoy the little things, and embrace life’s simple joys.

Ms. Natalie is one of the friendly faces you’ll see in the front office at Woodlake Goddard School. She loves creating a welcoming environment for families, staff, and children alike. With her CDA in Infant/Toddler and Preschool, Ms. Natalie thrives on supporting interactive and engaging classroom experiences for our little learners. You can usually find her in our Annex building, spending time with our Pre-K and school-age students. When she’s not at school, Ms. Natalie enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places on her travels, or testing her wits in escape rooms—always up for a fun challenge!

Ms. Alyssa joined our Goddard team in the spring of 2023 and has quickly become a favorite in our Infant classroom. Coming from a big family, she knows all the tricks of caring for little ones and brings warmth, patience, and plenty of smiles to every day. She loves celebrating each milestone—big or small—and making every moment with her students special!

Ms. Bailey joined our Goddard family in the late summer of 2024. She thoroughly enjoys the sense of community that our school provides and loves how uplifting everyone in the building is. Her favorite thing about working with children is how they impact her day in such a positive way, regardless of what type of day she is having to start out with.

Ms. Michelle joined our Goddard family in 2022 and brings decades of experience working with young children. Her background includes serving as a Sunday school teacher for toddlers and working in nursery and daycare settings. She is passionate about supporting infants through nurturing care and intentional learning experiences. One of Ms. Michelle’s favorite ways to teach is through singing and dancing. She believes children learn best through music, movement, and joyful interaction, as these experiences help build language development and engagement. Ms. Michelle is deeply committed to caring for each baby’s individual needs through sensory activities, bonding experiences, and age-appropriate learning. She considers it an honor to witness children’s first words, first steps, and the curiosity that lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning. When she’s not at school, Ms. Michelle enjoys spending quality time with her family, making every moment count.

Ms. Kelsey joined our Goddard family in 2024 and enjoys working with infants in a warm, nurturing environment. She loves engaging little ones in art projects and bubble play, creating joyful moments that support early development and exploration. She describes herself as friendly, patient, warm, and helpful, and she takes pride in building strong, caring relationships with her students. Ms. Kelsey’s favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree, which reflects her gentle and thoughtful approach to teaching.

Ms. Aaliyah came to us in the Spring of 2025 with several years of experience working with children. From day one, we have loved how she dove right in offering to help write lesson plans and how she began forming relationships with the students.

Ms. Amaya joined our team back in 2023 as an Assistant Teacher in our preschool program. Since then, she has become part of our resource team which spends time helping out in all of our classrooms. She enjoys science experiments and teaching her students to think outside of the box. In her spare time, she likes to read, paint, and cook!

Ms. Madison joined our team in the late Spring of 2024 as a resource teacher helping out in a variety of our classrooms. She is currently attending VCU for nursing and enjoys watching children grow both academically and socially!

Daniela brings 7 years of early childhood experience, including one year at The Goddard School of Woodlake. She loves building connections with young learners—especially 2-year-olds—whose silly and curious conversations inspire her every day. As a native Spanish speaker, she incorporates Spanish songs and phrases into daily routines to give children a playful, natural introduction to bilingual learning. Daniela also enjoys sharing favorite books like What Do You Do With an Idea? and the Little Dino Manners series, which help encourage creativity, confidence, and positive behaviors. She is passionate about creating a warm, engaging classroom where every child feels supported and excited to learn.

Ms. Michelle brings over three decades of experience working with children and has a deep love for reading and learning. She is passionate about observing each child as an individual—watching how they learn, process, and grow—so she can best support their unique needs in the classroom. Reading is at the heart of Ms. Michelle’s teaching. She loves sharing books with her students and has far too many favorites to choose just one. In her personal time, she reads more than 100 books each year, which further fuels her passion for literacy and learning. Ms. Michelle wants families to know that every child in her care has her whole heart. She treats each child as if they were her own, creating a nurturing, supportive environment where children feel valued, safe, and loved.

Mr. Carlyle has been with Goddard since 2022. He is one of our fabulous bus drivers and handy men.

Ms. Kylie has been working with young children for 6 years and is passionate about creating a joyful, hands-on classroom environment. She describes herself as a play-based, child-centered teacher who believes children learn best when they are free to explore, experiment, and make their own choices. One of her favorite things to do in the classroom is setting up engaging play invitations that spark curiosity and independence. She loves watching children discover new ideas through open-ended activities. A fun fact about Ms. Kylie is that she has two cats named Luna and Nova, who bring lots of personality and coziness to her home. Ms. Kylie is excited to partner with families and help each child feel supported, confident, and eager to learn every day.

Ms. Illi joined our Goddard family in the Spring of 2025. She has a background of working with children in a Montessori setting and brings a wealth of knowledge/experience to our school. Please help us in welcoming Ms. Illi to The Goddard School!

Ms. Ashley joined our Goddard family in early 2024 and brings over five years of experience working with children. She is passionate about sensory learning and loves creating hands-on, engaging activities that spark curiosity and creativity. Ashley describes herself as a consistent, loving teacher who thinks outside the box and brings creativity into every part of the classroom. She especially enjoys incorporating I Spy–style books and activities into learning by hiding letters, numbers, and themed items around the classroom for students to discover. A fun fact about Ms. Ashley is that she dreams of owning a mini cow one day! Ms. Ashley wants families to know that she is always open, approachable, and ready to listen. She treats every child with the same love, respect, and grace she would want for her own, and is here to support both her students and their families.

Ms. Jas joined our Goddard family in 2021 and brings over five years of experience in early childhood education. She is incredibly creative and especially enjoys painting and spending time in the nature center, where children can observe changes and growth over time. These activities allow her students to explore, create, and connect with their learning in meaningful ways. She describes herself as a loving and consistent teacher who values strong relationships and trust between teachers and students. Outside the classroom, Ms. Jas loves crafting, trying new restaurants, and shopping. Her favorite children’s book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Ms. Jas looks forward to having fun with her students each day and loves sharing in the excitement with families as they watch their children grow and progress in preschool.

Mrs. Ari has been working with children for over nine years, including two years in a preschool setting. Her favorite part of the day is circle time, especially when her students get to take the lead and enjoy being the “teacher” for a moment. Mrs. Ari describes her teaching style as firm yet deeply loving. She values her students’ voices, gently pushes them to grow, and believes strong connections—inside and outside the classroom—help children become their truest selves. A fun fact about Mrs. Ari is that she’s allergic to tomatoes, all nuts, and almost everything outdoors. She’s also a twin! Her favorite children’s book is *Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus* because its silly and unpredictable nature matches the joy of preschoolers. Most importantly, she wants families to know that she sees every child as a whole little person with a bright future, and she feels truly honored to be part of their early learning journey.

Ms. Shelitta comes to us with 30 plus years of early childhood education. Her passion is helping young students and families find their love of learning and to navigate the transitions that come with it. You can find Ms. Shelitta in our PreK classroom playing games, ALL music, and finding the joy in everything!

Ms. Amanda brings seven years of experience working with children, including six wonderful years at The Goddard School. She has taught nearly every age group, but her heart belongs to the Bridge classroom, where she shines as a true potty-training pro. She also serves as a mentor for newer teachers, supporting their growth and confidence. Ms. Amanda holds her CDA for infants and toddlers and creates a warm, welcoming space for children to learn and thrive. Outside of Goddard, she loves spending time with her two daughters and their dog, Maggie. She enjoys reading, going to the beach, the color purple, and Italian food.

Mr. Peter has been teaching preK at Goddard since September of 2024. Prior to Goddard, Mr. Peter taught fifth grade in Henrico and Chesterfield Counties for 30 years. Mr. Peter attended Clemson University and VCU back in the pre-internet days!! Mr. Peter brings energy, humor, organization, and many years of experience to his classroom. Mr. Peter loves teaching new concepts to the children, but also enjoys sharing great books during Circle Time and playing board games with his class! Mr. Peter is proud to be co-teaching the Hummingbirds classroom with Ms. Bri for 2025-2026! When not at Goddard, Mr. Peter spends the majority of his time with his wife and three young daughters. If you see a commotion at a local store of a restaurant involving three young blonde children, suffice to say Mr. Peter is in the vicinity!

Ms. Bri has been a part of The Goddard School for four years and loves creating a classroom environment where children can explore, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences and play. She believes in giving children the freedom to understand the world around them in a natural, meaningful way. Outside the classroom, Ms. Bri enjoys spending time with her family. She also has a few fun passions—she is a published children’s book author, an enthusiastic gardener who grows her own fruits and vegetables, and the proud owner of three cats. Ms. Bri has her bachelor's in education and her master's degree in nutrition.

Ms. Shaquita has been a dedicated member of our Goddard family since 2012 and brings an impressive 19 years of experience in early childhood education. As one of our preschool teachers, she has taught nearly every age group and continues to bring warmth, patience, and passion to each classroom she leads. She especially enjoys teaching and sharing story time with her students—one of her favorite authors is Dr. Seuss, whose playful rhymes and imaginative tales inspire her love of reading in young learners. She takes pride in her work and truly loves what she does each day. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Shaquita enjoys fishing and collecting sports memorabilia. These hobbies reflect her appreciation for both relaxation and the excitement of the game.

Help us in welcoming Ms. Colleen who is gaining even more experience as they dream of one day becoming a teacher. You can find Ms. Colleen helping out in various classrooms as a resource teacher, but don't be fooled, they are equally as hands on as our classroom teachers and enjoys dance parties in the classroom!

Ms. Marin joined our Goddard family in 2024 and brings valuable experience working with young children, along with the joy of raising her own two children, who attend The Goddard School. She has experience working in our Toddler classroom and currently serves as one of our Bridge teachers, where she continues gaining experience across different age groups. Ms. Marin enjoys creating engaging lessons that inspire curiosity and a love of learning. She is known for making delightfully “weird” crafts, using silly voices, and bringing fun and creativity into the classroom. Her playful approach helps children feel comfortable, confident, and excited to learn. Ms. Marin is passionate about supporting children as they grow and discover the world around them, helping lay the foundation for lifelong learning.

Mrs. Ann joined our Goddard family in 2022 and brings more than a decade of experience working with children. Teaching truly brings her joy, and she loves creating structured, meaningful routines that help students feel confident, secure, and successful each day. Early math and science are some of her favorite moments in the classroom, especially when she gets to watch children’s problem-solving skills come to life. She describes herself as a calm, consistent, and loving teacher who encourages independence and responsibility. Helping children build real-world skills that support future success is one of the most rewarding parts of her work. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Ann enjoys baking, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on her children as they play travel sports.

Ms. Leila has been working with children for 9 years and loves building strong, caring relationships with her students and their families. Her favorite classroom activities include circle time, art, sensory play, and reading, the best part of her day. Leila’s teaching style is warm, supportive, and engaging, and her favorite children’s book is Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Outside of school, she enjoys spending her free time reading.

Ms. Clarissa joined our staff in 2021 as a Resource teacher assisting in our various classrooms. Ms. Clarissa's favorite thing about working with children is that they are full of surprises and love expressing themselves. She believes one of the most important things a teacher can do is teach children to be kind to one another.

Ms. Kyleigh joined our team in the Spring of 2024 wanting to gain experience in education. She is attending college to become a teacher one day and what better way to fulfill that role than to work with our students here at The Goddard School! You can find Ms. Kyleigh in our Squirrels classroom teaching our preschoolers.

Coach Randa has been teaching for nearly 3 years and has been working in childcare since middle school. They love bringing creativity into everything they do. Their favorite classroom activities involve art, music, movement, and dramatic play — anything that gets children excited and active. They describe themselves as an enthusiastic, imaginative teacher who believes that children learn best when they’re engaged, curious, and having fun. They love turning everyday moments into opportunities for discovery and confidence-building. Fun fact! One of Coach Randa's hobbies is costume making! Outside of school, you’ll find Randa at school at VCU. They are studying communication arts and hopes to publish their own children's books some day!

Teacher Amaya is one of our newest resource teachers who comes to us with an infectious smile on a daily basis. They will be getting to know all of our students better over time so they can step in as a resource teacher and/or closer in the evenings. Teacher Amaya received a degree in Literary Studies and enjoys writing!

Ms. Emma brings joy and energy to every classroom she enters. She loves making children laugh, singing songs with them, and creating moments that make learning fun and memorable. Outside of school, she enjoys horseback riding and spending time in nature. Ms. Emma is currently attending college to pursue a degree in Elementary Education, with the goal of becoming a classroom teacher in the future. Her passion for working with young children and helping them grow shines through in all that she does, and she is excited to be part of The Goddard School family.

Ms. Abbie joined our Goddard family early in 2025 and brings three years of experience working with children. She especially enjoys song and story time, which allows her to build strong connections with her students while fostering a love of learning. She describes herself as a teacher who values clear, consistent classroom routines and expectations, while also taking great joy in watching children develop independence and self-regulation skills. One of Ms. Abbie’s favorite books to share with her class is The Very Impatient Caterpillar. A fun fact about Ms. Abbie is that she grew up on a horse farm, which helped shape her love for hands-on learning and exploration.

Ms. Davon started as a mom at our school and soon after decided to join our Goddard team in the early summer of 2024. She has been an amazing resource teacher to several classes and enjoys being the type of teacher that children every deserve. Ms. Davon takes the time to get to know and care for each of her students individually and it is evident that she has a teacher heart!

Ms. Gabi brings warmth, flexibility, and a lifelong love for working with children to our school. Though new to the preschool setting just two years ago, she quickly became an essential part of our team. As a resource teacher, she happily steps into any classroom and connects with every child she meets. With a passion for art and dancing, she creates fun and expressive experiences that help children thrive. Ms. Gabi prioritizes building strong relationships and believes trust is the foundation of growth. She earned her Bachelor’s in Sociology in May 2025 and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work, strengthening her thoughtful, relationship-centered approach.

Please help us in welcoming our newest teacher to the Goddard Village; Ms. Chloe. She comes to us with two years of experience in childcare and exuberates patience and understanding!

Ms. Laura has been working with young children for 6 years and brings a calm, caring, and nurturing presence to her classroom. She loves hands-on learning because it gives children the chance to explore, create, and discover at their own pace. Whether it’s sensory play, simple science, or open-ended activities, she enjoys watching little moments of curiosity turn into confidence. Her teaching philosophy centers around patience, connection, and meeting each child exactly where they are. She believes children thrive when they feel safe, supported, and understood, and she always goes the extra mile to make sure every child feels seen and valued. A fun fact about Ms. Laura is that she has a unique, gentle way of bringing comfort and steadiness into her classroom, even on the busiest days. Her favorite children’s book is Fox in Socks because she loves the joy and silliness it brings to story time. She wants families to know that she is deeply committed to creating a warm, consistent, and

Ms. Makayla works part time as a resource teacher in the afternoons. She enjoys supporting children as they explore their classroom environment and loves talking with them to answer questions and encourage curiosity. Her teaching philosophy centers on hands-on exploration and helping children feel confident as they learn. A fun fact about Ms. Makayla is that she can back up a boat trailer! Her favorite children’s books are from the Fancy Nancy series. Ms. Makayla’s goal is for every child to feel happy, successful, and excited to come to school each day.

Ms. Holly has been working with toddlers for 6 years and loves creating a nurturing and loving environment where the children feel safe and comfortable. My favorite activity to do with the kids is music and movement. Anything that gets the children active, engaged, and happy. I would describe myself as calm, loving, nurturing teacher. I believe children learn best when they’re active, engaging and having fun. I love being silly and busting a move to all the Danny go songs. In my free time you’ll find me spending time with my daughter and family. I also enjoy line dancing , exploring new places and finding cute coffee shops.

Ms. Kristen is a member of our Toddler classroom team and enjoys supporting young children as they explore, grow, and gain confidence. She is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where toddlers feel comfortable discovering the world around them through play and daily routines. Ms. Kristen values building strong relationships with her students and helping them develop independence, curiosity, and social skills. She looks forward to learning alongside her class and supporting each child’s growth every step of the way.

Ms. Lorna joined our Goddard family in the early fall of 2025 and brings four years of experience working with children. As one of our school-age teachers, she is passionate about creating a classroom environment where every child feels welcomed, secure, and free to be themselves. She loves anything hands-on and incorporates play-based learning into her daily teaching. She describes herself as a teacher who prioritizes helping children feel seen, included, and validated. Her goal is to ensure that no child ever feels alone and that every learner knows their feelings and experiences matter. Outside of Goddard, Ms. Lorna enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She also loves baking and expressing her creativity through drawing.

Ms. Nadine is a part-time resource teacher who supports classrooms during the mornings. She brings a calm, patient presence to the school, and her quiet, steady energy helps children feel comfortable, secure, and focused. Ms. Nadine’s gentle approach allows children to mirror her patience, creating a peaceful and supportive learning environment. She enjoys helping students transition smoothly through their day and providing consistent support wherever it is needed.