Our Goddard School Teachers

I am very excited about the opportunity to serve the community through the opening of the Goddard School in Yorktown. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Old Dominion University. After 15 years of working for several Fortune 1,000 companies, I have decided to combine a lifelong dream of owning my own business with my love of children. Both of my children attended The Goddard School and I was thrilled with the entire experience. I thank you for being a part of our school. I look forward to getting to know you and your children.

Hi, my name is Holly and I am from Hampton, Virginia. I graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science degree. Go Monarchs! I have seven years experience as a lead teacher for the Preschool class here at The Goddard School. I truly love what I do and watching the children grow while having fun! I love the outdoors and enjoy being with my husband, daughter, son, and two dogs! I want every child to share a love for learning the way that I do. I am honored to be a part of The Goddard School.

Hi, my name is Barbie and I am a mother of two. I am a military wife and have lived all over the country. I am originally from Maryland! I have my degree in Applied Behavioral Science with a minor in Child Development. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy coaching our sons’ baseball team with my husband and traveling (especially to Disney). I am very excited to start this new chapter of my life. I love working with children and watching them grow!

Hi, my name is Erin and a fun fact about me is that I love all holidays, especially Christmas! I was born in Georgia; however, I grew up in Hampton. I now live in York County. I have prior experience as a medical assistant and I have two and half years experience working with children, but I have been a mom for 25 years! I have three boys and one girl! In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and cleaning. My family enjoys going on long walks, going to the park and spending time together. I have always heard amazing things about the Goddard School, and now I feel incredibly honored to be apart of a team that strives for excellence when it comes to caring for children.

Hi, my name is Tathiana, and an interesting fact about myself is that I graduated high school a year early! Also, that I am an amazing chef and can cook almost anything! I was born in Pennsylvania but have moved around all along the East Coast. I currently reside in Hampton, Virginia. I have been caring for children since a very young age, from babysitting to being in a daycare setting. I am studying to become a Labor and Delivery/Post Natal Care Nurse at George Mason University, class of 2028! In my spare time, I enjoy reading books, playing video games, spending time with friends, and just relaxing. I love and enjoy how welcoming, loving, and respectful everyone is. They’re always there to help and communicate. I love the kids already. They are sweet, kind, and so helpful!

Hi, my name is Madison and I love pink, glitter, and Hello Kitty! I have lived in Newport News since I was 2 years old. My whole family and community is here! I am currently attending Virginia Peninsula Community College to study childhood development with three years of experience working with children. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, crocheting, playing Minecraft, and spending time with my cat! I am excited to meet the families and become a friend!

Hi, my name is Kenya and I enjoy all things pink and cute! Especially plushies! I was born and raised in Virginia! I attended ODU, majoring in dance. I have worked in childcare for many years and currently have 3 years experience. In my spare time, I enjoy crochet and knitting! I love to make pretty things with yarn. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family. I am very thanksful to have this oppurtunity to be a part of the team!

Hi, my name is Gail and I am from Poquoson. I recently moved back here after spending the last 12 years in Chesterfield, where I worked at The Goddard School. I am so happy to be home. In my spare time I enjoy family gatherings, crochet and church. I am excited to be a part of The Goddard School of Yorktown.

Hi, my name is Whitney Abbitt, and our family boat was named after me! My dad named our boat, The Miss Whitney! I am a native of Newport News. I graduated from Menchville High School. When I was 19 years old, I moved to the Outer Banks and lived there for many years! I earned a certificate in ministry from Global School Ministry in Harrisonburg, PA. I also hold a degree is Cosmetology. In my spare time, I enjoy reading the Bible, congregating at Church, nature walks at The Noland Trail, decorating, family get togethers, swimming at the pool, riding bikes and jet skis. I have experience working with infants all the way up to middle and high school youth groups! I want to work in a loving, safe, and healthy environment, where kids can be themselves to grow and learn!

Hi, my name is Valerie, and a fun fact about me is that I am bilingual! I can also remember over 100 Pokémon names! I was born in Puerto Rico, also known as Isla del Encanto or Island of Enchantment! I was nine years old when I moved to the United States. I earned an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from ECPI University for Culinary Arts and a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing for Entertainment from Full Sail University. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing, and playing Pokemon. I also like to draw and play Dominoes with my family! I am excited to have a fun place to work that is filled with smiles, here at The Goddard School!

Hi, my name is Sandra, and I love working with kids! I am very energetic and enjoy a fast-paced environment. I am originally from El Salvador and moved to Virginia Beach 35 years ago, where I grew up. I moved to Newport News to be closer to my grandchildren. I graduated from Maury High school in Virginia Beach and have completed training in Early Childhood Education. I have around 20 years of experience in the field. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren. I am very excited to join the Goddard team and learn new things.

Hi, my name is Angel and I have lived here in Virginia my whole life! I graduated from Hampton High School. I have earned a certificate in Early Childhood. I would like to one day attend college to earn a degree in Early Childhood Education and American Sign Language. I began working with children in 2021. In my spare time, I enjoy reading my bible, hanging with friends, and going to the beach. I am happy to find a job focused on the learning and cannot wait to see everything!

Hi, my name is Angelina, and I have been a childcare teacher for over a year. I have 5 years of babysitting experience prior to moving to Virginia. I grew up in Ohio and just recently moved to Virginia. I am currently studying to become an ultrasound technician! In my spare time I enjoy art, going on hikes, reading and traveling. I am excited to join The Goddard School and getting to know all the families

Hi, my name is Kristie and I am from Suffolk, VA! I have lived in Virginia my whole life and I have eight years experience working with children. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my son at Boy Scouts and volunteering at the dog shelter. We also enjoy camping, hiking and spending time at the beach. I am so excited to be a part of the Goddard team and working with these amazing kids!

Hi, my name is Kaylee. I am from Yorktown, Virginia, and I have lived here my whole life. My favorite food is sushi! I am currently attending Virginia Peninsula Community College to earn a business degree. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends, watching movies, and fitting in extra sleep! I look forward to teaching at The Goddard School!

Hi, my name is Hayleigh, and I was born in Newport News, but soon moved to Hampton where I have spent most of my life. I am one of three children in my family. I am in the middle of my two brothers. In my spare cooking and baking for others. time I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy coloring and arts and crafts. I have about 3 years experience working with children and I am so very excited for this next chapter!

Hi, my name is Laurel, and I am from Idaho! I moved here from a small town called Spirit Lake. I have been in over 50 productions on stage including musicals, concerts, and plays! In my spare time, I enjoy making music and crafting. I am always searching for ways to learn new skills. I have three years of teaching experience and I am so happy to have the opportunity to teach here at The Goddard School!

Hi, my name is Zoie and I am originally from Arizona! I lived in Arizona for 19 years and moved to Virginia in January of 2025. I currently attending Glendale Community College where I am studying to become a detective or a teacher. In my spare time, I enjoy going shopping, relaxing and being with my friends. I have 4 years of experience working with children of all ages. I am so excited to be a part of The Goddard School family and getting to teach your little ones!

Hi, my name is Jasmine, and I was born in Tampa, Florida. I was raised in Virginia but moved back to Tampa for higher education. I graduated from the University of Tampa with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I have one year of experience at tutoring and caring for school-age children. In my spare time, I enjoy relaxing at home and spending time with friends. My favorite sport is softball, which I have played most of my life. I am excited to join The Goddard School and to learn so many wonderful new things in child development!

Hi, my name is Natasha and I am from Newport News, Virginia! I earned a Bachelor's degree in English from Christopher Newport University and a Master's in Applied Linguistics from Old Dominion University! In my spare time, I enjoy baking brownies with family and friends. I have taught for 15 years as an ESL teacher and a substitute teacher for Newport News Public Schools. I am elated to join The Goddard School!

Hi, my name is Serahna, and I am a mother of four. I grew up in Maine and have lived in Utah, California, Washington, Arizona, and North Carolina! I have worked with children for 18 years. In my spare time, I enjoy playing the piano and clarinet and watching baseball. Go, Red Sox! I am excited to join such a great school and look forward to working with all the kids!

Hi, my name is Amya, and I am from Brooklyn, New York! I love art! I graduated from Tidewater Community College in May 2023 with a degree in Applied Arts – PreArt Therapy. I dream of becoming an Art Therapist one day. I have six years of experience working with children. By joining The Goddard School, I hope to learn and grow as well as make meaningful connections all around!

Hi, my name is Zara Beth Reeves and a few fun facts about me are; I am one of four kids, I am a singer, and I believe you can never have enough glitter! I am from Newport News Virginia, and I have lived here my whole life. I recently graduated from Reeves University, and I plan to study Early Childhood Psychology and Education in the future. In my spare time, I enjoy learning weird facts, reading World War II books, watching Disney movies and spending time with my nieces and nephew. I have been taking care of children for 5 years, starting as a family babysitter. I am over the moon excited to teach at The Goddard School. I cannot wait for all the wonderful learning adventures that await us!

My name is Jennie Vaught and I am from Hampton, Virginia. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Development and Counseling from Liberty University. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, participating in escape rooms, reading, and spending time with my two yellow labs, Ollie and Loki! I truly believe in the Goddard School’s goal of making learning both fun and safe. I am excited to be a part of this amazing team!

Hi, my name is Sara, and I was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia. I have a pet rabbit named Nugget that I adopted when he was about a year old! I graduated from Menchville High School in 2020! In my spare time, I enjoy crocheting and making Landscape Art with chalk pastels! I am very excited to join The Goddard Team!

Hi, my name is Sue and I was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. I am married with three children. My husband is retired Air Force. I graduated from Lock Haven State with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. After graduating, I taught preschool for many years. I was also a Director of an Early Childhood Center. As a military family, we have had the opportunity to live in places such as Oklahoma, Colorado, Iceland, North Carolina and now, Virginia. I have enjoyed being a lead teacher here at The Goddard School.

Hi, my name is Kelsie, and a fun thing about me is I love everything about the outdoors and animals! I am from Vermont; however, I have lived in Florida, California and now Virginia. I have two years experience in childcare, where I worked in a childcare center in San Diego. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my kids and husband. We enjoy watching Halloween movies, including Harry Potter and Hocus Pocus. I am excited to start my journey here at the Goddard School!

Hi, my name is Catherine, and I am originally from the Philippines. I moved to Japan where I worked for 8 years. I graduated from Bicol University in the Philippines with a Bachelor in Elementary Education. I have been working as a Preschool Teacher/Assistant since 2014! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, watching tv, and shopping for my baby girl. I hope that this year will be filled with fun, lots of learning, and growth!

Hi, my name is Sage, and I love to read all kinds of books and travel the U.S.! I have lived in and visited over 10 states! I am originally from New Hampshire, but have lived in Florida, Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina! I am currently at Virginia Peninsula Community College with a bridge program to Old Dominion University. I plan on completing my degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology. In my spare time, I enjoy reading Literary Fiction, watching movies with my boyfriend, and spending time with my siblings. I am so excited to start this new journey and get to know all the families!

Hi, my name is Sarah and I love working with children! I received an Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate when I attended high school. I graduated from Bruton High School! I was born in Newport News and moved to Williamsburg eventually. I began working in childcare in 2018, continued working with children through morning and after school care. My first job out of high school was at the Goddard School! In my spare time, I enjoy going to church, the gym, taking nature walks, and spending time with family. I am excited to join The Goddard School! I enjoy the Goddard community. I look forward to continuing to work with children and helping them learn, grow, and thrive!

Hi, my name is Katerine! I speak Spanish fluently and I even know a little bit of German. I love to travel around the world! I was born in Honduras, moved to Kentucky, and then later moved to Virginia with my husband. I am a proud Airforce wife! I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from Old Dominion University in 2025. I began working with children in 2021 as I help in my church nursery. In my spare time, I enjoy watching tv, traveling, and spending lots of time with friends and family. I am so happy to join the Goddard team and meet all the wonderful children, parents, and colleagues!