Our Goddard School Teachers

Ms. Mawara is excited to bring The Goddard School to Middleton and the surrounding communities on the westside of Madison. With a pharmacy background and administrative and directorial credentials, she brings a wealth of expertise with 10+ years of experience in early childhood education. Being a certified trainer for CPR, First Aid, AED, Abusive Head Trauma, and SIDS Prevention, safety is paramount at all Goddard locations. As a parent of two Goddard graduates, she understands the importance of quality childcare. In 2016, she and her husband pioneered the first Goddard School in Dane County and opened their first location in Verona, swiftly earning acclaim as a premier preschool. She brought her second Goddard School in Sun Prairie in 2022. Now, in Middleton, Ms. Mawara is thrilled to extend her legacy, offering a stimulating play-based curriculum and hands-on learning experiences. Her mission is to ignite a lifelong passion for learning in every child in the Middleton community.

Introducing Ms. Nea, our Center Director at Goddard Middleton. Ms. Nea holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from St. Cloud State University with DPI license by the State of Minnesota. She has been teaching since 2011 and joined Goddard Verona in 2017 as a teacher. She finds immense joy in witnessing the "lightbulb" moments when children grasp new concepts, fueling her dedication to education. With a deep commitment to nurturing young minds, she brings years of experience and boundless enthusiasm to our team. Originally from Minnesota, she cherishes spending time with her husband and three children. Her two kids graduated from Goddard Verona, while her youngest is currently thriving in the infant program. She also enjoys visiting family in Minnesota and spending summer weekends on the pontoon. She eagerly looks forward to collaborating with the Middleton community, enriching the lives of children and families with her warmth and genuine love for what she does.

Mr. Miguel is the Chef at The Goddard School of Middleton and a welcome addition to our team. Born and raised in Madison, WI, he now lives in Verona with his girlfriend and their baby boy. Mr. Miguel began his career at The Goddard School of Verona in 2023 as a certified assistant teacher, where helping in the kitchen reignited his passion for cooking. With prior experience in restaurant kitchens, he eagerly embraced the role of chef at our Middleton location. He is excited to bring his culinary expertise to our preschool, creating delicious and nutritious meals for the children, and looks forward to sharing his creativity with students and families in our Middleton community. In his free time, he enjoys making music and drawing.

Mr. Dave is our Director of Staffing at The Goddard School of Verona, Sun Prairie and Middleton locations. He brings a wealth of experience in education to Goddard Schools. His journey began at 19, when he moved to Boston, MA to work with City Year, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth. This experience ignited Mr. Dave's passion for education. Over the next six years, he worked in center-based childcare, earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from UW Madison, and spent over a decade teaching middle school. Mr. Dave later chose to leverage his expertise in a new role, joining Goddard Schools to mentor and guide educators. In addition to his work in education, Mr. Dave is a professional wedding photographer, known for capturing life’s most cherished moments. He and his wife reside in Sun Prairie with their three children, and in his free time, he enjoys golfing.

Ms. Pakou finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially walking and jogging through beautiful landscape. Her love for nature inspires her to explore the great outdoors, where she can unwind and appreciate the world around her. Having worked with children in public schools, Ms. Pakou developed a passion for nurturing young minds, which adds a fulfilling dimension to her life. Additionally, she's a huge dog lover, and there's nothing quite like the companionship of a furry friend by her side.

Ms. Sriyanaga was born and raised in India. After graduating college with an engineering degree, she moved to Madison in 2023, and has been embracing this new chapter ever since. One of her greatest joys is spending time with kids, and since 2023, she's been teaching art classes, focusing on drawing and painting. Sharing her passion for creativity with children is incredibly fulfilling, and Ms. Sriy loves watching their imaginations come to life! In her free time, she enjoys spending time engaging in arts and crafts, creating home decor, and exploring new places through travel.

Ms. Taylor grew up in Minnesota until the age of 14, when her family moved to McFarland, WI. She has two brothers and a sister, and has accumulated 8 1/2 years of experience in childcare, working with children of all ages. Ms. Taylor has worked in three different childcare centers: Martin Luther Christian School and Child Development Center in Stoughton from June 2016 to January 2020, Kindercare Learning Center in Waunakee from January 2020 to September 2022, and La Petite Academy in Verona from September 2022 to January 2025. She holds an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from Madison College. In her free time, Taylor enjoys reading on her Kindle, spending time with friends, and watching her favorite TV shows.

Ms. Priya is a proud mom and an outdoor enthusiast! She’s gearing up to start school in the spring, pursuing her passion with studies in both special education and paralegal work. Ms. Priya loves getting creative in the kitchen and finds joy in cooking delicious meals. Her favorite color is the calming, earthy shade of sage green, and her all-time favorite movie is The Princess and the Frog. Ms. Priya carries a sense of heart and family wherever she goes. We are excited for Priya to join our team!

Ms. Marie is a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School of Middleton, recognized as a highly qualified educator in Wisconsin. She holds state-recognized Lead Teacher and Infant/Toddler certifications and is trained in CPR, Abusive Head Trauma, and SIDS prevention. Dedicated to inclusive education, she continually expands her skills to support all learners. Ms. Marie’s teaching philosophy centers on celebrating each child’s uniqueness and fostering an environment where children can explore their individual strengths. Under her guidance, toddlers gain confidence and embrace their full potential. She is committed to helping every child thrive and is excited to partner with families to inspire a lifelong love of learning.

Ms. Aiyana is an Assistant Teacher with a lifelong love of learning. Originally from New Hampshire, she holds graduate degrees in physics and even worked at a planetarium to share her enthusiasm for the cosmos. Ms. Aiyana channels her creativity and curiosity into early childhood education, encouraging children to explore their world. When she’s not in the classroom, she loves reading fantasy novels, spending time with her dog Poppy, and practicing yoga. Ms. Aiyana is thrilled to bring her sense of wonder to The Goddard School of Middleton and inspire our toddlers and preschoolers.

Ms. Avarie is a Lead Teacher who believes every day is an opportunity to learn and grow. She graduated from WIVA in 2023 and lives in the Madison area with her boyfriend, Miles, and their two cats. With a fresh perspective and a passion for teaching, Ms. Avarie strives to inspire children’s curiosity and love of learning. She truly believes that children are one of life’s greatest gifts and is dedicated to nurturing their growth. Ms. Avarie is excited to support each child’s learning journey at The Goddard School of Middleton.

Ms. Kimana is an Assistant Teacher and a Madison, Wisconsin native with a passion for creativity. Homeschooled during her early years, she developed a strong sense of self, curiosity, and a love of learning. She has always been drawn to the arts and the outdoors, finding inspiration in reading, writing, drawing, and spending peaceful time in nature. Working with children is one of her greatest inspirations—their energy and fresh perspectives encourage her to stay creative and playful. Ms. Kimana brings a warm, thoughtful spirit to everything she does, and she is excited to share her creativity and love of learning with the children at The Goddard School of Middleton.

Ms. Felly is a Lead Teacher and a Wisconsin native who brings a lively spirit to her classroom. With 2 years of experience in a early childhood education, she has found her passion in the field and delights in watching toddlers reach new milestones. Each achievement her students make is a source of joy and inspiration. In her free time, Ms. Felly enjoys diving into books and channeling her creativity through crafting projects. She looks forward to helping children in the Middleton community learn, grow, and thrive every day.

Ms. Hattie is an Assistant Teacher who grew up in a family of eleven children, which taught her the value of caregiving from a young age. As the oldest, she gained hands-on experience caring for her many younger siblings. Hattie even placed 4th in Wisconsin’s state dance competition and learned to read at three years old. She later became a Certified Nursing Assistant, further developing her compassion and caregiving skills. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, dancing, and has recently taken up crocheting. Ms. Hattie is excited to bring her nurturing spirit and creative talents to The Goddard School of Middleton, where she will help children feel cared for and capable.

Ms. Gabby is a Lead Teacher who brings four years of early childhood experience from The Goddard School of Verona to our Middleton location. Born and raised in the Madison area, she attended Edgewood High School and enjoys spending time with her three younger siblings. Ms. Gabrielle loves running, painting, and being out in nature when she’s not in the classroom. She is excited to share her experience and enthusiasm with the children and families at The Goddard School of Middleton, helping young learners explore and grow every day.

Ms. Emma is an Assistant Teacher with a background that blends creativity and care. Originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, she spent the last decade in Augusta, Georgia and studied film production at Georgia Southern University. Her passion for early childhood education began in high school when she took child development classes and volunteered at local schools and summer camps. In her free time, Ms. Emma enjoys curling up with a good book on her Kindle, cross-stitching cozy patterns, and playing video games. Ms. Emma is thrilled to be part of The Goddard School of Middleton and looks forward to sparking creativity and curiosity in her young students.

Ms. Katherine is a Lead Teacher and recently moved to Madison, Wisconsin from the Chicago area. She has two years of experience working with energetic preschoolers at her previous center and adores the joy that young children bring to each day. Outside of the classroom, Katherine enjoys hitting the golf course (she once played competitively in high school) and expressing her creativity through painting, dancing, and cooking. Growing up with twin sisters, she always had built-in playmates to share adventures. Ms. Katherine is eager to bring her energy, creativity, and passion for early childhood education to The Goddard School of Middleton, where she will help little ones learn and thrive.

Meet Rhonda! Originally from sunny Tampa, Florida, Rhonda still has close ties to home—her two sisters, parents, and niece are all there soaking up the Florida sunshine. Rhonda graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Criminology, and since moving to Wisconsin in 2003, she’s built a successful career in the insurance industry, specializing in workers' compensation. Now, she’s excited to bring her skills, passions, and positive energy to the world of early childhood education. Her goal? To help nurture young minds during their most important years of growth and development! Rhonda is a proud mom of two amazing daughters—her oldest is a junior at UW–Madison studying Astrophysics (yes, future rocket scientist!), and her youngest is heading into 3rd grade at Pope Farm Elementary. In her free time, Rhonda enjoys reading, conquering crossword puzzles, baking sweet treats, and hitting the weights at the gym. She's all about balance—both in life and in the kitchen!

Ms. Elita is a Lead Teacher who brings a love of community and learning to our school. She grew up in Stoughton, Wisconsin in a lively household and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology. For the past six years, she has cared for children as a babysitter, where she discovered her joy in nurturing young minds. Whether leading active play or a creative arts-and-crafts project, Ms. Elita thrives on the energy and imagination that children bring. Outside of work, she loves traveling and exploring new places. Ms. Elita is excited to support the growth of the children at The Goddard School of Middleton and to build strong relationships with their families.

Ms. Brianna brings warmth and enthusiasm to everything she does! Growing up in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin with her older brother and younger sister, she discovered her love for child care early on through a youth apprenticeship at a local daycare. Her passion for helping children learn and grow has only deepened since then. Nothing makes her happier than seeing kids smile, laugh, and truly enjoy themselves. Outside of work, Ms. Brianna loves spending time with her family playing pickleball or relaxing with a good book—she brings that same joy and energy to her time with the kiddos every day!

Ms. Jordan is a Lead Teacher with a strong background in child development. She holds an Early Childhood Education certificate and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, giving her a deep understanding of how young children learn. As a mother of two young kids, Ms. Jordan also brings personal parenting experience into her teaching. She loves cooking and baking and enjoys learning about different cultures in her spare time. Most of all, she cherishes reading stories with her children and playing with them at the park. Ms. Jordan looks forward to creating a warm, inclusive classroom at The Goddard School of Middleton and helping every child in her care thrive.

Ms. Salem is an Assistant Teacher whose journey in early childhood education began in her home state of Minnesota. Originally from near the Twin Cities, she moved to Wisconsin seeking new experiences. She first discovered her love for working with kids as a summer camp counselor and in her very first job helping children learn and grow. To deepen her expertise, Ms. Salem took courses focused on preschool development. When she’s not in the classroom, she enjoys relaxing at home with her two senior pets. Ms. Salem is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Middleton and is committed to fostering a fun, supportive learning environment for our little ones.

Ms. Karol is an Assistant Teacher who was raised in Madison, WI, and originally hails from Mexico City. As the oldest of five sisters, she found her passion for caregiving early on and has worked in childcare since she was 16. Ms. Karol enjoys being part of The Goddard School team because of its supportive, energetic environment and the opportunities for growth it offers. In her free time, she might spend a quiet day relaxing or head out on a spontaneous hike. She is dedicated to creating a caring atmosphere for children and is excited to help them learn and thrive at The Goddard School of Middleton.

Meet Aimee! She’s a proud wife, busy boy mom to three energetic sons, and the beloved human of one very spoiled dog. Life is always full of fun and laughter in her Verona home! Originally from Jackson, WI, Aimee grew up with two brothers, one sister, and a lifetime of great memories. She’s always had a heart for kids, which led her to earn her teaching license for birth through age 11—helping little learners grow is her passion! When she’s not on mom duty or teaching, you’ll probably find Aimee getting creative with her Cricut. She loves making custom t-shirts—especially for birthdays, holidays, and those “just because” special moments. And if there’s watermelon nearby? Even better. It’s her absolute favorite! Whether she’s crafting, teaching, or chasing around her crew, Aimee brings joy, energy, and a whole lot of heart to everything she does.

Theodoti holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Social and Political Sciences Panteion, along with a Teaching Competence Certificate from the University of Crete in Greece. She’s also certified as an Assistant Teacher through the State of Wisconsin and holds current certifications in SIDS, SBS, and CPR. Passionate about early childhood education, Theodoti believes that children learn and thrive best in environments where they are respected, valued, and free to express their individuality. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll likely find her enjoying quality time with her family, which brings her the greatest joy!

Hi, I’m Miruna! I’m originally from the beautiful south of India, and I’ve brought my love of learning, culture, and creativity with me on every step of my journey. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Management and a master’s degree in Public Relations—but my true passion has always been dancing! For over 10 years, I’ve shared the joy of movement by teaching Bollywood dance to children. It was through this experience that I discovered my love for teaching, which inspired me to step into the world of early childhood education just a year ago—and I’ve been loving it ever since! I now call Verona home, where I live with my wonderful husband and our curious, energetic 8-year-old son. When I’m not working with little learners, you’ll find me curled up with a good book or experimenting in the kitchen. Whether it’s diving into a great story or trying a new recipe, I love finding new ways to be creative and connect with the world around me!

Ms. Avrey is an Assistant Teacher originally from Oklahoma, bringing over a decade of childcare experience to our team. She has worked as a nanny for many years and also at a daycare center in Del City, developing a true passion for caring for children. Avrey is furthering her own education and is on track to graduate from Oklahoma State University in 2026. When she’s not busy shaping young minds, she enjoys spending time with her three cats, getting creative with cooking and sewing, and even finds cleaning therapeutic. Avrey firmly believes it takes a village to raise the next generation—and she loves that kids are often unintentionally hilarious. She is all about nurturing, learning, and sharing laughter along the way. Ms. Avrey is excited to support each child’s growth and joy at The Goddard School of Middleton.

Cynthia grew up in Sun Prairie with two older brothers, and from a young age, she always knew she wanted to work in a school-After working in ABA for two years, Cynthia decided to continue her education and is currently back in school at MATC, furthering her knowledge and skills. Cynthia is passionate about creating a positive, supportive environment for children, and she's excited to be working in a school setting where she can make a meaningful difference in students' lives

Cameryn is a proud 2023 graduate of Sauk Prairie High School! Growing up in a big, lively family, she naturally stepped into the role of caretaker for her younger sister and little cousins—something that sparked her love for working with kids. Her passion for childcare truly blossomed during high school, where she spent countless hours babysitting and loved seeing those “aha!” moments as kids learned and grew. When she's not spending time with little ones, Cameryn is usually expressing her creative side through painting and drawing—her two favorite art forms. She’s also an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking and soaking in the beauty of nature. And of course, she’s a devoted cat lover, rarely seen without her two furry sidekicks close by.

Ms. Kelsey is a Lead Teacher with a nurturing approach and a strong background in child care. As a mother of three young children and a former nanny for several years, she has invaluable hands-on experience in childcare. Ms. Kelsey loves creating a safe, play-based learning environment where children feel curious and encouraged. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing those “aha” moments when a child reaches a new milestone. Outside the classroom, she stays active by hiking and paddleboarding, and she also enjoys unwinding with video games. Ms. Kelsey is excited to bring her energy and experience to The Goddard School of Middleton to help every child learn and grow.

Meet Salem! Salem shares life with an adorable cat named Scooby-Doo and two quirky leopard geckos named Mystery Inc. and Phoebe — talk about a fun household! Originally from the charming small town of Blue Mounds, WI, Salem grew up in the Mount Horeb School District, graduating in 2018. That very summer, Salem launched a career in licensed childcare — and hasn’t looked back since! When Salem isn’t working, you’ll likely find them making bracelets — it’s their favorite creative outlet and a go-to way to unwind.

Meet Ana! Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ana brings warmth, creativity, and a passion for child development to everything she does. She studied culinary arts in college, blending her love for food with her natural creativity. Ana has worked with children in a variety of settings — from private and public schools to community centers — and she thrives in environments that allow her to support, inspire, and nurture young minds. A fun fact about Ana: she’s bilingual in Spanish and English, which helps her connect with children and families from diverse backgrounds. What Ana loves most about working with children is the way it invites imagination, growth, and meaningful connection. She’s passionate about being a positive influence, offering the kind of guidance and support she values from her own journey.

Meet Ayushi! Born and raised in India, Ayushi earned her degree in Dentistry and worked as a practicing dentist before moving to the United States. While her professional background is rooted in healthcare, her true joy has always come from spending time with children. Ayushi has a natural gift for connecting with little ones — their smiles, giggles, and curious minds bring her endless happiness. She believes every child deserves a safe, loving, and nurturing space where they feel heard, valued, and free to be themselves. Working with kids allows Ayushi to share her kindness, creativity, and heart each day, while supporting their growth and development. A fun fact about Ayushi: she learned to crochet as a child from her grandmother and now loves creating handmade pieces for her two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, baking, cake decorating, and joining in on fun Bollywood dance sessions with friends.

Meet Jenni! She grew up in the charming town of Fort Atkinson, where some of her best memories involve running around with friends, playing all the classic games like Ghost in the Graveyard and Wall Ball until the streetlights came on. Jenni kicked off her Early Childhood Education career in 2007, and she’s been hooked ever since! Her favorite part of the job? Seeing that light bulb moment when a child learns something new—it never gets old. When she’s off the clock, Jenni loves diving into a good book, spinning vinyl records, and hanging out with her boyfriend and their two adorable cats, Capernicas and Algonquin.

Hi! Megan was born and raised in sunny Bonita Springs, Florida! She headed north for college at Indiana University, and since then she has had the joy of working at several children’s museums, which has only fueled her love for creativity, learning, and a little bit of organized chaos. Megan is a huge cat lover — she grew up with three and even fostered a few in college — so there’s always a soft spot in her heart for anything whiskered and purring. When she’s not reading or planning her next trip, you’ll probably find her daydreaming about ancient worlds. She loves to travel (Greece was a highlight — she even got to join an excavation!) and is endlessly fascinated by archaeology and the stories buried beneath our feet. Megan is always excited for the next adventure!

Violet grew up in Cross Plains and graduated from Middleton High School in 2024. She has been working with children for nearly a decade, ranging from infants to 12 year olds. Childcare provides her the opportunity to lead children through their natural curiosity, helping them dive into their interests and discover the world around them. In her free time, Violet enjoys exploring nature, cooking and baking, crocheting, curating her CD collection, and planning her next international adventure. She has a soft spot for Ford Mustangs, especially the iconic first-generation classics. She plays guitar, bass, ukulele, and any other string instruments she can get her hands on!