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.

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.

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. 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.

Meha is a warm, dedicated childcare professional from India with over six years of hands-on experience working with children. Guided by genuine love and patience, she understands the emotional and developmental needs of every child she cares for. For the past three years, she has specialized in caring for babies and toddlers, creating a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment where little ones can grow and thrive. She takes pride in supporting early development through attentive care, engaging activities, and positive interaction. Passionate about teaching and learning with children, Meha encourages curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Her upbeat personality, gentle nature, and strong sense of responsibility help children feel happy, secure, and truly valued.

Ms. Taylor grew up in Minnesota until the age of 14, when her family moved to Wisconsin. She has been working in childcare since June of 2016 and has been babysitting since she was just 11 years old—which is when she first realized how much she truly loves working with children. Over the years, she has gained experience caring for children of all ages and brings warmth, patience, and dedication to every family she works with. She holds an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from Madison College, further strengthening her knowledge and passion for supporting children’s growth and development. In her free time, Taylor enjoys reading on her Kindle, spending time with friends, and watching her favorite TV shows. She also has two cats that she absolutely loves spending time with. Whether she’s with children, friends, or her pets, Taylor’s caring and nurturing personality shines through in all that she does.

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!

Ms. Marie is a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School of Middleton since 2018 and is 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. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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, she also enjoys unwinding with video games and doing yoga. Ms. Kelsey is excited to bring her energy and experience to The Goddard School of Middleton to help every child learn and grow.

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. 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. Karol is a Lead 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 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 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, 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

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.

Madison is truly one of a kind. Originally from northern Kentucky, she recently made the exciting move to Wisconsin with her high school sweetheart—a testament to her loyalty and loving spirit. Family means everything to Madison, and coming from a big family herself, she naturally thrives in environments filled with laughter, energy, and children. Madison has been babysitting since she was just 13 years old, and it’s clear she’s found her calling. She doesn’t just “watch” children—she connects with them, nurtures them, and creates meaningful, joyful experiences. Her warmth, patience, and genuine love for kids shine through in everything she does. Madison loves exploring new hobbies and learning new skills, which speaks to her curiosity and vibrant personality. Whether she’s cooking up something delicious in the kitchen, perfecting her sewing projects, or practicing her ice skating, she approaches everything with enthusiasm and heart.

Melanie was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and has been living in Madison for the past four years. She graduated from high school in Venezuela and has over four years of experience working independently with children. Caring for her younger sisters from a young age helped shape her natural sense of responsibility and love for working with kids. Melanie is passionate about growing in the childcare field and values how every day with children brings a new and rewarding experience. Outside of work, she loves dogs—especially her Shih Tzu—spending time at the beach, enjoying good food, and dancing, which is her favorite hobby.

Milly is a dedicated and compassionate high school junior from Madison, Wisconsin, where she has proudly lived for all 17 years of her life. Growing up in Madison has helped shape her into someone who values community, kindness, and hard work. She is known for her warm personality, positive attitude, and ability to connect easily with others, especially children. One of Milly’s greatest passions is working with kids. She loves that no two days are ever the same and enjoys the excitement, energy, and creativity that children bring into every moment. Whether she is helping care for kids, spending time with them, or simply making them laugh, Milly finds joy in creating positive experiences and meaningful connections. Her patience, empathy, and fun-loving nature make her someone children naturally feel comfortable around. In the future, Milly hopes to become a pediatric nurse, combining her love for helping others with her passion for working with children!

Laura is truly an exceptional educator whose passion for teaching shines through in everything she does. Growing up in Ripon, Wisconsin, she developed strong roots in community and care—qualities that continue to define her work today as she lives in Madison with her husband and four children. With a degree in education from Marian University and Viterbo University, along with her state teaching license, Laura brings both strong academic preparation and real-world experience to the classroom. After graduating, she didn’t just step into teaching—she built something of her own, successfully running a childcare facility for seven years. That kind of initiative speaks volumes about her dedication, leadership, and deep understanding of child development. Laura’s expertise extends beyond the classroom as well. She has contributed to the development of Wisconsin curriculum for the Green Bay Diocese, demonstrating her ability to shape educational experiences on a broader scale.

Deb is a loving mom and proud grandma to a wonderful crew of boys who keep life full of laughter, energy, and adventure. Family means everything to her, and she treasures every moment spent together making memories, whether it’s relaxing by the beach, sitting lakeside, or enjoying a fun cookout with the people she loves most. For more than 12 years, Deb has shared her patience, kindness, and nurturing spirit as a dedicated preschool teacher. She has a natural gift for making children feel safe, valued, and encouraged, and her caring heart shines through in everything she does. Helping little ones learn and grow has brought her so much joy over the years. In her free time, Deb enjoys taking peaceful walks, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with her sweet little girl dog, Nimmer, who always keeps her smiling. Known for her warm heart, positive spirit, and loving personality, Deb brings comfort, laughter, and kindness wherever she goes.

Born in the vibrant city of Khartoum, Mona’s journey is a beautiful story of resilience, growth, and purpose. After spending a year and a half in Nairobi, she and her family immigrated to the United States when she was sixteen years old, carrying with them hope, determination, and dreams for the future. Rooted in her rich cultural background and shaped by diverse life experiences, Mona went on to graduate from both high school and college in Wisconsin. Her passion for learning and nurturing young minds inspired her to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education, where she found her calling in supporting childhood development and creating meaningful educational experiences for children. Mona brings warmth, compassion, and a deep understanding of the importance of early learning to everything she does. Her story reflects strength, perseverance, and a heartfelt commitment to empowering the next generation through education.

Emma was born and raised in a small town in southern Wisconsin and has known from a young age that she wanted to become an art teacher. She is passionate about creating learning opportunities through creative problem-solving and believes giving students space to design and create helps build both skills and confidence. Her favorite art forms are drawing and ceramics, and she loves helping students find new ways to express themselves creatively. Emma began her education journey at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2024, where her confidence and classroom management skills have grown tremendously. She currently lives in Sun Prairie with her oldest brother and works at a childcare center in Waunakee, where she enjoys working with kids. Emma also has a 16-year-old dog who is still full of sass.

Emma was born and raised in a small town in southern Wisconsin and has known from a young age that she wanted to become an art teacher. She is passionate about creating learning opportunities through creative problem-solving and believes giving students space to design and create helps build both skills and confidence. Her favorite art forms are drawing and ceramics, and she loves helping students find new ways to express themselves creatively. Emma began her education journey at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2024, where her confidence and classroom management skills have grown tremendously. She currently lives in Sun Prairie with her oldest brother and works at a childcare center in Waunakee, where she enjoys working with kids. Emma also has a 16-year-old dog who is still full of sass.

Keira grew up in Middleton and attended schools in the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District. This fall, she will be attending the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities to pursue a degree in nursing, where she hopes to continue building her passion for helping and caring for others. She has taken multiple childcare classes and enjoys babysitting in her free time, especially because she loves connecting with kids and creating a fun, supportive environment for them. Outside of school and work, Keira loves to travel and experience new places and cultures — her favorite trip so far has been to Paris! In her free time, she also enjoys spending time outdoors, going on walks, and being in nature. Keira is known for being caring, responsible, and positive, and she looks forward to all the new experiences and opportunities ahead of her.

Paige is a Madison native whose life blends creativity, care, and a deep love for home. Born and raised in the heart of Wisconsin, she carries that Midwestern warmth into everything she does—from her kitchen to her community. A devoted wife of 10 years and proud mom of two, Paige’s world revolves around her children, Stefan (9) and Sophie (almost 6), who keep her days lively and full of meaning. At home, she’s often joined by Yamper, her playful one-year-old corgi, who adds an extra dose of joy (and energy) to the family. Paige’s passions shine brightest in the kitchen, where her background in the culinary world comes to life through cooking and baking that bring people together. Her creative talents don’t stop there—she has also built a career as a makeup artist and permanent makeup artist, combining artistry with precision to help others feel confident and radiant.

Gail is a vibrant, adventurous soul with a strong family background. Growing up in a large family in the Philippines gave her a natural connection with children and a deep love for their energy and curiosity. After moving to the United States at 27, she continued to thrive in environments full of learning, laughter, and growth. She’s a dynamic mix of passions—trained in 13 martial arts, a creative photographer, and an avid mountain trekker who finds inspiration in nature. Known for her playful quirks (like loving pizza with mustard), Gail also shares her home with two rabbits and three cats. In everything she does, she brings warmth, creativity, and heart.