Our Goddard School Teachers

Ms. Mawara is a pharmacist by training. She has her administrative credentials and her director credentials. She is also a certified CPR, First Aid and AED instructor along with being a trainer for Abusive Head Trauma and SIDS Prevention. She and her husband are raising two children of their own, both of them graduated from Goddard pre-K program. As a parent, she knows the importance of quality child care in the early stages of development of a child. Ms. Mawara wanted to bring a high quality education-based early childhood program to the community where the children can learn while having fun. In 2016, she and her husband opened the first Goddard School in Dane County in Verona. In a short period of time, the school became one of the most prestigious preschools in the community. She is very proud to bring Goddard to Sun Prairie where a great team of educators offer a play-based curriculum along with hands-on learning for the future academic success and a life-long love for learning.

Ms. Kelly joined Goddard in January 2022 and has held various roles, including teaching and administration. She assumed the administration position after a few months of teaching and currently, she serves as the Center Director. Growing up with her mother's daycare, Ms. Kelly developed a love for working with children early on. Her professional journey began in customer relations and management, and she later owned her own business and contributed to the launch of several small businesses. Ms. Kelly has a passion for guiding and teaching staff and is skilled at building strong relationships. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and two cats. As part of Goddard's leadership team, Ms. Kelly is excited to collaborate and create an unforgettable experience for every family and ensure high-quality care at the school. Her dedication to the children's growth and well-being, along with fostering a positive environment, are central to her role at Goddard.

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.

Originally from Texas, Mr. David brings valuable experience from his work with children at Ronald McDonald House, orphanages, and La Posada Shelter in El Paso, TX. Known for his infectious positivity, Mr. David quickly builds strong connections with children of all ages, creating a nurturing and joyful learning environment. In his free time, Mr. David explores his artistic side through sketching, painting, and discovering new art forms. He passionately encourages our children to express themselves creatively, believing this fosters their individuality and joy. Mr. David is excited to be at Goddard where his enthusiasm and creative spirit are enriching our community.

Ms. Ula is originally from Poland. She has worked in woodworking and carpentry, successfully completing technical school in the field. Her passion for craftsmanship remains evident as she continues to enjoy woodworking as a hobby. Having been a mother, Ms. Ula's journey took an inspiring turn, discovering her profound passion for nurturing children. Now, as she transitions her career to childcare, she brings a wealth of experience and a genuine love for nurturing young minds. In addition to her role as a teacher, Ms. Ula's diverse talents extended to the kitchen, as she embraced her role as a chef at our preschool soon after joining our team. We are delighted to have her as an integral part of our team, where her dedication to both teaching and culinary excellence enriches the experience of our young learners.

Elly graduated High School in De Soto, WI in 2021. Following her graduation she moved to Madison, WI to study Zoology at UW-Madison. After a year of higher education, Elly decided to explore other career opportunities. She has spent the last few years in leadership roles within the Customer Service Industry. Her career experience in Customer Service has taught Elly she has a passion for helping others. When growing up, Elly spent many years babysitting and helping raise her nephew. All these life experiences has led her to our Goddard family to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education. Elly spends her free time exploring the outdoors, working on various art projects, spending time with her pets. Elly is most excited to not only help kids learn and grow, but to also learn and grow herself.

Meet Jennifer! She’s lived in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin—and wherever she goes, her passion for working with children follows. With 25 years of experience, most of it spent caring for infants, Jennifer brings a calm, nurturing presence and a deep love for watching little ones learn and grow. Outside of work, Jennifer shines as part of her church worship team, where she loves to sing. She’s been happily married for 29 years and enjoys quality time with her husband, family, and friends—especially around a board game table! When it's time to unwind, you’ll often find her curled up with a good book. With a heart for children and a joyful spirit, Jennifer is all about creating a loving, engaging environment where every child can thrive.

Ms. Taylor is a highly qualified and dedicated educator, having graduated from UW-Whitewater with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Her commitment to excellence is evident through her DPI certification as a teacher in both regular and special education for children birth to 3rd grade. With a commendable tenure of 6 years in the field of education, she has enriched the lives of numerous students. She spent 3 years teaching 4K in Sun Prairie and actively contributed to before and after school programs at the YMCA in the same community. Ms. Taylor is deeply passionate about fostering a play-based approach to learning, recognizing its immense value in stimulating young minds. As an educator, Ms. Taylor aspires to create an inclusive and nurturing environment for her students, drawing on her understanding and compassionate approach. We are privileged to have Ms. Taylor as part of our team, enriching the lives of our young learners with her expertise and devotion!

Meet Ms. Gylliane, a passionate educator devoted to shaping young minds. With early ambitions in child development, she first thrived as an infant lead teacher, then as a behavior technician for special needs children, finding profound fulfillment. Ms. Gylliane's classroom presence reflects her commitment to impactful teaching. Outside work, her world is brightened by her boyfriend Matthew, dog Komet, and cats Yuma and Chicken Little. Whether enjoying outdoor adventures or capturing moments through photography, Ms. Gylliane cherishes her personal and professional life, making a difference one child at a time.

Maya grew up in Fort Atkinson and now lives in Johnson Creek. In her free time, she enjoys doing CrossFit, a passion that runs in her family—her parents own a gym in Watertown where she has also helped coach kids’ classes, an experience she found especially rewarding. Maya holds an associate's degree in liberal arts from MATC and worked at Nike for four years, where she had the opportunity to take on a temporary leadership position. Outside of fitness and work, she loves to spend her time reading and painting, which allows her to relax and express her creativity. She has wanted to work with in early childhood education and is extremely excited to learn and grow into her role at Goddard!

Ms. Michelle brings a lifelong commitment to childcare, starting with her early exposure in her mom's in-home center. The oldest of three siblings and caregiver to 15 cousins, she transitioned from babysitting to steady roles and summer nannying. After a brief stint in the service industry post-high school, Ms. Michelle returned to childcare, assisting her mom for three years before launching her own licensed in-home center, providing exceptional care to infants, toddlers and school age kids for 19 years. Following a hiatus to collaborate with her husband, the pandemic prompted a reevaluation. Ms. Michelle, having explored various careers, found her passion again in childcare. The Goddard School proved a perfect fit. A Sun Prairie native, she resides with her husband and two sons. In her spare time, Ms. Michelle enjoys reading, camping, hiking, taking backpacking trips and spending quality moments with friends and family.

Ms. Calsey has a natural affinity for children and finds joy in nurturing their growth, learning, and self-expression. Inspired by this connection, she ventured into the childcare field in 2021 and earned certification through the Child Development Association. While pursuing her full-time studies for a career in Cardiovascular Sonography, Ms. Calsey remains dedicated to guiding young minds. Her favorite children's book, "Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss, reflects her belief in the boundless potential of every child. At the Goddard School in Sun Prairie, Ms. Calsey eagerly anticipates supporting students through their ups and downs, nurturing their understanding and growth in every moment. With her compassionate and enthusiastic approach, your child will embark on an inspiring educational journey under her guidance.

Samantha grew up in southern Wisconsin and brings nearly a decade of formal childcare experience to everything she does. She holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, combining her passion for helping others with a strong foundation in structure and care. A devoted wife and proud mom of three fantastic kids, Samantha lives in Sun Prairie with her husband of 15 years. She values quality time with family, loves cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers, and enjoys unwinding with a good book, crafting project, or time spent in her garden. Her warm personality and love for community shine through in all aspects of her life.

Ms. Judi is a passionate and experienced preschool teacher with a strong commitment to early childhood education. She is a native of Spain who moved to the United States at the age of 18 to pursue a degree in criminal justice and EMS. However, life circumstances led her to a career in preschool education, where she has thrived for the past two years. Ms. Judi is honored to be entrusted with the protection, teaching, and care of young children. She believes that every child deserves a safe and loving environment where they can learn and grow at their own pace. She is a firm believer in play-based learning and creates a classroom environment that is both stimulating and nurturing. In her free time, Ms. Judi enjoys spending time with her two daughters, swimming, playing soccer, eating ice cream, volunteering in the community, and visiting the zoo. She is a positive role model for her students and their families, and she is committed to making a difference in the lives of the children.

Ms. Aubrie joined us in August 2023 as part of our preschool/Pre-K team. Ms. Aubrie is a dedicated mother of four boys and resides in De Forest, WI. She is armed with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from UW Whitewater, and her teaching journey spans over 16 years in all age groups, initially starting as a babysitter at 12. When she is not working, she is often busy with her sons activities. She cherishes baking and loves Fridays for weekly family pizza/movie night! She loves a good hike and hopes to visit every national park with her children. Ms. Aubrie likes to foster creativity and independence in her students through her engaging preschool lessons. She loves to conduct science and art projects in her classroom and allows children to be children and express who they are. Ms. Aubrie is excited to meet all the students at Goddard and make life-long connections with them.

Wren grew up in Northern Wisconsin and graduated from Poynette High School before earning her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Although Wren hasn't worked with kids professionally, she's always loved being around them, having babysat many times in her neighborhood. She is excited to learn and grow in this new role. As the youngest in her family, Wren has always enjoyed spending time with her loved ones and connecting with others. In her free time, she is currently learning how to roller skate and enjoys all things related to animals.

Ms. Sirah, hailing from Gambia, West Africa, discovered her passion for cultures and languages early on, further nurtured by her move to Germany at age 10. This global journey led her to the USA at the age of 17, where she flourished while experiencing the “Melting Pot". After earning a bachelor's in German and International Relations from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Sirah became a proud mother of two, inspiring her dive into education. Her tenure as a Teacher Aide at Reach Dane solidified her passion for teaching, allowing her to foster joy and learning in children from diverse backgrounds. At The Goddard School, Ms. Sirah combines her rich cultural insight and love for education, aiming to cultivate an inclusive, nurturing environment for every child.

Tyshay began her professional experience working with kids in high school through a program called Multi-Co, where she gained valuable skills and a passion for helping children. She has a little brother and sister on the way, which makes her even more excited about growing her family. An avid traveler, Tyshay has been to Hawaii and loves exploring new places. She’s currently planning her wedding and enjoying the process of creating her special day. When she's not working, Tyshay loves to sing, dance, and embrace the joy in life. Her positive energy and love for happiness shine in everything she does.

Alex grew up in the charming town of Reinlander, Wisconsin, where a love for reading and exploring new stories and ideas took root. From a young age, Alex found joy in immersing themselves in different worlds through books, constantly seeking out new perspectives. Alongside this passion, Alex enjoyed drawing, video games, and music, finding creative outlets that reflected a deep appreciation for both art and technology. Above all, Alex values time spent with family and friends, cherishing those meaningful connections. With a deep passion for childcare, Alex is dedicated to nurturing and supporting young minds, making a positive impact on the next generation by fostering growth, learning, and emotional well-being.

Keira is a Sun Prairie native. She grew up with 5 other siblings, which has given her a head start into the world of childcare. Keira has previous experience babysitting for neighbors and members of her community. She was also a camp counselor for two years, working with kids between the ages of 6 and 18. Keira appreciates childrens' uplifting and openminded views on life. Seeing their unfiltered joy never fails to bring a smile to her face. Keira is currently in school to be an Esthetician, with the hopes of being a Makeup Artist someday. In her free time she enjoys reading and croqueting. She also loves decorating for the different seasons and holidays.

Caira grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, but was born in Illinois. She’s always had a passion for working with children and has been in the early childhood field for over 6 years, gaining experience with all age groups along the way. Back in high school, Caira participated in Fire Academy and later joined the First Responders Academy. That experience sparked a deep passion for helping others and ultimately led her to realize her true calling—supporting children and being someone they can look up to, trust, and learn from. A fun fact about Caira: she absolutely loves the color blue—so much so that even her car is blue! When she’s not working, Caira enjoys spending time with her two dogs, being with her family, and staying active in the community. What excites Caira most about working in early childhood is watching children grow, explore, and discover new things. She loves being part of their journey, where everyday moments turn into meaningful learning experiences.

Born and raised in the heart of Illinois, Marissa brings ten years of factory experience along with plenty of dedication, warmth, and enthusiasm. Growing up with Midwestern charm has shaped Marissa into someone who values hard work, creativity, and community. A true lover of the arts, Marissa enjoys music, exploring new styles of art, and finding inspiration in everyday life. And anyone who knows Marissa knows one big truth—Disney isn’t just entertainment; it’s an essential part of Marissa’s world! ? More than anything, Marissa is excited to help kids grow their minds, discover new passions, and build confidence. Supporting young learners and watching them shine is what truly fuels Marissa’s joy. And at the end of the day, nothing beats Marissa’s ideal night—a cozy movie evening with fluffy popcorn, comfy blankets, and positive vibes. One thing’s for sure, Marissa brings energy, creativity, and heart wherever Marissa goes!

Ari is 22 years young and proudly born and raised in the sunny town of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin! A true lover of the great outdoors, Ari’s happiest when out hunting, fishing, horseback riding, or soaking up some sunshine on a hiking trail. For almost two years now, Ari’s been working in childcare, but the passion for working with kiddos started way back at 15—with babysitting gigs and even teaching swim lessons! Nothing makes Ari’s heart happier than watching children grow, hit those amazing milestones, and blossom into their own little people. When Ari’s not wrangling tiny humans or out in nature, you’ll probably find her cooking up something delicious or spending quality time with her amazing boyfriend. Whether it’s casting a line or stirring a pot, life’s always an adventure for Ari!

Kayela discovered her passion for working with children when she began babysitting her younger brother—and she hasn't looked back since! After graduating from Stoughton High School in 2023, she jumped right into the early childhood field and has loved every minute of it. Her journey began in 2022 as an assistant teacher at a daycare in Edgerton. From there, she quickly grew into leadership roles, becoming a Lead Teacher at Learning Tree and Playland in 2024. Today, Kayela is proud to be a Lead Teacher at The Goddard School in Sun Prairie, where she brings energy, creativity, and a big heart to the classroom every day. Born and raised in Stoughton, Kayela grew up alongside her mom and younger brother. When she’s not teaching, she stays active with her favorite sports—volleyball, track, and swimming, which she’s loved since she was 15. She also enjoys traveling and has visited Florida, Nashville, Iowa, and Chicago. Kayela is excited to continue growing in her role and making a positive i

Meet Kelsy Cimaroli! Originally from DeForest, Wisconsin, Kelsy has had a heart for teaching children since her high school days. With nearly seven years of experience in childcare, she brings both passion and dedication to every classroom she steps into. Kelsy is thrilled to be a part of The Goddard School family. From the moment she walked through the doors, she felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and welcome. After hearing so many great things about the school, she’s excited to contribute to such a positive and nurturing environment. At 28 years old, Kelsy is happily married to her high school sweetheart — they've been together for 13 years and recently celebrated their third wedding anniversary. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature, going for walks, camping, and bowling. A true dog lover at heart, Kelsy’s favorite animals are, without a doubt, dogs. With her positive energy and genuine love for children, Kelsy is excited for all the learning and growing ahead!

Danna is all about cozy vibes and colorful leaves—fall is her absolute favorite time of year! Originally from the Milwaukee area, she made her way to Madison in 1993 to attend MATC, where she earned her degree in Interior Design Over the years, Danna has had the joy of working with children of all ages—from her time as a Float Teacher at SSM Childcare Center to serving as an Educational Assistant in the 4K class at Madison Country Day School. She also ran her own licensed in-home daycare for 15 years! When she’s not busy brightening children’s days, Danna loves catching live music, spending quality time with her two wonderful kids—a 22-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter—and doting on her adorable black cat, Bea

Tehya grew up on the east side of Madison and in Sun Prairie, where she attended Sun Prairie schools. She’s always had a passion for working with children, and after a year in childcare—and time spent as an after-school program coordinator—she’s excited to help create a warm, welcoming environment for every child she meets. When she’s not at school, you can usually find Tehya at the movies or hanging out with her cat, Pharaoh. She also kind of crochets (emphasis on “kind of,” but she’s working on it!). Tehya’s goal is to make the classroom feel like your child’s home away from home, a place where creativity and imagination can shine. Her favorite colors—brown, yellow, and sage green—inspire the cozy, cheerful energy she brings to her work each day.

Liz grew up in the vibrant and energetic city of Mexico City, where she lived from the age of 2 until she was about 18 or 19 years old. Those years shaped her deeply, giving her a strong sense of culture, community, and family. She completed high school in Mexico with a focus on tourism, which allowed her to develop strong communication skills and an appreciation for connecting with people from all backgrounds. She also gained valuable experience working for a short time in an elementary school, where she discovered how rewarding it felt to be around children and support their learning In her free time, Liz enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes, discovering and learning new skills, and staying active by going to the gym. She also loves diving into research on any topic that catches her curiosity, talking with her family, and unwinding with a good series—especially thrillers or crime-related shows. Her interests, energy, and dedication make her someone who is always growing.

Katlin grew up in Lake Mills for most of her childhood, a place that shaped her strong sense of community and compassion. She was born in Kingsland, Georgia, but her heart has always been drawn to helping others—especially children. Her passion for working with kids began at a young age when her family became deeply involved in community recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina, an experience that left a lasting impact on her and inspired her caring nature. With over six years of experience in the medical field, Katlin has built a diverse and impressive background, working in both veterinary medicine and adult and pediatric radiology oncology. She brings dedication, empathy, and a warm personality to everything she does. Outside of work, Katlin is a true animal lover—dogs hold a special place as her favorite animal—and she loves bright, happy things, especially her favorite color, yellow, which perfectly matches her upbeat and positive spirit.