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 30 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Daniela is proud to call Texas her home. Growing up there helped shape her warm heart and strong spirit. She has always been happiest when helping others—whether lending a hand, offering encouragement, or simply being someone others can count on. When she began working with kids at her church, she discovered a true passion. What started volunteering quickly became something deeply meaningful. She loves guiding and encouraging young minds, and seeing their smiles and confidence grow is incredibly rewarding. It’s more than something she does—it’s part of who she is. Daniela also expresses herself through creativity and movement. She enjoys painting and drawing, staying active, and playing her guitar, where music becomes her outlet and comfort. She leads with kindness, creativity, and passion, always striving to inspire others and make a positive difference wherever she goes.

Jermeka brings heart, dedication, and joy to everything she does. Raised in Illinois, she began her journey in early childhood education in 2016 and quickly discovered her passion for shaping young minds. She thrives on building meaningful relationships with her students and takes pride in watching them grow, learn, and gain confidence each day. Her nurturing spirit and positive energy create a warm, supportive environment where children feel seen and encouraged to be their best selves. Outside the classroom, Jermeka knows the importance of unwinding and recharging. She loves a cozy movie night and finds creativity and calm in coloring on Zen. Whether she’s guiding little learners or enjoying her downtime, Jermeka’s genuine warmth and enthusiasm shine through in all she does.

Brooke brings warmth, creativity, and heart into every space she enters. With a background in Human Services from Western Technical College and hands-on experience with the Girl Scouts, Boys & Girls Club, and the Goddard School, she has spent the past three years building meaningful connections with children and families Her experience as a behavioral health technician at a crisis center highlights her resilience and compassion, supporting individuals facing addiction, mental health challenges, and homelessness. Outside of work, Brooke’s love of creativity shines through her passion for Pokémon, The Lord of the Rings, concerts, crocheting, kayaking, and exploring local cafés and small businesses. Compassionate, imaginative, and dedicated, Brooke is a true asset to any classroom or community

Diana is a Philadelphia native who grew up surrounded by rich history, vibrant culture, and some seriously amazing food. A lifelong creative, she followed her passion for art all the way through college, earning both an AA and a BFA before continuing her studies at Otis College of Art and Design, where she focused on Communication Arts with an emphasis in Illustration and Visual Storytelling. For five years, Diana shared her love of art with young creators while working in the Watch Me Sculpt and Draw program in Los Angeles, helping elementary school students explore their creativity through hands-on art experiences. Inspired by a childhood (and adulthood!) filled with cartoons and anime, Diana brings imagination, curiosity, and playfulness into everything she creates. She especially loves hands-on arts and crafts and believes creativity should always be fun, expressive, and a little bit magical.

Juliana is a remarkable individual whose passion for learning, leadership, and nurturing others shines in all she does. Originally from Reading, Michigan, she graduated from Adrian College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Biochemistry. While there, she co-founded and served as president of the Multicultural Student Union, reflecting her strong commitment to inclusion and community. Growing up, she loved the Frog and Toad series, stories that mirror her own kindness and curiosity. Now living in Sun Prairie, Juliana enjoys drawing, nature walks, and inspiring children to develop a love for science and the outdoors. She also cherishes time with her young nephew, especially dancing and teaching him sign language. With plans to earn her master’s in nursing and become a certified nurse midwife, Juliana continues to pursue a path rooted in compassion, dedication, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Ms. Felly is a Lead Teacher and a Wisconsin native who brings a lively spirit to her classroom. With 2 years of experience in an 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 Sun Prairie community learn, grow, and thrive every day.

Tailyn is a warm, dedicated caregiver whose passion for nurturing young minds shines through in everything she does. Raised in the Sun Prairie and DeForest area, she has built strong roots in her community and has been working in childcare since graduating in 2019. For Tailyn, caring for children is more than a job—it’s a calling. She finds deep joy in watching each child grow, celebrating the moment their unique personalities begin to shine, and creating a space where they feel safe, loved, and encouraged every single day. Nothing compares to the excitement she feels when a child’s face lights up as she walks into the room. Outside of her professional work, Tailyn continues to share her care and compassion by babysitting on weekends, building meaningful connections with families. She embraces life’s simple pleasures, from relaxing picnics in the park to the creative focus of diamond painting. In her downtime, she also loves cooking for family and friends.

Raina is someone who brings warmth, curiosity, and dedication into everything she does. Growing up in Janesville, Wisconsin, she developed a grounded perspective, while her adventurous side shines through in earning her private pilot’s license—an impressive accomplishment that reflects her determination. She loves spending time outdoors, whether it’s camping, kayaking, hiking, or biking, and she carries that same sense of care into her home with her four cats—Fig, Percy, Clementine, and Luna. Raina is also creative, enjoying crocheting and knitting in her free time. Her passion for early childhood education began in a heartfelt way when she helped teach her baby brother how to walk, and it continues to guide her path today. Having lived in Amsterdam for a year, she also brings a unique, worldly perspective. Raina is thoughtful, capable, and leaves a positive impression wherever she goes.

Arianna is a talented, energetic, and compassionate individual who brings creativity and enthusiasm into everything she does. Growing up in DeForest, Wisconsin, she went on to earn an associate degree in Graphic Design from Madison College—something reflected in her strong artistic sense. Her passion for teaching led her to Lima, Peru, where she spent two years teaching English, showing her adaptability and dedication to helping others grow. She has a natural gift for working with young children, using play-based learning to make language skills fun and engaging. Arianna continues teaching private English and Spanish classes to both children and adults, always with patience and positivity. Outside of teaching, she enjoys running, sports, crocheting, knitting, arts and crafts, and baking (she definitely has a sweet tooth!). Her warmth and creativity make her a joy to be around and someone who leaves a lasting impression.