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.

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 over 10 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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Alyssa is absolutely wonderful! From the moment you meet her, it's clear how passionate she is about working with children. She has been caring for kids since she was just 12 years old, and that lifelong dedication shines through in everything she does. Originally from the beautiful coast of Lake Michigan, Alyssa brings a warm, caring, and adventurous spirit to every family she works with. She has gained valuable professional experience at both KinderCare and Prodigy in South Carolina, where she developed strong skills in creating safe, engaging, and nurturing environments for children of all ages. Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys staying active by playing disc golf and swimming, loves winding down with a good book or writing in the evenings, and embraces every opportunity to travel and experience new places. Her curiosity, creativity, and positive energy make her someone children naturally connect with.

Alysa grew up in Madison and has always had a passion for creativity and the arts. She enjoys expressing herself through creative projects and loves bringing imagination and positivity into everything she does. She is a devoted animal lover and has a 5-year-old dog who is an important part of her life. Alysa also has two years of experience working with children and enjoys creating a fun, safe, and supportive environment where kids can learn, play, and thrive. Known for her caring nature, creativity, and love for both children and animals, Alysa is dedicated to making a positive impact on the families she works with.

Born and raised in Madison, WI, Cheyanne is a proud Monona Grove High School graduate with a big heart and a love for bringing people together. She loves feeding people, cooking, traveling, and creating memories along the way. She has also enjoyed working with children, including as a fill-in teacher at Future All Stars Academy. Cheyanne is a mom to an almost 3-year-old daughter who keeps life silly and exciting! Together, they love catching frogs and bugs, splashing in puddles, and finding fun in the little things. Whether she’s cooking for loved ones, traveling somewhere new, or making muddy memories with her daughter, Cheyanne brings warmth, energy, and a genuine love for life wherever she goes.

Juliana is a remarkable individual whose passion for learning, leadership, and nurturing others shines in all she does. Originally from Reading, MI, 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. 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.

Destiny is a proud mom to her 2.5-year-old son, Theo. She graduated from Genoa-Kingston High School and has 3.5 years of daycare experience, along with some college education in Early Childhood Development. Destiny has always loved working with children and is especially passionate about caring for infants and toddlers. She enjoys creating a safe, loving environment where little ones can learn, grow, and reach their milestones. Outside of work, Destiny enjoys thrifting, reading, going to the movies, and spending time with her son.

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.

Audin grew up in Waupun, Wisconsin, where a lifelong love of both wild and domestic animals sparked a passion for caring for others. That passion naturally led to working with children, and for more than two years with W.E.A.P., Audin has enjoyed helping young learners grow through curiosity, exploration, and meaningful connections. A lifelong learner, Audin loves discovering new things and inspiring others to see the wonder in the world around them. Outside of work, they enjoy making everything from home-cooked meals to chicken coops, spending time in nature, and relaxing with their cats.

Ella is thrilled to be back in Madison and returning to The Goddard School team! Having previously spent four years working at a Goddard School in New Jersey, she brings a wealth of early childhood experience, creativity, and passion back to the classroom. Her top priority is creating a fun, safe, and welcoming environment where every child feels included and valued. Ella is currently in her final semester of college and will be graduating soon with plans to pursue a career in advertising and marketing. Outside of teaching, she is a former high school field hockey team captain, and a fun fact about her is that growing up, she was the only girl on an all-boys ice hockey team! She looks forward to partnering with Goddard families for a fantastic school year.

Meet Candy! ?? Candy grew up in Allendale, Michigan, and has always had a natural love for caring for children. Growing up, she spent lots of time caring for her younger brothers, cousins, and family friends’ children, which inspired her passion for early childhood education Candy attended Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) for her general education classes. A fun fact about her is that she lived in Mexico for a few months and almost went to school there! Candy loves working with children because becoming an early childhood educator has been a dream of hers since she was a kid. She enjoys creating fun, caring, and welcoming experiences where children can learn and grow. Outside of work, Candy loves crocheting, coloring, and gaming!

Paige grew up in Monroe, WI, and graduated from Middleton High School in 2022. She was active in sports growing up, participating in cross country, track, and basketball throughout middle school. Paige is a caring, energetic, and creative person who absolutely loves spending time with her younger siblings. She enjoys video games, arts and crafts, fishing, kayaking, and taking peaceful walks in nature. Family is incredibly important to Paige, and she loves being around kids because of their free-spirited personalities, curiosity, and joyful energy. She brings a fun, caring, and positive attitude wherever she goes!

Faith brings a unique combination of compassion, energy, creativity, and dedication to her work with children. She holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and has experience working as an EMT in healthcare and ambulatory settings, where she developed strong communication, patience, and caregiving skills while supporting children and their families.

Maddie grew up in Sun Prairie and on the east side of Madison, where she has spent her entire life. She is the self-proclaimed "coolest auntie around" and loves bringing fun, creativity, and positive energy to the children she works with. As a gym aerialist, Maddie enjoys swinging high on ropes and staying active through movement and performance. She also has a passion for live music and loves both playing and listening to music. When she's not creating music, you'll likely find her searching for unique vintage clothing and trinkets or working on a creative art project. What inspires Maddie most about working with children is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the next generation. She loves encouraging creativity through art and music and enjoys helping children explore their imaginations, build confidence, and express themselves in a fun, supportive, and caring environment.