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, 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. Her vision led her to open the first Goddard School in Dane County 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. Lauren has been a prominent figure in the early childhood education field since 2014, serving as both a lead teacher and a valued member of the management team. With a bachelor's degree in Education from Edgewood College and Registry Level 14, she exemplifies a commitment to professional growth and expertise. Her journey at The Goddard School began as a lead teacher, where her passion for nurturing young minds quickly propelled her into the Director role in June 2019. Ms. Lauren's educational philosophy revolves around meeting children at their developmental level and embracing life's wonders alongside them. She firmly believes that children are naturally eager learners, and she cultivates their growth through engaging activities, captivating stories, and meaningful experiences. With genuine enthusiasm, Ms. Lauren looks forward to working with all the children and their families at Goddard, creating a nurturing environment that sparks curiosity, creativity and a love for learning.

Katie has been a valued member of the Goddard family since January 2017. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communicative Sciences & Disorders from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and has experience providing 1:1 therapy to children through the Wisconsin Early Autism Project. She previously worked in a 4K classroom in Mount Horeb before stepping into a leadership role and most recently joined the administrative team as Director. Katie believes children are naturally eager to learn and that every child develops at their own pace. She is excited to partner with Goddard families and to successfully implement the Wonder of Learning curriculum throughout the school. Outside of work, her and her husband own a home in Mount Horeb, and they enjoy spending time with their dog, Sally.

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.

Ashley has over fifteen years of experience in early education and caring for infants. She is trained in infant and toddler sign language. She believes in being passionate about each child’s happiness and education along with providing a safe and nurturing atmosphere helps build self-esteem in children. She loves doing process art with children. Her classroom is very organized and colorful. She has a lead teacher certificate through the State of Wisconsin and is a couple classes shy of her associate's degree in business. She has three children and in her free time enjoys being with family and friends. She also enjoys photography, poetry, and traveling. We are very lucky to have her in our infant room at Verona!

Ms. Gabrielle, a proud resident of Madison since 2016, brought a decade of experience in childcare to our team back in 2020. With an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen College, she is a dedicated advocate for developmentally appropriate practices. Ms. Gabrielle's passion for teaching shines through as she fosters a nurturing and enriching environment for her students. She skillfully utilizes her knowledge and expertise to ensure the best possible learning experiences. Outside the classroom, Ms. Gabrielle cherishes quality time with her son, who is also part of our Goddard family. An outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys exploring nature, indulging in retail therapy, and savoring the magic of music. We are delighted to have Ms. Gabrielle as an integral part of our school community.

Mr. Esau has been the Chef extraordinaire for The Goddard School since 2016. He has been the master chef for a very well liked Madison restaurant for over 12 years. He also has experience working in healthcare facilities where health and safety is the top priority. Cooking is Mr. Esau's passion and he loves creating new dishes with his own recipes. He enjoys cooking for children. It's amazing to see the joy on children's faces when "Mr. E" enters the classroom with their favorite meals. Mr. Esau is raising a son and daughter (twins) along with his wife. He loves soccer and enjoys going to his son's soccer games.

Mack, who grew up right along the beautiful Mississippi in La Crosse, WI, brings over seven years of experience as a private nanny—and a whole lot of heart—to his work with children. Driven by a passion to help future generations grow into kind, confident, and all-around cool people, Mack approaches child care with creativity, compassion, and purpose. He loves making art, exploring the outdoors, and is deeply committed to personal development and human rights. Mack’s energy and optimism are contagious, and his dedication to making the world a better place shines through in everything he does!

Ms Kayla has been working in the child care field since 2013 and started here at Goddard in 2017. She obtained her degree in Early Childhood Education in 2015 from Concordia University. Her hobbies include camping, crafting, snowmobiling, and spending time with friends and family. Ms. Kayla's philosophy is to strive to see the world through the eyes of the children she teaches. She loves being able to explore the world with them and watch them discover new things every day. She loves working here at The Goddard school and looks forward to getting to know all the children and families she will work with.

Ms. Sonia was born in California but spent her entire life in Madison, WI. During high school, she took classes focused on early childhood development, igniting her passion for teaching at Goddard Schools. In her free time, Ms. Sonia enjoys outdoor activities such as taking walks with her dog or paddle boarding on the lakes. She also has a passion for painting and drawing. We are excited to see her bring her enthusiasm and creativity to our team.

Ms. Tammy is a devoted mother of three daughters ages 41, 31 & 21, and has spent much of her life caring for children. After the birth of her first child, she chose to become a stay-at-home mom and soon after opened her own in-home daycare. She successfully ran her daycare for nearly 30 years before deciding to close that chapter. After taking a short break, Ms. Tammy realized how much she missed working with children, which led her to continue her childcare career at Goddard. She began at Goddard in early 2019, working in the infant room for a year and a half before moving to the Poodles classroom. Ms. Tammy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending outdoor music concerts, taking long brisk walks, and working on home décor and organizing projects.

Ms. Kar (Karissa) is an artist, teacher, and mother with a passion for working with young children and supporting families. Originally from DeForest, Wisconsin, she holds a BFA in sculpture, writing, and art history. She specializes in infant and toddler care, incorporating sign language, early speech development, and art into nurturing, engaging experiences. Ms. Kar provides respite care for families with colicky babies and children with special needs. As the mother of a daughter with epilepsy and a VP shunt, she brings both professional experience and personal understanding to compassionate caregiving. Her background includes work at DeForest Wishing Well and volunteer experience at respite centers in Milwaukee. She aspires to earn a degree in pediatric nursing with a focus on laboring and birth. Living just two minutes from Goddard, Ms. Kar is always available to support families in need of respite childcare.

Ms. Sierra hails from Madison, WI, where she was raised in a big family as one of five children. While attending Waunakee High School, she earned her Lead Teacher Accreditation. Ms. Sierra finds great joy in working with children and witnessing their growth and development. During her leisure time, Ms. Sierra indulges in painting, exploring walking trails, savoring chocolate, and cherishing moments with her family. Her favorite aspect of being a teacher is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children.

Ms. Danielle was part of our opening team joined our family in April of 2016. She has graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood. She has been working in a preschool environment since 2014. Danielle has worked with all age groups, specializing in working with toddlers. Before moving into the office, Ms. Danielle was our lead toddler teacher. She is excited to continue to work with the Goddard Families in her new role.

Ms. Geetha obtained her Master's degree in English from Madras University and has been in the teaching field since 2009. She has held multiple teaching positions in early childhood and school age care including Boys and Girls Club, After School, and Assistant Youth Supervisor, and holds infant and preschool Lead Teacher certifications from the Wisconsin Registry. Ms. Geetha is excited to bring her expertise and fun loving teaching style to the Goddard School. She loves to teach and believes in educating children in a friendly way as well as building relationships with them. She looks forward to meeting all the Goddard families.

Mr. Chris grew up in Middleton WI. He currently lives in Verona WI with his wife Lauren, daughters Evie and Wynnie Jo, and their two doggos, Kassie and Mormy. Throughout their younger years, Chris and his wife moved all over the country, before settling back in Wisconsin. In his free time, Mr. Chris enjoys books, video games, board game nights, and Dungeons with Dragons. He always enjoys spending time outside with his family! Mr. Chris also has served in the US Navy. Through different professions throughout his adult career, Mr. Chris believes in serving in the most important profession. Building strong relationships to create lifelong learners is pivotal to child's development, and he thinks he's found that in being a teacher. We are so excited for Mr. Chris to join our Goddard Family! Please welcome him to our team!

Anjeza is a dedicated educator with a passion for fostering learning and growth in students. Holding a Lead Teacher certification from the State of Wisconsin, as well as a B.A. in Education and an M.S. in Linguistics, Anjeza combines a strong academic background with hands-on experience to create engaging learning environments. In addition to teaching, she is CPR/AHT/SIDS certified, ensuring a safe and supportive atmosphere for all students. Outside of the classroom, Anjeza enjoys reading, hiking, and exploring new activities. A lover of travel, she also cherishes spending quality time with family.

Ms. Amara grew up in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, and moved to Verona at the age of ten. She attended Edgewood High School and is currently continuing her education at MATC, where she is pursuing a degree in practical nursing. While nursing is her academic focus, Ms. Amara has been part of the childcare world for quite some time, bringing experience from her work as a gymnastics coach and at other childcare facilities. In her free time, Ms. Amara is joyfully preparing for the arrival of her first child, an exciting new chapter in her life. She also loves expressing her creativity through painting, drawing, singing, and playing the piano. Ms. Amara’s energy, creativity, and caring nature make her a wonderful addition to our team, and she is excited to support and inspire the children each day!

Mr. Mark joined Goddard in the summer of 2016. Mr. Mark Hymer has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. He came to The Goddard School from Lac Du Flambeau Public School. His teaching philosophy is all about changing activities to suit all learning styles. He strives to form strong bonds with each child so he can learn how to help them succeed and develop the love for life-long learning. Mr. Mark loves technology and is very excited to use all the tools he has available at Goddard. He looks forward to meeting all the Goddard families.

Ms. Taylor grew up in Evansville, Wisconsin, before moving to Orfordville, Wisconsin with her fiancé and three dogs. Ms. Taylor is in her final year of coursework for her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from The University of Arizona Global Campus. Ms. Taylor’s teaching philosophy is knowing that students learn best in an accepting and loving environment. She believes that every child is unique and gives children the freedom to be themselves while providing them safety and love! She loves encouraging her students to have courage, learn and try new things! In her free time, Ms. Taylor enjoys reading, cooking, traveling. When she can, she loves to garden and canning from produce she’s grown!

Ms. Maria joined our school in 2018 as a resource teacher and quickly became a valued and trusted member of our team. From the very beginning, she has shown a genuine passion for early childhood education and a deep commitment to nurturing young learners. Maria grew up in a close-knit Latino family in the Madison area alongside her four siblings, an experience that helped shape her warm, caring, and family-oriented approach in the classroom. Outside of school, Ms. Maria enjoys taking road trips and exploring new places, unwinding by watching classic movies, and being with her husband and three children.

Nikayla, 24, was born in Medford, WI, and raised in Belleville, WI. She has always had a love for the outdoors, growing up camping often with her family. Since 2018, Nikayla has been dedicated to working with children, drawing on her Special Education training to support students as a paraprofessional for two years. The most rewarding part of her work is witnessing children grow, achieve their goals, and experience success. Outside of her professional life, Nikayla enjoys spending time with her two cats, Pinto and Millie, and values camping trips with friends and family, cherishing those special moments in nature and with loved ones.  

Abby originally lived in Oconomowoc before moving to Belleville. She has a full household with five cats, including an adorable orange Munchkin, two dogs, and three axolotls. Aquarium keeping is her favorite hobby, and she loves caring for her aquatic pets. When it comes to food, Abby can't resist Mexican cuisine and enjoys spending time doing crafts. Abby had the privilege of working with children since she was 16, and every Sunday morning, you can find her at church, volunteering with the nursery kids. Her role at Goddard allows her to continue to nurture and watch children grow, which is incredibly rewarding. Working with kids is not just a job for Abby—it's a passion.

Ms. Lori came to The Goddard School in May of 2017. She holds a Bachelors degree in History and Philosophy and has went on to get her Masters in Fine Arts. Ms. Lori holds her assistant teacher and infant toddler certifications through the State of Wisconsin. Ms. Lori has worked with children in multiple settings including life guarding, summer school, and as a youth t-ball coach. She is excited about being a part of a positive environment for all the children she will work with at the school.

Meet Delany – a proud senior at Verona Area High School, born and raised in the heart of Wisconsin! With a passion for helping others shine, Delany is dedicated to supporting students as a resource teacher, making learning a positive and empowering experience for everyone. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find Delany jamming out to all kinds of music – she’s always exploring new genres and finding the perfect soundtrack for any moment. A true foodie at heart, Delany loves trying new dishes and uncovering hidden gems around town. Whether it's a cozy café or a local food truck, she's all about the flavor adventure! Looking ahead, Delany dreams of moving to a new state, soaking in fresh experiences, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally. The future’s looking bright – and Delany’s ready to take it on with energy and heart!

Born and raised in Texas, Ms. Lei-Lani brought her passion for teaching all the way to Madison, where she has continued to grow into the amazing educator she is today. She has been working in early childhood education since 2018 and is Lead Teacher qualified through the State of Wisconsin. Coming from a big, loving family, nurturing comes naturally to Ms. Lei-Lani, and she brings that warmth and care into her classroom every day. Ms. Lei-Lani is also a proud mom to a daughter, which further inspires her dedication to creating a safe, joyful, and enriching learning environment for children. She loves exploring creativity through singing, dancing, painting, and drawing, and enjoys incorporating the arts into her teaching whenever possible!

Kokila is originally from the beautiful South of India! She holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore. Deeply passionate about childhood education, Kokila is always eager to learn something new and expand her horizons. One of her favorite things to do is play games with her kids — it’s a source of joy and connection. While Kokila doesn’t have formal work experience with little ones, she has volunteered at a school, and that experience brought her so much happiness. She believes every moment spent helping children learn and grow is truly rewarding!

Anai grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish. With a lifelong connection to childcare, she has experience as a caregiver and babysitter, having cared for children both professionally and within her own family-Growing up in a home daycare and helping raise three of her younger siblings gave Anai a deep understanding of nurturing and responsibility from an early age. Outside of work, Anai enjoys watching movies, photography, word puzzles, and dancing.

Daniela grew up right here in Madison and has called it home ever since! Surrounded by children throughout her life, she’s always loved their cheerful spirit and boundless energy — being around them brings her pure joy. What truly draws Daniela to childcare is the chance to watch kids learn, grow, and shine a little more each day. Seeing the positive impact she can have on their lives is both inspiring and rewarding. When she’s at home, you’ll likely hear music playing in the background — Daniela loves having a good soundtrack to her day. She also has a creative side; she used to draw all the time and still enjoys sketching whenever she can find a quiet moment. Daniela is excited about the future and hopes to be part of this community for many years to come. Working with kids is something she genuinely loves, and she's thrilled to be doing what she’s passionate about every day!

Aidan grew up in a small town just outside of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and graduated high school in 2020. He is the oldest of five, so life has always been full of energy, in the best way possible! Aidan was in marching band for five years. Those early morning practices shaped a big part of who he is. Aidan is passionate about helping kids learn and grow. He knows firsthand how much of a difference the right support can make, and he wants to be that kind of positive influence here at Goddard! When he's not working with kids or reminiscing about band camp, you can probably find him deep in a game of Magic: The Gathering or around a table playing board games with friends. Aidan loves strategy, creativity, and a little friendly competition!

Ms. Hannah grew up in Verona with her parents and older brother, Jake. She graduated from Edgewood High School in 2017 and has proudly completed all the credentials required to be a Lead Teacher in Wisconsin. With a warm and enthusiastic approach, Hannah is excited to get to know each child individually and support their unique needs and learning styles. She finds her greatest joy and motivation in watching children reach important milestones and discover how the world works—those “aha” moments are what truly fuel her passion for teaching! Ms. Hannah was married in July 2025, and outside of the classroom she loves spending time with her dog, Koda, as well as making memories with friends, family, and her daughter. Her positive energy and genuine love for children shine through in everything she does!

Shantall is from the vibrant country of Venezuela and speaks both Spanish and English fluently. She spent about 13 amazing years doing gymnastics, even competing at the national level in her home country! Later, she became a gymnastics coach for kids, sharing her passion and skills with young athletes. Shantall graduated high school at just sixteen and has always loved learning and growing. One of her favorite ways to spend time is with her family—especially heading out to the lakes together and enjoying the outdoors. Summer is definitely Shantall’s favorite season, thanks to the sunny, cheerful vibes that remind her of home. She’s especially passionate about working with children. Their carefree spirits are a constant source of inspiration, and she’s eager to support their growth and development every step of the way!

Megan is one of those rare people whose warmth and curiosity shine in everything she does. Growing up in Bonita Springs, Florida, she developed a strong sense of community that still defines her today. A graduate of Indiana University, she combines academic dedication with hands-on experience from working at children’s museums, where she inspires creativity and a love of learning. An avid reader and traveler, Megan even participated in an archaeological excavation in Greece—an experience that reflects her adventurous spirit and passion for discovery. A lifelong cat lover who fostered in college, Megan brings compassion and care to all she does. Thoughtful, adventurous, and endlessly curious, she leaves every place better than she found it.

Ashley is a vibrant, joy-filled soul rooted in the Verona and Madison, Wisconsin area, where she grew up and graduated from Verona Area High School. A proud mom of three energetic little ones (ages 2, 3, and 6), she has spent the past four years fully embracing motherhood—and truly making it her cup of tea. Her days have been filled with laughter, creativity, and the kind of love only a dedicated mom can give. Now, Ashley is stepping into an exciting new chapter, ready to rediscover herself and pursue something just for her. With a natural love for children, a nurturing spirit, and years of hands-on experience, she brings warmth and authenticity to everything she does. In her free time, Ashley enjoys getting lost in a good book, diving into fun arts and crafts with her kids, and soaking up the outdoors—her favorite place to be is anywhere but inside! And if you hear “All I Want For Christmas Is You” playing in the middle of July, don’t be surprised—that’s just Ashley, keeping the fun

Eimi is beyond excited to be working with children and to begin her journey in early childhood education with us. She grew up in California in a big, lively family—and as the only girl, she learned early on the importance of connection, patience, and care. For years, Eimi has provided respite care for two of her siblings, which is where her passion for early childhood truly began. Through these experiences, she discovered that it’s the meaningful bonds she builds with children and the joy of watching their unique personalities shine that truly fills her heart. In her free time, Eimi loves getting outdoors and going on peaceful nature walks, soaking in the beauty around her. We’re so happy to have her as part of our community!

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.

Marian grew up in Venezuela and has been calling Madison, Wisconsin home for the past five years. She completed high school in Venezuela and continues to build her knowledge and skills in early childhood education. As the oldest of four siblings, Marian has lots of hands-on experience caring for children independently and naturally stepped into a nurturing, leadership role from a young age. She loves supporting children’s growth and early development and finds joy in helping them learn and thrive every day. A fun fact about Marian: she’s a huge dog lover and has an absolutely adorable Goldendoodle. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, exercising, staying active, and exploring creative activities.