The Goddard School of Goodyear

Bios

• Ms JoEllen

  Welcome to The Goddard School! My name is Ms. JoEllen and I have had the privilege of serving as the school’s on-site owner since we opened our doors to students in 2009. In addition to my leadership role at our school, I have served on the Southwest Maricopa Regional Partnership Council for First Things First since 2016. I have three children, two of whom are Goddard graduates. My husband Sam and I love watching renovation shows and cheesy romantic movies. As a family, we enjoy traveling and playing games. Prior to opening the school, I was a stay-at-home mom and community volunteer. I have also worked as a corporate trainer. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from DePaul University, a Master’s Degree in Training & Development from Loyola University Chicago, and a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. I look forward to growing roots in our community together!

• Mr Ryan

  *2015 Goddard Systems Teacher of the Year* *2019 Ready. Set. Teach! Scholarship Winner* Hello, my name is Mr. Ryan and I am the Education Director here at The Goddard School in Goodyear. Prior to joining the Administrative Team as Assistant Director in 2015, I was the Lead Preschool teacher in the younger three year old classroom for over five years. I have AA in Elementary Education, a BA in Educational Studies, an MA in Applied Behavioral Analysis from ASU, and a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. I am passionate about introducing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) concepts to our young learners. I enjoy bringing a fun and creative atmosphere to our school as we partner together to help your children play and grow. Outside of school, my beautiful wife, daughters, and I enjoy movies, drawing, painting, and creating images with Japanese ink.

• Ms Karen

  Hello, my name is Ms. Karen and I am the the Assistant Director of Education serving the students and families of our school as part of the Admin team. I began working with children at an early age as a volunteer and that is how I discovered my love of teaching. I have an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and have been working with children professionally since 2014. My passion is to create a safe and inspiring classroom for my students to grow and learn to be kind to all. I am so excited to be a part of the Goddard community and I am looking forward to serving you and your family.

• Ms Selena

  Hello, my name is Ms. Selena and I was born and raised here in sunny Arizona. I am currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and I have a true passion for working with children. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. I am a huge Disney fan and absolutely love Disneyland. You will always see me with a smile on my face because my goal is to start or end your day with a smile as well!

• Ms Ariana

  Hello, my name is Ms. Ariana and I am the Lead Teacher in the Young Toddlers classroom. I am currently pursuing a degree in Communications with an emphasis on Interpersonal Relations. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my son and family and going on an occasional hike. I enjoy getting to know my students, their parents, and fellow faculty. You will always see me with a lot of positive energy.

• Ms Cindy

  Hi, my name is Ms. Cindy and I am the Lead Teacher in the infant classroom. I have been working with infants and toddlers since 1999. My family and I moved to Arizona from Colorado in August 2021. In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my animals and hanging out with my family. I am so excited to be working at The Goddard School and look forward to getting to know each and every one of your children.

• Ms Diane

  Hello, my name is Ms. Diane and I am the Lead Teacher in the Kindergarten classroom. I have worked in early education for all ages from infants through Kindergarten. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Development. My family and I moved here from Northern California in 2019 and I am so excited to be here with you and your children at The Goddard School!

• Ms Kiersten

  Hello, my name is Ms. Kiersten and I am the Lead Teacher in the Silly Spiders preschool classroom. I was born and raised in Arizona. I have been working with children since 2018 and am currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program at Glendale Community College. I look forward to meeting all of the wonderful students at Goddard and watching them grow.

• Ms Kimberly

  Hello, my name is Ms. Kim and I have been the Lead Teacher of the Pre-Kindergarten Brilliant Butterflies class here at The Goddard School since 2010. I have many years of experience working with children of all ages. I hold an Associate's Degree (CDA) in Child Development. My family and I moved from Erie, PA in June 2008 and have made Goodyear our new home. It is a pleasure to work with your children and teach them to learn and grow in a positive learning environment.

• Ms Leeya

  Hi, my name is Ms. Leeya and I am the Lead Teacher in the older twos and young threes classroom, the Busy Bees. I have been working with children since 2017 and am currently pursuing my Child Development Associate degree. I have worked with children of all ages and love what I do! When I am not working, I am usually reading or spending time with my family trying new places.

• Ms Sabrina

  Hi! My name is Ms. Sabrina and I am the Lead Teacher in the Daring Dragonflies Pre-Kindergarten classroom. I was born in California but moved to Arizona in 2004. I have been working with children since 2015 and am currently pursuing my Child Development Associate degree. I love working at The Goddard School and getting to know the students and families.

• Ms Stephanie

  Hello, my name is Ms. Stephanie and I am the Lead Teacher in the young ones classroom. I have completed coursework and am planning to finish my degree in Early Childhood Education. I have worked with children since 2011 in both lead and assistant teaching positions. I enjoy my job and love being a driving force in the life of a child. One thing you will notice about me is my easygoing personality, which I feel is a great trait for a teacher.

• Ms Susan

  Hello, my name is Ms. Susan and I am the Lead Teacher in the older Preschool classroom. I have my Child Development Associate Degree (CDA) and am currently working toward my Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Prior to joining The Goddard School family in 2012, I taught Pre-Kindergarten in the school district for over seven years. I have lived in Arizona since 1997 and am originally from Holland, Michigan. I have a true passion for working with young children and I look forward to working with yours here at The Goddard School!

• Ms Alyssa

  Hello, my name is Ms. Alyssa and I am a Resource teacher helping in various classrooms throughout the school. I am currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy teaching and making an impact on the lives of children. I love decorating and creating new activities. I am happy person who is always smiling and laughing. I am excited to grow as a teacher here at The Goddard School.

• Ms Amanda

  Hello, my name is Ms. Amanda and I am the Assistant Teacher in the Preschool Grasshoppers classroom. I have a passion for working with children and have been doing so for over twenty years. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time in nature and being a grandma to my sweet grandchildren. I look forward to growing with The Goddard School in Goodyear.

• Ms Angela

  Hello, my name is Ms. Angela and I am an Assistant Teacher in the infant classroom. I was a stay-at-home mom for several years and have always had a passion for teaching and caring for children. I love to learn something new everyday and am ready to pursue my degree in Early Childhood Education. In my spare time, I love to crochet, bike, and watch movies with my family. I am excited to travel this journey with your families and The Goddard School.

• Ms Baylee

  Hello, my name is Ms. Baylee and I am an Assistant Teacher in the Curious Caterpillars two year old classroom. I was born and raised in Arizona and have my Bachelor's degree in Sports Psychology. I have been working with children since 2023 and plan to pursue a second degree in Early Childhood Education. Teaching children is a passion for me because watching their minds grow and prosper give me a sense of purpose.

• Ms Brynn

  Hello, my name is Ms. Brynn and I am an Assistant Teacher in the one year old program. I was born in Virginia and raised in Chicago, but have called Arizona home since 2017. I am pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and have been working with children since I graduated high school. In my free time, I love to spend time with my five fur-babies. I am a Disney fan and love to visit Disneyland. I am excited to be a part of the Goddard faculty and look forward to getting to know the students and families we serve.

• Cas

  Hello, my name is Cas and I am the Kitchen Coordinator and a Resource teacher here at The Goddard School. I am currently pursuing a degree in Conservation Energy and plan to be a science teacher. I have a lot of volunteer experience working with children and my goal at Goddard is to help support our teachers and promote a fun and safe place for everyone to enjoy!

• Ms Damaris

  Hello, my name is Ms. Damaris and I am a teacher in the Snuggly Snails classroom. I am currently completing my Bachelor's degree in Education at ASU and have experience working with children of all ages. I have been at The Goddard School in Goodyear since 2017 and love getting to know our families and students. In my spare time, I like to read and watch movies.

• Ms Desiree

  Hello, my name is Ms. Desiree and I am an Assistant Teacher helping in classrooms around the school. I have been working with children since 2007 and it is my passion. I enjoy seeing children learn new ideas and build new skills. I am an oldest child with one sister and three brothers. I have two dogs and they are my babies. I look forward to growing with The Goddard School.

• Ms Hannah

  Hi, my name is Ms. Hannah and I am the Assistant Teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten Dragonflies classroom. I have been a caretaker my entire life so teaching and helping children come naturally for me. I have worked with preschool children since 2018 and enjoy witnessing them grow into their unique personalities. Every day is a new adventure with my students. In my downtime, I enjoy painting and spending time with my cats. I am excited for my future here at The Goddard School!

• Ms Kirsten

  Hello, my name is Ms. Kirsten and I am the Assistant Teacher in the one year old Laughing Ladybugs classroom. I have lived in Arizona since 2017 and have been working with children since 2018. I am enrolled at Glendale Community College pursuing an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and enjoy watching children learn and grow. In my spare time, I enjoy playing video games and watching movies. I look forward to a fun career at The Goddard School!

• Ms Meghan

  Hi, my name is Ms. Meghan and I am an Assistant Teacher working primarily in our two year old program.

• Ms Melanie

  Hello, my name is Ms. Melanie and I am an Assistant Teacher in the Busy Bees (older twos/young threes) classroom. I have worked with preschool students for a few years as a volunteer and am interested in pursuing further education in Early Childhood Development. In my free time, I like to read and play with my dogs.

• Ms Nadiya

  Hello, my name is Ms. Nadiya and I was born and raised in Arizona. I have a huge passion for working with children. I have worked with children since 2022 and plan to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. Working with young learners is want I want to do for the rest of my life.

• Ms Teresa

  Hello, my name is Ms. Teresa and I am the Assistant Teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten Brilliant Butterflies. I am proud Arizona native who is returning to my roots after spending time in Katy, Texas. I have been fueled by a passion for Early Childhood Education since being inspired by a cherished teacher when I was in the second grade. Beyond the classroom, I find joy in hikes, discovering new attractions, and embracing a deep passion for all things Pixar and Disney. My goal is to help children find their footing in a world we all get to create. I look forward to meeting your families.

• Ms Yessenia

  Hello, my name is Ms. Yessenia and I am an Assistant Teacher in the preschool program. I have been working with children since 2021 and love working with children because they learn new things every day. In my spare time, I enjoy being outside, shopping, and spending time with my sibling. You will always catch me in a good mood and I look forward to getting to know your family.

• Ms Jayda

  Hello, my name is Ms. Jayda and I am a resource teacher working primarily in the one year old program. I am a high school student at Valor Preparatory Academy and attend classes at Estrella Mountain Community College. I began interning at The Goddard School in 2023 and I was excited to officially join the faculty part-time in 2024. I plan to study Early Childhood Education and pursue teaching as a career.

• Mr Sam

  Hi! My name is Mr. Sam and I am the Building Renovation & Maintenance Manager here at The Goddard School in Goodyear. I have been a part of the school community since 2018 and enjoy getting to know the faculty, students, and parents.

• Ms SaMya

  Hello, my name is Ms. SaMya and I moved to Arizona in 2019. I am currently in college pursuing a degree in psychology and love studying development and behavior. I love to read and watch movies in my free time. I have experience working with children as a summer camp counselor. As the saying goes, "You learn something new every day." I can't wait to learn with the students at Goddard as they learn from me.