The Goddard School of Monroe

Bios

• Ms Kim

  It has always been Kim’s lifelong dream to run and operate her own business, and The Goddard School was the perfect fit for her and her family. Kim was thrilled when she found a franchise that would combine her love of young children with her passion for education. As the mother and stepmother to 2 sets of twins, Kim has always adored children! She majored in Elementary Education at Florida Atlantic University and previously managed small businesses prior to opening The Goddard School several years ago. Kim loves the family-oriented community in Monroe and is proud to serve the surrounding towns as well. She believes that a quality early childcare experience will help to set children up for success and allow them to thrive in the future. She always loves to see how excited and happy all the students are to come to her Goddard School each day! In her opinion, there is no better way to contribute to society than to support families as their young children learn and grow.

• Ms Sarah

  Sarah started her career In Early Childhood Education as a Preschool teacher after obtaining her Master's Degree in Education and Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Sacred Heart University, where she played on the Division 1 Women’s Ice Hockey team. Sarah has been leading programs for young children for over 10 years, making many wonderful relationships along the way, and is proud to be the founding Director of The Goddard School in Monroe. Sarah is a Mom to two children, one daughter and one son who flourished as a part of the Goddard School family. Outside of school Sarah enjoys being active, traveling with family, and following pop culture.

• Ms Heather

  Heather has been working with children since she can remember, always looking to follow in the footsteps of her mother who was a preschool teacher for about 25 years! She began her career in Early Childhood at The University of Connecticut’s Child Development Laboratories where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and Education. Through these experiences, she has learned that providing a warm, nurturing environment in the classroom is key to children’s ability to grow and learn. She started her Goddard career as a toddler teacher, working with them for 6 years before accepting the Assistant Director position. She recognizes the significance of developing family relationships and looks forward to creating relationships with the families here at Goddard. In her free time she enjoys running, going on hikes, spending time with her dog Zeke and visiting with her family.

• Ms Alexandria

  Lexy has worked with children for the last 22 years. She has always wanted to work with children since she was little, as she always played school and babysitter. Once her baby cousin was born when she was about 8 years old, she was able to put her passion into action as she helped take care of her. This is how her journey into childcare began. Lexy enjoys art, as she strives to include it in all aspects of learning. In her free time, she likes to read and spend time with family. Lexy is looking forward to starting this new chapter at the Goddard School!

• Ms Carrie

  Miss Carrie has been working with infants and toddlers in the Goddard system since 2007. She loves working with The Goddard School’s littlest students and works hard to provide a safe, nurturing, and FUN environment! She lives in Newtown with her family and enjoys working in her yard, reading historical fiction novels, and playing video games. Her favorite time of the year is Renaissance Faire season! She loves going to trivia nights and spending time with all the wonderful friends she has at this school.

• Ms Cassandra

  Cassie has always had a passion for working with children of all ages, especially the young crowd! It all began when she first volunteered as a young teenager in Danbury’s Special Education summer school where her mom worked. Cassie began her career back in 2004 as a special education para. Since then she has worked as a special education paraprofessional in public school preschool programs or as a teacher in early childhood centers. She studied Early Childhood at Naugatuck Valley and then transferred, receiving her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Westconn in 2020. Cassie has always had the philosophy and belief that all children are capable, and deserve the best and most appropriate education, allowing them to become their best self! In her free time, She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially her 6 year old daughter and 3 year old son- the lights of her life! Cassie is excited to continue her career and make new friends here at the Goddard School!

• Ms Emily

  Emily was born and raised in Connecticut and graduated from Clark University last year. She has a Bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Education. Emily has always enjoyed working with children. She began babysitting at 13 years old and also has experience as a teacher’s aid for second graders. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her friends and family and reading! Emily is looking forward to helping her students learn and grow here at the Goddard School!

• Ms Gena

  Gena is a Connecticut native who graduated from the University of New Haven, Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature. She has several years of early childhood teaching experience with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Just as much as Gena enjoys learning, she enjoys watching and guiding children as they learn and grow. Aside from teaching and spending time with her own children, ages 5 and 8, Gena also enjoys fine arts, gardening, and outdoor adventures. She is happy to be here at Goddard working with our youngest students!

• Ms Heather

  Heather has known from the young age of 12 years old that she wanted to work with children. At 16 years old her first opportunity to work with children came to fruition. She has 35 years of experience with children, from 6 weeks old all the way up to 18 years old. Her experience ranges from 24 hour childcare, home childcare, nanny, preschool, infant and toddler, before and after school, Sunday school superintendent and youth group leader. Some of Heather's greatest pleasures working in the childcare profession has been when former students have come back to work with her and she has cared for their children. Heather truly loves to travel and has been to Germany, France, England, Scotland, Canada, Czech Republic, Austria, and many different states. Heather is eagerly looking forward to getting to know the children and their families here at Goddard.

• Ms Heather

  Heather was born and raised in Connecticut. Being the youngest of four, she has been a built-in babysitter for her nieces and nephews for the past 18 years. She has over 13 years of work experience in childcare, including 3 years of working as a nanny for infant triplets! In her spare time, she enjoys reading mystery books, outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends. Heather recently had a baby girl of her own, who attends the Goddard School as well! Heather loves working at the Goddard school and enjoys helping the infants grow!

• Ms Kiajah

  Ki was born in Bridgeport, CT but raised in Winston-Salem, NC. She went to Housatonic Community College and graduated May 2019 with an associates in Business Administration. She is continuing her education to become an Ultrasound Technician. She has been working with children for 4 years now and has also worked in multiple daycare facilities. She has always had a passion working with children ever since when she was younger playing with her toy babies. Her favorite part about working with children is to help them grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. And most importantly to always keep a smile on their faces! Ki loves doing arts and crafts and discovering new ways to enhance children's mindsets. In her spare time she loves to travel, go shopping, and spend time with family. She is very excited to work at the Goddard School, and to help these children grow.

• Ms Leah

  Leah has a degree in Early Childhood Inclusive Education and values the importance of every child learning with their peers. She enjoys creating fun, hands-on learning experiences and promoting independence to ensure that the children feel confident. Leah has been teaching for six years and started babysitting at the age of twelve. She resides in Oxford with her fiancé, their two boys as well as their pets! In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors and listening to Taylor Swift. She is excited to be there for your child and to help guide them as they accomplish new goals and challenge themselves to do hard things!

• Ms Lisa

  Lisa wanted to be a teacher for as long as she could remember and has been working with young children for over 20 years. She began her career after obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree and becoming certified in Special Education. In addition to teaching Pre-Kindergarten, Lisa really enjoys teaching art and working at a Summer Camp. Lisa is so happy to have joined The Goddard School of Monroe community!

• Ms Liz

  Liz first started working with children back in 2010 as an assistant dance teacher. From then on she knew working with children was something she loved to do! She has worked in numerous child care settings such as before and after school programs, running a summer camp in Trumbull CT, and working as a lead teacher in a child care center in Rhode Island. Liz has her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island and plans on continuing her education and getting her master’s in Elementary Education. Liz has experience with working with children ranging from as early as 6 weeks to 16 years old but preschool has a special place in her heart! Liz is very excited to move back to her hometown, Trumbull and begin a new chapter of her life at the Goddard School! She is looking forward to making connections and growing with the children and families!

• Ms Lori

  Lori has lived in Shelton, CT for over 36 years. She has been in the social service field for 35 years and has worked with children specifically for over 20 years! Lori obtained a bachelors degree in Social Services with an Early Childhood Minor from Charter Oak State College. She has three grown children of her own as well as 7 grandchildren! Lori enjoys helping young children grown and learn. She is looking forward to starting this new chapter here at the Goddard School!

• Ms Lorraine

  Lorraine has been a member of the Monroe community for 27 years. She studied Early Childhood Education at Housatonic Community College and earned a B.S. in Psychology from Sacred Heart University. Lorraine was a teacher and director of Kiddie Campus Preschool, in Monroe. She also taught Life Skills at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan. Ms. Lorraine believes that children are full of wonder and feels that teaching Pre-K is key to a foundation for children to discover a love of learning, in the hopes that they will be lifelong learners. Lorraine has 3 children and 5 grandchildren. She loves to dance, take walks, and play piano. Her favorite way to spend her time is with her family. She is looking forward to building relationships with her colleges, students, and parents at Goddard.

• Ms Maria

  Maria was born in Bridgeport, CT. She has several years of early childhood teaching experience with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. She began working in centers at the age of 18, has experience working as a nanny and for the last 12 years has worked at early childcare centers in Monroe. Her favorite part of working with children is watching their faces light up from learning new skills and observing the innocence of their play. Maria is very fond of Monroe and the community. Her and her husband moved here over 18 years ago and raised their 6 children here. She also has 2 granddaughters that are growing up here as well. Maria cherishes spending time with her family. Her interests include football, home decor, plants, and going to the movies, beach and dancing. She is thrilled to be a part of the Goddard School and Staff and is looking forward to building strong bonds and relationships with the children and families.

• Ms Mariah

  Mariah was born and raised in Bridgeport, CT. She went to University of Connecticut and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Mariah has always had two passions in life, which are helping people and working with children. For 7 years, she worked at an after school and summer program called The Lighthouse Program in her hometown. Working there has taught her patience and has only instilled her love for children. Mariah also babysat her 5 younger cousins who are all 2 years apart, which kept her on her toe! In her free time, Mariah enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family and gaming. She is excited to be working at the Goddard school, and can’t wait to see these young minds grow!

• Ms May

  May was born and raised in New Haven. She attended Syracuse University, majoring in Child and Family Studies with a minor in journalism. May started caring for children at age 13, babysitting for the neighborhood kids, and quickly developed a passion for working with children and watching them grow. She has worked in multiple childcare settings, including schools, summer camps, and was a professional nanny for 6 years. Outside of work, May loves to sing and play music, go hiking, and hang out with her 2 cats, Frank and Beans!

• Ms Megan

  Megan was born and raised in Bridgeport Connecticut. She has a bachelor's degree from Southern Connecticut State University with a Psychology Major and Sociology Minor. She started babysitting at 16 years old. She has been a nanny to multiple families while in school. She’s worked at after school programs like the Boys & Girls Club and also a member there as well. She’s always had a passion for working with children and helping people as well. Megan is also a certified personal trainer. In her free time she likes to read,go to the gym and spend time with her friends.

• Ms Meryl

  Meryl has been working in childcare since 2014. She has her degree in Early Childhood Education and has many years of experience in teaching young children. Meryl is a mother to her son JJ- who is in our toddler program here at Goddard, Monroe. In her off time she enjoys going on adventures with her family, spending time with her 5 brothers and sisters, and 7 nieces and nephews. Meryl is looking forward to guiding your children through learning and playing, while strengthening their independence and social skills for life.

• Ms Morghan

  Morghan has always loved working with children. She has experience with children ranging from the ages of 2-16 years old. From being a camp counselor, to teaching dance classes and preschool prep, she has had a variety of experiences with children of all different ages. Morghan graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management Recreation Administration from Mitchell College in New London, CT. Morghan loves teaching all children and is passionate about making sure they have fun while learning! She is excited to continue her journey here at the Goddard School and is looking forward to building more relationships with new families!

• Ms Reyna

  Reyna graduated from Norwalk Community College where she earned her Early Childhood Education Associates Degree. Ever since she was a little girl, Reyna knew that she wanted to work with children. Reyna has been working in this field since 2016 and has had a wonderful and rewarding experience thus far. One important aspect of her career here at the Goddard school is to build strong family relationships within the classroom. She personally loves spending good quality time with her family. Reyna enjoys watching movies and just talking about our everyday events with her family. She likes to advocate that same philosophy with the families in the classroom. Families are the most important people in the children lives and as a teacher, Reyna wants families to know that it is her pleasure to help in any way possible. Being a teacher was always her dream and she is so excited that she gets to fulfill her dream everyday by having the opportunity to teach here at the Goddard School.

• Ms Sabrina

  Sabrina has been working in the childcare field since her first job in high school in 1996. She received her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. The majority of her career was spent working with infants. Sabrina spent the majority of her life in Norwalk however just recently moved to Shelton with her family. She has been married for 12 years and has young children ages 10, 7 & 5. In her spare time she loves to spend time with her family and play outdoor activities, read, workout and do puzzles. Sabrina is very excited to join the Goddard family.

• Ms Vanessa

  Vanessa has been in childcare since 2007, from babysitting, volunteer work for elementary schools, to becoming an infant/toddler teacher. Working in childcare is something she has always been very passionate about. She strives to help little ones be the best they can be, reaching their milestones, while having fun, and making memories. Some things she enjoys on her free time is reading, crafting, and spending time with her own 2 children. Vanessa is excited to be a part of the Goddard team, and she looks forward to building bonds with the little ones as well as their families!

• Ms Vanessa

  Vanessa originally is from a city outside of Boston and moved to Connecticut in 2019. Vanessa has been working with children since 2014! She originally went to college for elementary education, but realized she preferred working with children in early education. She graduated with her associates in liberal arts. She started her career in facilitating parent child playgroups and moved onto working within the classroom. She mainly has experience with preschool students as well as toddlers. Vanessa has worked at a Goddard School before and is excited to join the Goddard team here in Monroe! Her favorite part about being a teacher is watching her students grow and learn everyday!

• Ms Yorladis

  Yorladis is a passionate and experienced childcare professional, With 9 years of dedicated childcare experience, she has had the privilege of nurturing and supporting children from diverse backgrounds. As a mother herself, she understands the importance of creating a nurturing environment where little ones can thrive both academically and emotionally. In addition to her childcare expertise, she also brings valuable insights from her previous role as a behavioral therapist. This experience has equipped her with a unique set of skills to address individual needs and foster positive interactions among children. She firmly believe that every child's growth and development is a collaborative journey, she is eager to learn from them as much as they learn from her. Yorladis looks forward to embark on this new adventure here at the Goddard School!

• Ms Yuliya

  Yuliya has always wanted to be a teacher. She found her passion for working with children when she first started to babysit for her church families back in 2010. Her dedication and passion continued as she worked as a counselor during the summer in NY. Yuliya went to Norwalk Community College and got her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has previously worked at a Goddard School so she knows all about the Goddard philosophy! Yuliya is extremely dedicated to helping each of the students in her class as much as possible as she wants to shape them to be the best they can in the future! In her free time, Yuliya enjoys doing many outdoor activities including hiking and biking with her loved ones. She also enjoys shopping and trying new restaurants! Yuliya is eager to continue her educational career, especially now that she is working with us here at the Goddard School!

• Ms Ana

  Ms. Ana has been a Connecticut resident since the age of one. She graduated at the University of Connecticut with her Bachelors in Human Development & Family Sciences. She continues her studies in Stratford, CT on the path to becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, hoping to work in pediatrics or OB when finished. Working with children brings her so much joy as she loves watching them grow and see their personalities come to life. On her time off she enjoys a good outdoor activity or watching movies/series with loved ones. She is excited to build connections and make a positive impact here at Goddard!

• Ms Anabella

  Anabella grew up in Stratford, CT along with her 3 siblings. She has had a passion for childcare since the age of 13, when her first nephew was born. Since then, Anabella has worked in daycare centers, summer camps, and after school programs. Ani is also a licensed cosmetologist! She loves art, and incorporating it into everyday life. In her spare time, Anabella enjoys traveling and relaxing at the beach. She is so excited to be apart of the Goddard team!

• Ms Juliana

  Juliana grew up in Monroe, CT. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of Hartford. Over the past five years, Juliana has dedicated her career to teaching, focusing on making a positive impact in the lives of children and contributing to the betterment of the community. Her passion for psychology and sociology is evident in the thoughtful and compassionate approach she takes to inspiring and educating the students that she encounters. Juliana is thrilled to be working at the Goddard School and is looking forward to developing relationships with the children and families here!

• Ms Kaitlin

  Kaitlin was born and raised in Connecticut. She has always had a love and passion for working with children. Kaitlin has been working with children since she was 15 years old and has experience working with ages 0-12. She is currently attending Southern Connecticut State University for her bachelors degree in Elementary and Special Education. She also plans to obtain her Masters Degree. The biggest reason why Kaitlin wanted to pursue this career choice is because she loves watching children learn and grow. She takes a lot of pride in making a difference in their lives! In her free time Kaitlin loves spending time with her family and friends. She is so excited and grateful to be a part of the Goddard School Family and looks forward to being a part of each child’s learning experience!

• Ms Melissa

  Melissa was born and raised in Pennsylvania and moved to Connecticut in 2019. She is going to school to receive her bachelors degree in early childhood education with a focus on special education. Melissa has always enjoyed working with kids. She has also enjoyed helping her grandmother with the children at her daycare growing up and started babysitting neighbors’ kids and grandkids at 11 years old. In her free time, Melissa enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends!

• Ms Rania

  Rania was born and raised in Syria. She moved to the states in 1994, received her high school diploma and continued her schooling at Housatonic Community College to pursue a degree in Biology. Rania is the oldest of six siblings and is the mother of four children and has been working in the childcare field since 2015. Rania has a passion for cooking and spent many years working in the catering industry. She is so happy to be on the Goddard Team and looks forward to helping our Goddard students learn and grow.

• Ms Trinity

  Trinity has a Bachelor’s in Social Work and minor in Psychology. She has always had a love for working with children and has done so since her high school career, through daycare programs, before and after school programs and working at the Department of Children and Families. In her free time Trinity enjoys spending time with her friends, reading, writing, and crafting. She looks forward to working with all of the children and families here at the Goddard School!

• Ms Kimberly

  Kimberly was raised in Bridgeport, CT. With a bachelor’s in Sociology and Women’s Studies, Kimberly has grown very passionate about the development and well-being of all people and in specific, children. She has experience working in before/after school care programs and has babysat occasionally since she was 18. Her favorite part about working with children is watching them grow confident in themselves and their abilities! Outside of work, Kimberly is a creative at heart and loves to sew, read, write, and dance. She is excited to be a part of the Goddard School and to nurture the creativity of the students here!

• Ms Larissa

  Larissa was born and raised in Northwestern Connecticut. She has a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College with a double major in psychology and public health. She has been trained in classical ballet and taught kindergarten ballet classes at Main Street Ballet. Larissa has had experience with children and older adolescents, as a preschool teacher’s aide at a residential treatment center, a babysitter, and a case manager at a youth shelter. While Larissa was a teacher’s aide, she also taught music and movement classes to her students. Larissa also spends some of her time as a soprano soloist and section leader at a church in Waterbury. She is looking forward to building relationships with the children and families here at the Goddard School!

• Ms Melanie

  Melanie was born in The Bronx, NY, and lived there until the age of 18 when she moved to Connecticut for college in 2020. She will be graduating in May with her undergraduate degree in Sport Management with a minor in Psychology. Following graduation, Melanie’s plan is to obtain her masters in lower education and become a full- time lower elementary school teacher. She has experience coaching children from ages 4-17 in softball and baseball and also has experience with her younger family members who range in age from 10 months to 11 years old. Melanie has a strong interest in regard to children’s communication skills and enjoys focusing on teaching them how to express themselves in their own individual ways. Melanie is excited to begin this new journey at the Goddard School!

• Ms Melissa

  Melissa has loved working with children since her first opportunity to do so in college. As a lover of literature, Melissa studied English and minored in education as an undergraduate. When pursuing her masters degree Melissa decided to continue to learn about education. In 2022 Melissa graduated Southern Connecticut State University with MAT in elementary education. After two years as a building substitute, Melissa took time away from public schools to watch and teach her niece and nephew, both of whom were under the age of five. It was in this time that Melissa discovered her love for early childhood education, which led her to The Goddard School. Melissa believes that compassion, patience, and empathy are of the utmost importance when working with children. Melissa is looking forward to learning as she joins the Goddard team and looks forward to what the future holds!