Our Goddard School Teachers

Ms. Penny is the proud founder and onsite owner of our school, which she opened in 2008 after searching for a high-quality early childhood program for her own child. A graduate of Rutgers University, Ms. Penny began her career as a Software Engineer, working in the field for five years before following her passion for early childhood education. As a mother of six, Ms. Penny understands the importance of providing children with a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. She takes great pride in supporting an exceptional team of educators and fostering a school community that feels like family. One of Ms. Penny's favorite parts of each day is watching the meaningful interactions between teachers and children and seeing the joy of learning come to life in the classroom. Her dedication to excellence and commitment to families continue to guide the school's mission and success.

Ms. Crystal is the Education Director at our school and has been a valued member of our Goddard family since August 2012. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Plattsburgh State University, where she developed a strong foundation in child development and early learning. With more than a decade of experience in early childhood education, Ms. Crystal spent many years teaching in the preschool classroom before becoming the Education Director. Her educational background and hands-on experience allow her to support teachers, guide families, and help children reach important developmental milestones. Ms. Crystal is passionate about partnering with families and creating positive learning experiences for every child. Her favorite part of working in early childhood education is spending time with the children, whose joy, curiosity, and laughter make every day rewarding.

Ms. Breanna is our Office Manager and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since August 2021. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our school, holding an Associate's Degree in Education, a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development, and a certification in Speech Therapy. With years of experience working with children of all ages, Ms. Breanna is passionate about supporting both families and educators to create a positive and welcoming school environment. As the person who helps keep our school running smoothly each day, she enjoys building relationships with families and being part of each child's early learning journey. Originally from Hawaii, Ms. Breanna has called Arizona home for the past eight years. Outside of school, she enjoys working out, taking road trips, and spending time with her two daughters.

Ms. Jazie is the Lead Teacher in our Koalas Infant Program and has been working in early childhood education for over nine years. An Arizona native, she earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in 2020 and is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, as well as a certification in Speech Therapy. As both an educator and a parent with a child enrolled at our school, Ms. Jazie understands the importance of creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can grow and thrive. She is passionate about supporting each child's development and loves watching infants reach new milestones and build the foundations for lifelong learning. Ms. Jazie's dedication to early childhood education is matched by her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys painting and spending time with her family. She is honored to play a role in helping young children learn, grow, and discover the world around them.

Ms. Markeda is an Assistant Teacher in our Koalas Infant Program and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since May 2024. Originally from Hot Springs, Arkansas, she served seven years of active duty in the U.S. Army and currently continues her service as a Sergeant in the Army Reserves. While serving in the military, Ms. Markeda began pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education, reflecting her strong commitment to supporting and nurturing young children. She brings dedication, discipline, and compassion into the classroom each day, helping create a safe and caring environment for infants to grow and thrive. Her favorite part of working with children is engaging with them daily and witnessing their growth and learning milestones. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking and exploring Arizona with her daughter.

Ms. Caitlin is the Lead Teacher in our Penguins Classroom and is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging environment where toddlers can learn, explore, and grow. An Arizona native, she spent most of her life in Phoenix before earning her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in Tucson. With her background in psychology and early childhood education, Ms. Caitlin understands the importance of supporting children's social, emotional, and cognitive development during the critical toddler years. She loves helping young children build confidence, develop independence, and discover the world around them in a safe and caring classroom environment. Her favorite part of working in childcare is providing a space where children feel secure, supported, and encouraged to reach new milestones every day. Outside of school, Ms. Caitlin enjoys spending time with her dog and cat, swimming, and making memories with family and friends.

Ms. Emma is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler Program and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since March 2026. With nearly 10 years of experience in early childhood education, she brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, and enthusiasm to the classroom each day. Originally from Montana, Ms. Emma recently moved to Arizona and is enjoying all that the state has to offer. As a mother of two, she understands the importance of creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can learn and grow. Ms. Emma loves bringing fun, energy, and positivity into the classroom. She enjoys encouraging toddlers' natural curiosity through hands-on learning, play, and exploration while helping them build confidence and independence. Her warm personality and caring nature help children feel supported as they reach new milestones and discover the world around them. Outside of school, Ms. Emma enjoys paddle boarding, kayaking, and playing disc golf with family and friends.

Ms. Sydni is the Lead Teacher in our Chimps Toddler Classroom and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since May 2022. With more than seven years of experience working with children ranging from infants to elementary school age, she brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, and enthusiasm to her classroom each day. Ms. Sydni is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where children feel loved, supported, and confident to explore the world around them. She believes that the toddler years are filled with incredible growth and enjoys helping children build independence, develop new skills, and reach important developmental milestones. Her favorite part of teaching is providing a second home for her students and witnessing the joy, curiosity, and unique personalities they bring to the classroom each day. Outside of school, Ms. Sydni enjoys listening to music, spending time with her animals, and is a proud fan of the K-pop group BTS.

Ms. Abby is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler Program and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since January 2026. She brings over six years of experience working with children and has a true passion for early childhood education. Ms. Abby loves creating fun, engaging, and supportive learning experiences for toddlers as they explore the world around them. She enjoys building strong connections with children and believes learning through play is one of the most important parts of early development. Her enthusiasm and positive energy help create a joyful classroom environment where children feel encouraged to learn and grow. Born and raised in Arizona, Ms. Abby enjoys spending time outdoors and often travels north for camping and adventure. She especially loves collecting rocks, fossils, and other natural treasures she discovers along the way.

Ms. Rebecca is the Lead Teacher in our Chameleons Twos Program and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since June 2023. With over 10 years of experience working with children, she brings a strong foundation of knowledge, patience, and enthusiasm to her classroom each day. Ms. Rebecca is passionate about early childhood education and loves creating meaningful “lightbulb moments” where children make discoveries and gain confidence in their learning. She is dedicated to supporting each child’s growth during these important developmental years and enjoys watching them explore, learn, and develop independence in a nurturing environment. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Rebecca enjoys spending time with her children and cats, hiking, shopping, and watching movies.

Ms. Wulan is the Lead Teacher in our Macaws Program and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since August 2016. She holds her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from the National Credentialing Program, demonstrating her commitment to professional growth in early childhood education. Ms. Wulan is passionate about helping toddlers explore the world around them through play-based learning. She loves introducing new and exciting experiences that encourage curiosity, independence, and early social development during these important foundational years. She is also trilingual in English, Korean, and Indonesian, which allows her to connect with families from diverse backgrounds and support a rich, inclusive classroom environment. Ms. Wulan believes deeply in the power of positive role modeling and creating meaningful learning experiences each day for young children.

Ms. AnnMarie is an Assistant Teacher in our Macaws Program and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since January 2021. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, she moved to Arizona in 2008 and brings over 15 years of experience in childcare, along with 8 years of experience in home care. Ms. AnnMarie is dedicated to creating a fun, safe, and nurturing environment where children can thrive. She is passionate about early childhood education and loves watching children learn, grow, and laugh each day. Her positive energy and caring nature help make every classroom experience warm and welcoming. She is a proud mother and grandmother who values family deeply and enjoys spending her free time with loved ones. For Ms. AnnMarie, working with children is especially meaningful, as their joy and curiosity brighten her days. “One day at a time.”

Ms. Jasmine is an Assistant Teacher in our Chameleons Twos Classroom and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since April 2023. Originally from Southern California, she has also lived in Montana and moved to Arizona in 2019. She holds an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology and Behavioral Science, which supports her understanding of child development and behavior during the early learning years. Ms. Jasmine is passionate about early childhood education and enjoys helping children explore the world around them with curiosity and excitement. Her favorite part of working with children is seeing their joy and wonder in everyday moments that adults often overlook. She loves supporting their growth as they learn, discover, and build confidence in a nurturing classroom environment. Outside of school, Ms. Jasmine enjoys traveling, running with her dog, and caring for her chickens and ducks.

Ms. Jessica is the Lead Teacher in our Zebras Classroom and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since March 2025. Originally from Aurora, Colorado, she moved to Arizona in 2010 and brings over five years of childcare experience to her role. Ms. Jessica is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education at Grand Canyon University, further strengthening her knowledge and passion for supporting young learners. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing, engaging classroom environment where children feel supported as they grow, explore, and develop their unique personalities. Her favorite part of working with children is watching their daily growth and discovery. She finds it incredibly rewarding to be part of their early learning journey as they build confidence and learn new skills. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Jessica enjoys spending time with her dogs and going to the movies.

Ms. Dianne is an Assistant Teacher in our Zebras Bridge Program and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since January 2020, joining our Gilbert location in July 2023. She brings a strong passion for early childhood education and is dedicated to supporting children’s academic, emotional, and social growth during these important developmental years. Ms. Dianne enjoys building meaningful connections with her students and takes pride in helping them gain confidence and independence as they prepare for their next stage of learning. She believes in creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment where every child feels seen and encouraged to succeed. She is proficient in Tagalog and enjoys baking and playing video games in her free time.

Ms. Teya is the Lead Teacher in our Dolphins Preschool Classroom and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since June 2025. Originally from Idaho, she moved to Arizona in 2007 and has been working in early childhood education since 2018. She is also a licensed postpartum doula, reflecting her strong passion for caring for and supporting families. Ms. Teya brings a nurturing and compassionate approach to her classroom, creating a safe and engaging environment where children feel confident to learn and grow. One of her favorite parts of teaching is incorporating art into daily experiences, encouraging creativity, imagination, and self-expression. She loves helping children discover their unique voices and feel proud of who they are as learners. Ms. Teya is dedicated to inspiring a love of learning while supporting each child’s social, emotional, and creative development.

Ms. Abby is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Program and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since January 2026. She brings over six years of experience in early childhood education and a strong passion for working with young children. Ms. Abby is dedicated to creating a fun, engaging, and supportive classroom environment where children feel encouraged to learn, explore, and grow. She believes in fostering joy through everyday learning experiences and strives to make each child feel confident and successful in the classroom. Her goal is to spread joy wherever she goes and help create meaningful, positive connections with children and families. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Abby enjoys spending time with her husband and puppy, reading, watching reality TV, and spending time outdoors with friends and family. She also enjoys shopping and staying active in her community.

Ms. Yolanda is an Assistant Teacher in our Dolphins Preschool Program and brings over 35 years of experience in early childhood education. Originally from California, she has called Arizona home for the past five years. Ms. Yolanda is passionate about supporting young learners and creating a warm, nurturing classroom environment where children feel safe to grow and thrive. She loves watching children’s unique personalities blossom and enjoys being part of their early learning journey. Her goal is to help build a strong foundation for children to develop kindness, confidence, and strong character as they grow. In her free time, she enjoys reading.

Ms. Sofia is the Lead Teacher in our Polar Bears Pre-K Program and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since October 2024. She brings over 8 years of experience in early childhood education and a strong academic background, holding a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. Originally from Colombia, she moved to the United States in 2013. Ms. Sofia is passionate about preparing children for kindergarten through engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences. She loves witnessing the excitement children feel when they reach new milestones and build confidence in their abilities. In her free time, Ms. Sofia enjoys hiking, listening to music, reading, and spending time with her cat.

Ms. Jan is the Lead Teacher in our Pre-K Program and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since April 2024. Originally from Kentucky, she has also lived in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia before settling in Arizona in 2000. She brings over 12 years of experience working with young children and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. Ms. Jan is passionate about early childhood education and loves incorporating art into children’s daily learning experiences. She enjoys creating meaningful, hands-on opportunities that encourage creativity, self-expression, and confidence. She finds great joy in seeing the excitement on children’s faces when they master new skills and accomplish tasks on their own. In her free time, Ms. Jan enjoys making art, practicing yoga, and watching a good movie.

Ms. Star is a Resource Teacher who supports classrooms across our program, working with children ages 6 weeks through five years old. She has been a valued and loyal member of the Goddard family since December 2018. Ms. Star has a true passion for early childhood education and loves being able to work with children in a variety of age groups. Her favorite part of being a teacher is engaging in play and creating joyful moments that help children feel happy, safe, and supported throughout their day. She finds great fulfillment in seeing children smile, explore, and grow through meaningful interactions. Dedicated and dependable, Ms. Star takes pride in supporting both children and teachers wherever she is needed, helping ensure each classroom environment is positive and nurturing.

Ms. Leanna is a Resource Teacher and has been a valued member of the Goddard family since joining our team. Born and raised in Arizona, she has been involved in childcare her entire life, beginning as the oldest sibling to two brothers and later gaining experience through Sunday School teaching and professional nannying after high school. Ms. Leanna is passionate about working with children and brings a joyful, energetic presence into every classroom she supports. She loves connecting with children of all ages, encouraging learning through play, and helping create fun, engaging experiences that support growth and development. With a background in musical theatre, Ms. Leanna hopes to one day pursue her dream of becoming a drama teacher. She especially enjoys incorporating music, movement, arts and crafts, and singing into her interactions with children, making learning fun and memorable.

Ms. Mahjoba is a Resource Teacher here at The Goddard School with 15 years of experience in early childhood education. Originally from Kabul, Afghanistan, she attended Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland and brings a strong educational foundation to her work with young children. Ms. Mahjoba is dedicated to supporting children’s emotional, social, and academic development through meaningful interactions and engaging learning experiences. She enjoys spending time with children as they explore activities that encourage curiosity, growth, and confidence in a nurturing environment. She is fluent in English, Farsi, Arabic, Pashto, and Urdu/Hindi, allowing her to connect with diverse families and support an inclusive classroom community where every child feels valued and understood.

Ms. Lucy (Yunjing) is a Resource Teacher at The Goddard School and is passionate about supporting children as they learn, explore, and grow. Originally from China, she now calls Arizona home and was inspired to begin working with children through the children’s ministry at her church. Since entering the field of early childhood education, Ms. Lucy has discovered a true joy in helping young learners build confidence through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions. She enjoys continuing to grow professionally through training and classroom experience, and she loves celebrating the small milestones and smiles that make each day rewarding. Ms. Lucy’s goal is to be a teacher who brings warmth, patience, and joy to every child she works with. Outside of school, she enjoys relaxing at home, visiting grocery stores and malls, and trying new foods. She is grateful to be part of each child’s early learning journey.