Our Goddard School Teachers

Miss Shelina is honored to bring The Goddard School to Orlando - Lake Nona and the surrounding communities. She and her husband have 2 young children and have been resident of Orlando since 2005. Shelina can think of no other work environment that is more fun and rewarding than a preschool. She feels that it is extremely gratifying to know she is providing a safe, happy and high quality preschool program that allows parents to walk out of her school with peace of mind. She is excited to provide the students with the opportunity to develop into happy and confident learners who are prepared for school and life!

Hi, my name is Cathy and I have been the director of The Goddard School Orlando for 3 and a half years now. I have a total of 22 years experience in the early childhood education field. I have a 17 year old daughter and have lived in Orlando for 3 years. I was born in Long Island New York and moved to Florida in 2000. I have spent most of my years in Florida living in Merritt Island. I love Disney and hanging out with my family on the weekends. My favorite children's book is I Love You Forever.

Jenny Estevez is a Lead Teacher who has been a valued member of The Goddard School team since 2020 and has worked in the early childhood education field since 2012. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and brings a nurturing, supportive approach to the classroom. Jenny loves working with infants because she enjoys helping young children learn and grow during some of their most important developmental years. She finds teaching especially rewarding as she watches babies discover new concepts, reach developmental milestones, and build skills that will support their future learning and success. Jenny is dedicated to creating a warm, safe, and engaging environment where each child can thrive, explore, and develop at their own pace.

Bellysol Serrano is an Assistant Teacher who has been a dedicated member of The Goddard School team since 2021 and has worked in the early childhood education field since 2006. She holds a High School Diploma and has completed 45 DCF training hours. Bellysol is passionate about working with infants and loves teaching babies through play, helping them explore, learn, and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. She believes that children are our future and finds great joy in supporting their development while ensuring they feel cared for and encouraged every day. Watching children discover new skills and learn about the world around them is one of the most rewarding parts of her role. Outside of the classroom, her favorite children’s book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?. One of her favorite memories at Goddard is watching babies grow into toddlers and eventually graduate from VPK, celebrating each milestone along the way.

Hello, I'm Yelida Rodriguez, and I've been working in the Early Childhood Education field for 12 years. I enjoy working with children of all ages, but babies hold a special place in my heart! My favorite color is sky blue, and one of my hobbies is playing the piano. I'm a cheerful person who absolutely loves kids. One of my favorite books is "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle.

Tina Loughman is a Lead Teacher who joined The Goddard School in 2026 and has been working in the early childhood education field since 1993. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, a Director’s Credential, and an Early Childhood Education Certification. Tina is passionate about helping young learners develop a love of learning and believes that education should be both meaningful and fun. Her favorite part of working with VPK students is seeing their excitement when they master new concepts and eagerly share what they have learned. She finds great joy in fostering curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning. Outside of the classroom, Tina’s favorite children’s book is Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. She prefers tea over coffee and is currently enjoying watching Criminal Minds. She looks forward to helping each child learn, grow, and thrive throughout the school year.

My name is Maria, and I’m originally from Venezuela. I’ve been living in the USA for 10 years and have dedicated the past 7 years to working in Early Childhood Education. Childcare is my true passion because I find so much joy in watching children grow, develop, and transform as they learn. Being a part of their journey and contributing to their milestones is incredibly rewarding. My favorite children’s book is “Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?”

Maria Botelho is an Assistant Teacher who joined The Goddard School in 2026 and began her career in early childhood education in 2025. She holds an Associate degree in Biology and brings a thoughtful, nurturing approach to working with young children. Maria’s favorite part of teaching is watching children’s personalities blossom and hearing them begin to express their own independent thoughts and ideas. She loves working with toddlers because everything is new and exciting to them, and she enjoys sharing in their enthusiasm as they discover and learn new things each day. Maria finds it especially rewarding to make a positive impact during such an important stage of a child’s growth and development while building meaningful connections filled with care and encouragement. Outside of the classroom, her favorite children’s book is The Little Prince. Maria is dedicated to creating a warm and engaging environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to learn.

Abigail Hunt is a Lead Teacher who joined The Goddard School in 2026 and has been working in the early childhood education field since 2023. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and is currently pursuing an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. Abigail’s favorite part of teaching is watching children’s personalities develop and seeing them begin to form independent thoughts and ideas. She loves teaching because education has been an important part of her life since childhood, and she has always enjoyed working with children and helping them learn about the world around them. Abigail is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, and growth. Outside of the classroom, her favorite children’s books are The Very Hungry Caterpillar and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

My name is Modesta, and I am originally from Colombia. I moved to the United States 13 years ago and am proud to be a mother of two and a grandmother to three wonderful grandchildren. I’ve been a preschool teacher for over 10 years, and working with children is truly my passion. I chose this field because I love that each child brings their unique personality and teaches you something new every day. Their development, growth, and well-being are incredibly important to me, and I strive to create a nurturing and supportive environment where they can thrive. My favorite children’s book is “The 3 Little Pigs”.

Roselaure Joseph is a Lead Teacher who joined The Goddard School in 2025 and has been working in the early childhood education field since 2015. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, a degree in Behavioral Studies, a Bachelor's degree in Speech, and is certified in CPR and First Aid. Roselaure loves working with 2- and 3-year-olds because of the joy and laughter they bring each day. Her favorite part of teaching is experiencing the funny moments that naturally occur while children learn and grow. She enjoys teaching because every day offers an opportunity to learn something new alongside her students, making each day exciting and rewarding. Roselaure is dedicated to creating a caring and engaging classroom environment where children feel encouraged to explore, discover, and build confidence.

Lydia Gonzalez is an Assistant Teacher who joined The Goddard School in 2025 and has been working in the early childhood education field since 2003. She has completed one year of college coursework and has extensive professional training, including 45 DCF hours, an additional 120 hours of online and in-class training, the NICCM CDA Fast Track Certificate, CPR training, and the COR Advantage Assessment Certification. Lydia is passionate about early childhood education and loves working with young children because of their boundless curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. She enjoys witnessing the exciting milestones that occur each day, from language development and growing independence to creative expression and problem-solving. For Lydia, every day is filled with joy as she experiences children’s genuine affection, wonder, and excitement about the world around them. She finds teaching deeply rewarding, creative, and transformative, and is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment

Hi! I am Ms. Leonor. I’m originally from Venezuela and moved to Orlando with my mother and daughter 3 years ago. I’ve been working in education for 15 years, starting with preschool and continuing through kindergarten. Ever since I was 12 years old, I dreamed of becoming a teacher. I chose the childcare field because I’ve always had a passion for shaping young minds and helping children build a strong foundation for their future. Now, every day, I have the privilege of living my dream by supporting their growth, fostering their creativity, and watching them thrive. It’s a truly fulfilling journey! My favorite children’s book is “The Lorax”. 

Sophia Gonzalez is a Lead Teacher who joined The Goddard School in 2026 and has been working in the early childhood education field since 2022. She holds an Associate Degree in Child Development and is passionate about creating engaging learning experiences for young children. Sophia’s favorite part of being a teacher is listening to her students’ stories and learning about the unique perspectives they bring to the classroom each day. She loves teaching because she enjoys seeing the excitement on children’s faces when they realize they have learned something new and accomplished a goal. Her goal is to foster a positive, nurturing environment where children feel confident, curious, and eager to learn.

Laura Freshour is a Lead Teacher who has been a valued member of The Goddard School team since 2022 and has worked in the early childhood education field since 1995. She holds an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and a DCF Staff Credential. Laura loves working with Pre-K children because of their natural curiosity, sense of wonder, and excitement for learning. Her favorite part of teaching is helping children grow through social and emotional discovery, building the skills and confidence they need for future success. When she’s not in the classroom, Laura enjoys reading children’s books, especially those by Diane Alber, and she’ll choose a cup of tea over coffee any day. One of her favorite Goddard memories is celebrating graduation day and watching her students take the next step in their educational journey.

Teshauni Thompson is a Resource Teacher who joined The Goddard School in 2026 and began her career in early childhood education in 2025. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and an Associate of Arts degree. Teshauni is passionate about supporting children as they learn, grow, and discover new things each day. Her favorite part of working with young learners is watching their development unfold while serving as a positive role model and trusted teacher. She loves teaching because it gives her the opportunity to help shape the future, bring joy to children every day, and create meaningful connections that foster a lifelong love of learning. Teshauni is dedicated to providing a nurturing and engaging environment where every child feels supported, encouraged, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Serenity Parks is a Resource Teacher who joined The Goddard School in 2025 and has been working in the early childhood education field since 2020. She holds a high school diploma and is currently completing her 45 DCF training hours. As a Resource Teacher, Serenity has the unique opportunity to work with children from infancy through VPK, which allows her to build strong relationships with children across the school and support their learning and development at every stage. She loves teaching because she knows she is helping to educate and shape the future minds of tomorrow, and she finds it incredibly rewarding to make a positive impact in children’s lives each day. Serenity is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Hi there! I'm Ely, and I'm from the Dominican Republic. For the past two years, I've had the joy of working with children, which has been such a rewarding experience. When I’m not spending time with the little ones, I love crocheting, trying out new recipes, and taking care of my plants. I also have two dogs, Bella and Oso, who mean the world to me. I'm excited to meet all of you and build meaningful connections! One of my all-time favorite children's book is "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie."

Ms. Kylie

Genesis Duran is a Resource Teacher who joined The Goddard School in 2026 and began her career in early childhood education the same year. She holds a high school diploma and is passionate about supporting young learners as they explore and grow. Genesis enjoys working with children because every day brings new opportunities for discovery and learning. Her favorite part of teaching is watching children experience those exciting “light bulb” moments when they understand something new and their curiosity comes to life. She is dedicated to creating a positive, encouraging environment where children feel confident to learn, explore, and develop new skills. Outside of the classroom, her favorite children’s book is Where the Wild Things Are, a timeless story that celebrates imagination, adventure, and creativity.

Belisa Rosa is a Resource Teacher who joined The Goddard School in 2026 and has been working in the early childhood education field since 1994. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Language Sciences and brings decades of experience and knowledge to the classroom. Belisa loves working with young children, especially watching babies grow, learn, and develop new skills so quickly. She finds teaching incredibly rewarding because it allows her to help educate and inspire the children who will one day shape the future. Her passion for nurturing early development helps create a supportive and engaging environment where children can thrive. Outside of the classroom, Belisa enjoys reading, with Oh, the Places You'll Go! being one of her favorite children’s books. She also enjoys reading cookbooks, trying new recipes, and watching NBA basketball.