Ms. Kim is the proud owner of The Goddard School in Monroe, CT, which has been providing NAEYC-accredited early childhood education since 2016 for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. With nearly nine years of leadership at the Monroe location, she recently expanded by opening a second center in Shelton, CT. A mother and stepmother to two sets of twins, Kim has always had a passion for working with children. She studied Elementary Education at Florida Atlantic University and previously managed small businesses before finding her calling in early education. Kim also serves as an elected representative on the Goddard Systems Advisory Council for the Northeast region, helping shape the future of early childhood education across the franchise. She is committed to providing families with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and takes pride in seeing children thrive. Kim believes that quality early education sets the stage for future success.

Heather has been working with children for as long as she can remember, inspired by her mother who was a preschool teacher for over 25 years. Her journey in early childhood education began at the University of Connecticut’s Child Development Laboratories, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood. Heather joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2016 after working at a different Goddard School location for 3 years. After six years in a classroom, she transitioned into leadership as the Assistant Director and now serves as the Director of Family Engagement and Enrollment. In this role, she is passionate about building strong relationships with families and ensuring a welcoming, supportive experience from the very first interaction. She believes that a warm, nurturing classroom environment is essential for children’s growth and learning. In her free time, Heather enjoys running, hiking, spending time with her dog Zeke, and visiting with her family.

Mariah was born and raised in Bridgeport, CT and has always had two passions in life: helping people and working with children. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology from the UCONN, followed by a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Her experience includes seven years working at The Lighthouse Program—an after-school and summer program in her hometown—where she developed patience and a deep love for supporting young learners. Mariah also gained hands-on experience caring for her five younger cousins, all close in age, which kept her on her toes and strengthened her caregiving skills. Since joining The Goddard School in 2019, Mariah has grown into her current role as Director of Operations. She is passionate about creating a smooth, supportive environment for both families and staff, ensuring that every child receives the highest quality care and education. In her free time, Mariah enjoys traveling!

Liz began her journey in education in 2010 as an assistant dance teacher, where she quickly discovered her passion for inspiring young minds. Since then, she has built a diverse and well-rounded background in early childhood education, working in a variety of settings including before and after school programs, directing a summer camp in Trumbull, and serving as a lead teacher at a childcare center in Rhode Island. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island and brings over a decade of experience working with children from infancy through adolescence. Her leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of child development and a commitment to fostering a supportive, enriching environment for both students and educators. Since joining The Goddard School in 2020, Liz has been passionate about mentoring teachers, enhancing curriculum quality, and building strong relationships with families. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing by the beach on Cape Cod.

Heather, a Connecticut native, has been a dedicated member of The Goddard School team since 2018. As the youngest of four siblings, she has spent the past 20 years helping care for her nieces and nephews, which sparked her passion for early childhood education. With over 15 years of professional childcare experience—including three years as a nanny for infant triplets—Heather brings a deep well of knowledge, patience, and compassion to her role. In her free time, she enjoys reading mystery novels, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with family and friends. Recently, Heather welcomed her own baby girl, who now attends The Goddard School alongside her. She finds great joy in nurturing the growth and development of the infants in her care and is passionate about creating a warm, supportive environment for every child.

Vanessa has been committed to early childhood education since 2007, gaining valuable experience through babysitting, volunteering in elementary schools, and working as an infant and toddler teacher. She joined The Goddard School in 2024 and brings with her a deep passion for nurturing young children as they grow, learn, and reach important developmental milestones. Vanessa is dedicated to creating a joyful and engaging learning environment where children can thrive while making lasting memories. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending quality time with her two children. Vanessa is proud to be part of The Goddard School community and looks forward to building meaningful connections with the children and their families.

Diana brings years of experience working with children of all ages, from being a private nanny to a learning support specialist and preschool teacher. While she has enjoyed working with every age group, infants hold a special place in her heart. Her dedication to making each child feel included, seen, and heard reflects her deep care and commitment to early childhood development. Diana is passionate about learning the stages of child development and creating nurturing, supportive environments. Outside of the classroom, she loves spending time outdoors—especially with dogs!

Victoria, a Fairfield, CT native, has been passionate about working with children since she began babysitting at the age of 13. She brings a well-rounded background in childcare, having worked in daycare settings, summer camp programs, and as both a babysitter and nanny. Her experience spans a wide age range—from infants as young as 3 months to children up to 13 years old. Victoria joined The Goddard School in 2024 and is enthusiastic about supporting each child’s growth and development in a nurturing, engaging environment. In her free time, Victoria enjoys working out and spending time with her family.

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!

Brittany is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychological Studies. She recently completed a teaching assistant position at the UConn Child Development Labs, gaining valuable hands-on experience in observing and supporting developmental milestones in young children. Her academic background and practical experience have fueled her passion for early childhood education, and she is excited to bring her knowledge and enthusiasm to The Goddard School. Brittany looks forward to fostering a nurturing and engaging environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive.

Heather has been a valued member of The Goddard School of Monroe since 2017, bringing over 40 years of experience working with children of all ages—from infants as young as 6 weeks to teenagers up to 18 years old. Her extensive background includes roles in 24-hour childcare, home childcare, nannying, preschool, infant and toddler care, before and after school programs, and leadership positions such as Sunday School Superintendent and Youth Group Leader. One of Heather’s greatest joys in her career has been seeing former students return to work alongside her and entrusting her with the care of their own children. Her lifelong dedication to nurturing young minds is matched by her love of travel—she has explored Germany, France, England, Scotland, Canada, the Czech Republic, Austria, and many states across the U.S. Heather is passionate about creating a warm, supportive environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive, and she is proud to be part of the Goddard School community.

Maria has been working in early childhood education since the age of 18. She brings several years of experience caring for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in a variety of settings, including home childcare, nannying, and early childhood centers. For the last decade, she has worked in Monroe, where she and her husband have lived for over 20 years and raised their six children. Maria also cherishes time with her two granddaughters, who are growing up in the same community. Maria joined The Goddard School in 2023 and is known for her exceptional organizational skills and warm, nurturing approach. Her favorite part of working with children is witnessing the joy on their faces as they learn new skills and engage in imaginative play. Outside of work, Maria enjoys spending time with her family, watching football, decorating her home, caring for plants, going to the movies, relaxing at the beach, and dancing.

Lisa has dreamed of becoming a teacher for as long as she can remember and has been working with young children for over 20 years. After earning her bachelor’s degree and becoming certified in Special Education, she began her career in early childhood education, teaching Pre-Kindergarten and sharing her love of art through creative lessons and summer camp programs. Lisa joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2023 and currently serves as the Toddler Program Lead, overseeing classroom activities and curriculum development for the toddler age group. She is passionate about fostering a nurturing and engaging environment where children can thrive. Lisa is thrilled to be part of The Goddard School community and looks forward to supporting the growth and development of each child in her care.

Tracy joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2025, bringing with her five years of preschool teaching experience from the Pacific Northwest. Most recently, she worked with toddlers at a school in Bend, Oregon, where she developed a strong passion for supporting early childhood development through play-based learning. She holds an associate’s degree in psychology from Central Oregon Community College and a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University. Tracy believes that learning through play and meaningful interaction fosters connection, emotional self-regulation, and a lifelong love of learning. As a certified children’s yoga instructor, she is excited to incorporate intentional movement and mindfulness into the classroom experience. Tracy is thrilled to be part of The Goddard School of Monroe community and looks forward to nurturing each child’s growth in a warm, engaging environment.

April joined The Goddard School in 2025 with a lifelong passion for working with children. As the youngest of eight, she began babysitting at a young age and later worked as a nanny before becoming a teacher. She has experience with children from six weeks to five years old. April holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Charter Oak State College and studied Early Childhood Education at Norwalk Community College. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, baking, drawing, and spending time with her family. She’s excited to be part of the Goddard team and looks forward to helping her students grow and thrive.

Melanie joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2024. Originally from The Bronx, NY, she moved to Connecticut in 2020 to attend college and recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and a minor in Psychology. She brings experience coaching children ages 4–17 in softball and baseball, along with caring for younger family members ranging from 10 months to 11 years old. Melanie has a strong interest in supporting children’s communication skills and enjoys helping them express themselves in unique and meaningful ways. She is excited to be part of the Goddard community and looks forward to making a positive impact in the classroom.

DD joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2025, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education. Originally from New York, she spent six years at Bright Horizons as a Lead Infant and Assistant Toddler Teacher, and five years as a camp counselor for children ages 4–5. She also worked as a nanny, caring for a newborn, a kindergartener, and a fourth grader with special needs. After relocating to Connecticut, DD joined CORTICA, where she gained valuable experience in ABA therapy. She holds an associate degree in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. She is currently pursuing her master’s in Social Work from Louisiana State University, with a focus on adolescents. DD is a proud mom of two. She loves being a teacher and is excited to be part of the Goddard community, where she looks forward to nurturing each child’s growth and development.

Carrie has been part of the Goddard School system since 2007 and joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2020. With experience across multiple age groups, she brings a consistent focus on creating classrooms rooted in safety, respect, and fun. She believes in the importance of all emotions—even the tough ones—and works closely with her students to help them navigate each phase of development with confidence. Originally from Milford, Carrie attended college in Maine, lived in North Carolina, and now calls Newtown home with her family. In her free time, she enjoys antiquing, reading, and exploring local festivals and fairs. She is proud to be part of the Goddard community and passionate about supporting each child’s growth.

Megan joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2023. Born and raised in Bridgeport, CT, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Sociology from Southern Connecticut State University. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in industrial & organizational psychology and is set to graduate in January. Megan has extensive experience working with children through babysitting, nannying for multiple families, and after-school programs such as the Boys & Girls Club. In addition to her work with children, Megan is a certified personal trainer who is passionate about health and wellness. She enjoys reading, going to the gym, and spending time with friends. Megan is excited to be part of the Goddard community and looks forward to supporting each child’s growth and development.

Emily joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2022. Born and raised in Connecticut, she graduated from Clark University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Education. Her passion for working with children began early—she started babysitting at age 13 and later gained classroom experience as a teacher’s aide for second graders. Emily enjoys spending time with her friends and family and loves to read in her free time. She is excited to help her students learn and grow and is proud to be part of the Goddard community.

Trinity joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2022. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in Psychology and has been passionate about working with children since high school. Her experience includes roles in daycare programs, before and after school care, and at the Department of Children and Families. In her free time, Trinity enjoys reading, writing, crafting, and spending time with friends. She is excited to continue building strong connections with the children and families at The Goddard School.

Lexy joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2022 and brings over two decades of experience working with children. Her passion for childcare began early—playing school and babysitter as a child—and truly took shape when she helped care for her baby cousin at age 8. Lexy loves incorporating art into all areas of learning and enjoys fostering creativity in the classroom. In her free time, she likes to read and spend time with her family. She is excited to continue this chapter at The Goddard School and looks forward to helping each child learn and grow.

Meryl has been a dedicated educator at The Goddard School of Monroe since 2018 and currently serves as the Preschool Program Lead. With over 13 years of experience in early childhood education and a degree in Early Childhood Education, Meryl is passionate about creating structured, engaging learning environments where children feel safe, respected, and excited to learn. She specializes in classroom structure and behavior management and believes in the importance of teaching children how to navigate all emotions, building a strong foundation for lifelong learning. As both a teacher and a parent, Meryl brings a unique perspective to her role. This dual role allows her to connect with families in a meaningful and supportive way. Meryl is committed to helping every child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, and she looks forward to continuing to guide her students on their learning journey.

Yuliya has been part of The Goddard School of Monroe since 2021 and brings a strong passion for early childhood education. She discovered her love for working with children in 2010 while babysitting for families in her church and later worked as a summer camp counselor in New York. Yuliya holds an associate’s degree in early childhood education from Norwalk Community College and has previous experience at another Goddard School, giving her a deep understanding of the Goddard philosophy. She is dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential and creating a supportive, engaging classroom environment. In her free time, Yuliya enjoys hiking, biking, shopping, and trying new restaurants. She is excited to continue her journey with the Goddard community and make a lasting impact on her students’ lives.

Yorladis joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2023 and brings over a decade of dedicated experience in childcare. Her background includes working with children from diverse backgrounds, and as a mother herself, she understands the importance of creating a nurturing, supportive environment where children can thrive emotionally and academically. In addition to her childcare experience, Yorladis has worked as a behavioral therapist, equipping her with valuable tools to support individual needs and foster positive interactions. She believes that every child’s development is a collaborative journey and finds joy in learning from her students as much as they learn from her.

Ariana joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2025 after relocating from sunny San Diego, California. Her journey in early childhood education began in 2020, supporting children with online learning and working as a summer camp counselor. In 2021, she transitioned into a preschool setting, gaining hands-on experience with children from 6 weeks to 4 years old. Ariana is passionate about helping children express themselves and takes joy in watching their personalities blossom. She is also a creative spirit who enjoys hiking, reading, baking, and all things crafty. Ariana brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a strong dedication to nurturing every child in her care, and she is thrilled to be part of the Goddard community.

Melina joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2024 and is excited to teach in the same community where she was raised. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication from Boston University and has worked in various educational settings, including as a high school paraeducator and tutor. Her passion for early childhood education grew through these experiences, and she now enjoys fostering a love of learning in young children through creative and engaging activities. Melina especially loves how curious and enthusiastic young learners are. In her free time, she enjoys running, gardening, spending time with her family, and doting on her miniature dachshund. She is thrilled to be part of the Goddard community and looks forward to supporting each child’s learning journey.

Lorraine has been part of The Goddard School of Monroe since 2022 and has been a proud member of the Monroe community for three decades. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Sacred Heart University and studied Early Childhood Education at Housatonic Community College. Her experience includes serving as both a teacher and director at Kiddie Campus Preschool in Monroe, as well as teaching Life Skills at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan. Lorraine believes that Pre-K is a vital foundation for fostering a lifelong love of learning and sees children as full of wonder. She is passionate about building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Outside of the classroom, Lorraine enjoys dancing, walking, playing piano, and spending time with her three children and five grandchildren.

Mary joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2024, bringing three decades of teaching experience to the classroom. Originally from San Francisco, she is excited to continue her educational journey in Monroe, where she’s found many similarities to the schools she taught at in California. Mary is passionate about play-based learning and designs curriculum tailored to each child’s individual needs. She strives to create a classroom environment filled with fun, curiosity, and a love of learning. Mary looks forward to building strong connections with her students and their families as part of the Goddard community.

Larissa joined The Goddard School of Monroe in 2024. Raised in Northwestern Connecticut, she holds a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College with a double major in Psychology and Public Health. Her diverse background includes roles as a preschool teacher’s aide at a residential treatment center, a case manager at a youth shelter, and a ballet instructor for kindergarteners at Main Street Ballet. While working as a teacher’s aide, Larissa also led music and movement classes, combining her love for the arts with early childhood education. Outside the classroom, she is a soprano soloist and section leader at a church in Waterbury. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, gardening, and spending time with loved ones. Larissa looks forward to continuing to build meaningful relationships with the children and families at The Goddard School.

Carol-Ann brings over 35 years of experience in education, working with children from nursery through high school. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education and a Master of Science in Reading from St. John’s University. She also earned a second master’s degree in administration and supervision from the College of New Rochelle. Carol-Ann spent 15 years as a classroom teacher and another 15 years as an administrator in New York City Public Schools and the Chancellor’s Office. Her lifelong mission has been to ensure that every child receives a high-quality education that lays the foundation for becoming independent, productive, and contributing members of society. She believes that children learn best in a safe and nurturing environment—one that supports their academic, emotional, and social growth. Carol-Ann is excited to continue building meaningful relationships with the children and families at Goddard.

Sabrina has been dedicated to the childcare field since her first job in high school back in 1996. She holds an associate’s degree in early childhood education and has spent the majority of her career working with infants, where her nurturing and attentive approach has made a lasting impact. Originally from Norwalk, Sabrina recently relocated to Shelton with her family. She has been happily married for 12 years and is the proud mother of three children, ages 10, 7, and 5. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, reading, working out, doing puzzles, and spending quality time with her loved ones. Sabrina joined The Goddard School in 2021 and is thrilled to be part of the community. She looks forward to continuing to build strong relationships with the children and families she serves.

Jada brings a vibrant energy and a strong educational foundation to her role at The Goddard School. Born and raised in Connecticut, she has always valued the importance of education in all aspects of life. Her journey in childcare began in 2019 as a volunteer camp counselor, sparking a passion for working with children across various age groups. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Southern Connecticut State University. During her college years, Jada completed extensive fieldwork and student teaching with children ages 3 to 8, gaining hands-on experience and deepening her commitment to early learning. In her free time, Jada enjoys reading, cooking, and spending quality time with her family.

Cassie has always had a deep passion for working with children, especially the youngest learners. Her career in education began in 2004 as a special education paraprofessional, where she supported preschool programs in public schools. Since then, she has continued to nurture young minds in various early childhood centers. Cassie studied Early Childhood Education at Naugatuck Valley before transferring to Western Connecticut State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 2020. She firmly believes that every child is capable and deserving of a high-quality, individualized education that helps them grow into their best selves. Outside of the classroom, Cassie enjoys spending time with her family and friends—especially her two children, a 6-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son, who are the lights of her life. She is thrilled to continue her journey at The Goddard School and looks forward to building lasting connections with the children and families.

Isabella has been part of The Goddard School of Monroe since 2017. Born and raised in Connecticut, she recently graduated from DePaul University in Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in health science, concentrating in Public Health, and a minor in Bioethics in Society. Throughout her time in school, Isabella remained committed to early childhood education, gaining hands-on experience while fostering a creative and nurturing learning environment. She is passionate about advocating for her community and supporting children’s development. In her free time, Isabella enjoys running, shopping, and watching movies.

Kimora has an unwavering passion for working with children and brings a nurturing, hands-on approach to early education. With previous experience as an infant teacher, she has developed a strong skill set in supporting the development of fine and gross motor skills while providing individualized care to meet each child’s unique needs. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that teaching is not just a profession—it’s her life. Kimora is committed to creating a learning environment where children feel empowered to explore, grow, and thrive in the world around them. She joined The Goddard School in 2024 and is excited to be part of the community, making a positive impact on every child’s learning journey.

Melissa is a dedicated para educator at Monroe Elementary School, where she plays a vital role in supporting students' educational and developmental needs. With a passion for fostering a positive learning environment, Melissa brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her work. During the summer, Melissa enjoys returning to The Goddard School, where she reconnects with her students' younger siblings. Her commitment to building strong relationships within the community is evident in her ongoing dedication to both schools. Melissa's ability to seamlessly integrate into different educational settings highlights her adaptability and unwavering commitment to student success.

Sarah grew up in Germany and Michigan but has been living in Connecticut for almost 15 years! She studied psychology at Virginia Tech and has her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University. Sarah enjoys painting, making her own clothes and traveling in her free time. She really enjoys working with young children and feels like we can all learn so much from them! Sarah is currently a first-grade teacher and is excited to be back at The Goddard School for the summer!

Ashley, a Trumbull, CT native, has had a lifelong passion for early childhood education. Her journey began as a work-study student at the Early Childhood Laboratory School at Housatonic Community College. During her college years, she also volunteered with AmeriCorps America, supporting underserved communities in New Haven by helping provide access to high-quality education and resources. Ashley earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Connecticut State University, with a minor in Child, Family, and Community Studies. Teaching runs in her family—she proudly follows in the footsteps of her grandparents, mother, and aunt, all of whom were educators. In her free time, Ashley enjoys ice skating with her 7-year-old daughter, Arya, and gardening with her mom. Her goal as a teacher is to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where all learners can thrive and to inspire children to be excited about coming to school each day.