The Goddard School of Waukee

Bios

• Liz

  Education: I hold a Bachelors Degree in Education from Winona State University. Experience: I worked as an Elementary Educator in the Johnston Community School District for seven years before opening the Goddard School in Waukee in 2016. A Little About Me: I love spending time with my family. I have two boys who keep me very busy. I enjoy traveling, watching the boys play sports, and spending as much time as possible outdoors. Favorite Children's Book: One of my all-time favorites is one I received when my first child was born, "You Are My I Love You" by Maryann Cusimano. It spoke to the absolute irrevocable love I was experiencing in that moment. A love that I did not know existed before I had my first child. The book reminds me of the role I will forever play in my children's lives as well as the role they will forever play in mine.

• Holly

  Educational Background: Bachelor's Degree in Inclusive Education (endorsed to teach Birth - grade 3). Experience: I've been working/teaching in Early Childhood since 2007, starting in Nebraska. My husband's job relocated us to Illinois for a year before we settled here in Iowa! A Little About Me: I love spending time with my two boys and my husband. We enjoy traveling around the Midwest to visit family and friends, but love a good beach trip! Favorite Children's Book: "Very Cranky Bear" by Nick Bland. It's a silly rhyming book that teaches kindness and empathy.

• Alisha

  Educational Background: CDA (Child Development Associates Credential) from Rasmussen College. Experience: For years I volunteered as a Candy Striper at IMMC Blank Children's Hospital until I was old enough to work in their childcare center. I have been working with infants through preschool age children for 15+ years, and was an Assistant Director for two of those. After working in childcare for years, I found my perfect fit right here at Goddard when we opened in 2016. My love for children is endless. About Me: I love spending time with my family. I have a 12 year old daughter named Aaliyana and a fiancé named Joey. I love being in or around nature, animals, and music! I believe each of these can do so much for the mind, body, and soul! Organizing is also a passion. I love being surrounded in beauty and for things to look their best! Favorite Children's Book: I love rhyming books and books that touch on social-emotional development. My favorite author is Jez Alborough!

• Allyson

  Experience: I started working with children at a very young age, beginning with my younger siblings (I am the second oldest of 8). Since then, I have nannied for 2 families and then began working at a center in 2017. I have always enjoyed working with infants and toddlers. I have been a member of the Goddard family since 2023. A Little About Me: I enjoy reading and doing crafts like cross stitch and bullet journaling. I also love to pour myself into the students in my classroom. Favorite Children's Book: "The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear" By Don Wood. It is a super funny book that always makes the kids laugh.

• AnnToneya

  Education: I graduated high school in Carlisle, Arkansas, and attended Arkansas Tech University and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Experience: I began working with children in high school but got more experience in college while working for various programs at the U of A and as a counselor at Camp War Eagle. I worked in a Montessori School before finding The Goddard School. I worked at The Goddard School in Fayetteville, Arkansas from 2020 until 2022, when I relocated to Iowa to be closer to family and help contribute to the educational field in a new state. I then joined the Waukee Goddard team. A Little About Me: I am originally from Davenport, Iowa, but moved to Arkansas when I was 15. I enjoy music, journaling, painting, listening to records, and traveling. I have a cute puppy named Banner who loves it when the snow falls in Iowa! Favorite Children's book: "Hair Love" by Matthew A. Cherry

• Bailee

  Educational Background: Experience: I started working with school agers in 2008. Since then, I have worn many hats within the childcare industry. I have worked with every age, cooked, and been a part of a administration team. I have always had a love of infants and very much enjoy being part of the Goddard family since 2020. A Little About Me: In my free time, I like to spend time with my daughter and my two cats. I enjoy exploring state parks around Iowa and playing board games. I also like checking out new local breweries and wineries. Favorite Children's Book: "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch

• Brittany

  Educational Background: I received my Bachelor’s degree in Family, Community, and Social Support from the University of Iowa. Experience: Throughout my career I have worked with children in many different environments beginning in 2014. I have been a snowboard instructor, tutor, nanny, and teacher. I have worked at Goddard Schools in Colorado, Chicago, and Waukee! A Little About Me: I love adventure; be it a trip to a new city with my wife Elisa, a walk in a new park with our dog Lincoln, or a solo excursion around Des Moines. I love a good cup of coffee (almost always iced), attempting DIY projects, and I really love sports - especially soccer! Favorite Children's book: “Love Makes a Family” by Sophie Beer

• Claire

  Educational Background: I have completed my Associate's Early Childhood Education from DMACC and am working toward my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Experience: I have been in the childcare field since 2011. I came to Goddard in 2016 where I opened in the Get Set classroom before finding my home in preschool 2! I have loved building relationships with the families. A Little About Me: In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband, and our daughter, and taking our two dogs for walks. I also enjoy cuddling up with a good book, working out, and golfing. Favorite Children's Book: "Silly Sally". It is just a silly, funny, feel-good book. I also have every word memorized!

• Ms Hannah

  Educational Background: I graduated from Grand View University with my Bachelors degree in Art Education with an emphasis in painting and graphic design. Experience: I have been working with children since 2006 as a nanny as well as an early childhood educator. I also have been here at Goddard since we opened in 2016. I inherited my love for children from my mom who was a Kindergarten teacher and is now a Special Ed teacher. A Little About Me: I am the middle of three children, and the only girl. I have been married since 2013 to Mr. Dirk Vanderwielen. We are a loving family of four with our kittens Diesel and Carrots. I love painting and doing anything artistic. I have the unique ability to look at something and recreate it. I also love photography and graphic design. I believe that everyone is artistic in their own way; they just need to find a way to express it. That's why I love teaching art. Some of my other hobbies are concerts and music of all kinds, hanging out with my friends, and anything to do with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Favorite Children's Book: "Uncle Andy's: A Fabulous Visit with Andy Warhol" By James Warhol. It is such a fun way to get a look into Andy Warhol's life as a kid.

• Jade

  Education & experience: In December 2022, I graduated from the University of Iowa with my Iowa Teaching License. I have worked at two daycare centers for a total of 4+ years and was the lead teacher at a K-6th Summer Program. I spent January- May 2023 subbing at the Johnston School District to gain more experience before starting at Goddard in the fall of 2023. A little about me: I recently got married to my husband in July and we moved to West Des Moines with our new puppy, Ivy. Favorite children’s book: One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss

• Jenny

  Educational Background: I am pursing my Early Childhood Education degree at DMACC Experience: I have been working in childcare since 2016, at Goddard since 2020 A Little About Me: I love to have fun and get messy with the kiddos! Art is one of my favorite activities to do in school and on my own time. I love Yoga, hiking, and painting. I love working with young children and helping them grow and develop into whoever they want to be! Favorite Children's book: I love you Stinky face

• Jessica

  Educational Background: I earned my Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, with a minor in Special Education at UNI. Experience: I have worked with children in many different environments since 2017. In a rural setting, a big city and the suburbs. I have worked at this Goddard since 2022. A Little About Me: I enjoy being outdoors especially in the country as I grew up in a rural small town. I really enjoy hanging out with family and friend playing board games. I also love going shopping and traveling! I really enjoy coffee and making coffee for others. Favorite Children's book: Very Hungry Caterpillar

• Katie

  Educational Background: I am pursuing a degree in Psychology and have also taken several early childhood classes. Experience: I started working with school agers in 2008. Since then, I have worn many hats within the childcare industry. I have worked with every age, cooked, and been a part of a administration team. I have always had a love of infants and very much enjoy being part of the Goddard family since 2020. A Little About Me: In my free time, I like to spend time with my daughter and my two cats. I enjoy exploring state parks around Iowa and playing board games. I also like checking out new local breweries and wineries. Favorite Children's Book: "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch

• Kelsa

  Educational Background: I went to Simpson where I graduated with a bachelors degree. I am pursing my masters degree in school counseling. Experience: I began my journey working with children in 2019 and I have been at Goddard since 2022. A Little About Me: I live in Waukee and love spending time with my three siblings. I also enjoy traveling and working out. Favorite Children's book: "5 Little Monkeys"

• Laura

  Educational Background: I currently hold an Associate of Arts degree. Experience: I started taking Child Development classes in high school and fell in love with the field. I continued with ECE classes in college while earning my Associate's Degree. For the past several years I have worked and grown in a couple of different Early Childhood Educational facilities before finding my home here in early 2017, and am thrilled to be a part of the Goddard Team! This is the most rewarding job! A Little About Me: My husband and I were married in September 2016. We have three beautiful children who keep us on our toes! I love playing sports, listening and dancing to music, being outdoors - hiking and exploring, and working on our family farm. I absolutely love playing with children because I am really just a big kid myself! My Favorite Children's Book/s: The Berenstain Bears Series, Junie B. Jones series, and "Goodnight Moon" have always been my favorites.

• Morgan

  Experience: I am a mother of three young children and have been working in childcare since 2021. I have been a member of the Goddard team since early 2023. A Little About Me: I love spending time with my kids and hanging out with my siblings and parents. I like trying new foods, but my favorite thing to do is get sushi! Favorite Children's book: "Good Night Moon". I grew up reading this with my dad, I remember he would hide the mouse on each page with his thumb.

• Morgan

  Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University, Fullerton. I've continued my education and have earned a K-6 teaching license as well as a Pre-K endorsement, which includes Special Education in Early Childhood. Experience: After graduation, I worked for two years at a private school in Orange County, CA, as a teacher’s assistant and preschool teacher. For the next three years I worked as a three-year-old preschool teacher at the University of Dubuque Childcare Center. I've been at Goddard since January of 2017! A Little About Me: My husband, Geoff, a fifth grade teacher, and I are parents to the sweetest boy named Fox. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, attending concerts, collecting movies, and reading Harry Potter! My Favorite Children's Book: One of my favorite children’s books is "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein, and I love reading anything by Judy Blume.

• Shelby

  Education: I graduated from DCG High School in 2010 and am working on continuing my education. Experience: I started working in childcare in 2007. I worked at the same center for 12 years where I worked in the infant room, and taught preschool, finishing my time there as assistant director and on-site supervisor. I started my journey at The Goddard School of Waukee in 2020! Interests/Hobbies: In my free time, I am very involved in my church. I am on a leadership team and serve on the Worship Team. My family and I enjoy camping and bike riding on the weekends. Personal Information: My husband, Kevin and I live in Adel with our sweet daughter, Kynlee. We also have a spunky cat named Axton! Favorite Children’s Book: "I Love You, Stinky Face" by Lisa McCourt. This is my favorite children’s book because it shows the mother's never-ending love for her little boy, regardless of all the questions he has. It’s heartwarming and a reminder of how pure a child’s heart is!

• Teresa

  Educational Background: I have my Bachelor's of Science degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State University. I also hold my teaching license. Experience: I began my teaching career in the public schools as a 4th grade teacher in 1996. I started at Goddard in 2017 and have loved teaching in the PreK classroom. A Little About Me: I am married and I have a beautiful elementary age little boy. I love spending time with my family and traveling. Favorite Children's Book: "Oh The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. This book has a great message for children.

• Radaisyia

  Educational Background: I am pursuing a degree in Psychology and have also taken several early childhood classes. Experience: I started working with school agers in 2008. Since then, I have worn many hats within the childcare industry. I have worked with every age, cooked, and been a part of a administration team. I have always had a love of infants and very much enjoy being part of the Goddard family since 2020. A Little About Me: In my free time, I like to spend time with my daughter and my two cats. I enjoy exploring state parks around Iowa and playing board games. I also like checking out new local breweries and wineries. Favorite Children's Book: "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch

• Tori

  Educational Background: Experience: I have been working in childcare since _____, at Goddard since early 2023. A Little About Me: I love to have fun and get messy with the kiddos! Art is one of my favorite activities to do in school and on my own time. I love Yoga, hiking, and painting. I love working with young children and helping them grow and develop into whoever they want to be! Favorite Children's book:

• Callie

  Educational Background: I am currently a Senior at Dallas Center Grimes High School and will be attending UNI to major in elementary education and middle level education. I have loved kids my whole life! I started to babysit in 2018 and have been teaching dance since 2021. I began part-time at Goddard in 2022. A little about me: I love to travel to new places and meet new people! I also love reading books and going and trying new coffee places around Des Moines! I also have been dancing at my local studio for 10 years. My favorite children’s book: Pinkalicious

• Dipti

  Education: Bachelors in Commerce from the University of Bombay Experience: I worked with children for many years before starting at The Goddard School in 2018. A Little About Me: I have been married for nineteen years and I have two children. I love to paint, maintain my home, read, travel, shop and spend time with my family. Favorite book: I love Harry Potter books. I enjoy reading these books and then see the movies.

• Keirra

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• Liam

  Education: I graduated from Waukee High School and am currently enrolled at DMACC. Experience: The Goddard School is my first job working with kids, but I have younger siblings and I have always enjoyed spending time with them. A Little About Me: I like to play hockey, watch basketball, and hang out with my dog. Favorite book: The Great Gatsby

• Lilly

  RA

• Tiffany

  Education: Associates Degree in Human Services from Kaplan University. Experience: I started working with children when I was 11! I also have several years of experience teaching preschool and toddlers. I have also worked in two orphanages in Mexico. A Little About Me: I have four sisters, 1 step-sister and 1 step-brother. I also have sixteen nieces and nephews. My interests include painting, cooking, traveling abroad and trying new foods. Favorite book: My favorite book is "The Witch of Blackbird Pond". It is the only book that I have read three times. I have been reading it since I was a child.