The Goddard School of Verona

Bios

• Ms Mawara

  Ms. Mawara is a pharmacist by training. She has her administrative credentials and her director credentials. She is also a certified CPR, First Aid and AED instructor along with being a trainer for Abusive Head Trauma and SIDS Prevention. She and her husband are raising two children, both of them graduated from Goddard pre-K program. As a parent, she knows the importance of quality child care in the early stages of development of a child. Ms. Mawara wanted to bring a high quality education-based early childhood program to the community where the children can learn while having fun. Her vision led her to open the first Goddard School in Dane County where a great team of educators offer a play-based curriculum along with hands-on learning for the future academic success and a life-long love for learning.

• Mr Dave

  Mr. Dave is our Director of Staffing at The Goddard School of Verona, Sun Prairie and Middleton locations. He brings a wealth of experience in education to Goddard Schools. His journey began at 19, when he moved to Boston, MA to work with City Year, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth. This experience ignited Mr. Dave's passion for education. Over the next six years, he worked in center-based childcare, earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from UW Madison, and spent over a decade teaching middle school. Mr. Dave later chose to leverage his expertise in a new role, joining Goddard Schools to mentor and guide educators. In addition to his work in education, Mr. Dave is a professional wedding photographer, known for capturing life’s most cherished moments. He and his wife reside in Sun Prairie with their three children, and in his free time, he enjoys golfing.

• Ms Katie

  Ms. Katie became a part of the Goddard family in January of 2017. Ms. Katie received her Bachelors in Communicative Sciences & Disorders from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Ms. Katie most recently has worked with preschool age children at Wisconsin Early Autism Project as a teacher. Most recently, Ms. Katie took the position as the director and joined the administrative team. She believes that children are generally eager to learn and thinks it is important to understand that each child learns at a different pace. Ms. Katie looks forward to work with all Goddard families and implementing the Wonder of Learning curriculum successfully across the school.

• Ms Lauren

  Ms. Lauren has been a prominent figure in the early childhood education field since 2014, serving as both a lead teacher and a valued member of the management team. With a bachelor's degree in Education from Edgewood College and Registry Level 14, she exemplifies a commitment to professional growth and expertise. Her journey at The Goddard School began as a lead teacher, where her passion for nurturing young minds quickly propelled her into the Director role in June 2019. Ms. Lauren's educational philosophy revolves around meeting children at their developmental level and embracing life's wonders alongside them. She firmly believes that children are naturally eager learners, and she cultivates their growth through engaging activities, captivating stories, and meaningful experiences. With genuine enthusiasm, Ms. Lauren looks forward to working with all the children and their families at Goddard, creating a nurturing environment that sparks curiosity, creativity and a love for learning.

• Ms Anjeza

  Anjeza is a dedicated educator with a passion for fostering learning and growth in students. Holding a Lead Teacher certification from the State of Wisconsin, as well as a B.A. in Education and an M.S. in Linguistics, Anjeza combines a strong academic background with hands-on experience to create engaging learning environments. In addition to teaching, she is CPR/AHT/SIDS certified, ensuring a safe and supportive atmosphere for all students. Outside of the classroom, Anjeza enjoys reading, hiking, and exploring new activities. A lover of travel, she also cherishes spending quality time with family.

• Ms Ashley

  Ashley has over fifteen years of experience in early education and caring for infants. She is trained in infant and toddler sign language. She believes in being passionate about each child’s happiness and education along with providing a safe and nurturing atmosphere helps build self-esteem in children. She loves doing process art with children. Her classroom is very organized and colorful. She has a lead teacher certificate through the State of Wisconsin and is a couple classes shy of her associate's degree in business. She has three children and in her free time enjoys being with family and friends. She also enjoys photography, poetry, and traveling. We are very lucky to have her in our infant room at Verona!

• Mr Christopher

  Mr. Chris grew up in Middleton WI. He currently lives in Verona WI with his wife Lauren, daughters Evie and Wynnie Jo, and their two doggos, Kassie and Mormy. Throughout their younger years, Chris and his wife moved all over the country, before settling back in Wisconsin. In his free time, Mr. Chris enjoys books, video games, board game nights, and Dungeons with Dragons. He always enjoys spending time outside with his family! Mr. Chris also has served in the US Navy. Through different professions throughout his adult career, Mr. Chris believes in serving in the most important profession. Building strong relationships to create lifelong learners is pivotal to child's development, and he thinks he's found that in being a teacher. We are so excited for Mr. Chris to join our Goddard Family! Please welcome him to our team!

• Ms Danielle

  Ms. Danielle was part of our opening team joined our family in April of 2016. She has graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood. She has been working in a preschool environment since 2014. Danielle has worked with all age groups, specializing in working with toddlers. Before moving into the office, Ms. Danielle was our lead toddler teacher. She is excited to continue to work with the Goddard Families in her new role.

• Ms Gabrielle

  Ms. Gabrielle, a proud resident of Madison since 2016, brought a decade of experience in childcare to our team back in 2020. With an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen College, she is a dedicated advocate for developmentally appropriate practices. Ms. Gabrielle's passion for teaching shines through as she fosters a nurturing and enriching environment for her students. She skillfully utilizes her knowledge and expertise to ensure the best possible learning experiences. Outside the classroom, Ms. Gabrielle cherishes quality time with her son, who is also part of our Goddard family. An outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys exploring nature, indulging in retail therapy, and savoring the magic of music. We are delighted to have Ms. Gabrielle as an integral part of our school community.

• Ms Karissa

  Karissa is originally from DeForest, Wisconsin. She holds a BFA with a focus in sculpture, writing, and art history--an academic background that reflects her creativity and love for expression. Karissa brings a wealth of experience working with children. She began her journey in childcare at DeForest Wishing Well and went on to volunteer at respite centers in Milwaukee. Her biggest motivation for working in childcare is the joy and laughter that comes from spending time with kids!

• Ms Kayla

  Ms Kayla has been working in the child care field since 2013 and started here at Goddard in 2017. She obtained her degree in Early Childhood Education in 2015 from Concordia University. Her hobbies include camping, crafting, snowmobiling, and spending time with friends and family. Ms. Kayla's philosophy is to strive to see the world through the eyes of the children she teaches. She loves being able to explore the world with them and watch them discover new things every day. She loves working here at The Goddard school and looks forward to getting to know all the children and families she will work with.

• Ms Laura

  Ms. Laura grew up in Ripon Wisconsin with her parents. She currently resides in Madison with her 4 children, bonus child, and husband. During her educational years, Ms. Laura attended Marian University and Viterbo University. She also has a teaching DPI license through State of Wisconsin. When she graduated, Ms. Laura ran her own childcare facility for seven years! She has written WI Curriculum for Green Bay's Diocese. She since has incorporated it into her current teaching style! She enjoys the "Ah-Ha" moments along with seeing the bright future on all of the kiddos she cares for throughout the day!

• Ms Lei-Lani

  Born & raised in Texas yet made into the amazing teacher she is today here is Madison. Ms Lei-Lani has been in early childhood since 2018. She is Lead Teacher qualified through the State of Wisconsin. Coming from a big family, Lei-Lani is a nurturer by nature. Most Recently, she nannied for several families from her previous center. Prior to, she worked in the same center for five years. She enjoys exploring art through singing, dancing, painting and drawing. Her favorite age group is preschool and look forward to continuing to grow here at Goddard.

• Ms Lori

  Ms. Lori came to The Goddard School in May of 2017. She holds a Bachelors degree in History and Philosophy and has went on to get her Masters in Fine Arts. Ms. Lori holds her assistant teacher and infant toddler certifications through the State of Wisconsin. Ms. Lori has worked with children in multiple settings including life guarding, summer school, and as a youth t-ball coach. She is excited about being a part of a positive environment for all the children she will work with at the school.

• Ms Maria

  Ms. Maria joined the school as a resource teacher in 2019 and shortly after joined our infant/ toddler team. She has 5 years experience of working with younger children in different capacities. She is currently working on her childcare certification. Ms. Maria grew up in a Latino family resided in Madison area with her 4 siblings. Her hobbies are taking road trips, cooking, baking and watching classic movies. Ms. Marie is excited to be a part of Goddard team and is looking forward to know your children and watch them grow.

• Mr Mark

  Mr. Mark joined Goddard in the summer of 2016. Mr. Mark Hymer has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. He came to The Goddard School from Lac Du Flambeau Public School. His teaching philosophy is all about changing activities to suit all learning styles. He strives to form strong bonds with each child so he can learn how to help them succeed and develop the love for life-long learning. Mr. Mark loves technology and is very excited to use all the tools he has available at Goddard. He looks forward to meeting all the Goddard families.

• Ms Sierra

  Ms. Sierra hails from Madison, WI, where she was raised in a big family as one of five children. While attending Waunakee High School, she earned her Lead Teacher Accreditation. Ms. Sierra finds great joy in working with children and witnessing their growth and development. During her leisure time, Ms. Sierra indulges in painting, exploring walking trails, savoring chocolate, and cherishing moments with her family. Her favorite aspect of being a teacher is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children.

• Ms Tammy

  Ms. Tammy is a mother of 3 girls, ages 34, 24 & 14. She made a choice after her first child was born, to be a stay-at-home mom, and around the same time started an in-home daycare of her own. She maintained this for nearly 30 years before deciding to end this chapter of her life. She took a small break and realized how much she missed caring for children. That is when she decided to continue her career at Goddard. Ms. Tammy's interests include spending time with her children, hanging out with friends, attending outdoor music concerts, taking long brisk walks, home decor projects and organizing.

• Ms Amara

  Ms. Amara grew up in Cedarburg, Wisconsin before moving to Verona when she was ten years old. She attended Edgewood High School and is currently furthering her education through MATC for practical nursing. Although she is studying for nursing, Ms. Amara has been on the childcare scene for a bit, working as gymnastics coach and at other facilities. In her free time, Ms. Amara is patiently awaiting the arrival of her first child. She loves to paint, draw, sign and play piano. We are excited to have Ms. Amara on our Goddard Team.

• Ms Fabiola

  Fabiola grew up right here in Verona, WI. She comes from a large family—her parents and 5 siblings. She has fond memories of helping raise her two younger brothers, and yearly family vacations. Fabiola also has her own family. She has a 1.5-year-old son. He is the light of her life, and she adores him more than anything. It was in high school when Fabiola’s thirst for Early Childhood Education began. She would volunteer at various elementary schools in the Verona Area School District, stepping into classrooms, helping students with their course work, and engaging in fun art projects. She says it was there she realized how fulfilling it was to work with children. After high school, Fabiola spent some time calibrating her professional compass. We are so lucky it guided her back to that passion she developed in high school, and to our Goddard family. In her free time, you can find Fabiola going on a hike, playing basketball, baking, and spending time with her family.

• Ms Geetha

  Ms. Geetha obtained her Master's degree in English from Madras University and has been in the teaching field since 2009. She has held multiple teaching positions in early childhood and school age care including Boys and Girls Club, After School, and Assistant Youth Supervisor, and holds infant and preschool Lead Teacher certifications from the Wisconsin Registry. Ms. Geetha is excited to bring her expertise and fun loving teaching style to the Goddard School. She loves to teach and believes in educating children in a friendly way as well as building relationships with them. She looks forward to meeting all the Goddard families.

• Ms Lena

  Meet Lena! Originally from Racine, Wisconsin and raised in the friendly city of Beloit, Lena brings both heart and hustle to everything she does. Lena’s passion for working with children started early—back in high school during a Child Development class—and grew even stronger in 2019, when she began helping out with her mother-in-law’s childcare. One of the things that lights Lena up the most is seeing kids’ faces shine when they master something new. She’s all about helping little ones grow into their unique personalities and discover just how capable they are. Lena is also a creative at heart! She used to write short stories and poems, and still loves expressing herself through painting, photography, coding, and scripting. When she’s not working or creating, you can find her being silly and soaking up quality time with her son.

• Ms Taylor

  Ms. Taylor grew up in Evansville, Wisconsin, before moving to Orfordville, Wisconsin with her fiancé and three dogs. Ms. Taylor is in her final year of coursework for her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from The University of Arizona Global Campus. Ms. Taylor’s teaching philosophy is knowing that students learn best in an accepting and loving environment. She believes that every child is unique and gives children the freedom to be themselves while providing them safety and love! She loves encouraging her students to have courage, learn and try new things! In her free time, Ms. Taylor enjoys reading, cooking, traveling. When she can, she loves to garden and canning from produce she’s grown!

• Ms Abby

  Abby originally lived in Oconomowoc before moving to Belleville. She has a full household with five cats, including an adorable orange Munchkin, two dogs, and three axolotls. Aquarium keeping is her favorite hobby, and she loves caring for her aquatic pets. When it comes to food, Abby can't resist Mexican cuisine and enjoys spending time doing crafts. Abby had the privilege of working with children since she was 16, and every Sunday morning, you can find her at church, volunteering with the nursery kids. Her role at Goddard allows her to continue to nurture and watch children grow, which is incredibly rewarding. Working with kids is not just a job for Abby—it's a passion.

• Mr Aidan

  Aidan grew up in a small town just outside of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and graduated high school in 2020. He is the oldest of five, so life has always been full of energy, in the best way possible! Aidan was in marching band for five years. Those early morning practices shaped a big part of who he is. Aidan is passionate about helping kids learn and grow. He knows firsthand how much of a difference the right support can make, and he wants to be that kind of positive influence here at Goddard! When he's not working with kids or reminiscing about band camp, you can probably find him deep in a game of Magic: The Gathering or around a table playing board games with friends. Aidan loves strategy, creativity, and a little friendly competition!

• Ms Anai

  Anai grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish. With a lifelong connection to childcare, she has experience as a caregiver and babysitter, having cared for children both professionally and within her own family-Growing up in a home daycare and helping raise three of her younger siblings gave Anai a deep understanding of nurturing and responsibility from an early age. Outside of work, Anai enjoys watching movies, photography, word puzzles, and dancing.

• Ms Cristy

  Cristy, born in Lima, Ohio, is a devoted wife and mother of two children, aged 10 and 8. After spending ten fulfilling years as a stay-at-home mom, she cherishes the time she spent nurturing her kids through their formative years, watching them grow, learn, and discover the world around them. This experience has fueled her passion for early childhood education, and she is now eager to make a difference in the lives of other young children. In her free time, Cristy enjoys expressing her creativity through painting, crafts, and drawing, and she always looks forward to cozy family movie nights, which have become a cherished tradition in their household.

• Ms Daniela

  Daniela grew up right here in Madison and has called it home ever since! Surrounded by children throughout her life, she’s always loved their cheerful spirit and boundless energy — being around them brings her pure joy. What truly draws Daniela to childcare is the chance to watch kids learn, grow, and shine a little more each day. Seeing the positive impact she can have on their lives is both inspiring and rewarding. When she’s at home, you’ll likely hear music playing in the background — Daniela loves having a good soundtrack to her day. She also has a creative side; she used to draw all the time and still enjoys sketching whenever she can find a quiet moment. Daniela is excited about the future and hopes to be part of this community for many years to come. Working with kids is something she genuinely loves, and she's thrilled to be doing what she’s passionate about every day!

• Ms Delany

  Meet Delany – a proud senior at Verona Area High School, born and raised in the heart of Wisconsin! With a passion for helping others shine, Delany is dedicated to supporting students as a resource teacher, making learning a positive and empowering experience for everyone. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find Delany jamming out to all kinds of music – she’s always exploring new genres and finding the perfect soundtrack for any moment. A true foodie at heart, Delany loves trying new dishes and uncovering hidden gems around town. Whether it's a cozy café or a local food truck, she's all about the flavor adventure! Looking ahead, Delany dreams of moving to a new state, soaking in fresh experiences, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally. The future’s looking bright – and Delany’s ready to take it on with energy and heart!

• Mr Esau

  Mr. Esau has been the Chef extraordinaire for The Goddard School since 2016. He has been the master chef for a very well liked Madison restaurant for over 12 years. He also has experience working in healthcare facilities where health and safety is the top priority. Cooking is Mr. Esau's passion and he loves creating new dishes with his own recipes. He enjoys cooking for children. It's amazing to see the joy on children's faces when "Mr. E" enters the classroom with their favorite meals. Mr. Esau is raising a son and daughter (twins) along with his wife. He loves soccer and enjoys going to his son's soccer games.

• Ms Giselle

  Meet Giselle Jones! Born in Chicago and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Giselle is a driven and enthusiastic individual with a passion for working with children. She graduated early from Memorial High School through Madison Area Technical College, showing her commitment to learning and growth from a young age. Coming from a big family, Giselle is no stranger to responsibility—she plays a key role in caring for both her siblings and baby cousins, helping keep the household running smoothly. That experience has shaped her love for working with kids, appreciating the balance of structure, energy, and joy they bring to every day. Giselle is excited about the opportunity to be part of a team where she can grow, contribute, and continue doing what she loves. Her ultimate goal? To become a preschool teacher and make a positive impact on young lives—one smile at a time!

• Ms Hannah

  Ms. Hannah grew up in Verona with her parents and older brother, Jake. She graduated Edgewood Highschool in 2017 and has completed all of her credentials of a Lead Teacher in Wisconsin. Although she is new to the career field, Ms. Hannah is really excited to get to know all the different kiddos and their needs that may differ from others. When students are working towards achieving milestones and understanding how things work, Ms. Hannah states that's what gives her a driving force to be a teacher! Please welcome Ms. Hannah to our Goddard Family!

• Ms Kokila

  Kokila is originally from the beautiful South of India! She holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore. Deeply passionate about childhood education, Kokila is always eager to learn something new and expand her horizons. One of her favorite things to do is play games with her kids — it’s a source of joy and connection. While Kokila doesn’t have formal work experience with little ones, she has volunteered at a school, and that experience brought her so much happiness. She believes every moment spent helping children learn and grow is truly rewarding!

• Mr Mack

  Mack, who grew up right along the beautiful Mississippi in La Crosse, WI, brings over seven years of experience as a private nanny—and a whole lot of heart—to his work with children. Driven by a passion to help future generations grow into kind, confident, and all-around cool people, Mack approaches child care with creativity, compassion, and purpose. He loves making art, exploring the outdoors, and is deeply committed to personal development and human rights. Mack’s energy and optimism are contagious, and his dedication to making the world a better place shines through in everything he does!

• Ms Maddie

  Maddie grew up in the beautiful city of La Crosse, Wisconsin, surrounded by the scenic bluffs and the Mississippi River. While she hasn't had the opportunity to work directly with children yet, she's genuinely excited to step into this new experience and learn as much as she can. Maddie is eager to bring her positive energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm to the role! In her free time, Maddie loves being outdoors—whether it's hiking local trails, paddle boarding on the water, or simply soaking in nature. She also has a growing passion for plants and enjoys collecting and caring for them—it’s like bringing a little bit of the outdoors inside! Maddie is always open to new adventures and is looking forward to the opportunity to grow and connect with others in this journey.

• Ms Nikayla

  Nikayla, 24, was born in Medford, WI, and raised in Belleville, WI. She has always had a love for the outdoors, growing up camping often with her family. Since 2018, Nikayla has been dedicated to working with children, drawing on her Special Education training to support students as a paraprofessional for two years. The most rewarding part of her work is witnessing children grow, achieve their goals, and experience success. Outside of her professional life, Nikayla enjoys spending time with her two cats, Pinto and Millie, and values camping trips with friends and family, cherishing those special moments in nature and with loved ones.  

• Ms Shantall

  Shantall is from the vibrant country of Venezuela and speaks both Spanish and English fluently. She spent about 13 amazing years doing gymnastics, even competing at the national level in her home country! Later, she became a gymnastics coach for kids, sharing her passion and skills with young athletes. Shantall graduated high school at just sixteen and has always loved learning and growing. One of her favorite ways to spend time is with her family—especially heading out to the lakes together and enjoying the outdoors. Summer is definitely Shantall’s favorite season, thanks to the sunny, cheerful vibes that remind her of home. She’s especially passionate about working with children. Their carefree spirits are a constant source of inspiration, and she’s eager to support their growth and development every step of the way!

• Ms Sonia

  Ms. Sonia was born in California but spent her entire life in Madison, WI. During high school, she took classes focused on early childhood development, igniting her passion for teaching at Goddard Schools. In her free time, Ms. Sonia enjoys outdoor activities such as taking walks with her dog or paddle boarding on the lakes. She also has a passion for painting and drawing. We are excited to see her bring her enthusiasm and creativity to our team.