The Goddard School of Hershey

Bios

• Ms Heather

  Ms. Heather is the proud On-Site Owner of The Goddard School- Hershey! She graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Psychology and a focus on Child Development. Committed to providing a nurturing, safe and engaging environment, Heather ensures that each child at The Goddard School not only feels supported but also excited to explore and learn. As a mom herself, Heather understands the importance of creating a school with a focus of both fun and education but also a place where children feel secure, valued and ready to grow! Ms. Heather looks forward to welcoming you to The Goddard School community!

• Ms Catherine

  Ms. Catherine has been working with students at The Goddard School for over five years. She has taught in Preschool and Pre-K classrooms, as well as worked as a team lead offering support and recommendations to other classrooms and teachers. Ms. Catherine received her degree in speech communication with a focus in public relations from Millersville University which led to opportunities to work in marketing, health care, and management positions. She later returned to Millersville to complete her post baccalaureate degree and certification in early childhood education. Ms. Catherine believes that teachers should provide a safe learning environment where students are given the opportunity to thrive and reach their fullest potential, while continually instilling a drive to learn and explore the world around them. In her spare time, Ms. Catherine enjoys working out, reading, and spending time with her growing family.

• Ms Gina

  Ms. Gina graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she studied Child Development and Educational Psychology. As a teacher and director, she has the natural ability to connect with her students and demonstrates a passion for teaching young children. Her experiences as a teacher and background in child development help her deliver a well-rounded, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for all students. As a leader and mentor, Gina partners with our incredibly talented staff to ensure our students are provided with a high-quality education in a safe and healthy learning environment. She is committed to providing quality care and understands the importance of building a trusting relationship and keeping open-communication between parents and the school.

• Ms Alyson

  We are excited to welcome Ms. Ally to our preschool team at Goddard! She holds a degree in Applied Health with a specialization in Occupational Therapy from Central Penn College. With over nine years of experience working with children with autism and special education needs, Ms. Ally is deeply passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every child feels heard, understood, and empowered to learn at their own pace. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their two Australian Shepherds. She also loves exploring local farmers' markets!

• Ms Ashley

  Ms. Ashley earned her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education in March of 2022, from Rasmussen University. She has worked in a licensed childcare setting for over 5 years! As a mother of four herself, Ms. Ashley understands the importance of recognizing each child as an individual. She believes the key to early childhood education is having open communication with parents and providing a safe and nurturing environment for all children and their families. She looks forward to seeing the excitement in the children’s eyes when they accomplish new goals and meet developmental milestones. In her free time, she likes to play games with her children and family and spending time outdoors! Ashley's favorite book quote is "A person's a person no matter how small." -Dr. Seuss, Horton Hears A Who!

• Miss Chelsea

  Miss Chelsea graduated from Slippery Rock University with a dual degree in Education and Special Ed. Chelsea has multiple years of experience working with children in a licensed childcare setting. As a Lead Teacher in Infants, she specializes in providing individualized care to each of her students. Her work ethic and dedication to the field of early childhood education makes her an asset to our school. Outside of work, Miss Chelsea loves to sing, travel, and spend time with her nephews.

• Ms Cindy

  Ms. Cindy holds a degree in psychology from Farleigh Dickinson University and has many years of experience in childcare, in addition to raising three children of her own. She is excited to be part of this important step in each child’s educational journey and looks forward to getting to know the children and their families. In her free time, she loves reading and is a hiking enthusiast.

• Miss Elana

  Miss Elana graduated from Harrisburg Area Community College where she obtained her associate degree in Early Childhood Education. With a love of teaching, she believes in creating a classroom environment where every child is valued as she helps them reach their full potential. Her favorite book, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is something that she loves to share with her class. In her free time, Miss Elana likes to watch movies or talk to her family down south.

• Miss Gabriella

  Miss Gabby received her degree from Bloomsburg University where she majored in Early Childhood Education with a double minor in Educational Technology and Psychology. She enjoys working with children and helping them explore and discover the world around them. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling. Gabby is also bilingual in Spanish!

• Miss Isabella

  Miss Isabella attended Millersville University where she majored in Educational Foundations. She has worked with children in various age groups including preschool and early elementary. She loves to see a child’s confidence grow as they learn and master new skills! She feels that communication is key to building trusting relationships with families. Outside of the classroom she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family and close friends.

• Miss Jordan

  Jordan joined our Goddard faculty in 2023! She first worked in a floating role, filling in wherever she was needed and providing classroom coverage. It was during this time that she developed a love for working with Infants and Young Toddlers. Jordan loves watching the students in her class grow, whether it be taking their first steps or using their first words! She encourages communication in the classroom by creating an environment that fosters language development and teaches the children sign language, along with verbal and non-verbal skills. In her free time, Jordan likes to be outdoors! She also enjoys hockey, coloring, and playing lacrosse.

• Miss Juliana

  Miss Juliana graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She previously taught in a public-school setting for three years and is excited to experience the world of Pre-K! Her goal is to make sure her students are academically and socially prepared for the transition to kindergarten. In her spare time, she loves to read, go to Disney World, and spend time with her family and pets!

• Ms Kaitlyn

  Ms. Kait holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Elizabethtown College and brings seven years of experience in a variety of early childhood settings, including care-based centers and public schools. She is passionate about teaching and values the opportunity to make a positive impact on young children and their families, while sharing her love for learning. In her free time, Ms. Kait enjoys reading, spending time with her family, traveling, and going on walks with her chocolate lab, Luna. Her favorite places to visit are her family cabin and the beach.

• Miss Kelsey

  Miss Kelsey has been a part of our team since 2013! Kelsey first started at The Goddard School as an assistant teacher after graduating from Dauphin County Technical School. She has several years of experience working with young children as a babysitter for friends and family and has now taken on the role of a Lead Teacher in our First Steps class! Kelsey provides a sense of stability for the children and families at The Goddard School and helps her students foster their self-help skills. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family and hunting. She also loves taking her nephew and cousins to Hersheypark.

• Miss Lilly

  Miss Lilly graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with her degree in Human Development and Family Sciences, minoring in Sociology. She connects with each of her students, developing secure relationships and creating long lasting bonds. Miss Lilly fosters emotional intelligence in her students by creating a classroom environment that offers guidance and support. Her willingness to help others and her patience makes her a great team player. When Miss Lilly is not at school, she likes to play the guitar and read.

• Miss Madison

  Miss Maddie joined the Goddard School in August of 2022. Maddie comes from a large family with 19 cousins, which played a key role in her love teaching. She has been working in the field of early childhood education since 2018 and has primarily worked with children ages 2-3. Maddie also earned a School-Age Professional Credential through PA Keys. Miss Maddie enjoys watching her students learn new skills every day and she believes children learn best through play! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. She is also a big fan of hockey! Her favorite NHL team is The Detroit Red Wings.

• Miss Mariena

  Miss Mariena attended Mercyhurst University where she earned credits towards her degree in education. She is currently working towards completing her CDA and has worked with young children in a variety of classroom settings. Her passion and inspiration to become a teacher came from her mother and she strived to build positive relationships with her students and their families. She believes that learning should be fun for every child and that each day is a new opportunity to make progress. One of her favorite education quotes is "Teaching kids to count is fine but teaching kids what counts is best." In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, traveling, and hanging out with friends!

• Miss Megan

  Miss Megan attended Millersville University where she earned credits towards her degree in Early Childhood Education (PREK-4). She believes that fostering a child’s creativity and inquisitiveness is essential for reaching their fundamental milestones, while offering them an environment where they feel safe, loved, and supported. Throughout her several years working in licensed childcare facilities and as a private nanny, Megan has found a love for teaching and aides her students in finding their love for learning. Recognizing each child’s individual talents and interests and cultivating inclusivity. In her free time, Miss Megan likes to spend time reading and taking her dog for a walk.

• Miss Megan

  Megan joined the Goddard family in October of 2023 after several years of experience working with young children as a nanny. While studying Studio Art at college Megan took a course on Child Development for her Psychology minor which sparked an interest in childcare. Megan believes in teaching with patience and intentionality. She loves watching children grow and learn and is excited to be a part of that! In her spare time Megan likes to paint, read, and spend time with her pet cat.

• Ms Miranda

  Ms. Miranda graduated from Kutztown University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Pre-K to 4 and has been working at The Goddard School in Hershey since 2014. Since joining our organization, she has taken on multiple roles. As a senior faculty member, Ms. Miranda is well-trained in Goddard policies and upholds these standards within her classroom. After having her first child in 2021, Ms. Miranda knew first-hand the best place for her daughter was The Goddard School in Hershey. She demonstrates a passion for teaching young children and believes the key to early childhood education is making learning fun and exciting for the students. Ms. Miranda has a natural ability to connect with her students and brings a playful energy to our Kindergarten Classroom. Fun fact about Ms. Miranda, she loves to dance and takes hip hop dance classes!

• Ms Molly

  Miss Molly joined our team with previous experience working in a licensed childcare center. She believes the key to early childhood education is allowing young children to experience the world around them, make mistakes, and try new things in a loving and safe environment. Molly continues to expand her knowledge in early childhood education by completing professional development courses in Infant/Toddler Care. In her spare time, Miss Molly enjoys going on hikes, watching documentaries, and being surrounded by family.

• Mr Ryan

  Mr. Ryan attended Millersville University on a scholarship for baseball where he earned credits towards a degree in criminology. For several years Ryan worked as a coach for JumpBunch Fitness, with children 18 months to 12 years. His passion for fitness pours into his classroom daily, as he encourages the children to develop their fine and gross motor skills. When Mr. Ryan isn't at school; he enjoys spending his time with his wife Ms. Heather and watching the Phillies with his son.

• Mr Scott

  Mr. Scott, or better known as Mr. B, graduated from Rider University with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and American Studies. He received his teaching certification through the PA Board of Private Academic Schools and has worked with children in a variety of different settings ranging from licensed childcare centers, summer camps, and public education. Mr. B blends teaching and learning with an element of fun! He brings energy to our Kindergarten classroom and inspires his students to work hard each day, driving their curiosity to learn. Mr. B provides superior instructional support and works to create a learning environment that supports each child's individual needs. During his free time, Mr. B enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. He is a Philadelphia sports fan and loves to watch The Eagles and the Phillies!

• Miss Taylor

  Miss Taylor has been a teacher with The Goddard School since 2022. She gained valuable experience working in early childhood after spending a number of years working with children in a licensed childcare facility. As a mother, Taylor recognizes that children need individualized care and prioritizes that in her classroom. She provides a safe and nurturing environment for children to begin building their early skills, and she loves to watch her students achieve new milestones. Taylor maintains open communication with classroom families which allows her to quickly develop strong and trusting relationships. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and watching true crime documentaries.

• Miss Yessenia

  Miss Yessenia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Pre-Counseling and Therapy from Messiah College. She has several years of experience working with young children as a Lead Teacher and private nanny. Miss Yessenia is passionate about creating a warm, supportive classroom where children feel safe to learn and grow. She designs engaging, age-appropriate activities and values strong partnerships with families to support each child's development.

• Miss Brionna

  Miss Brionna joined our team in 2023. In her role as an Assistant Teacher, she helps in all classrooms, but primarily works with our Infants and Kindergarteners. Brionna's patient and caring demeanor brings a sense of calm to the classroom. As a former gymnastics coach for preschool-aged children she is able to quickly connect with the students in her care and utilize age-appropriate strategies to support the classroom. Brionna's reliability and positive attitude make her a key player in the day-to-day operations of our school. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her daughters, working on arts and crafts activities, and baking.

• Ms Debbie

  Miss Debbie comes to us with experience working at another Goddard School. As a mother of two herself, she understands the importance of providing a nurturing environment in which children can learn. Miss Debbie had an in home child care center at her house for 8 years. She looks forward to getting to know all of the children and families at our school!

• Miss Gabriella

  As a floater, Miss Gabby supports a variety of classrooms, bringing flexibility, positivity, and a strong commitment to early childhood education. She is excited to continue building her professional experience while gaining insight into different age groups and learning styles. Miss Gabby enjoys forming meaningful relationships with students and takes pride in helping each child grow, learn, and reach their full potential. Her nurturing approach and eagerness to support every classroom make her a valuable part of our school community.

• Miss Jordan

  Miss Jordan is excited to be part of The Goddard School team. She has a strong passion for working with children and creating a safe, nurturing space where they can grow and express themselves. With experience in babysitting, volunteering in schools, and serving as a student ambassador, she brings both enthusiasm and dedication to the classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys nature and being creative. Miss Jordan looks forward to helping each student learn and thrive.

• Ms Kyra

  Ms. Kyra attended Lock Haven University to pursue her degree in Psychology. As a Lead Teacher from 2017-2022, Kyra taught in both our Pre-Toddler, Get Set, and Preschool classrooms. After the birth of her daughter, Ms. Kyra took some time away from early childhood education to focus on her family and work on building her career in real estate. She returned to The Goddard School in 2024 with her two-year old daughter. Ms. Kyra is passionate about learning through hands on play and is excited to continue working with children in her new role as an assistant/substitute teacher.

• Miss Mia

  Mis Mia joined The Goddard School faculty in Fall 2024. She is currently enrolled at Penn State Harrisburg where she is working towards completing her degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Mia gained experience working with young children through babysitting and looks forward to expanding her knowledge as a team member at Goddard. In her free time, she likes to draw and paint. She is also a member of the cheerleading team for Penn State Harrisburg.

• Miss Samantha

  Miss Samantha is excited to be part of the teaching team with Goddard. With experience as an Associate and Assistant Teacher in early childhood education settings, she brings a strong background in supporting young learners. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing classroom where children feel safe, respected, and eager to explore. Miss Samantha looks forward to working closely with families to make this a successful and joyful school year.

• Ms Samantha

  We are delighted to welcome Ms. Samantha to our team as a part-time teacher! As a Goddard parent turned educator, she is already familiar with and deeply connected to our school community. We are excited for her to bring her enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication to the classroom. Ms. Samantha grew up in Hershey and earned dual degrees in Finance and Business from Penn State University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing sports, and engaging in arts and crafts.