Our Teachers

Kirsten Samel, the esteemed owner of The Goddard School in the Meridian International Business Complex, boasts a Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Studies. Her Goddard journey started in 2008 as a Director, leading to roles with major childcare providers, recently managing 20 sites in Denver. Kirsten champions The Goddard School's philosophy, emphasizing health, safety, and educational excellence. Supporting her is Matthew Samel, a Metro State University alum with a Business Management degree and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Together, they are honored to serve The Goddard School's families and students, committed to providing unparalleled early childhood education.

Lisa Fultz is the Executive Director here at The Goddard School at Meridian. Lisa holds a Master's Degree of Education in Early Childhood, a Master's of Science in Management (incl) and a Bachelor's Degree in Music. Lisa has worked for a number of large Early Childhood facilities in the roles of both teacher and director throughout the Denver Metro area since 2000, and has taught Music for Middle and High Schoolers in the Aurora Public Schools Options Program. Lisa and her husband have been married for 39 years, having spent 36 of them in Denver. Together, they have 2 grown children and a dog. They enjoy the outdoors together. Lisa enjoys hiking, biking, swimming, reading, singing and playing her guitars in her free time. Early Childhood is truly Lisa's calling in life and she loves all of "her" children dearly!

Ms. Liz, our esteemed Education Director, holds an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education and an Early Childhood Teacher Certificate, bolstered by a wealth of practical experience. She is currently advancing her expertise by pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree, embodying her belief that continuous education is pivotal for success in early childhood education. By constantly seeking new knowledge and striving for excellence, Ms. Liz serves as an exemplary role model for both teachers and students. In her role, Ms. Liz transcends traditional teaching methods by working closely with our educators to design and implement personalized lesson plans tailored to the unique needs of our students, rather than relying on generic curricula. Her approach ensures a nurturing, engaging, and enriching learning environment, fostering each child's love of learning through understanding and compassion.

Andrea has been an integral part of The Goddard School faculty for over three years, bringing a specialized education and background in infant and toddler care to her role. As a Co-Lead in the Cuddly Cub Infant classroom, she is dedicated to welcoming families into the program and fostering strong, trusting relationships with both the families and infants under her care. Known for her warmth, patience, and kindness, Miss Andrea is passionate about creating a nurturing and welcoming environment for every child making the transition into the classroom. In addition to her professional commitments, Andrea enjoys exploring new restaurants, spending quality time outdoors with her family, and honing her cooking skills in her free time. Her commitment to ensuring a positive and comforting experience for both children and their families underscores her role as a cornerstone of the nurturing educational environment The Goddard School is renowned for.

Ms. Kerri, serving as the Lead Teacher in the Bouncing Bunnies classroom, brings a profound level of educational expertise and experience to her role. With a foundation in Child Development Associates, enriched by further studies in Goddard University topics and an Infant Nursery Supervisor Certification, her academic background is comprehensive and specialized. Since joining The Goddard School family in March 2008, Ms. Kerri's enduring commitment to early childhood education is evident in her impressive tenure. Her exceptional understanding of young toddlers, including developmental milestones and goals, sets her apart. Coupled with her unparalleled patience for this age group, Ms. Kerri fosters a nurturing and warm environment where children are encouraged to thrive. Her consistent positive demeanor and deep educational insight ensure that the Bouncing Bunnies classroom is a place of growth, learning, and warmth, making her an invaluable asset to our educational community.

Hello, I'm Lanae, and I've had the privilege of working with children for the past 15 years, specializing in Early Childhood Education with a focus on special education. My experience spans various settings, including center-based programs, inclusive environments, and general education, allowing me to develop a well-rounded approach to meeting the unique needs of children. Aside from my professional role, I am a proud mother of a high school junior in the class of 2025. When I'm not joyfully exploring the wonders of the world with the children at Goddard, I treasure moments spent with my son. We bond over shared interests like watching movies, thrift shopping, and cheering for our favorite football teams. Being a catalyst for exploration, adventure, and learning with young minds brings me immense joy. I am thrilled to be a part of the Goddard School, where I eagerly anticipate the journey of discovery and growth that we will embark on together. Let's explore, learn, and thrive!

Grace, a distinguished co-teacher in the Rowdy Raccoon classroom, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Hailing from Vermont, known as the Green Mountain State, she has seamlessly transitioned to life in Colorado, embracing the community and its diverse educational landscape. With over seven years of teaching experience, Grace has cultivated a profound understanding of early childhood education, evidenced by her Associate's degree in the field. Further enhancing her educational portfolio, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Anthropology, providing her with a unique perspective on the social development of children. Driven by a deep passion for working with young learners, Grace is committed to ensuring that each child receives the best possible start in life. She believes in the power of art to inspire and engage, actively fostering an appreciation for creativity among the toddlers she teaches.

Angel holds the position of a dedicated educator within the Rowdy Raccoons classroom, where her exceptional qualities of patience, nurturing, and kindness not only enrich the learning environment but also significantly contribute to the development of the children's social skills. Her ability to foster an atmosphere of warmth and care has proven to be contagious, setting a solid foundation for the young learners to understand and navigate the intricacies of social relationships from an early age. As a parent of a child enrolled in our program, Angel brings a unique and invaluable perspective to her role. This dual experience as both educator and mother allows her to deeply appreciate and advocate for our school's philosophy of learning through play. Her personal investment in the school's approach enhances her commitment to the educational journey of not just her own child, but all the children under her guidance.

Meet Ms. Claire, our Lead Preschool Teacher, who has dramatically impacted thousands of children's lives through her innovative approach to learning. With over 30 years of experience, including more than a decade at our school since April 2010, Claire has devoted her career to enhancing early education with a focus on play-based learning. Holding a degree in Elementary Education from Thomas Morus College, her methods foster social skills and lifelong learning in a joyful preschool environment. Families cherish her for her dedication and the nurturing space she creates, allowing children to explore and grow. We're profoundly grateful for Ms. Claire's unwavering commitment and the positive influence she continues to have on our community.

Riley brings a dynamic and energetic presence to her classroom, the Fantastic Foxes, perfectly aligning with the high-spirited nature of the children in her care. Her vivacious personality is not only a tremendous asset but also enhances the learning environment by prioritizing active movement and play-based learning. This approach ensures that the classroom is not just a place of education but also a space where the natural energy and curiosity of the children are channeled into meaningful learning experiences. Currently, Riley is furthering her professional development by pursuing additional studies in Elementary Education. This commitment to her own educational journey reflects her dedication to adopting the most effective teaching strategies and practices. Her focus on integrating active learning opportunities demonstrates her understanding of the importance of kinesthetic learning in early education.

Ms. Laurie has been with The Goddard School at Meridian since January of 2009. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching licensure in Education. Throughout Ms. Laurie's tenure with The Goddard School she was continued her education with graduate course work as well as additional extensive training in infant and toddler care. Ms. Laurie's commitment to her classroom reflects an environment that is nurturing, responsive, and stimulating for her young students!

Ms. Tracy, the newest addition to our Goddard family, radiates a heartfelt passion for nurturing the inquisitive minds of young children. With over 30 years in the states, originally hailing from England, she brings a unique blend of patience, kindness, and an open heart to our team. Tracy's ability to thrive amidst the vibrant chaos of preschoolers showcases her genuine love for fostering their endless curiosity. Alongside Ms. Claire and Ms. Tori, Ms. Tracy's classroom comes alive with the love of learning through new books, songs, and creative activities. Outside the classroom, Tracy's world is filled with joy from playing with her grandchildren and dogs, knitting, listening to Donny Osmond, and unwinding with episodes of Dr. Who. Her dedication is a beacon of inspiration, embodying the warmth and nurturing spirit that guides our young learners on their exciting educational journey.

Hello, my name is Cindy, and I am a resource teacher at The Goddard School. That means I help in every classroom and get to interact with all the children here. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Phycology from the University of Colorado at Denver. I really enjoy taking child psychology and child development courses. I love working with children of all ages and love to create a fun, educational and nurturing environment for children in the classroom. A fun fact about me is I recently became a grandmother!

Mr. Jake, the esteemed Lead Teacher in the Brilliant Bears classroom at The Goddard School - Meridian, holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University, with specializations in Curriculum Development and Early Childhood Education. His commitment to excellence is evident through his continuous professional development, including recent completion of Positive Discipline for Early Educators training, and ongoing education with Goddard University courses. Since joining our school in 2008, Mr. Jake has established a distinguished reputation for creating a curriculum-rich environment that actively engages students in their learning journey, meticulously preparing them for Kindergarten and beyond. His innovative approach and dedication have made a significant impact on our community, profoundly influencing both our teaching teams and the many families we serve.

Hi everyone, my name is Ania! I am currently a soon to be graduate with my first college degree in Integrative Health Care, and have dreams to one day deliver babies as a midwife. I enjoy specializing in infant development, and hope to one day bring comfort and ease to the tiny humans in the NICU that need it. I'm all things labor and delivery, midwifery and will in the future embark on my goal of becoming a neonatologist in med school and to have a substantial amount of experience in pediatrics.

Driven by her passion for securing a top-notch early education program, Faith's quest led her to our school, where she not only found a nurturing environment for her child but also became an integral part of the classroom as an assistant teacher. Her deep knowledge of developmental milestones and commitment to preparing students for elementary school are invaluable to our community. In the Brilliant Bears Room, Faith excels in fostering essential friendship skills and encouraging children to develop independent self-help abilities. At Goddard, Faith has truly found her calling, enriching our older classrooms with innovative games and sharing her insights on developmentally appropriate behaviors, making her a treasured asset among our eldest learners.

Bailey Walker, our Fantastic Fox Classroom Lead Teacher, specializes in guiding 2.5 to 3-year-olds through pivotal early learning stages. Recently certified in early childhood education, her expertise includes positive guidance, social skill development, and effective curriculum and environmental design for young learners. Miss Bailey brings an infectious high energy to the classroom, ensuring activities are engaging and movement-filled. She excels in teaching emotional understanding, regulation techniques, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering essential self-care skills like potty training. Her dedication to nurturing positive peer interactions and her focus on fun, play-based learning make every day a dynamic adventure of growth and discovery. Bailey's approach not only enriches her students' educational journey but also lays a solid foundation for their lifelong love of learning.

Aubrey's journey into the world of child development began in high school, coaching gymnastics for children ages 3 to 12 at Peak Athletics. This experience ignited her passion for working with children, shaping her future ambitions. Alongside her coaching, she earned her CNA certification, with aspirations of entering the nursing field. Currently, Aubrey is pursuing her Nursing degree at Regis University, where her love for the profession continues to grow. Serving as a Resource Teacher, Aubrey is eager to apply her blend of healthcare knowledge and educational insights to enrich the lives of children. She champions learning through play, believing it's crucial for fostering lifelong learners. Aubrey's warm, professional approach, combined with her commitment to educational excellence, makes her an invaluable member of our school community, dedicated to making a difference in every child's life.

Ms. Tori brings a wealth of experience from various sectors, including education, healthcare, and customer service, showcasing her versatility and dedication across her career. With a solid background in working with both children and developmentally disabled adults, she offers a unique blend of empathy, patience, and organizational skills. Ms. Tori's journey in education saw her excel as a Certified Lead Teacher within Parker, CO, beginning in 2008. Her commitment and passion were evident as she navigated the challenges of fostering a nurturing and educational environment for young learners, earning the respect and admiration of children, families, and colleagues alike.