Our Teachers

Hello! My name is Colleen Chevalier and I am the Owner of The Goddard School of Temple Terrace. I have a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Queens University of Charlotte. I have over 15 years experience as a Pediatric and NICU RN. I enjoy spending time with my husband Michael and our three children. You can find usually find us at soccer tournaments and cheering on the Gators!

Hello! My name is Ashley Gomez and I am the Director of The Goddard School. I joined the Goddard family in August of 2009 as a preschool teacher and transitioned into the Director’s office in November of 2010. I have a B.S. in Family Social Science with minors in Family Violence Prevention and Sociology earned from the University of Minnesota. I currently hold State of Florida Staff and Director Credentials. My history of working with children starts back in 1998 volunteering at the local Safe Haven runaway shelter, including holding a position of Youth Advisory Board Co-President until relocating in 2002 for college. I initially came to Florida for the warm weather but also gained a passion in Early Childhood Education! I enjoy spending my free time with my husband Jp and our children Maxwell and Loralina. You can find us enjoying sporting events, exploring Florida and many other travel destinations!

HELLO! MY NAME IS MS. SHANNON! I HAVE TWO BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS AND 2 WONDERFUL GRANDCHILDREN. I LOVE BEING A MOM AND MIMI TO THEM. I HAVE THIRTY-TWO YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE CHILDCARE FIELD WORKING WITH CHILDREN OF ALL AGES. I TRULY CARE AND POUR MY HEART INTO THESE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. I LOVE THE EDUCATION FIELD AND AM EXCITED TO JOIN THE GODDARD TEAM. I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!

Hello! My name is Christine McClintock. I’ve recently moved to Florida from Northern Virginia near Washington D.C. Adjustment to the Florida lifestyle has been incredibly easy and I’m loving my new life here in Plant City. I’m a Virginia Tech graduate with a degree in Accounting Information Systems. As my three children are now young adults, I decided to transfer my knowledge from working in the IT world and incorporate it into my long-time passion of early childhood education. As your Director of Communications, I look forward to our relationship and being part of the Goddard family!

Hello, my name is Danielle Nelson. I have been teaching preschool since 2013. I currently have my National CDA and I am working on my degree in Child Development and Psychology. Before working in a center based childcare center, I worked in a group home as a Behavior Tech, helping children with special needs. In my free time I enjoy reading and writing, with hopes of one day becoming a children’s author. The most rewarding thing about teaching for me is when a child has grasped the knowledge that they have learned from my classroom. I am very excited to be a part of the team at The Goddard School and I look forward to doing great things!

HI! I am Ms. Marlene. I've been in childcare since 1993. I started at my church preschool and found my passion. It's very rewarding each and everyday to watch the children learn and grow. It's important for me to stay up to date on new training. I'm always willing to learn more along my journey. I've been married for over 35 years! I have one son and two daughters. I'm looking forward to grandchildren! I love spending time with family, traveling and shopping. I'm excited to be here at The Goddard School. Thank you for the opportunity to love and teach your children each and every day!

My name is Sushama Patel and I am so glad to be a part of the Goddard School faculty. I have been in this profession since 1995. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Children’s Education and hold a Master’s degree in Economics from India. I worked as an elementary school teacher for 16 years and as a Vice-Principal for 4 years in India. I have also volunteered at local preschools and gained a wealth of knowledge through those experiences. Working with children is the most important part of my life. I have spent 23 years with children and hope many more to come. I can’t imagine my life without helping shape children as they give me inner peace and happiness.

HI, my name is Denilsa. Otherwise known as Ms. Denise to all my little ones. I've worked with children since 2015. I completed my CDA in 2018. I have both my Director's Credential as well as my VPK Credential. I love children! My son is my biggest inspiration. In my free time, I love to read, travel and explore new restaurants. I spend as much time as possible with my son and our family. To me, the humble and simple way of life is the best way to live!

Hello, my name is Jeffrey Coates. The children know me as Mr. C. I was born and raised in Boston, MA. I have always had a persistence to push myself to do my best. I recently graduated with Honors with my Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education. I have over 20 years experience working with children. I believe "together is better". I instill the importance of using our words, choices, and actions to influence ourselves and others in a helpful manner. I live by three things: Love others, do great things, and be a bucket filler!

Hi! My name is Maria! I was born and raised in Venezuela. In 2018, I moved to Florida with my family. I have one son who is my pride and joy! I've worked in childcare in Florida for the last few years with infants through 2-year-old children. Infants are where I feel the happiest! I'm excited to work here at The Goddard School. Thank you for allowing me to care for your infants, they are all amazing!

Hola! My name is Nathaley. I have worked in the education field in Venezuela and the United States for over 25 years as a teacher, director and principle. My first love are the kids! I’m bilingual in Spanish and English. My favorite activities in the classroom are art and music. In my time outside of school, I love spending time with my children and grandchildren. Spending time outside, hiking and reading are activities that fill my weekend. Thank you for allowing me to teach your little ones!

Hi - my name is Ms. Yanilza! I was born in The Dominican Republic. I lived in Utah for 20 years and moved to Tampa, Florida in 2013 with my husband and five amazing kiddos! I studied Interior Design in college and realized that working with children as an Early education Educator is what makes me happiest. Education is my passion for myself and others. I love working with your children - Thank You!

Hi! My name is Vali. I’m bilingual in Spanish and English. I moved to the United States from Venezuela with my two sons in 2023. The Goddard School is a wonderful school! I am happy to work with children of all ages. In my free time, I enjoy being outside in nature. My favorite activity is horseback riding.

Hello, my name is Katy. I am so grateful to be a part of the Goddard team! My native country is Argentina and my first language is Spanish. My passion is kids. I’m blessed to be able to work each day with your children. We work on letters, colors, numbers, sharing and potty training! My favorite activity with the kids is singing in Spanish and dancing. I love to see their smiles. Thank you for allowing me to care for your children and watch them learn and grow. Gracias!

Hi, my name is Tara. I’ve been in the early education field since 2021. I am surrounded by educators in my personal life and thankful for my role models. I love that The Goddard School invests in early literacy. My favorite part of the day is reading stories to the kids. In my free time, I love spending time with my friends and family. My daughter is the love of my life!

Hi! My name is Mirna and I have been living in Florida with my husband and daughter since 2020. I’m originally from Nicaragua, CA. My family moved to New York when I was very young, and I went to New York schools. I studied and received my degree in Marketing Management at Baruch College CUNY. We moved to New Jersey to raise our children. In my spare time, I like to take long walks, read mystery novels and spend time with family and friend. Working at the Goddard School is like raising my children again (which I miss)! I love that I’ll help shape the future generation, see the wonders of the world through their eyes and just enjoy being around young minds!

Hello! My name is Ms. Chetra. I was born in Guyana which is located in South America. I came to the United States in 1982 and lived in New York for 9 years. I then got married and moved to Virginia to start a family. Recently, I have relocated to Florida to be closer to my daughter. I have worked in childcare for nearly 30 years and have been with Goddard for 20 years. I have a passion for working with children and I am grateful that I get to do what I love everyday.

HI! My name is Sophie. I am originally from New Port Richey. I moved to Tampa to attend the University of South Florida. I am pursuing my nursing degree. I love working with the summer camp kids and planning STEAM activities. I am so lucky and happy to be a part of the Goddard Team.

Hello, my name is Jenna. I recently moved here from Kansas City, Missouri where I received my Associates Degree. I am currently a student at USF. I have tutored & worked with children since high school. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with your kids and help them meet their full potential here at Goddard.

Hi! My name is Alaina. I am originally from Wesley Chapel. I moved to Tampa to attend the University of South Florida. I am studying criminology. I love working with children and learning something new every day! I am so lucky to be part of such a fantastic school and family.