Our Teachers

We are Denise and Mitch Manders, proud owners of the Goddard School of West Carmel. Prior to owning the school, we both spent our careers in various leadership roles within accounting/finance. We have three children – Evan, Noah and Layla, who keep us very busy throughout the year! As parents in the school, we recognize how important it is to create an environment of love and empowerment for the children and teachers. With our backgrounds in business and our passion to make a difference for others, we are excited to start this new journey as owners of the school!

Jada earned a bachelor's degree in Special Education and Elementary Education with a focus on literacy from Purdue University, along with a minor in Global Studies. Her journey in early childhood education began as an assistant teacher in a multicultural preschool, followed by teaching standard 1 and preschool in a rural village in Tanzania. Since joining Goddard in 2015, she has nurtured young minds from infants to kindergarteners. Most recently, she served as a curriculum specialist, supporting teachers in fostering intentional learning experiences. Jada believes in offering differentiated learning opportunities through a curriculum focused on play and exploration. She is dedicated to empowering teachers to make a positive difference in the lives of all children at the school.

Rachel brings a strong academic foundation to early childhood education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from San Diego State University and a Master's degree in Education with a minor in Early Childhood Development from Concordia University - Portland. Rachel's teaching philosophy centers on the importance of play and exploration in fostering children's learning. She believes children learn best by making connections through play, and that a safe and structured environment is vital for them to navigate their emotions and social interactions. Her goal is to create a classroom community where children and teachers work together to create a positive and engaging learning experience for all.

Luz has been the kitchen manager at The Goddard School since 2015. Before coming to this school, she worked for several years at another child care facility. Luz feels every child deserves to have tasty, nutritious meals, and that’s what she makes them in return for their huge smiles. Luz looks at her position at our school not only as a job but as a second home where she can cook as she loves to do for her own family!

With a passion for play-based learning, Abigail joined The Goddard School in 2022. She believes that exploration, discovery, and the freedom to learn through trial and error are the cornerstones of a child's development. She believes in providing a fun and engaging environment where messiness is embraced as a sign of active learning. Abigail strives to build strong connections with students and their families and to create a fun and engaging environment where children can flourish and grow.

Allie holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Ball State University. Prior to joining Goddard, she spent two years teaching Kindergarten and has extensive experience leading preschool classrooms. In addition to her traditional training, Allie is proficient in applying Montessori principles in education. She's enthusiastic about integrating these ideas into her Goddard classroom. Allie's teaching philosophy centers on respecting each child's unique development and personality. She believes in meeting children at their level and building upon those strengths. She is dedicated to creating a supportive and loving classroom community full of lifelong learners. An avid reader and children's book writer herself, Allie enjoys igniting a love of reading in her students.

Ms. Allyssa studied Child Development and Family Studies at Ball State University. She has 6.5 years of experience of being a Lead Teacher for Pre-K, Preschool, and inclusion students. She believes in prioritizing student's individual needs, fostering a safe and warm environment where they can take responsibility for their actions and behaviors. She thinks it is crucial to separate the child's character from undesired behaviors. Her goal here at Goddard is to create a loving environment where students feel excited to learn and free to be who they are. To have a silly but safe classroom where every student knows they have value.

Amanda graduated from IUPUI with a bachelor's degree in Social Work. She hopes to create a classroom where all learning styles are welcomed and nurtured so her students can thrive. Through art and sensory activities, she fosters an atmosphere of imagination and creativity for her students. Her goal is to encourage a growth mindset where every child believes they can achieve anything they set their mind to.

Amber graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising. Since joining The Goddard School in 2013, she has worked with a range of ages, from young toddlers to Pre-K. Amber understands how to create developmentally appropriate learning activities and experiences for children in her care. Building strong connections is a core value for Amber. She takes the time to connect with each child, creating a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive. Her dedication is evident in the long-lasting trust she builds with children and the positive relationships she fosters with families. The joy on children's faces as they learn and grow is what truly motivates Amber, and her commitment to The Goddard School shines through in every interaction.

Audri attended Ivy Tech Community College where she received her associate degree in Elementary Education. Audri views teaching as a journey of building relationships with her students. She prioritizes creating a well-organized and inclusive classroom environment to foster learning for all. Audri is dedicated to celebrating student achievements and actively supporting them in reaching their full potential.

Carolina is currently working toward a Child Development Associate Credential and feels fortunate to be a teacher. By recognizing the unique strengths and personalities of each child, she creates a comfortable and interactive learning environment. Carolina empowers her students to embrace their individuality and express themselves freely. Through engaging lessons and a nurturing approach, she ignites a love for reading and sets them on a path of lifelong learning.

Diana joined Goddard in 2021. With experience in nannying and childcare facilities, she's worked with children from newborns all the way up to kindergarteners. Diana is also CNA-trained and fluent in both Spanish and English, making her an asset to a diverse classroom. Diana's teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning. She believes that children learn best by actively exploring and engaging with their surroundings. She also recognizes the importance of a clean, well-equipped environment for optimal learning. Diana's goals are to build strong relationships with both the children and their parents, ensure a safe and healthy environment, and foster a fun and engaging atmosphere for learning.

Emma holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Ball State University. She believes in meeting the unique needs of her students by getting to know their distinct personalities, learning styles, and strengths. Her goal is to challenge her students with positive learning experiences to get them excited to learn and grow.

Kameelah comes to Goddard with 4 years experience and her CDA in infant/toddlers. She has volunteered in K-12 art programs as well as at Head Start. She believes that every child deserves love, patience, and respect. She wants her classroom to incorporate play-based learning with a foundation of communication, family involvement, and fun!

Katelynn graduated from Ben Davis High School, also earning her CDA certification. She is currently working towards her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. She has been working with children since graduating. Her approach centers around creating a warm and responsive relationship with each child. Katelynn believes fun, developmentally appropriate activities are pivotal to sparking a love of learning in children. Her goal is to ensure that everyone in the classroom feels safe, confident, and loved.

Madi has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Butler University. She believes that every child learns differently and designs classroom activities with the diversity of learning styles in mind. She focuses on creating an inclusive learning environment where all children can interact and engage with their teachers and peers. In her free time, Madi enjoys volunteering at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital.

Megan currently holds a CDA and has worked as an Assistant Teacher as well as in summer camps and at the YMCA. She believes an ideal classroom environment has a genuine sense of acceptance, warmth and love. Megan wants to create and environment where everyone is welcomed in light of their differences. Megan wants her classroom to allow children to authentically be themselves, and to foster an environment where their curiosity is encouraged, and their uniqueness celebrated.

Noah officially joined the Goddard team in January of 2024. Noah started his undergrad at Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu and then transferred back home and graduated from IU Bloomington with a BA in English and minor in Spanish. Noah has worked in both after school care and summer camps, He has also worked in various schools as a TA in Special Education, and as a sub. Noah believes that teachers help build the foundation of understanding about the world which is why it is important to be consistent, patient, and educated as a teacher. He also believes children have an incredibly unique perspective to offer that we can learn from everyday. Noah wants to help children learn the importance of safety and respect for themselves, their peers, and the class itself in preparation for kindergarten and beyond.

Tonya has worked at The Goddard School since 2005 and has been the teacher in various classrooms with infants and toddlers. She attended Ivy Tech Community College and received her CDA in 2004. Tonya has worked with children for over 25 years and has loved every minute of it! Tonya’s work at Goddard allows her to equip children with the tools they need to learn and grow. Her unwavering dedication to the school ensures consistent care and fosters trusting relationships for all the children. Witnessing their journey from infancy to Pre-K students brings her immense joy, as she takes pride in supporting their development throughout their early years.

Ayla comes to Goddard with experience as an Assistant Teacher in PreK and is working toward earning her CDA. Ayla prioritizes fostering a supportive and encouraging environment where her students feel believed in. Her goal is to create a calm, comforting, and creative environment where her students can reach their full potential.

Ms. Cece went to school at Gordon College and has 4 years of experience in early childhood education. She believes learning through our environment, interactions, and play. She strives to get to know each child and learn where she can help to promote their development. She also loves to teach through stories, music, and movement. She hopes to create a fun and comfortable environment with engaging interactions everyday.

Amille is a dedicated preschool teacher with a love for nurturing young minds. With a high school diploma and two years of experience as an assistant teacher, she brings knowledge and experience to her classroom. Her teaching philosophy centers around witnessing the growth and development of her students, celebrating their achievements along the way. Committed to fostering a positive learning environment, Amille strives to help her students reach their full potential.

Katheryn comes to us from Venezuela where she was a nurse for 8 years. She has worked as an RN in operating rooms, maternity, and emergency rooms. She considers herself attentive, friendly, and trustworthy. Katheryn is willing and loves to learn new things. Her favorite part about teaching is seeing the success of the children. She believes in making activities fun and creating structure within the classroom.

Keely holds a BA in Theater from Ball State University. She has been working with children for over 10 years assisting in preschools, leading children's theater camps, and working as a nanny. She believes the right early childhood education experience can spark a life-long love of learning. Her teaching philosophy is children learn best in a warm and nurturing environment that prioritizes supporting individual needs. She wants to use music and the art of story-telling to provide learning experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and compassion in her students!

Kylie has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Neuroscience. Her teaching philosophy is that children best when they are given a safe environment and fun learning experiences. She believes in teaching children the skills they need to grow and overcome any obstacles they may face. Kylie's goals in the classroom are to establish routines and an environment that will help each child develop their social-emotional skills and communication with their peers.

Maria has been working in Early Childhood Education for several years and has been at The Goddard School since 2021. She believes that children learn best by having hands-on experiences. Maria feels that having a clean and loving environment helps children learn and grow! Her goal is to help children enjoy school and to build relationships with families.

Mitchell studied Music Education at Ball State University. He is inspired by children's natural curiosity and eagerness to learn. He believes in fostering a safe learning environment where every child feels comfortable exploring academic skills and developing emotional regulation. His goal is to incorporate play-based learning and create a positive and supportive classroom environment.

Morgan is currently studying Elementary Education at Butler University. She believes that authentic, hands-on experiences are the most beneficial to learning. Her philosophy on early education emphasizes the power of play as a valuable tool for both students and educators. Morgan believes that all children have the ability to reach full success and exceed expectations when provided with the resources they need. Her goal is to create an environment where children feel safe, curious, and loved.

Ms. Rebekah brings experience from different daycare settings to the classroom, having worked as both an assistant and lead teacher. She strives to create a nurturing and engaging environment where children can learn and grow. Ms. Rebekah believes in a well rounded approach to teaching, emphasizing the importance of love, nourishment, and play. She understands that children are naturally happy and energetic and that addressing their physical and emotional needs is crucial for their well-being. Ms. Rebekah is committed to providing a supportive and encouraging learning environment for each child. She believes that all children are unique and deserves the opportunity to learn and grow at their own pace.