Our Teachers

We are the proud owners of The Goddard School located in Upper Saint Clair. Our school was inspired by our 3 amazing children, Jake, Tyler and Madison, and we reside in Peters Township. We appreciate the importance of providing a solid foundation for young children and believe taking care of children's hearts, bodies and minds gives us the opportunity to make a difference in their future and the future of all of those who are touched by them. This, together with helping families find balance in their lives, has inspired us to offer the BEST early childhood education program available. Lori’s Background: • Slippery Rock University - Bachelor of Arts in Communications Bob’s Background: • General Motors Institute - Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering • Purdue University - Masters Degree in Business Administration

Hello, I'm Tyler Santo, an owner of The Goddard School in Upper St. Clair, PA. With a genuine passion for early childhood development and a strong commitment to organizational leadership, I am deeply invested in creating a nurturing environment where children can flourish and explore their natural curiosity. My academic journey includes earning both BA and MA degrees from Penn State University. Prior to my role at The Goddard School of Upper St. Clair, I served as the On-Site Owner of The Goddard School of Wexford, PA. Outside of work, my wife, Jocelyn, and I enjoy golf, skiing, and spending time with loved ones. We welcomed our baby boy Dominic into the world in 2023. We also have two dogs, Archer and Benji. I am truly honored to be part of The Goddard School family, dedicated to providing an enriching environment where children can thrive, learn, and grow. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and I am committed to supporting them on their journey.

Hello! I am Maddi Santo, the Chief Marketing Officer of The Upper Saint Clair Goddard School of PA. I graduated with a degree in Exercise Science from Virginia Commonwealth University. Understanding that children are the future of our world, it feels incredibly special to make a difference in their lives on a daily basis. As your child’s first school, it's crucial to set the tone for their lifelong love of learning. At The Goddard School, we are dedicated to providing the resources they need to grow and flourish. I believe that children learn compassion by observing the compassionate behavior of others, which is why it’s essential to model this behavior in everything we do.

Ms. Kayla is one of the Co-Directors at The Goddard School in Upper Saint Clair. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from California University of Pennsylvania. She has her PA Teaching Certification in Pre-Kindergarten through 4th Grade. Kayla has an extensive background of working with children. She volunteered and worked in classrooms all throughout college. She was also a teacher at The Goddard School in Peters Township for two years. When asked why she loves teaching, Kayla replied, "I love teaching because I love children! I have worked with children of all ages and love seeing the "light bulb" go off above their heads when they finally understand a concept."

Ms. Ashley is one of our Co-Directors. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education at California University of Pennsylvania. Ashley has her Private Academic Certification. She started with Goddard in 2012 as a co lead teacher in the Preschool classroom. She originally worked at our Peters Township location and then moved to a location in Virginia. We are so glad to have her back with us! When asked why she loves teaching, Ashley replied, "I love teaching because I love knowing that I get to play a part in providing a safe-nurturing environment for the children to come to everyday. Watching the students learn and grow in my classroom and knowing that I was a part of that is such an awesome feeling. "

Ms. Cassie is our Assistant Director! Ms. Cassie received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Development and Education from Washington and Jefferson College and has her Private Academic Certification. Cassie has a long background in working with children of all ages. She was a previous teacher before becoming an Assistant Director. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Cassie replied, "The most important thing a teacher can do is be a role model and advocate for each of their students!”

Ms. Meredith is our Lead Infant Teachers at The Goddard School (Pearls). She has her Child Development Associate Credential and a Certificate of Award in Child Care from Western Area Career and Technology Center. She was previously a Lead Teacher for Infants at a local Preschool and has over 5 years of experience working with children. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Meredith replied, "The most important thing a teacher can do is provide all students with guidance, so they are able to be successful.”

Ms. Stacy is our Lead Teacher in the Infant (Pearls) classroom. She received her diploma from West Allegheny. She has over 12 years of experience working with the Infant age group in a child care setting. She is eager to begin her CDA certificate training in the future. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Stacy replied, “The most important thing a teacher can do is to treat each child differently because all students are not the same.”

Ms. Shoshana is our Lead Teacher in the First Steps (Guppies) classroom. Ms. Shoshana earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Pittsburgh. She has previously been an Assistant Teacher at a local child care center as well as an Assistant Teacher at a Goddard School in Wayland, MA. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Shoshana replied, "The most important thing a teacher can do is support all children while learning."

Ms. Tailor is our Lead Teacher in the First Steps (Guppies) classroom. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education from West Liberty University. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Tailor replied, “ The most important thing a teacher can do is connect with her students and make them feel safe in the classroom.

Ms. Laura is our Lead Teacher in the Pre-Toddler Classroom (Starfish). Laura graduated from Florida Technical College. She received her Associate of Science Degree in Website and Graphic Design. Laura has previously been a Personal Care Assistant in a Life Skills classroom with a local elementary school. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Laura replied, "The most important thing a teacher can do is create a safe and engaging environment for learning.”

Ms. Lea is one of our lead teachers in the Pre-Toddler classroom. Lea graduated from Bradford School of Business with her Associate in Specialized Business (Hospitality and Travel Management). She has been a Youth Head Basketball Coach since 2018. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Lea replied “keep a happy, clam atmosphere and a safe place.”

Ms. Carmela is our Lead Teacher in Early Preschool 1 (Seahorse) classroom. She received her CDA and is currently attending Carlow University working towards earning her Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been working in Early Childhood for over three years. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Carmela replied, “The most important thing a teacher can do is, be attentive and listen to her students.”

Ms. Leslie is one of our Lead Teachers in the Early Preschool 1 classroom (Seahorse). She received her diploma from Highland High School and her Certification from the Nathan Layne Institute. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do, Leslie replied "the most important thing a teacher can do is be there for the kids, especially someone to look up to.”

Ms. Briah is our Lead Teacher in the Early Preschool 2 (Clownfish) classroom. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from West Texas A&M University. She has been working as a Preschool Director in Texas for over a year and was previously a Pre-K teacher! When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Briah replied, “The most important thing a teacher can do is be patient and remain calm in all situations.”

Ms. Kara is our Lead Teacher in the Early Preschool 2 (Clownfish) classroom. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Duquesne University. She has her PA Teaching certification is Prek-4th grade. She has been a camp counselor and a building sub for a local school district. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Kara replied, “The most important thing a teacher can do is teach children to love learning.”

Ms. Chloe is our Lead Teacher in the Preschool 1 Classroom (Pelicans). Chloe graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with her Bachelor of Arts degree in German Language and Cultural Studies with a minor in Secondary Education. She was previously a toddler teacher at a local preschool for the past year. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Chloe replied, "The most important thing a teacher can do is be a positive model for her students!”

Ms. Darci is our Lead Teacher in the Preschool 1 Classroom (Pelicans). Darci graduated from Washington & Jefferson College with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts and Media Studies. She is currently enrolled in classes to complete her Masters Degree in teaching from PennWest University. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Darci replied, "The most important thing a teacher can do is to teach kindness and respect everyone."

Ms. Fallyn is our Lead Teacher in the Preschool 2 Classroom (Sea Turtles). Fallyn graduated from West Liberty University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education. She was previously a preschool teacher at a local preschool for the past two years. We are excited to see all the exciting things that Ms. Fallyn will bring to the Preschool 2 classroom. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Fallyn replied, "care for my students.”

Ms. Megan is our Lead Teacher in the Preschool 2 Classroom (Sea Turtles). Megan graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with her Bachelor of Science in Community, Environment and Development. She also received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Point Park University in PreK through 4th grade education. Ms. Megan has had the opportunity to teach abroad and has served as a Host Site for AmeriCorps KEYS Service Corps. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Megan replied, "The most important thing a teacher can do is care for their students and foster learning in each of them!”

Ms. Melissa is our Lead Teacher in the PreK Classroom (Stingrays). Melissa graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Melissa has been working in a childcare setting since 2005! When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Melissa replied, "The most important thing a teacher can do is be there for a child in their time of need!”

Ms. Chriss is our Lead Teacher in the PreK (Stingrays) classroom. She has continuing credits in Early Childhood education and has over 20 years of experience in a child care setting. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Chriss replied, “The most important thing a teacher can do is build a relationship and form a trust with their students.”

Ms. Leah is our Lead Teacher in the Junior K Classroom (Lobsters). Leah graduated from Kutztown University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. Ms. Leah has over a year experience working with children in a school setting. She was also a camp counselor for Camp for two summers. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Leah replied, "The most important thing a teacher can do is give their students everything they need!"

Ms. Kelly is our Lead Teacher in the Kindergarten (Manatees) classroom. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from California University of Pennsylvania. She has her PA Teaching Certification in Early Childhood (N-3) and Elementary Education (K-6). She was previously a Second and Third Grade Teacher at a Public School in Virginia. She has had various training on Balanced Literacy. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Kelly replied, "The most important thing a teacher can do is have patience and understanding with all children!”

Ms. Angie is one of our support teachers here at the school. Ms. Angie graduated from Bethel Park High School. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Angie replied "teach children how to understand themselves and value others."

Ms. Abby is one of our Support Teachers here at the school. She graduated High School from South Fayette High School. And has previously been a camp counselor at a local summer camp. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Abby replied "help a child express their creativity and expand their knowledge."

Mr. Jerry is one of our Support Teachers at The Goddard School. He attended La Roche College and earned credits in a Computer Science Degree. Jerry has been working with children since 2020 as a Teacher's Assistant and Support Teacher and was previously a job coach. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Jerry replied, "The most important thing a teacher can do is to support his students and make them feel at home."

Ms. P is one of out support teachers here at the school. Ms. P received her combined Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine Degree with a specialization in Preventive Medicine from Kyrgyz State Medical Academy. She has previously worked at a local child care center since 2022. When asked what is the most important thing a teacher can do is, Ms. P replied "help children explore the world to its fulluest!"

Ms. Gulmira (Ms. G) is one of our support teachers here at the school. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from La Roche University. She is currently also a real estate agent and has previously worked as a YMCA camp counselor in her home state of Kentucky. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Ms. G replied "set an example to children because kids are little sponges. They will soak up what they see and hear!"

Ms. Jocelyn is one of our Support Teachers. She received her diploma from The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School. She previously worked at our Peters Township location as the Jr. K. teacher and a Support Teacher since 2022. We are happy to have her here at The Goddard School Upper Saint Clair. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do, Jocelyn replied "nurture and teach them!"

Ms. Megan is the lead teacher in the Preschool 1 classroom (Pelicans). She has a Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Development from West Virginia University. Ms. Megan has previously been an Infant/Toddler Teacher and Pre K Teacher at a center in West Virginia and a Director at local center. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Megan replied, "help children regulate emotions.”

Ms. Danielle is one of our Support Teachers here at the school. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the Pennsylvania State University and her Associate Degree in Specialized Technology from Kaplan Career Institute. She was previously a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant and was also a Lead Teacher for multiple age groups at a local Preschool. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Danielle replied, "The most important thing a teacher can do is listen and be able to be flexible and accommodating to all learners.”

Ms. Jaime is one of our Support Teachers here at the school. She received her Child Development Associate National Credential and her Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University. Jaime has been a Lead Teacher with us previously for 4 and a half years. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Jaime replied “To promote learning to every child! I believe that education extends beyond the classroom, and should be taught at an early age."