Our Teachers

Welcome to our village away from home! We are the Parlanti/Vozza family, and we are excited to share our passion for nurturing young minds with you. My name is Vanessa Vozza. I am the daughter of Hebe Vozza, one of the original owners who founded the school in April 2000. I was a teacher here and an Assistant Director before I moved on but, brought back with me over 15 years of corporate experience and a successful sales career. Over the last 7 years I’ve dedicated myself to creating an environment that fosters growth and learning for everyone in our village. My husband Roy Parlanti, brings over 20 years of experience in running family-owned restaurants. We have 3 children we love to spend time with! We are committed to continuing the legacy of excellence that my mother started. We are honored to have your precious little ones with us at Goddard, where we promise to provide the highest quality experience in preparing your children to be kind, curious, and successful little humans!

LeeAnn Roope is the Operations Director here at The Goddard School. She joined the faculty in 2000 and became a member of the Administrative Team in 2005. LeeAnn is dedicated to the health and safety of all the children and strives to make each child feel loved and welcomed. She loves vacationing in tropical beaches and spending time with her loved ones.

Amy has a Bachelors in Psychology and has been working in child care for 20 years. She started working part time as an assistant teacher, became full time and lead teacher for many ages over several years. She has been an Assistant Director and a Center Director for the last seven years. She married a Marine (now retired) and has worked in three states, too! Children and serving people are Mrs. Amy's passions! She loves watching children conquer challenges and learn through new experiences and values the partnership with families through it all. She has two children of her own and in her spare time, cherishes making memories with her family. They love being silly, having dance parties and laughing!

Ms. Jessica received her bachelor's of science degree in psychology from Old Dominion University. While there, she volunteered in their child development program. Ms. Jessica has been in the childcare field for over 15 years, teaching at this school from 2011-2021, and again starting in 2023. Ms. Jessica has a real passion for working with children and strives to always do what is in the best interest of every child.

Ms. Deborah (Debbie) attended Virginia Union University where she was studying Early Childhood Education. Ms. Debbie has previous experience both as a nanny and as an assistant teacher in a preschool setting. As a child, Ms. Debbie attended a Goddard School in New Jersey.

Ms. Dakota is currently attending Virginia Commonwealth University. She has been caring for children for over 3 years and has a CDA in preschool. She has worked with children from infants all the way up to pre-teens. Ms. Dakota enjoys watching children grow and develop and believes that the way children are raised and taught has a huge part in how they will be as adults.

Ms. Aurora is a resource teacher in our infant program! Ms. Aurora believes that with teaching you need to be patient and understanding. She also believes that that it is important to be observant to ensure the safety of the children in her care.

Ms. Rita attended Westchester Community College for her associate's degree in human services. She has her CDA Certification in infant and toddler education. Ms. Rita has over 35 years of experience working with children. She has owned her own daycare and been a part of a nanny share program for two families. Ms. Rita's days are filled with adventure when working with children each day. She believes children are exciting and unpredictable and that nothing matches their enthusiasm for life and their eagerness to learn.

Ms. Sara is the lead teacher in our first steps classroom! She believes that we as adults can learn just as much from children, as they do from us. She also believes that every child is unique and different, making them all special.

Ms. Abby holds a Bachelor's in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has more than three years nanny experience, and volunteers at the Children's Museum in her spare time. She has been an assistant to an elementary school art teacher as well! Her favorite aspect of working with children is exploring creative activities with them and being able to explore the power of imagination!

Ms. Kaitlyn has an associates degree in Liberal Arts from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Ms. Kaitlyn also has her cosmetology license. Ms. Kaitlyn has several years of experience as both an assistant teacher and lead teacher in a preschool setting, and also as a nanny. Ms. Kaitlyn loves making fun learning projects for her students and seeing the children in her class learn and hit developmental milestones.

Paige "Skye" is an assistant in our toddler program! Skye believes that children should explore and learn on their own but be present to help then when they need it.

Ms. Michelle attended Georgia State University with a major in criminal psychology and minor in film. Ms. Michelle has over 16 years of experience working with children and has over 10 years of teaching experience. Ms. Michelle strives to make a difference by teaching tomorrow's decision makers and is fortunate to continue teaching at the Goddard School.

Ms. Keniyah attended an early childhood education program in high school. Ms. Keniyah has experience working in a childcare setting through the early childhood education program as well as another childcare facility setting where she worked with young children.

Ms. Avanell (Ava) received her nursing degree from Eastern Mennonite University. Ms. Ava has babysat and nannied for many years, as well as tutored several children in various subjects. She has also been a teacher in a toddler classroom at another preschool. Ms. Ava enjoys watching children and how their brains function, learning new concepts and beginning to master language. She loves watching them make connections and establish those early friendships.

Ms. Kiya attended Brightpoint Community College, where she took some early childhood courses. It brings Ms. Kiya great joy being able to watch a child grow and learn new things. She believes children teach us things along the way, making her job more rewarding. Ms. Kiya loves how curious children are and loves channeling their inner curiosity and creativity.

Ms. Autumn "Faith" is the Lead Teacher in our Preschool One classroom. Ms. Autumn has worked with children for several years and is currently pursuing the CDA credential. She strives to create a welcoming environment where every child can grow and learn in a safe space.

Ms. Phalen is currently working towards her CDA! She has worked as a nanny for many years and is excited to share her love of learning in a preschool setting. Ms. Phalen loves watching children's facial expressions as they learn something new. She finds it so exciting and rewarding to be a part of that learning experience.

Ms. Gracie started as a Resource Teacher and returned to us as a full time Assistant Teacher. She attended BYU Hawaii, pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. She believes that children learn best when they feel cared for and welcomed. She also feels that teaching with an understanding and kind mindset is the best way to get the little ones involved.

Ms. Trisha "Trish" has 2 decades of experience in the childcare field. She believes that children feel empowered by learning experiences, which translates to a lifelong love of learning! Ms. Trish believes that children bring a sense of wonder and curiosity to the world, and her job is to foster that curiosity!

Ms. Virginia has worked with two- and three-year-olds for the last year, and she has experience working with three-and four-year-olds. She has attended Reynolds Community College for Health Services. Her favorite aspect of working with children is watching them slowly understand a concept they didn't know before, and she loves watching them experience that new concept!

Mr. Corey has a bachelor's degree in health services administration from Baker College of Muskegon. He has coached children of all ages in competitive gymnastics, cheer and dance for nearly two decades! He has many years experience in preschool and summer camp programs, and he volunteers his time to educate children in 4-H and FFA about goats, chickens and other livestock. His favorite part of working with children is instilling self-confidence and promoting kindness and acceptance.

Mr. Lee is the lead teacher in our Junior Kindergarten program! Mr. Lee believes that the mental health of each child under his care is extremely important. He believes that this mentality allows children to feel comfortable within themselves as they learn and explore. Mr. Lee feels that the most important thing a teacher can do is help each and every child under his care feel valued and loved.

Ms. Stephanie is the assistant teacher in our Junior Kindergarten class. She has a true passion for working with children and it shows in her work. Ms. Stephanie believes it is important to build and maintain strong relationships with her children and parents.

Ms. Joy joins with three years' experience teaching preschool, kindergarten and first grade. She loves teaching children how to read and enjoys watching their progress as they learn. She believes children are naturally curious, unique and helpful. Her teaching philosophy is about embracing differences. She wants to ensure she caters her teaching to the needs of each child in her care and help them reach their full potential.

Ms. Makayla has worked with all ages in smaller preschool settings and after-school programs. She has taken courses at Virginia State University, Old Dominion University, and Reynolds Community College. During COVID, she worked to tutor small groups of children through their online schooling and planned activities for them for after the formal school day. Her favorite aspect of working with children is watching them grow and go through their milestones!

Ms. Hannah is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education at Longwood University. Ms. Hannah went to a Goddard School when she was young!

Ms. Emily has her bachelor's degree in communication studies from Christopher Newport University. She absolutely loves working with children of all ages and believes that children are curious, kind and unpredictable in the best way!

Ms. Jenna was a previous student at our school. She interned at our school as part of the Steward School program and returned as a resource teacher! Ms. Jenna believes that all children are deserving of love, and she strives to give that love and support through her teaching!

Ms. Nevaeh has been working with children for over 6 years! She has been a lead school age teacher for 2 years and has planned and directed a summer camp program. Ms. Nevaeh is currently attending Randolph Macon College. She loves building and maintaining relationships with the children and their parents!

Ms. Mina has her degree from Reynolds Community College in Early Childhood Education. She has babysat and worked with children of different ages for her internship. Ms. Mina's favorite aspect of working with children is seeing their faces light up when they achieve something they may have struggled with.