The Goddard School of Orange Park

Bios

• Ms Jenn

  Welcome to our school! I launched this school in 2007 as Center Director and was invited into Ownership in 2015. My passion and leadership have been recognized by Goddard Systems—for creating an outstanding school culture based on TRUST that achieves notably high teacher tenure and family commitment. As the Onsite Owner, I am in the school daily as the primary contact for our families. I oversee the total experience of our teachers, children, and families, ensuring that our school is always delivering the best quality care and education. It is a significant commitment we make—to have a dedicated onsite owner—and one of the key attributes that make us stand out in the hearts and lives of the families we serve. During my 25-year career, this school is truly my highest professional & personal investment. My family lives right here in OakLeaf Plantation—cheering it all the way! All three of my children are proud Pre-K graduates of my Goddard school; the third just graduated in 2023.

• Ms Valerie

  Welcome! I am our Founding Owner. Having watched my own daughter develop & thrive in a Goddard School just outside of Chicago, I decided to change the course of my own life’s work to open this amazing school. We are honored to serve the family-oriented community here—parents will find everything they are looking for (and more!) with our school. Reflecting on our 17-year history, many things make me proud—we have served over 1,500 families, we are the only school in our market that has maintained a consistent/invested ownership team, our teachers are incredibly talented with best tenure you will find anywhere (guaranteed), and we have worked diligently year-after-year to earn an outstanding reputation within our educational community. During my 30-year career, I’ve specialized in small business operations, human resources, early childhood facility management, and providing top-notch customer experience. Previously, I was a Partner in a Human Resources Consulting firm in Chicago.

• Ms Angie

  In her role as Academic Director, Angie leads our best-in-class educational platform, "The Wonder of Learning", and serves as a direct liaison with Dr. Lauren Starnes, Goddard System’s SVP Academic Officer. Angie has freedom to fully immerse into our learning program—and then take that program directly into the classroom, working one-on-one with our teachers for expert implementation. With a never-ending passion for early childhood education, Angie strives to fully understand and love our children in order to identify exciting curricular resources which support their growth/potential. Angie has worked in the field of early childhood development for 30+ years. Her experience spans leadership in teaching, directing, curriculum and programming, teacher development, and accreditation. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development & the Family, with a focus in Early Childhood. Angie is “eager to make a positive difference in the life of each and every child in this amazing school”.

• Ms Abby

  Ms. Abby is a Lead teacher in our Pre-K 2 "Little Gardeners" classroom. She is also a leader and coach in our After-School program. Abby joined our team at The Goddard School in 2015. During her tenure with us, she has contributed boundless energy, creativity, and leadership in working with our Preschool, Pre-K and After-School programs. Abby has also been instrumental in developing a variety of physical fitness programs for the children. Abby boasts a 20-year career in Early Childhood Education, and she obtained her Child Development Associates degree in 2007. She strives to provide a spirited, fun, and comprehensive educational experience for her children and loves to be part of their growth into the elementary school.

• Bryanne

  Ms. Bryanne is the Lead teacher in our “Peek-a-Boo Squirrels” classroom which focuses on development from 12-18 months. She needs to be on her toes at all times because her classroom is full with little ones just learning to walk. Ms. Bry is approaching her 2-year anniversary with us and has so much energy to offer our littles learners each day. She also recently completed her Child Development Associate degree. Ms. Bry loves "seeing how little minds work" and meeting each child exactly where they are at. Ms. Bry loves "seeing how little minds work" and meeting each child exactly where they are at.

• Ms Darlene

  Ms. Darlene is a Lead teacher in the Preschool "Country Cows" classroom. Darlene began working at The Goddard School in 2009 and is part of the very fabric of our school. She is sincerely dedicated to everything about our program and has been an instrumental voice as we have grown into the school that we are today.Along with a career in early childhood that has spanned 30+ years in virtually every early learning setting imaginable, Darlene has earned her Child Development Associates degree, and a Director’s Credential in the State of Florida. Darlene was recently recognized by her peers as one of our most admired teachers. She believes that “children learn best in a loving, nurturing, and safe environment with clear expectations. While in my class, my goal is for your child to have "as much fun learning as I have teaching”.

• Ms Jasmine

  Ms. Jasmine has always been our ideal Toddler/Get Set teacher! This is the pivotal classroom between Toddler and Preschool. It is challenging and fast-paced, and Jasmine demonstrates tireless commitment with the children, and with leading other teachers. Jasmine started her career with The Goddard School in 2011, immediately after completing an accelerated program in which she earned her Child Development Associates degree while still in high school. While she has a gift for our toddlers, Jasmine has also served as a Lead Pre-K teacher and has provided office support when we need her to. Jasmine has amazing tenure, is a delight to have in the school, and is the definition of a terrific team player. She is also a mother of two children, with both attending our school over the years. In her daily role, Jasmine “looks forward to growing the minds and self-help skills of the young children in my classroom—and yes, to get them fully potty-trained so they can move up to Preschool!”

• Jocelyn

  Bio updating

• Ms Kelly

  Ms. Kelly is a Lead teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten "Little Explorers" classroom. Kelly began working at The Goddard School in 2012 after working at another Goddard school for several years. She been a fixture and leader in our Pre-K program throughout her tenure, serving as a terrific role model and teacher of teachers. Kelly was recently recognized by her peers as one of our most admired teachers. Kelly earned her Child Development Associates degree in 2008, and believes strongly in continuing education. She has such a natural, calm and assured approach to working with young children. Kelly feels “grateful for the opportunity to be your child's teacher and supporting their growth, academically and socially”.

• Melissa

  Ms. Melissa is a Lead Pre-K teacher in our “Little Explorers” classroom. She has worked in various classrooms over the last 15 years, both full-time and part-time. Melissa is professionally and personally vested in us—her sister Jenn is our Onsite Owner. Melissa initially supported us during the summers which ignited her passion for working with young children. This led her to achieving her CDA, Director’s Credential, and Associate's in Early Childhood Development. Melissa is fully engaged in developing the hearts and minds of young children. And she loves watching their “faces light up when they accomplish something new”.

• Ms Nadia

  Ms. Nadia is our Infant Classroom ("Morning Sunshine") Team Lead. She just celebrated her 10th anniversary with us! When we think back on the years, we are especially thankful for Nadia. She has had an amazing impact on our school—with her smiles, laughter, French accent, madeleines, and art. We respect how expertly and lovingly she manages our Infant nursery year after year. Such confidence she instills with new parents; such patience and skills in mentoring new teachers. Parents wait in line to enroll with us because Nadia’s care is the next best thing to home. Truly!! With 20+ years of experience in Early Childhood Development, Nadia received her formal education in France. She is currently continuing her educational advancement here in the U.S. Nadia’s Coast Guard family is part of the military fabric in our community. She “considers it a privilege to be your child's first teacher”.

• Rebekah

  Ms. Rebekah is the Lead Teacher in our Toddler (Wagon Pups) classroom. She joined our school three years ago and has served several roles already, including Toddler Lead, Pre-K Lead, and curriculum support. We are very thankful for her flexibility and cheery personality. Rebekah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation Services. Her background also includes four years of working with children with autism. Working with children is a true passion regardless of the age, but the “toddlers truly have my heart”!

• Sarah

  Bio updating

• Amberli

  Ms. Amberli is the Lead teacher in our “Happy Kittens” classroom which focuses on development from 18-24 months. She joined our Goddard family about two years ago and we are so happy she chose our school! Amberli has been working in Early Childhood for about five years and recently obtained her Child Development Associates degree. It is a big job to prepare little ones for the upcoming toddler classroom and Amberli goes the extra mile to make sure they are ready. She shares a primary goal is to ensure her children " feel safe and loved while in her care.”

• Ms Elizabeth

  Ms. Liz is the Assistant teacher in the First Steps "Peek-a-boo Squirrels" classroom. Liz began working at The Goddard School in 2015. Liz has worked for over 30 years in Early Childhood Development, all while raising 4 children of her own. With her amazing temperament and skills, she provides thoughtful guidance to some of our youngest children (12 months – 18 months). Liz was recently recognized by her peers as one of our most admired teachers. Now a grandmother of 4, Liz “is thrilled to be part of such a warm, nurturing and educational environment” at The Goddard School.

• Ms Katie

  Ms. Katie has been with us for 15 of our 17 years. She has supported the school in all of the classrooms over the years, and her commitment and love for our school and our children are astounding. We were thrilled to support her in earning her Child Development Associate degree. Shortly after earning her CDA, Katie became a lead in our Pre-K program. More recently she took on a full time Administrative Assistant position. In her administrative role, Katie supports our front office in all the day-to-day operations of the school, including phone inquiries, teacher support, and maintaining common areas. But we will also look to her to help define her new role—to make-a-difference with all of her creativity and energy. Katie is great example of how we all excel by providing opportunities from within, with those who know us best. Keep it coming! Katie already has great ideas to ensure that our teachers, families, and children all “love coming to school!”