The Goddard School of Northfield

Bios

• Lance

  Lance and Michele Shimomura are parents of three children and are excited to own The Goddard School of Northfield. Lance was a stay-at-home dad, has over 20 years in business management, and a BA in Business Administration. Michele has a Master’s in Public Health. She is passionate about promoting healthy living for children and families. Lance believes high quality preschools have “a safe, nurturing and fun environment as well as engaged teachers and an enriched curriculum.” They believe The Goddard School offers the best academic preparation for success in school and in life. In addition to spending time with their children, Lance and Michele also enjoy skiing, biking, reading and swimming.

• Karena

  Education: Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. BS in Human Development with a minor in Elementary Education. Mrs. Karena is ecstatic to be the Education Director, since opening, at the Goddard School of Northfield. Ms. Karena began her journey in early childhood education as a Preschool and Kindergarten teacher. She is an experienced school education leader with prior roles as an Assistant Director and a School Director. She creates an atmosphere that is engaging and collaborative for all families. She believes that the fun, academic and safe environment that the Goddard School provides is the best in Early Childhood Development. She is committed to being a role model and leader in her school. Ms. Karena enjoys spending time with her husband, son, daughter and extended family, which includes her three younger siblings. Some of her other interests include going to the motocross track, camping, and cupcake decorating.

• Maria

  Education: Director Certificate, and Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education in progress. Ms. Maria has been in early childhood education since 2014. She believes children learn best through play and when they are in a safe environment which the Goddard School provides for children. Her goal is to ultimately become a Kindergarten teacher. She loves spending time with her daughters and husband during her free time.

• Caitlynn

  Education: Early Childhood Teacher Certificate Ms. Caitlynn has worked as a support faculty with ages one to three years old. She is excited to engage and grow with the children in her classroom. Caitlynn loves, animals, hiking, and watching movies. She is also an Colorado native.

• Destany

  Education: Early Childhood Teacher Certificate Ms. Destany started working in Early childhood in 2022. She loves working with Toddlers. She thinks they are like sponges and learns so much so fast. In her free time, she loves doing art.

• Dionysia

  Education: Early Childhood Teacher Certificate Ms. Nysie is excited to start her career as a teacher at our school. She has worked in retail. She wanted to find a career with a passion and teaching is what she loves to do. In her free time she play basketball and soccer.

• Gabriela

  Education: Center Director Certification Ms. Gabriela interests are making time for my family and she enjoys dancing in her free Time. Her experience with early childhood education began with caring for her friend’s kids. Ms. Gaby enjoys teaching children and giving them a wonderful opportunity to grow and learn. She started at the Community College of Denver as a volunteer as an assistant in the college's childcare. She has been teaching since 2010. She loves the opportunity to enrich their lives and grow alongside the kids.

• Heba

  Education: Bachelor of Electronics Major of Computer, Early Childhood Education Certificate Ms. Heba graduated from ISM an International English language School in 2005 and after that she was one of their teachers. She has taken early childhood education classes. She has been a kindergarten and primary teacher since 2010. Shes loves to help children learn critical social and emotional skills and make partnership is formed between the child, their parents and the teacher. Ms. Heba believes when this is done successfully, it lays the groundwork for it to continue throughout the child’s education. In her free time she loves to spend it with her little boys Adam and Amir playing together and going for a walk or drive.

• Jenny

  Education: Early Childhood Education Certificate, and Associate Degree in Business in progress. Ms. Jenny is one of our dedicated Preschool teachers. She is enthusiastic and excited to help in the classroom. She first began her journey in childcare over two years ago, deciding to be the change she wishes to see in the world by helping to create and nurture an environment that is well-rounded with an emphasis on social-emotional well-being. Her interests include traveling, photography, music, learning new things, as well as quantum mechanics.

• Kyla

  Education: Early Childhood Teacher Certificate Ms. Ky started working in Early Childhood in 2021. She has worked with all ages and loves seeing children strive and grow each day. In her free time, she loves seeing movies and going to Elitches.

• Ladwon

  Education: Bachelor’s in social work. Mr. McDonald is originally from Chicago. He moves through each day with meaningful intent. He believes in being who you need to be. He wants each child to be the best version of themselves. He loves hiking and basketball.

• Lydia

  Education: Early Childhood Teacher Certificate Ms. Lydia is a wife and has three adult kids of her own, two of them are twins. Ms. Lydia worked in a daycare for over 30 years. Lydia is very patient, loving, fun, and caring when it comes to kids. Lydia is native of a Colorado, she received her education from Red Rocks and Aurora Community College.

• Maddi

  Education: Early Childhood Certificate Ms. Maddi is originally from Ohio, but has lived in Colorado since 2012. She is currently finishing her BA in Elementary Education. Maddi loves to travel and visit her family in Florida.

• Myesa

  Education: Early Childhood Certificate Myesa was born and raised in Colorado she has been teaching since 2006. She has worked with ages infants and toddlers. She believes an educator creates positive and respectful relationships with children and families. She loves working with children and being able to see them grow and mature.

• Perla

  Education: Early Childhood Teacher Certificate Ms. Perla started in early childhood in 2022. She is excited to start her career at our school. She wants to be close and engaged with her children in her care. Ms. Perla loves spending all her free time with her daughter.

• Renne

  Education: Early Childhood Teacher Certificate Ms. Renee is a Colorado Native and has been working in Early Childhood since 2019. Her goals for the classroom are to help encourage children and teach empathy and build positive relationships while having a fun environment.

• Ruby

  Education: Early Childhood Teacher Certificate Mrs. Ruby has been working in education since 2012. She has worked with children from six weeks through eleven years of age. Mrs. Ruby is the proud mother of two children, a son and a daughter. She really enjoys going for walks with her family.

• Samantha

  Education: Early Childhood Teacher Certificate Ms. Samantha started in early childhood in 2022. She loves building a relationship with the children. Ms. Samantha is shy but loves to talk to the kids. She loves her cat and spending time with family.

• Stephanie

  Education: Early Childhood Teacher Certificate This is Ms. Stephanie's first year as a Toddler teacher. She is excited to spend time with the little ones and help them grow. She is looking forward to reaching milestones with each and everyone in her classroom. Stephanie love to spend time with her family and enjoys traveling.

• Dali

  Education: Early Childhood Certificate Ms. Dali worked with children early in her career. She took a break to be a flight attendant and loves being back with children making a difference each day. In her spare time she enjoys being outdoors and dancing.

• Kellie

  Education: Early Childhood Teacher Certificate Ms. Kellie has been in Early Childhood since 2008 and has worked with ages three years old to five years old in Jefferson Public Schools as well as Littleton Public Schools. She is currently finishing her Teacher Certificate. She has four children and loves boating during the summer.

• Shila

  Education: Early Childhood Teacher Certificate Ms. Shila has been teaching in Preschool since 1997. She been a dance teacher since 2001. Ms. Shila loves spending time with her family including her granddaughter and grandson. She has five daughters with her husband.