The Goddard School of Leander

Bios

• Alissa & Michael

  Michael and Alissa are the proud parents of three children, all of whom have attended The Goddard School. Alissa holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Elementary Education and began her career in education in 2001. She always dreamed of opening her own school, starting as a preschool teacher, then an Educational Director. In 2016, her dream became a reality when she and Michael became the owners of The Goddard School in Leander. Michael has a strong background in finance and organizational leadership and has also coached his children’s soccer, T-ball, and football teams. Together, they are dedicated to making your family’s Goddard experience exceptional, fostering a love for learning in your child, and creating an environment where they look forward to coming to school every day.

• Ms. K-Lynn

  Ms. K-Lynn finds great joy in teaching young children, as their enthusiasm for learning is truly contagious. Being a part of their discoveries each day brings her immense happiness. She is proud to be a member of the Goddard team, where she has the opportunity to help children achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Ms. K-Lynn has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2014.

• Ms. Trish

  As the Executive Director, Ms. Trish oversees the implementation of an exceptional curriculum, manages a team of outstanding teachers, and provides a superior Early Childhood program to the children in our community. She enjoys working for Goddard because it allows her to witness children's growth, not only physically but also socially and cognitively. Each day at The Goddard School is a new adventure, and she loves seeing the exciting and stimulating ways both students and staff engage with learning, inspiring all the senses. In addition to her role, Ms. Trish mentors other Goddard Directors nationwide and has become an invaluable resource for many schools within Goddard Systems. Her dedication and hard work were recognized when she was named the National Goddard School Director of the Year in 2019. Ms. Trish has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2012.

• Ms. Ashley

  Ms. Ashley believes that children learn best through play, exploration, and nurturing relationships. She strives to provide a safe, inclusive, and joyful environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to grow at their own pace. Ms. Ashley has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2025

• Ms. Carina

  Ms. Carina believes that every child has the potential to learn and accomplish great things. She enjoys empowering her students by providing them with the tools they need to grow, succeed, and reach their full potential. Ms. Carina has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2017.

• Ms. Christina

  Ms. Christina is passionate about inspiring curiosity and nurturing critical thinking skills in her students. She believes that effective teaching involves understanding each child’s unique needs, interests, and learning styles, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to grow and thrive. Ms. Christina has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2024.

• Ms. Crystal

  Ms. Crystal is passionate about working with young children, as it allows her to positively impact their lives. She is proud to be a part of the Goddard team, where she can help each child reach their fullest potential as they learn, grow, and explore. Ms. Crystal has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2015. *WINNER of the 2025 Teacher of the Year Award of The Goddard School of Leander*

• Ms. Dayani

  Ms. Dayani believes that young children learn best through play, and she is passionate about incorporating both social and non-social activities to support their development. By providing a variety of engaging experiences, she helps children strengthen their cognitive skills, enhance motor abilities, and fine-tune their coordination. Ms. Dayani has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2021.

• Ms. Emily

  Ms. Emily believes that her patience and deep love for all children are some of her greatest qualities as a teacher, helping her create a nurturing and supportive learning environment. Ms. Emily has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2018. *WINNER of the 2023 Teacher of the Year Award of The Goddard School of Leander*

• Ms. Jina

  Ms. Jina believes that young children thrive when they feel supported, valued, and inspired every day. Her goal is to help each child grow academically while nurturing their confidence in their own abilities. Ms. Jina has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2025.

• Ms. Kathryn

  Ms. Katie believes that every child has a unique learning style and pace, and it is her responsibility to teach in a way that ensures all students have an equal opportunity to learn and succeed. She enjoys providing her students with meaningful learning experiences and takes great pride in watching them take ownership of their accomplishments. Ms. Katie has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2020. *WINNER of the 2024 Teacher of the Year Award of The Goddard School of Leander*

• Ms. Katie

  Ms. Katie believes that young children learn best when they can play, explore, and build strong relationships. She strives to ensure her classroom is a warm, welcoming place where every child feels safe, heard, and important. Ms. Katie has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2025

• Ms. Kayla

  Ms. Kayla’s teaching philosophy centers around creating an environment where children are inspired to learn, parents are motivated to participate, and teachers are eager to teach. She strives to foster a collaborative and engaging atmosphere that encourages growth and enthusiasm for learning. Ms. Kayla has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2018.

• Ms. Madeleine

  Ms. Madeleine believes that children should learn in a safe and caring environment, and she views her role as an opportunity to help guide the leaders of tomorrow. She is dedicated to fostering a positive, nurturing atmosphere where children can grow, develop, and reach their full potential. Ms. Madeleine has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2022.

• Ms. Makayla

  Ms. Makayla believes that every child is unique and has natural curiosity. She strives to create a safe and nurturing environment that is inclusive to all where the children are encouraged to explore. She enjoys fostering a love for learning in her students the way it was done for her. Ms. Makayla has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2024.

• Ms. Natasha

  Ms. Natasha believes in creating a special and inspiring atmosphere where children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and developing their social skills. She strives to foster an environment that encourages open communication, creativity, and growth, helping her students thrive both academically and socially. Ms. Natasha has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2018.

• Ms. Richa

  Ms. Richa believes that all children learn through play. She encourages sensory play and enjoys allowing the children to get messy while exploring. Ms. Richa has been a part of the Leander Goddard Team since 2025

• Ms. Rida

  Ms. Rida believes that every child is unique and learns in their own way. She strives to create a nurturing environment where each child can explore, grow, and benefit from experiences that match their individual learning style. By honoring every child’s strengths and interests, she fosters confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Ms. Rida has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2025

• Ms. Siham

  Ms. Siham believes it is essential to foster a sense of community in her classroom, where everyone contributes and maintains a positive, safe space. As a teacher, she makes it a priority to keep an open mind and create a fun, engaging learning environment for her students. Ms. Siham has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2018.

• Ms. Blessa

  Ms. Blessa is dedicated to nurturing the children in her care while making sure they have fun in the classroom. Her goal is to create a warm and engaging environment where children feel supported as they explore, learn, and grow. Ms. Blessa has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2022.

• Ms. Jasmin

  Ms. Jasmin understands that each child is unique, and she believes in tailoring her teaching approach to meet every child's individual needs and pace. She aims to provide a supportive and nurturing environment that allows each child to grow and develop at their rhythm. Ms. Jasmin has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2021.

• Ms. Tori

  Ms. Tori enjoys building strong relationships with both the families and students she works with. Her goal as a teacher is to create a fun, structured environment where children feel supported and engaged as they learn and grow. Ms. Tori has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2022.

• Ms. Brynda

  Ms. Brynda is dedicated to creating a creative and positive learning environment for children, ensuring that their experiences are both enjoyable and educational. She strives to make learning fun while fostering an atmosphere where children can thrive. Ms. Brynda has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2019.

• Ms. Charlene

  Ms. Charlene enjoys teaching because every day her students help her grow and teach her about mindfulness. She values the mutual learning process and finds joy in supporting her students' development while also learning from their unique perspectives. Ms. Charlene has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2023.

• Ms. Claudia

  Ms. Claudia believes school should be a joyful place where children grow every day—academically, socially, and emotionally. Her goal is to provide an environment where each child discovers something new daily, builds lasting friendships, and feels excited to come to school. Ms. Claudia has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2025.

• Ms. Emily

  Ms. Emily brings an open mind, a positive attitude, and a loving heart to all our classrooms. She believes that a teacher's role is to listen attentively to students' needs and provide individualized guidance to support their growth. Her caring approach helps create a nurturing environment where children feel valued and supported. Ms. Emily has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2020.

• Ms. Ivanna

  Ms. Ivanna believes that learning is a dynamic and personalized process for each student. She strives to facilitate and guide the learning process by providing a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment. Ms. Ivanna has been a part of the Leander Goddard Team since 2025.

• Ms. Lainie

  Ms. Lainie believe that strong, caring relationships are the foundation of early learning. Her goal is to build a genuine bond with every child so they feel secure, valued, and ready to explore. Within this nurturing environment, she will guide each child toward new developmental milestones, celebrating their growth and encouraging curiosity along the way. Ms. Lainie has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2025

• Ms. Malia

  Ms. Malia believes that every child is unique, each with their own individual needs. She stives to create an inclusive environment where students feel valued, encouraged to ask questions, and empowered to become the best version of themselves. Ms. Malia has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2025.

• Ms. Tegan

  Ms. Tegan believes all children are unique and deserve to feel loved, respected, and heard. She views her role as a teacher as an opportunity to guide her students and be a positive role model for them, helping them grow and develop in a supportive environment. Ms. Tegan has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2024.

• Ms. Tiffany

  Ms. Tiffany believes that every child is unique, and she strives to prioritize each of their individual needs. She understands the importance of teaching her students in ways that align with their unique learning styles, ensuring that every child receives the support and attention they need to thrive. Ms. Tiffany has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2024.

• Ms. Valerie

  Ms. Valerie believes learning flourishes when children feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore. Her goal is to guide each child toward important developmental milestones while fostering curiosity and confidence. Ms. Valerie has been a part of the Leander Goddard team since 2025.