The Goddard School of Peters Township (Venetia)

Bios

• Bob and Lori

  We are the proud owners of The Goddard School located in Peters Township. 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

• Tyler

  Tyler serves as an Owner of The Goddard School in Peters Township, PA, bringing experience as On-Site Owner of The Goddard School of Wexford and currently serving as one of the On-Site Owners of The Goddard School of Upper St. Clair, PA. He holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Penn State University and is passionate about early childhood education. Tyler is committed to creating a nurturing, engaging environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. He looks forward to supporting families and helping every child reach their full potential.

• Ms Heather

  Ms. Heather is a graduate from Edinboro University, with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been working in the education field for 25 years as a teacher, director and owner of a school. Her biggest accomplishment in life was becoming a mother of three amazing daughters, who are all currently teenagers at Canon McMillian High School. In her spare time she love being in the water, on a boat, sitting on the sand with a good book in hand or at the theater watching a good play or musical. She hopes to instill my love of reading and early literacy into all children. When asked what she valued most about teaching, Ms. Heather said: “Knowing that I am making a difference in the life of a child one day at a time! I love that each lesson I am teaching will last a lifetime and help mold young minds to become lifelong learners."

• Madison

  Hello! I am Maddi Santo, the Chief Marketing Officer of The Peters Township Goddard School of PA. I graduated with a degree in Exercise Science from Virginia Commonwealth University, however, growing up in a household influenced by my parents' ownership of many Goddard Schools, I became increasingly invested in what the Goddard School has to offer. As time went on, specifically after college, I recognized the importance of a nurturing environment that fosters creativity and a love for learning. 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.

• Natalie

  Ms. Natalie is one of our Co-Directors here at the Goddard School. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary/Middle Level Education at Waynesburg University. She has her Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate in Grades 4-8. Natalie has a long background of working with children. She worked as a long-term substitute teacher for four years with various school districts, worked as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher for the Goddard School in Upper St. Clair and was an assistant director at a previous center. When asked why she loves working with children, Natalie replied, “Teaching is a very rewarding career. I love being a positive role model for young adolescents and I love being a part of their educational development.”

• Amanda

  Ms. Amanda is the Assistant Director of The Goddard School of Peters Township. She graduated from Clarion University with a Bachelor’s in Communication and is currently working toward a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been a part of the Goddard family for almost four years and has loved every minute of it! When asked what she enjoys most about working at our school, she said, "Getting to watch the kids learn and grow up is so incredibly rewarding. We're so lucky to get to be a part of the beginning of their educational journey!"

• Afton

  Ms. Afton is our Co-Lead Teacher in the Infant Classroom. She has been in the nursing field for 12 1/2 years. She has a true passion for helping and caring for others. Recently, she decided on a career change and chose the path of childcare. She has experience with babysitting her 12 nieces and nephews over the years. She also recently has had the experience of becoming a first-time momma to a beautiful baby girl. When asked what she values most about teaching, Ms. Afton said, “I love being able to help young minds flourish, nothing compares to having a helping hand in being able to help someone grow and learn.”

• Alyssa

  Miss Alyssa is our Lead Teacher in the Toddler classroom. She received her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Health Science from Gettysburg College. She was a lead teacher for a two year old classroom at a previous center for almost two years. When asked why she loves to teach, Alyssa replied, "I love teaching because of the children. It is such a gratifying experience to see them learn and grow every day."

• Brittany

  Ms. Brittany is our Co-Lead Teacher in our Pre-Toddler Classroom. Brittany is a graduate from Northport High School. While attending high school she babysat as well as worked in many daycares. She also has experience working as a counselor at a local summer camp for many years. When asked why she loves teaching, Brittany replied “I enjoy watching the children learn about everything around them and experiencing different ways of learning.”

• Cassady

  Ms. Cassady is our lead teacher in our Junior Kindergarten Classroom. She received her Master’s in Early Childhood Education and received her teaching certificate for Prekindergarten to 4th grade from Robert Morris University. Cassady has been working with children for as long as she can remember. She has experience with babysitting, nannying, and being a building substitute for Peter’s Township. She has worked with children ranging from infants to school aged throughout her years. When asked what she values most about teaching, Ms. Cassady said, “I believe letting your students own creative uniqueness come out in a way that works best for them is an incredible thing to experience. Seeing that my students feel safe, warm, and welcomed in my classroom is also extremely important as well.”

• Cayla

  Ms. Cayla serves as the Lead Teacher in our Kindergarten classroom. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Slippery Rock University, where she also completed minors in Special Education and Global Education. Additionally, she holds a Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate for Pre-Kindergarten through 4th Grade. Her journey in childcare began as a babysitter. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience working with school-aged children, including several months of teaching Kindergarten and Third Grade. Ms. Cayla has also been involved in a variety of summer programs catering to children of different ages. When asked what she values most about teaching, Ms. Cayla said, “I believe that learning is contagious. By spreading peace, love, and kindness through my teaching, I have the opportunity to shape and influence my students' lives, making their learning experiences both enriching and rewarding.”

• Chloe

  Ms. Chloe is a Co-Lead Teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten classroom. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education at Duquesne University. Chloe also has her PA Teaching Certification in grades PK-4. She began working with children at 15 years old as a babysitter. Most recently, Chloe worked part-time at a childcare center while also completing her classroom observations and undergraduate coursework. When asked what she values most about teaching, she replied " I believe that it is my duty to help shape young learners into the future leaders of our world. I am honored to be a part of this process."

• Erin

  Ms. Erin is our Lead Teacher in our Toddler classroom here at the Goddard School. She is a mom of six children and former public school teacher with a PreK-12 Principal Certification. Erin believes that our greatest investment is in our children. “There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to teaching; good teaching must extend beyond traditional academic readiness and take into account the unique needs, strengths, interests, and learning styles of each child.” Erin looks forward to working with and serving our children and families.

• Holly

  Ms.Holly is the Co-Lead Teacher in the Preschool classroom. She graduated from Westmoreland County Community College with an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Holly was a previous teacher at a childcare center for four years. When asked why she loves teaching, Holly replied, “I love teaching because I love to observe children having fun through educational activities, learning new skills, and growing into their own person. I genuinely believe each child will make the world a more kind and brighter place!”

• Jessica

  Ms. Jess is our Co-Lead in the Pre-Kindergarten Classroom. She received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Clarion University. She has volunteered to work with children throughout high school and college. Jess previously has 5 years of experience working with children in an early childhood setting at another center before coming to Goddard. When asked why she loves working with children, “I love seeing their faces light up with excitement when they learn something new. I want to help our future generations grow to love learning!”

• Mallory

  Ms. Mallory is a Co-Lead Teacher in our Preschool classroom. She received her Bachelor’s Degree at California University of PA in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Mallory has worked in several positions with children, which include: daycare settings, church nursery, as well as various childhood programs throughout her church (i.e. Vacation bible school). When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Mallory replied, “The most important thing a teacher can do is to be a good role model for the students and ensure students are being taught as individuals not as a group.”

• Marissa

  Ms. Marissa is a Support Teacher here at the Goddard School. She received an Associate’s Degree from CCAC in Early Childhood Education. She also received a Bachelor’s Degree from California University of Pennsylvania in Professional Studies in Education. When asked why she loves teaching in early childhood, Marissa replied with “Learning is taught through hands on experiences and through play at a young age. If you supply children with the tools to learn, the children will pick up the skills to be successful through trial and error. They will also be successful by learning from other children in the classroom and with scaffolding from the teachers in the classroom."

• Michenna

  Ms. Michenna, one of our Lead Teachers in the Infant room, has a strong history of caring for children. She has over three years of experience in a childcare center, extensively babysat throughout high school, and is the oldest of four siblings, in addition to having two children of her own, ages six and nine. In 2023, she earned a Child Development Associate credential in infants and toddlers. Ms. Michenna has a true passion for early childhood education, which she believes is the most important time for a child to develop essential skills. Her core values in the classroom include creating a loving, patient, and secure environment where children can safely explore and discover new things. She finds her work with young children extremely rewarding as they learn new skills for the first time, skills they will carry with them throughout their lives.

• Nicole

  Ms. Nicole is a Co-Lead teacher in the First Steps classroom here at the Goddard School. Nicole is a graduate of Canon McMillan high School. She has various experiences working with children. She was a nursery schoolteacher at her church since 2014. When asked why she loves working with children she replied, “I enjoy watching students thrive when learning a new topic.”

• Pat

  Ms. Pat is a Support Teacher here at the Goddard School. She is a graduate of Bethel Park High School. As a mother of three children, and grandmother of four, Ms. Pat has gained valuable real life experience as a caretaker. She was an active parent and participated in a variety of roles, such as room mother, to support the growth and development of her children and their classmates. When asked why Ms Pat loves working with children, Pat replied, "I will bring the same enthusiasm and dedication as I did with raising my children and grandchildren to my role at the Goddard School!"

• Rebecca

  Ms. Becca is our Co-Lead Teacher in the Get Set room. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from West Virginia University. Becca has been working with children for many years, as Therapeutic Support Staff, a nanny, and as an intern in an Early Intervention Clinic for children with Autism. When asked why she loves working with children, Becca replied, “I love working with children because they are our future. Each child has such a unique personality, that brightens the world around them. I’m so excited to teach each wonderful child as they flourish!”.

• Rylie

  Ms. Rylie is our Lead Teacher in the First Steps classroom. Ms. Rylie earned her Associates Degree in Fine Arts from Edinboro University. She has previously been a Personal Care Assistant at the AIU. When asked what the most important thing a teacher can do is, Rylie replied, "The most important thing a teacher can do is teach in a way that all of her students can learn and grow from!”

• Stephanie

  Ms. Stephanie is a Lead Infant Teacher here at the Goddard School. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Slippery Rock University as well as her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Butler County Community College. Although taking time off to be a stay-at-home mother to her two children, Stephanie has lots of experience in classrooms ranging from preschool through high school. Most recently she has been a small group leader with Jr High girls through her church and held various roles in Vacation Bible School and PTA supported programs in the Peters Twp School District. When asked why she loves teaching, Stephanie replied, "I love teaching because of the influence that I can have on young lives and in return the joy that they provide for me. My goal is to recognize each child as an individual and discover how I can best develop their social and academic potential."

• Taylor

  Ms. Taylor is our Co- Lead teacher in our Junior Kindergarten classroom. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Washington and Jefferson College. Taylor has been working with children for years. She also currently works part time at The Little Gym, and she works with ages from 3-12. When asked why she loves working with children, she replied “I believe that one teacher can make a difference in someone’s life, and I want to be that teacher.”

• Brooke

  Ms. Brooke is a Support Teacher here at the Goddard School. She received her Associate Degree in Travel and Hospitality Management at Sawyer School, Pittsburgh, PA. Along with raising her two sons, Brooke has enjoyed being a nanny for the past 20 years and a substitute para educator for five years. When asked why she loves teaching, Brooke responded "I love the eagerness and the joy of learning in children. They are our future and who best to teach them than teachers?"