The Goddard School of Tampa (Temple Terrace)

Bios

• Colleen

  Hello! My name is Colleen Chevalier and I am the Owner of The Goddard School of Temple Terrace. I have a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Queens University of Charlotte. I have over 15 years experience as a Pediatric and NICU RN. I enjoy spending time with my husband Michael and our three children. You can find usually find us at soccer tournaments and cheering on the Gators!

• Ashley

  Hello! My name is Ashley Gomez and I am the Director of The Goddard School. I joined the Goddard family in August of 2009 as a preschool teacher and transitioned into the Director’s office in November of 2010. I have a B.S. in Family Social Science with minors in Family Violence Prevention and Sociology earned from the University of Minnesota. I currently hold State of Florida Staff and Director Credentials. My history of working with children starts back in 1998 volunteering at the local Safe Haven runaway shelter, including holding a position of Youth Advisory Board Co-President until relocating in 2002 for college. I initially came to Florida for the warm weather but also gained a passion in Early Childhood Education! I enjoy spending my free time with my husband Jp and our children Maxwell and Loralina. You can find us enjoying sporting events, exploring Florida and many other travel destinations!

• Christine

  Hello! My name is Christine McClintock. I’ve recently moved to Florida from Northern Virginia near Washington D.C. Adjustment to the Florida lifestyle has been incredibly easy and I’m loving my new life here in Plant City. I’m a Virginia Tech graduate with a degree in Accounting Information Systems. As my three children are now young adults, I decided to transfer my knowledge from working in the IT world and incorporate it into my long-time passion of early childhood education. As your Director of Communications, I look forward to our relationship and being part of the Goddard family!

• Chetra

  Hello! My name is Ms. Chetra. I was born in Guyana which is located in South America. I came to the United States in 1982 and lived in New York for 9 years. I then got married and moved to Virginia to start a family. Recently, I have relocated to Florida to be closer to my daughter. I have worked in childcare for nearly 30 years and have been with Goddard for 20 years. I have a passion for working with children and I am grateful that I get to do what I love everyday.

• Danielle

  Hello, my name is Danielle Nelson. I have been teaching preschool since 2013. I currently have my National CDA and I am working on my degree in Child Development and Psychology. Before working in a center based childcare center, I worked in a group home as a Behavior Tech, helping children with special needs. In my free time I enjoy reading and writing, with hopes of one day becoming a children’s author. The most rewarding thing about teaching for me is when a child has grasped the knowledge that they have learned from my classroom. I am very excited to be a part of the team at The Goddard School and I look forward to doing great things!

• Denilsa

  HI, my name is Denilsa. Otherwise known as Ms. Denise to all my little ones. I've worked with children since 2015. I completed my CDA in 2018. I have both my Director's Credential as well as my VPK Credential. I love children! My son is my biggest inspiration. In my free time, I love to read, travel and explore new restaurants. I spend as much time as possible with my son and our family. To me, the humble and simple way of life is the best way to live!

• Ed

  Hola! My name is Ed Pacheco. I’m originally from Puerto Rico. The U.S. Army brought me to Texas in 2004. I left the U.S. Army in 2014 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education and graduated in 2018. I worked at a Goddard School in Texas from 2018 to 2021 before I moved to the beautiful city of Tampa. Teaching is a passion that I have always had. I believe teachers are the key that open the doors to the future of children. I want to bring my experience to Goddard School Temple Terrace and at the same time I want to learn new things to grow as a teacher. Being around children fills me with peace and joy. They are my daily inspiration. I have worked with children of all ages from preschool to high school. I have tutored elementary school children to special needs children. I am excited to be a part of this school to continue working around children.

• Jacqueline

  Hi! My name is Jackie. I’m bilingual in Spanish and English. I have worked in the childcare field for several years including cooking in the preschool kitchen. Now that I am working with the littles, i am very happy. I feel like I have found the age group that I love! Thank you for trusting us with the care, growth and learning of your little one. We are honored to be able to give them love all day long!

• Jeffrey

  Hello, my name is Jeffrey Coates. The children know me as Mr. C. I was born and raised in Boston, MA. I have always had a persistence to push myself to do my best. I recently graduated with Honors with my Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education. I have over 20 years experience working with children. I believe "together is better". I instill the importance of using our words, choices, and actions to influence ourselves and others in a helpful manner. I live by three things: Love others, do great things, and be a bucket filler!

• Jeneen

  Hello! My name is Jeneen and I joined Goddard in Temple Terrace last year. I have worked in childcare for quite some time and absolutely love what I do. I am enrolled in school for Education and hoping to finish soon. It is very important to me that I feel like every child is always happy, learning and succeeding. I am the mother of two young children that I am proud of. They motivate me to be at my best. My favorite thing to do is hanging out with children and doing different adventures together. Working with and all the children at Goddard brings me great joy.

• Jenn

  Hello, my name is Jenn! I have 17 years of childcare experience. I graduated from Everest University with a Medical Assisting Certification, however children have my heart! In my spare time, I love spending time with my two children. We love going to the park, beaches, but most of all church! I hope to make a positive impact in your child's life as I know they will mine. I am here to fulfill my responsibility as a teacher and excited to watch your child learn and grow!

• Katy

  Hello, my name is Katy. I am so grateful to be a part of the Goddard team! My native country is Argentina and my first language is Spanish. My passion is kids. I’m blessed to be able to work each day with your children. We work on letters, colors, numbers, sharing and potty training! My favorite activity with the kids is singing in Spanish and dancing. I love to see their smiles. Thank you for allowing me to care for your children and watch them learn and grow. Gracias!

• Kimberly

  Hello! My name is Ms. Kim. I moved to Florida in 2007 from Michigan. I was born and raised in Valparaiso, IN and spent much of my adult life moving around the upper Midwest. I received my BA in Elementary Education from Purdue University in Indiana in 1989. I spent 25 years as a stay-at-home mom raising my four children. In 2014 I decided to go back to what I love, which is working with children. I began substitute teaching for the Pasco County School District and did this for several years while I did the necessary testing to qualify for my teaching license here in Florida. In 2018 I accepted a job with the Pasco County Schools as a PreK VE (Varying Exceptionalities) teacher. I am so grateful and excited to have the opportunity to work with your children.

• Maria

  Hi! My name is Maria! I was born and raised in Venezuela. In 2018, I moved to Florida with my family. I have one son who is my pride and joy! I've worked in childcare in Florida for the last few years with infants through 2-year-old children. Infants are where I feel the happiest! I'm excited to work here at The Goddard School. Thank you for allowing me to care for your infants, they are all amazing!

• MariaElena

  Hello! My name is Maria Elena! I am originally from Columbia. I’m bilingual in English and Spanish. I love teaching the kids Spanish words. I have my BA in Early Childhood Education. I also have MA in Education. Special Education, Recreation and Entertainment and Physical Education are my focus. I have been in the education field for 30 years in both Columbia and the United States. As you can see, I have a passion for learning, teaching and education for the kids and myself. I LOVE teaching!

• MariaPerez

  Hola! My name is Maria Perez! I have worked in the education field in Venezuela and the United States for over 25 years. I’m bilingual in Spanish and English. My favorite activity in the classroom is to sing and read books in Spanish. I have three beautiful children and five grandchildren. They are the loves of my life! I love spending time with my family and my husband. I’m happy to be working with children at The Goddard School. They teach my something new everyday and they bring a smile to my face.

• Marlene

  HI! I am Ms. Marlene. I've been in childcare since 1993. I started at my church preschool and found my passion. It's very rewarding each and everyday to watch the children learn and grow. It's important for me to stay up to date on new training. I'm always willing to learn more along my journey. I've been married for over 35 years! I have one son and two daughters. I'm looking forward to grandchildren! I love spending time with family, traveling and shopping. I'm excited to be here at The Goddard School. Thank you for the opportunity to love and teach your children each and every day!

• Mirna

  Hi! My name is Mirna and I have been living in Florida with my husband and daughter since 2020. I’m originally from Nicaragua, CA. My family moved to New York when I was very young, and I went to New York schools. I studied and received my degree in Marketing Management at Baruch College CUNY. We moved to New Jersey to raise our children. In my spare time, I like to take long walks, read mystery novels and spend time with family and friend. Working at the Goddard School is like raising my children again (which I miss)! I love that I’ll help shape the future generation, see the wonders of the world through their eyes and just enjoy being around young minds!

• Sam

  Hello! My name is Ms. SAM. I am a mom of two beautiful children. I We have a 1 year old wonderful little girl and a 4 year old incredible son. They are the joy of my life. I’ve recently entered the workforce after being a stay at home mom. Those years at home with my kids prepared me for my new career in preschool education. I love working with the kids on learning to share, playing together, and expressing their emotions in a positive manner. I enjoy being a mom and it has expanded my love of teaching! Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of teaching your kids!

• Sushama

  My name is Sushama Patel and I am so glad to be a part of the Goddard School faculty. I have been in this profession since 1995. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Children’s Education and hold a Master’s degree in Economics from India. I worked as an elementary school teacher for 16 years and as a Vice-Principal for 4 years in India. I have also volunteered at local preschools and gained a wealth of knowledge through those experiences. Working with children is the most important part of my life. I have spent 23 years with children and hope many more to come. I can’t imagine my life without helping shape children as they give me inner peace and happiness.

• Yanilza

  Hi - my name is Ms. Yanilza! I was born in The Dominican Republic. I lived in Utah for 20 years and moved to Tampa, Florida in 2013 with my husband and five amazing kiddos! I studied Interior Design in college and realized that working with children as an Early education Educator is what makes me happiest. Education is my passion for myself and others. I love working with your children - Thank You!

• Yomeri

  HI! My name is Yomeri. I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. I've worked in childcare for many years in all age groups. Toddlers are my favorite group because they have a very BIG imagination! Each day they learn something new and exciting. I'm happy to be at The Goddard School and thankful to spend each day with your children!

• Alaina

  Hi! My name is Alaina. I am originally from Wesley Chapel. I moved to Tampa to attend the University of South Florida. I am studying criminology. I love working with children and learning something new every day! I am so lucky to be part of such a fantastic school and family.

• Izzy

  Hello! My name is Ms. Izzy. I was born and raised in Tampa Florida, I worked part time in a preschool in Lutz where I realized my passion is to help children learn and grow. While I was working part time for the preschool, I was working full time for Hillsborough County Public Schools in the School Security department. Although I didn't work with children in person, it was rewarding working for them to keep the students safe while they were at school. I absolutely love working with children, and approach each child as an individual who I get to help learn and grow. In my free time I like to spend quality time with family and friends.

• Sophie

  HI! My name is Sophie. I am originally from New Port Richey. I moved to Tampa to attend the University of South Florida. I am pursuing my nursing degree. I love working with the summer camp kids and planning STEAM activities. I am so lucky and happy to be a part of the Goddard Team.