Childcare Services Ponte Vedra
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At The Goddard School located in Ponte Vedra (Nocatee), we're more than just a daycare. The Goddard School is a private preschool, offering childcare to infants and toddlers to pre-k. Our programs are designed to nurture each child's curiosity in a safe and caring environment.
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Liz Scott is the Owner of the school. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Georgia Tech and an MBA in Real Estate & Corporate Finance from Georgia State University. She and her family have lived in Ponte Vedra Beach for over a decade after moving to the area from Atlanta. Their love for the community lead them to opening the Goddard School of Ponte Vedra Beach in June 2016, buy the Julington Creek Goddard in 2020, Baymeadows Goddard in 2022 and now build a new school in the Nocatee area. Liz and her husband, Trey, have three children, a son and twin daughters. As a family they love to travel to new places, enjoy time on the beach and watching their children discover new hobbies! "I am honored to be a part of such a high quality pre-school program in this Nocatee community. I am honored to be a part of a program that helps shape the early childhood development for so many children in this community where children can grow and develop a lifelong love of learning." -Liz Scott.
Marie Ann Howard is the Managing Partner of The Goddard Schools of Baymeadows and the Regional Director for The Goddard Schools of Ponte Vedra Beach, Julington Creek and Nocatee. With a career spanning 30 years in Early Childhood Education, Marie Ann brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. Originally from Birmingham, England, she holds a BA in Early Education, a CDA, and a Director’s License, all of which reflect her dedication to nurturing young minds. Since joining The Goddard School team, her favorite part has been working alongside such a dedicated team of professionals. Marie Ann finds inspiration in the smiles of the children she works with every day. Known for her love of travel, she often spends her time exploring the world when she’s not at school. Her favorite book, 1984 by George Orwell, reflects her appreciation for literature — a fun fact she embraces with humor and charm!
Amelia is the Regional Director of Compliance & Standards & On- Site Operator, leveraging nearly a decade of experience in Early Childhood Development. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Florida and a Master's in Educational Leadership. Since joining Goddard PVB in early 2019, Amelia has been committed to ensuring high standards in education. Raised in Ponte Vedra, she now enjoys raising her two young children in the same community.
Cezelene, our Director of Education, brings over 20 years of experience and a deep commitment to the field. She holds a Bachelor's in Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Florida, along with an Associate's in Early Childhood Management from Florida State College of Jacksonville. Cezelene has earned two National Child Development Credentials and specializes in Infant, Toddler, and Preschool education. She is also a CDA Professional Development Specialist and holds a Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential with VPK endorsement. “I love spending time with my family because it brings me joy, comfort, and connection. I enjoy working at The Goddard School because it offers a supportive environment where I can positively impact children's lives and contribute to their growth through early childhood development.”-Cez
Christina joined The Goddard family in February 2022 as the Director of Business & Marketing, bringing her expertise in admissions and marketing from her previous work with charter schools in Duval and St. John's Counties. She oversees all admissions for The Goddard Schools of Ponte Vedra Beach, Julington Creek, Baymeadows, and Nocatee with a focus on managing and growing enrollments while warmly welcoming new families. Christina also leads all marketing initiatives and serves as the point person for billing and accounts receivable processes. Her passion for early childhood education has already made a positive impact on new families and the management teams across all three schools. Outside of work, Christina is a proud mom to a teenage daughter who is an avid lacrosse goalie, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the field.
Veronica was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She started her career as an infant/toddler teacher. She fell in love with what she was doing and worked her way through all ages and decided to get her CDA and that lead to her Director’s Credentials. Veronica has been in the field for 24 years now and can’t imagine doing anything else. She has a passion for children and loves watching them grow. Veronica married her high school sweetheart and they quickly started a family. Her husband joined the Army and then immediately moved to Washington state. After he served for 4 years, they moved back to Florida, eventually settling in St. Augustine. Veronica has now been married for 28 years and has 4 kids and 2 granddaughters. Her family is her life. They love all sports (you will find them at the baseball field most days). Veronica also loves relaxing at the pool. She is so excited to join this team and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Chelsea serves as our Assistant Director of Curriculum bringing over a decade of experience in early childhood education. She holds a National CDA, along with both Staff and Directors credentials, and earned her associate degree from Florida State College at Jacksonville. Chelsea became a part of the Goddard family in 2021, and her passion for working with children shines through in everything she does. She cherishes the bonds she forms with each child, finding joy in their unique personalities and growth. Outside of her professional life, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children, a daughter and son, both of whom attend Goddard. In her free time, she loves relaxing at the beach or pool, reading, and cuddling with her cats. Chelsea moved to Jacksonville in 2010 from Concord, NC. Outside of work, Ms. Chelsea enjoys being outside at the beach or pool and traveling! She also loves spending time with her husband and their children, Reagan & Liam!
Gail is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been a Florida resident for nearly 22 years. She has been married for 28 years and, together with her husband, is the proud parent of a daughter, Julianna. Gail recently earned her Associate of Arts degree with a focus in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in the same field. Her passion for working with young children began in her teenage years and has developed into a lifelong commitment to early childhood education. Over the past 12 years, she has taken on increasingly significant leadership roles in preschool settings, where she is known for her dedication to supporting children’s growth and development. In her personal time, Gail enjoys crocheting, reading, and spending time at the beach. She especially cherishes time with family and friends, often gathering around shared meals or traveling together to create lasting memories.
Ms. Aaliyah is passionate about early childhood education and is currently pursuing her CDA and Director's Credential. Her commitment to furthering her education in the field shows her drive to continue developing her skills and knowledge to support children and their growth even better. Ms. Aaliyah was born and raised in Jacksonville, creating a strong connection to her local community, which is an asset in creating meaningful relationships with children and families in the area. In her free time she enjoys spending quality time with her son.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Ms. Adriana moved to Jacksonville, Florida, in 2017 and began her journey in Early Childhood Education. A proud graduate of Duval Charter School at Baymeadows, she is currently pursuing her Child Development Associate (CDA) certification with plans to earn a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. Passionate about nurturing young minds, Ms. Adriana treasures building meaningful relationships with her students and takes joy in watching them grow and learn. Outside of her career, she is a devoted mom to two children and two dogs. She loves traveling with her family, creating memories, and exploring new places together.
Ms. Ana is originally from Venezuela and has been calling Jacksonville home since 2023. With several years of experience in Early Childhood Education, she’s passionate about creating a safe and nurturing environment for her little learners. She has completed her 45 DCF training hours and is currently working toward her CDA certification. Ms. Ana loves bringing joy to her classroom through singing and arts and crafts with her toddlers. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys exploring new places through travel and cherishing moments with her husband and baby.
Originally from Maputo, Mozambique, Ms. Candice moved to the U.S. in 2011 and moved to Florida two years ago. She holds her CDA and has been teaching VPK since 2022. Ms. Candice is passionate about providing hands-on learning experiences for her students and loves witnessing their milestones and growth. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, gardening, cooking, and going to the beach. We are ecstatic to have her vibrant spirit part of the Goddard family.
Cynthia, who goes by Cindy, was born in New York City and raised on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. She moved to Florida in 2020 and has been working in childcare since 2022, caring for children ages 1 to 8. If she had to describe herself in one word, it would be determined. Cindy has always known she wanted to be a teacher. Watching children grow, learn, and explore brings pure joy to her heart. She is passionate about working with all age groups and takes pride in creating a warm, safe, and supportive environment where children feel excited to learn. As a teacher, Cindy is known for being hardworking, patient, and nurturing. She especially enjoys incorporating music, movement, and art into her classroom, giving children opportunities to express themselves creatively. Outside the classroom, Cindy loves singing, swimming, and spending time with her loved ones.
Ms. Denis, originally from Colombia, has embraced life in this area for the past three years. With a background as a psychologist in Colombia and over five years of experience in Early Childhood Education, she is passionate about creating environments where children learn through hands-on experiences. Denis believes in nurturing curiosity and fostering growth in every child she works with. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys long walks and cherishing time with her husband and two wonderful daughters.
Ms. Lizzy is a certified teacher for 3s/4s and VPK, with more than 20 years of experience in both teaching and leadership roles, including serving as a director. In addition to her extensive classroom experience, she has raised two sons to adulthood while pursuing her degree in Special Education. "I am beyond excited to be part of the Goddard-Nocatee team! I am passionate about working with children and deeply believe in the Goddard Schools philosophy. I look forward to providing a fun, nurturing, and enriching educational experience that fosters learning, growth, and social-emotional development. I’m eager to get to know you and your child(ren) and work together to create a safe, supportive school family environment."
Ms. India has been a part of the Jacksonville community for 35 years and has dedicated the last four years to working in childcare. She is passionate about learning about each child and watching them grow, fostering their creativity along the way. In her free time, India enjoys singing, engaging in artistic activities, and watching movies. Her ecstatic enthusiasm for nurturing young minds makes her a valuable member of the childcare team.
Karen was born in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, and moved to Florida when she was young. She loves teaching children, which led her to earn a degree in early childhood development. With over nine years of experience in childcare, she can teach all preschool classes, including VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten). She has also completed many professional development courses in early childhood education. Karen is dedicated to creating a safe, organized, and fun learning environment where children can explore and grow. She enjoys helping children express themselves and learn about the world. Her favorite saying is, “Children are small but mighty; they love to explore and learn.” If she had to describe herself in one word, it would be "loving," because she works hard to ensure every child feels valued and supported..
Ms. Morgyn has been teaching preschool since 2021 and has worked with children since the age of 17. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special Education, continuously seeking new ways to help her students grow academically while making learning fun and engaging. In 2022, Ms. Morgyn moved to Jacksonville, FL, from Atlanta, GA, shortly after completing her college education. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys dancing, painting, and tending to her tiny garden at home. She is passionate about fostering a nurturing and dynamic learning environment where every child can thrive.
Ms. Natacha has a rich and diverse background to her work in Early Childhood Education. Originally from Venezuela, she’s spent the last 7 years in Jacksonville, FL. She has had time to adapt to a new environment while still holding on to her cultural roots. In addition to her recent experience in Early Childhood Education, she also holds a Law Degree. She incorporates this blend of legal knowledge and early childhood expertise when navigating complex issues, advocating for children, and understanding legal or regulatory aspects of education and childcare. She is currently pursuing both her CDA and ABA Certificate. The ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Certificate focuses on behavioral interventions and support, which can be a powerful tool in helping children with special needs or behavioral challenges.
Ms. Rachel brings a wealth of experience and a unique background to her role as a VPK Teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science and minor in French. Though her initial career path led her to work in elementary and middle schools for 10 years, her decision to transition to early childhood education speaks to her passion for nurturing younger children and shaping their foundational years. Ms. Rachel has lived in Jacksonville for 15 years with her husband and three children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her family. Her love for reading is a great asset in her classroom, as she brings a rich literary background that that is woven into the curriculum.
Ms. Shuntrell was born in Germany and is a proud mother of four. She has a genuine passion for working with children and has been in the field of early childhood education for over 10 years. Ms. Shuntrell holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is committed to creating a nurturing, engaging, and supportive environment where young children can learn and grow.
Ms. Yinelly has worked in Early Childhood Education for more than 15 years. She is proudly from Puerto Rico where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Ms. Yinelly's family is her pride and best treasure. She loves to laugh, smile, share, and help others. “I can describe myself as a devoted and hard-working teacher. Each year of teaching allows me to give my best to others. I enjoy seeing how children develop in their own special and unique way. There is nothing that makes me feel better than receiving their hugs and smiles every day.”
Alexis is excited to begin her journey in education, inspired by a family of educators and a passion for helping children grow through curiosity, creativity, and connection. She has experience nannying for local families and coaching gymnastics at Jacksonville Academy of Gymnastics, where she worked with children of all ages in both structured and playful settings. Outside of work, Alexis enjoys exploring nature trails around Nocatee with her dog, Bambi, reading fantasy novels, and sharing her love of the Marvel universe with the children she teaches.
Originally from Venezuela, Andrea grew up speaking Spanish and began learning English as a child thanks to her family's annual trips to Disney. She studied graphic design before moving to the U.S., where she met her fiancé and recently welcomed their daughter, Marina. Andrea loves nature, animals, swimming, and all things Disney. A former swim instructor, she has a passion for working with children and finds joy in helping them explore the world around them.
Brey is a proud Chamorro woman and native Pacific Islander from the island of Guam. Her love for children began over 30 years ago as a big sister and has since grown into a dedicated career in early childhood education spanning more than 15 years. Brey believes in keeping things in perspective and allowing children to be themselves. Her guiding philosophies are: “Don’t sweat the small stuff” and “Let the children be children.” Outside the classroom, Brey enjoys all things outdoors especially barbecuing, swimming, and enjoying fresh coconuts. Her island roots shine through in everything she does, bringing warmth, joy, and a deep sense of care to the children and families she serves.
Ms. Jessie grew up in Southwest Florida before moving to South Carolina for part of her college career. She recently returned and is making Jacksonville her new home with her playful kitty, Dani Ford. With a background in childcare and business, she hopes to complete her degree soon. This is her seventh year in early childhood education. She spent three years as an assistant preschool teacher in South Carolina and previously worked in her high school’s on-campus preschool. A hands-on teacher, she values giving children space to grow and was inspired by her own great teachers. In the classroom, she enjoys arts and crafts, singing, and dancing—especially to DannyGo’s The Wiggle Song. She loves winding down with a Dr. Seuss book.Outside of work, Ms. Jessie enjoys TV, crafting, and cheering for Clemson and the Miami Dolphins.
Ms. Kimberly has over a year of experience in childcare. She is a hands-on teacher who loves to learn about each child’s unique personality. She comes from Winter Haven and has been a resident of St. Augustine for 16 years. Ms. Kimberly enjoys engaging in arts and crafts activities with the children, fostering their creativity. In her free time, she loves shopping and is a big fan of Hello Kitty.
Originally from Hawaii, Ms. Lovely has called Jacksonville home since April 2024. Though her background is in medical billing and coding, her passion for working with children inspired her to transition into early childhood education. This is her first role in a childcare setting, but she brings a warm, nurturing presence and a love for encouraging creativity—especially through art. As a proud mother of three and a proud military wife, Ms. Lovely understands the importance of providing stability, care, and strong connections for young children and their families. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and making lasting memories with her family.
Ms. Mariah is originally from California, she’s been enjoying Florida for the past 6 years. With 3 years of experience in early childhood education, Mariah loves creating a fun and loving environment for her little learners. Her passion for arts and crafts shines through in every activity she does with the children. When she's not teaching, Mariah loves to bake, spend time with her 6 siblings, two cats, and a bird. In her downtime, you can find her relaxing with a good movie or shopping.
Ms. Michaela has been dedicated to the field of Early Education since 2024. She brings a nurturing spirit and a strong foundation in child development, having successfully completed the 45-Hour DCF Child Care Training and earned certifications in CPR and First Aid. Her commitment to creating a safe, healthy, and joyful learning environment reflects her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, explore, and thrive. Ms. Michaela is passionate about fostering curiosity and confidence in young learners. She encourages children to develop their skills through play, discovery, and meaningful interactions, always ensuring that each child feels valued and supported. Her classroom is a place where learning is celebrated, and every child is empowered to reach their full potential.
Olivia grew up in New York and moved to St. Augustine in 2020. From a young age, she knew she wanted to work with children and become a teacher. Since 2020, she has been dedicated to childcare and loves creating a positive, nurturing environment for her students. She enjoys incorporating simple American Sign Language (ASL) into daily routines in the classroom—signs like “please,” “thank you,” and “more” go a long way in helping children communicate and connect. Outside of work, Olivia enjoys spending time at the beach, going to the movies, and reading. At home, she has a lively household with five cats, two bunnies, a dog, and a fish! She’s excited to meet all the families and is committed to making sure every child has the best day, every day.
Ms. Stefany is excited to begin her new role at The Goddard School. Originally from Colombia, she has lived in the United States for the past eight years. She is a trained speech therapist with a specialization in teaching and language disorders. With experience working with children of various age groups, Ms. Stefany enjoys creating interactive and engaging activities that support learning and development. Her passion for working with children is evident in the care and enthusiasm she brings to every classroom. Her goal is to continue growing in her role while applying her expertise to support each child’s unique needs. Outside of school, she enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Ms. Christiana has been inspiring young minds in early childhood education since 2018. She holds an Early Childhood Education Certificate from NECC and has earned her Staff Credential, reflecting her dedication to professional growth and excellence in the field. With a passion for creating a positive and nurturing environment, Ms. Christiana finds joy in watching children grow, learn, and discover the world around them. Her classroom is a space filled with encouragement, creativity, and care—where every child feels safe, supported, and excited to learn.
Coach Mike Teifer joined the PVB Goddard program in 2017 as our Physical Education teacher. Mike has been a resident of Ponte Vedra Beach for 35+ years. He graduated from Jacksonville University with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and then received a Master's degree in Education Administration from UNF. His career resume includes teaching physical education, coaching high school athletics, and running his own personal training business. Mike has always been heavily involved in coaching local youth athletics, including club baseball and flag football. Mike enjoys working with young children and introducing them to the fundamentals of sports and physical fitness while having fun in a play-based and team-oriented environment. Mike and his wife, Cheryl, live in Ponte Vedra Beach and have three sons – Robert, Chris, and Ryan.
Emily is originally from a small town in Maryland but has lived in St. Augustine for the past eight years. Her educational background is in social work, and she is now excited to advance her career in education. Emily has a genuine love for working with children and enjoys watching their curiosity and passion for learning unfold. She appreciates different play styles and especially loves seeing children express their creativity through art. Outside the classroom, Emily enjoys spending time with her two cats, Ollie and Baby. Her favorite song is "You Are My Sunshine," which holds a special place in her heart because her mother used to sing it to her as a child. She also enjoys relaxing at the beach. One word that best describes Emily is “kind.”
Ms. Gabrielle holds a bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration and has been dedicated to childcare since 2016. In 2022, she and her family relocated to Florida after her husband’s transition from the Army. Ms. Gabrielle enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughter, creating lasting family memories.
Ms. Jen has lived in Ponte Vedra since 2022 and holds a Master of Arts in Teaching. With over a decade of experience in education as both a teacher and paraprofessional, she is passionate about teaching children and witnessing their joys and "AHA" moments as they learn new topics. In her free time, Jen enjoys traveling, exercising, cooking, and baking. Her commitment to education and enthusiasm for fostering a love of learning make her a wonderful addition to the team.
Ms. Lorvie is a passionate fashion designer, educator, and businesswoman with over four years of experience in early childhood education. She has worked with children from six weeks to twelve years old, including teaching in Sunday school settings. She holds an Associate of Science degree in Fashion Design and plans to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Education. She especially enjoys Circle Time, where she teaches young children sign language, letters, numbers, and shapes. She finds joy in watching children develop their fine motor skills and express themselves in creative ways. While she has a strong background in working with infants and toddlers, Ms. Lorvie is eager to teach 3- and 4-year-olds, where she can bring even more of her skills, creativity, and enthusiasm into the classroom.
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