The Goddard School of Austin (Avery Ranch)

Bios

• David and Marcedes

  David and Marcedes are the dedicated owners of The Goddard School of Avery Ranch. David, brings his background as an applications engineer and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts. He enjoys incorporating S.T.E.A.M. concepts into daily activities for the children. Marcedes, a native Austinite and St. Edward's University alumna, brings entrepreneurial experience and local knowledge to their school. Outside of education, they cherish family time at the lake, enjoy walks, hikes, and the energy of live music and sports events. Their greatest joy is their daughter Sofia. Beyond their school, David and Marcedes actively support organizations like HAAM and Mobile Loaves & Fishes, demonstrating their commitment to community involvement and making a positive impact in Austin. Their combined dedication and community spirit enhance the educational environment at The Goddard School of Avery Ranch.

• Mayra

  Ms. Mayra is the Curriculum Coordinator and is leading our team to integrate Wonder of Learning into our programming. Ms. Mayra attained her Bachelors degree in Education from San Diego Christian College. Ms. Mayra has nearly 10 years of experience working with infants through school-age children, including special need children. She was previously our Pre-K 2 lead teacher and has been with us since we opened the school! She is very happy to be a part of The Goddard School because "I have the chance to gain more experience working with children, learn new skills, and receive support to further my education." Ms. Mayra “finds joy in seeing the children's excitement and pride when they complete a task” Ms. Mayra enjoys reading, paddle boarding, and spending quality time with her family, especially sharing good laughs together

• Paulette

  Paulette serves as the Director of Marketing at The Goddard School of Avery Ranch. She holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from The University of Texas at San Anotnio. Paulette has over four years of experience working directly with children, and more than three years of experience working in various marketing roles. She is passionate about supporting the school’s mission and building meaningful connections with families. Paulette has always enjoyed working with children and finds it fulfilling to be a part of their daily growth and happiness. She recently moved to the Round Rock/Austin area with her husband and is excited to explore the area and try new restaurants. In her free time, she loves spending time with her dog, watching new shows, exercising, and reading!

• Aliza

  Ms. Aliza is the Assistant Director at our school, bringing over 10 years of experience in early childhood education. Her background includes curriculum development, applied behavior analysis therapy, and classroom leadership. She is passionate about building supportive environments where both teachers and students can thrive. She takes a hands-on approach to coaching staff, strengthening systems, and fostering a collaborative school culture. Her focus is on creating consistent, joyful, and developmentally appropriate classroom experiences across the school. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in her pottery studio.

• Nour

  Nour is a passionate and dedicated educator with five years of experience working with children, specifically in the 3-4 age group. She finds joy in witnessing the daily growth and progress of young learners, which fuels her commitment to their development. Nour is also a multilingual teacher, bringing a rich, diverse perspective to her teaching approach. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys a variety of activities, including hiking, reading, music, camping, and shopping. Nour is excited to be part of The Goddard School, where she can continue fostering a positive, enriching environment for children to thrive. She holds a degree in English Literature, further enhancing her love for language and learning.

• Amy

  Meet Ms. Amy, our esteemed Lead Teacher in the Preschool 2 program, bringing an impressive 24 years of teaching experience in both Early Childhood Education and the ISD. A proud graduate of UT with a Bachelor's degree and certifications across various education fields, Ms. Amy is a seasoned educator. Passionate about preschool education, Ms. Amy believes that exposing children to cognitive, psychosocial, and physical development-based learning empowers them to explore their environment and develop verbal communication skills. Her dedication to fostering a holistic learning environment shines through in her approach. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Amy cherishes her time with her three children. Her hobbies include the expressive realms of painting and drawing, and she finds inspiration by visiting art museums. Ms. Amy's wealth of experience and enthusiasm make her an invaluable asset to our educational team at Goddard!

• Iliana

  Iliana has dedicated 7 years to working with children aged 2 to 5. She has always been passionate about working with children since a young age; she cherishes their honesty and boundless energy, which she finds makes each day lively and unpredictable. Iliana holds an associate's degree in Mathematics from Austin Community College. Outside of her profession, she enjoys hiking,cycling and obstacle races.Drawn to the Goddard School of Avery Ranch by its friendly atmosphere and organizational excellence, she finds fulfillment in her role in here.

• Jenniffer

  Introducing Ms. Jenniffer, the Lead Teacher in our First Steps classroom, boasting three years of valuable experience in early childhood education. Not only does she take joy in teaching our students with love and respect, but she also values the learning experiences they provide. Ms. Jenniffer holds a degree in Administrative Law from The University of Los Andes in Venezuela. Beyond the classroom, her happiness extends to taking walks with her family and discovering new places. Eager for both personal and professional growth, Ms. Jenniffer is excited about the journey that lies ahead with the school!

• Kambri

  Ms. Kambri brings four years of valuable experience to Goddard and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development. She has a passion for working with children and is dedicated to fostering their growth and development. In her free time, Kambri enjoys doing puzzles and exploring the city of Austin. She is enthusiastic about maintaining open communication with parents, ensuring they are well-informed and involved in their child's developmental journey. Kambri looks forward to contributing to the supportive and nurturing environment here at Goddard.

• Michelle

  Michelle is an Infant Teacher with four years of experience working with young children. She loves working with infants because she enjoys supporting them through their developmental milestones and celebrating every new achievement. Michelle earned her Associate of Arts in English and is a strong communicator who is passionate about creating a nurturing and engaging environment where every child can thrive. In her free time, she enjoys reading and painting.

• Nikhila

  Ms. Nikhila brings a calm, caring presence and a passion for early childhood education to everything she does. She has lived in the Austin area for the past six years and has spent much of that time working closely with young children, particularly two- and three-year-olds. Her experience with this age group has helped her develop a deep understanding of early developmental milestones, as well as the patience and creativity it takes to guide and nurture little learners. Nikhila holds a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. While her background is rooted in a technical field, her love for working with children led her to the world of early education, where she brings a thoughtful and structured approach to her classroom.

• Sabrina

  Sabrina is our dedicated Infant Lead with a passion for nurturing young minds, backed by over 10 years of teaching experience dedicated to the education and safety of her students. In her leisure time, Sabrina finds joy in immersing herself in movies, storybooks, or engaging in outdoor activities. Sabrina prioritizes parents' peace of mind by ensuring the well-being and happiness of all the children under her care. With a heart full of love and genuine dedication, she fosters a positive and supportive learning environment. Sabrina isn't just a teacher but a nurturing presence in the lives of the children she teaches.

• Sudarsana

  Sudarsana is the dedicated Pre-K 1 Lead Teacher here at The Goddard School with over six years of experience working with children aged 4–5. Her passion for early childhood education shines through in her belief that every child is unique and that no two days are ever the same—a perspective that keeps her inspired and engaged each day in the classroom. Originally from India, Sudarsana earned her degree from Calcutta University. Her educational background, combined with her nurturing spirit, helps her create a supportive and enriching environment where young learners can grow and thrive. Outside of the classroom, Sudarsana finds peace and balance in gardening and meditation. She brings that same sense of calm and mindfulness into her teaching practice. She also believes in building strong, open relationships with families and maintains an open-door policy to ensure parents feel welcome, involved, and heard.

• Sylvia

  Sylvia is the Pre-K 1 Co-Lead Teacher and brings seven years of experience working with children. She loves teaching because young learners are full of energy, curiosity, and eagerness to explore. Sylvia earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and her master’s in Professional Accounting while studying in Australia. She is passionate about creating a nurturing and engaging environment where every child can thrive. In her free time, she enjoys working out and cooking.

• Tyler

  Meet Ms. Tyler, our Lead Teacher for the Pre-K 2 classroom. With 7 years of experience in early childhood education, Tyler specializes in working with preschoolers aged 3-5 years. Tyler is passionate about helping children develop confidence and cherishing those “AHA!” moments when a child master’s a new skill. Tyler holds a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from Texas State University and is pursuing a Master of Arts in Counseling at St. Edward’s University. In her free time, Tyler enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and participating in cultural events. Tyler is excited to work at The Goddard School, where they can contribute to a curriculum that fosters empathy, understanding, and a deep appreciation for diversity. Tyler is committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive classroom environment, making her a great asset to Goddard!

• Vida

  With a heart for little learners and over 20 years of hands-on experience, Ms. Vida brings energy, patience, and joy into the toddler classroom every single day. Having worked extensively with both toddlers and preschoolers, she understands the magic of early childhood and is passionate about helping each child discover, grow, and thrive in their own way. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Computer, but found her true calling in the classroom, where curiosity and creativity are part of every day. Ms. Vida is dedicated to creating a loving, playful, and safe space for every child. Outside the classroom, you’ll find her enjoying sports, diving into a good puzzle, or coming up with new ways to make learning fun.

• SivaPriya

  We are thrilled to have Ms. SivaPriya as our interim lead teacher for the Preschool 1 class! With over four years of childcare experience, SivaPriya brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our community. She loves working with children for their boundless curiosity, creativity, and resilience, which constantly inspire her to learn and grow alongside them. Siva Priya holds a Master of Arts degree from India, and she values the unique perspectives that each child brings to the classroom. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and spending quality moments with her son. SivaPriya is excited to work at Goddard because she believes that the collaborative environment fosters creativity and imagination—not just in the children, but in teachers as well. We are delighted to have Siva Priya on board.

• Tae

  Tae is originally from Japan, but she has called Austin home for the past 7 years. With a background in Japanese Literature and a love for cooking, she enjoys exploring different international flavors and sharing her culinary skills. Tae is passionate about working with children and loves being in an environment where she can be part of the children's growth and happiness. Outside of her work, she’s an active part of her son’s marching band, serving as the Meal Mom during the season!