The Goddard School of Overland Park

Bios

• Shazia

  Shazia Ali is the owner and operator of the Goddard School of Overland Park since 2017 when she purchased the business from her sister! She has experience in administration through other businesses, but discovered a strong connection to childcare which led her to the Goddard Franchise. With a passion for high-quality education and inquiry-based learning, she is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive. She has two daughters and a husband, highly values family time and personal connections, and is looking forward to building a relationship with your family as we embark on the 2024-2025 school year.

• Ms Taylor

  Ms. Taylor is the Director at The Goddard School on Oakmont Street. She has been with Goddard For 5 Years. Ms. Taylor previously served as a Lead Infant Teacher before transitioning into an administrative leadership role, where she supports both families and staff in creating a positive, nurturing learning environment. She holds a degree in Music Therapy from UMKC and brings over 8 years of experience working with children. In her role, she focuses on child development, health, and safety, and is proud that the Oakmont Street location has earned two consecutive perfect health and safety inspections! Ms. Taylor is passionate about building strong relationships with families and feels honored to support each child’s early learning journey.

• Ms Breanna

  Ms. Breanna is the Assistant Director at The Goddard School. She has been with Goddard For 3 Years. Originally from North Carolina, she brings a strong passion for early childhood education and a creative, hands-on approach to learning. Outside of Goddard, Ms. Breanna enjoys being a mom, building Lego creations, and relaxing with her family. In her role, she is dedicated to fostering interactive experiences that encourage children to explore, learn, and master new skills in a fun and meaningful way. Ms. Breanna looks forward to meeting your family!

• Ms Ashley

  Ms. Ashley is the Lead Teacher in our Ladybugs (Pre-Toddler) classroom. She has been with Goddard For 10 Years. Ms. Ashley studied Early Childhood Education at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, and completed her Master's Degree in Education at the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC). While not at Goddard, Ms. Ashley enjoys reading, cooking and nurturing her plants. In the classroom, she creates hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity, social skills, and early problem-solving in every child. Ms. Ashley looks forward to meeting your family and supporting your child’s growth and development.

• Ms Baleria

  Ms. Baleria is the Lead Teacher in our Park Rangers (Pre-Kindergarten) classroom at The Goddard School. She has been at Goddard since 2024. Originally from Kansas City, Kansas, Ms. Baleria is a licensed Cosmetologist and brings a creative, hands-on approach to her teaching. In the classroom, she loves engaging in play with her students and creating fun, interactive experiences that make learning exciting. Ms. Baleria looks forward to making lasting connections with the children and their families.

• Ms Kristen

  Ms. Kristen is the Lead Teacher in our Morning Glories (Toddler/Twos) classroom. She has been with Goddard for 8 Years. Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she moved to Kansas in May 2016 and loves being in Kansas City. Ms. Kristen holds her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ and graduated from Connections Academy. In the classroom, she focuses on providing engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that keep her students actively learning throughout the day. Ms. Kristen looks forward to partnering with families to support each child’s growth and development.

• Ms Neelam

  Ms. Neelam is our STEAM Teacher and has been at Goddard since 2024. Ms. Neelam brings many years of experience in early childhood education, including expertise in curriculum implementation, classroom management, and child development. In the classrooms, she provides supportive, engaging learning experiences that help children build confidence, independence, and a love of learning. Ms. Neelam, who has two children including a 3-year-old at Goddard, looks forward to partnering with families to support each child’s growth and development.

• Zaria

  Ms. Zaria is a Resource Teacher and has been at Goddard since 2025. Ms. Zaria has over 4 years of childcare experience and brings a love of music, musicals and performing to the classroom. In her role, she uses her energy and creativity to help children explore, laugh, and discover new skills through music and imaginative play. Ms. Zaria is excited to share these adventures and her passion for learning with your children.

• Ms Afsoon

  Ms. Afsoon is an Assistant Teacher in our Sunflowers (Preschool) classroom. She has been at Goddard since 2024. Ms. Afsoon brings over 5 years of experience working with children and is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Afsoon enjoys horseback riding and spending time outdoors. She looks forward to meeting your family!

• Ms Emily

  Ms. Emily is the Assistant Teacher in our Morning Glories (Toddler/Twos) classroom. She has been at Goddard for 1 year. Ms. Emily brings several years of experience caring for young children and has a passion for working with our youngest learners. In the classroom, she focuses on providing engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that support early learning and growth. Ms. Emily looks forward to building lasting connections with both children and their families.

• Ms Kalie

  Ms. Kalie has been part of The Goddard School of Overland Park since November 2024 and has seven years of experience in early childhood education, primarily with 2.5-year-olds. She enjoys guiding children through their transition from infants to toddlers and fostering their growth and independence. She holds an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and is currently pursuing a degree in Film, Media Studies, and Education at UMKC.

• Kathryn

  Ms. Kate is an Assistant Teacher in our Park Rangers (Pre-Kindergarten) classroom. She has been at Goddard since 2025. Ms. Kate brings five years of experience working with children, primarily as a museum educator, and is passionate about creating a safe, fun, and creative learning environment. In the classroom, she encourages children to explore, ask questions, and discover new skills through hands-on activities and imaginative play. Ms. Kate looks forward to meeting your family and being part of your child’s learning journey.

• Ms Lamanique

  Ms. Lamanique is the Assistant Teacher in our Lady Bugs (1-Year-Old) classroom. She has been with Goddard For 8 Years. Ms. Lamanique is actively pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at Johnson County Community College. In the classroom, she focuses on providing engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that encourage exploration and learning. Ms. Lamanique looks forward to meeting your family and supporting your child’s growth and development.

• Ms Mary

  Ms. Mary is a Teacher in our Sweet Peas (Infant) classroom. She has been with Goddard For 5 Years. Ms. Mary enjoys arts and crafts and loves incorporating her creativity into classroom activities. She has obtained many certificates in early childhood education, adding to her years of experience working with young children. In the classroom, she focuses on providing engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that support infant growth and learning throughout the day. Ms. Mary looks forward to meeting your family!

• Ms Razia

  Ms. Razia has been with us for 8 years and has many years of experience working with children. She is available to jump into any classroom and provide quality hands-on care for each child. Ms. Razia looks forward to meeting your child and family.

• Shaquita

  Ms. Shaquita is an Assistant Teacher in our Sweet Peas (Infant) classroom and has been at Goddard Since 2025. Ms. Shaquita brings 12 years of experience working with children and is passionate about helping little ones learn, grow, and explore. In the classroom, she encourages curiosity and hands-on discovery while fostering a love of learning in every infant. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with an Associate in Science and enjoys spending time outdoors, especially going on nature walks. Ms. Shaquita looks forward to meeting your family and being part of your child’s daily learning and discovery.

• Ms Ana

  Chef Ana is the Kitchen Manager at The Goddard School of Overland Park. She has been with Goddard For 5 Years. Chef Ana brings many years of experience in the food industry and has a true passion for both cooking and caring for children. In her role, she prepares nutritious and delicious meals that support healthy growth while making mealtimes fun and enjoyable for every student. Chef Ana enjoys seeing children’s excitement during mealtimes and looks forward to creating meals that bring comfort and joy to the students each day.

• Ms Ivy

  Ms. Ivy is a Resource Teacher at The Goddard School on Oakmont and has been at Goddard since 2023. Ms. Ivy is versatile and can support any classroom, providing quality care and guidance wherever it is needed. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Psychology to become a Pediatric Therapist. In the classroom, she encourages children to explore, express themselves, and develop confidence through individualized attention and creative activities. Ms. Ivy looks forward to teaching your child and partnering with your family in their early learning journey.