The Goddard School of Pittsford (Bushnell's Basin)

Bios

• Nan & Gary

  WELCOME! Here you'll learn about our nurturing & experienced staff who provide the best early childhood education, care, & development in the area. At our QUALITYstarsNY rated school, your child will be guided by our inquiry-based Wonder of Learning® curriculum incorporating language, literacy, social & physical skills, social studies, science, technology, engineering, arts & math. We have adult children, live in Pittsford & have lived Fairport, NJ, PA, & VA. Nan majored in Child Development & Family Relations, was an interpreter for the deaf & Certified American Montessori Society Infant/Toddler Teacher. Gary is a retired architect, executive & MCC department chair. He also owns Irrigation Tech, the area's largest lawn sprinkler company. At The Goddard School of Pittsford (Bushnell’s Basin) we serve families from Brighton, Canandaigua, Farmington, Fairport, East Rochester, Gananda, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Macedon, Mendon, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor & Webster.

• Carrie

  Carrie is our education director. She has joined The Goddard School faculty in 2011 as a Lead Teacher, before becoming an Assistant Director, and then Director of Education. During her time as a teacher, Carrie served as a lead teacher in each of our different programs. Prior to joining The Goddard School Carrie earned a M.S., Childhood & Special Education from Roberts Wesleyan College, a B.S., Sociology from Nazareth College, and a New York State Teaching Certificate. She also holds certificates in First Aid, CPR, and MAT. In her role as Education Director, Carrie works closely with our 22 lead and assistant teachers to help them organize their classrooms, prepare lesson plans, and develop strategies and tactics to help each child achieve their unique potential. Carrie helps lead the best early childhood education, development, and daycare experience in the area for families from Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne counties.

• Lisa

  Lisa is our center director. She joined The Goddard School in 2011 and has served as Lead Teacher, Director and Program Director. Prior to joining The Goddard School Lisa spent 10 years in early childhood education and after school care as a teacher and center director. Before that she earned a B.S., Fine Arts from Nazareth College. During the course of her early career Lisa also earned a Child Development Associate Credential in Infant & Toddler Education. She also holds certificate in First Aid, CPR, and MAT. In her role as Center Director Lisa manages student enrollment, teacher recruitment, school calendar development, regulatory compliance, parent communications and more! Lisa is delighted to oversee the best early childhood education, development, and daycare experience in the area for families with from Brighton, Canandaigua, Farmington, Fairport, East Rochester, Gananda, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Macedon, Mendon, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor and Webster.

• Amanda

  Amanda joined The Goddard School in 2016 and is a co-lead teacher in our Preschool/Early Pre-K Program. She had more than six years of experience in early childhood education as a Preschool Lead Teacher at another center before joining The Goddard School. Prior to entering the field of early childhood education, Amanda earned an A.A., Human Science from Rochester Business Institute. She is also certified in First Aid and CPR. Amanda is delighted to help deliver the best early childhood preschool education, development, and daycare experience in the area for families who live in Brighton, Canandaigua, Farmington, Fairport, East Rochester, Gananda, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Macedon, Mendon, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor, and Webster.

• Caitlin

  Caitlin joined The Goddard School in 2023 and is a lead teacher in our Bridge Early Preschool Program. She also serves as a flex teacher for all of our programs. Before joining The Goddard School, Caitlin had more than two years of experience as a lead and assistant Preschool teacher at an area childcare center and two years of summer camp counselor experience. Caitlin has taken coursework in the Communications Program at Finger Lakes Community College, as well as Early Childhood Education coursework at SUNY Potsdam, and Child Development Associate credential coursework Monroe Community College. She is also certified in First Aid and CPR. Caitlin is delighted to help deliver the best early childhood older toddler/early preschool education, development, and daycare experience in the area for families who live in Brighton, Canandaigua, Farmington, Fairport, East Rochester, Gananda, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Macedon, Mendon, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor, and Webster.

• Casey

  Casey joined The Goddard School in 2016 and is a lead teacher in our Twos Program where we have 1 teacher for every 5 children in a classroom with up to 10 children who range in age from 18-30 months old. Before joining The Goddard School faculty, Casey had prior experience as an assistant preschool teacher and coordinator of a YMCA before and after school program. prior to entering the field of early childhood education, Casey earned an A.S., Science from Monroe Community College and a B.A., Psychology from Nazareth College. She is also certified in First Aid and CPR. Casey is delighted to help deliver the best early childhood education, development, and daycare experience in the area for families who live in Brighton, Canandaigua, Farmington, Fairport, East Rochester, Gananda, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Macedon, Mendon, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor, and Webster.

• Elizabeth F

  Elizabeth joined The Goddard School in 2023 and is a co-lead teacher in our Bridge Early Preschool Program for older toddlers. Prior to joining The Goddard School Elizabeth had several years of early childhood education center and nannying experience. Before entering the field of early childhood education, Elizabeth earned an A.A. Early Childhood Education from Finger Lakes Community College and a B. S., Business Administration from Nazareth University. She is also certified in First Aid and CPR. Elizabeth is delighted to help deliver the best early childhood older toddler/early preschool education, development, and daycare experience in the area for families who live in Brighton, Canandaigua, Farmington, Fairport, East Rochester, Gananda, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Macedon, Mendon, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor, and Webster.

• Gaby

  Gaby is a lead teacher in our Infant Program for children 6 weeks to 12 months old where we have 1 teacher for every 4 infants in a classroom with up to 8 infants. She joined The Goddard School in 2023 and has several years of experience in early childhood care and education here in Pittsford as an assistant teacher while earning a B.A., Legal Studies with a minor in Psychology at Nazareth University (formerly Nazareth College). Gabby is also certified in First Aid and CPR. Gaby is delighted to help deliver the best early childhood infant education, development, and daycare experience in the area for families with infants who live in Brighton, Canandaigua, Farmington, Fairport, East Rochester, Gananda, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Macedon, Mendon, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor, and Webster.

• Kara

  Kara joined The Goddard School in 2023. Prior to that she had two years of experience as a Preschool Lead Teacher at a suburban Buffalo childcare center and two years of experience as a Pre-K to 8th grade substitute teacher at a public school in Buffalo. She holds a B.A., Music Education from SUNY Buffalo, specializes in music and movement activities for children, is certified in First Aid, CPR and has completed Medication Administration Training (MAT). Kara is delighted to help deliver the best Pre-K education and development, experience in the area for families with infants who live in Brighton, Canandaigua, Farmington, Fairport, East Rochester, Gananda, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Macedon, Mendon, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor, and Webster.

• Kayla A

  Kayla is a lead teacher currently in our Little Ducks classroom. Before joining The Goddard School in 2025 she had two years of experience at another large early childhood center and five years of experience in animal care while in high school. After high school, Kayla earned a B.A., Psychology from SUNY Geneseo.

• Laura

  Laura joined The Goddard School in 2021 as an assistant teacher in our Preschool and is now serving as a co-lead teacher in our Pre-Kindergarten program. Prior to joining The Goddard School faculty, Laura worked with elementary-age children enrolled in summer programs at Cornell University and as a store manager in child-oriented retailing. She also earned a B.A., Psychology from Nazareth College and is certified in First Aid and CPR. Laura is delighted to help deliver the best Pre-K education and development, experience in the area for families who live in Brighton, Canandaigua, Farmington, Fairport, East Rochester, Gananda, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Macedon, Mendon, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor, and Webster.

• Liv

  Olivia (Liv) is a full-time lead teacher in our Twos program. She has more than two years of experience as a lead teacher at two local childcare centers before joining The Goddard School in 2025. Prior to pursuing a career in early childhood care and education, Olivia attended SUNY Purchase and earned an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from Montgomery County Community College. Olivia is certified in Pediatric First Aid and CPR. Liv is delighted to help deliver the best early childhood toddler education, development, and daycare experience in the area for families who live in Brighton, Canandaigua, Farmington, Fairport, East Rochester, Gananda, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Macedon, Mendon, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor, and Webster.

• Mackenzie

  Mackenzie is the lead teacher in our Toddler/Older Infant Program where we have 1 teacher for every 4 children. She had more than five years of care giving experience in early childhood and geriatric settings before joining The Goddard School in 2019. And, prior to entering the field of early childhood development and education, Makenzie earned a B.A., Psychology from SUNY Buffalo State. She is also certified in First Aid and CPR. Makenzie is delighted to help deliver the best early childhood older infant education, development, and daycare experience in the area for families with older infants who live in Brighton, Canandaigua, Farmington, Fairport, East Rochester, Gananda, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Macedon, Mendon, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor, and Webster.

• Maddie

  Maddie joined The Goddard School in 2020 and is a co-lead teacher in our Infant Program. She has more than five years of experience in early childhood education, nannying, and in retail and hospitality settings. Along the way she earned an A.S., Early Childhood Education from Monroe Community College and intends to further her education at SUNY Brockport in the near future. She is also certified in First Aid and CPR. Maddie is delighted to help deliver the best early childhood infant education, development, and daycare experience in the area for families with infants who live in Brighton, Canandaigua, Farmington, Fairport, East Rochester, Gananda, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Macedon, Mendon, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor, and Webster.

• Michelle

  Michelle joined The Goddard School in 2018 and is a lead teacher in our Preschool Program. She has more than 10 years of experience as an assistant or lead teacher in Toddler and Preschool programs, including at a center serving children with special needs. Prior to her career in early childhood education, Michelle earned an A.A.S., Graphic Design from Finger Lakes Community College and a B.A., Arts from Eastern Kentucky University. She is also certified in First Aid and CPR, assists with training our new teachers, and serves as a school-day opener. Michelle is delighted to help deliver the best early childhood preschool education, development, and daycare experience in the area for families who live in Brighton, Canandaigua, Farmington, Fairport, East Rochester, Gananda, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Macedon, Mendon, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor, and Webster.

• Morgan

  Morgan is a lead teacher in our Bridge Early Preschool Program. She had more than eight years of early childhood care and education experience before joining The Goddard School in 2025. While employed in the childcare sector, Morgan earned a B.A., Elementary Education from Western Governor University. She is also certified in First Aid, CPR, and MAT. Morgan is delighted to help deliver the best early childhood older toddler/early preschool education, development, and daycare experience in the area for families who live in Brighton, Canandaigua, Farmington, Fairport, East Rochester, Gananda, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Macedon, Mendon, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor, and Webster.

• Sara

  Sara is a flex lead teacher serving all of our programs. Prior to joining The Goddard School in 2026 Sara had 12 years of experience in lead and assistant teacher roles at local childcare centers. Before becoming an early childhood educator, Sara earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts & Science from Finger Lakes Community College. While working in childcare, Sara also earned Infant & Toddler, and Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials became certified in American Sign Language (ASL), First Aid, and CPR and took Medication Administration Training (MAT).

• Sarah

  Sarah is an assistant director and a co-lead teacher in our Pre-Kindergarten Program. Sarah joined The Goddard School in 2017 and has more than 10 years of experience in early childhood care and education, including seven years at The Goddard School as the leader of our Infant Program. Prior to entering the field of early childhood education, Sarah earned an A.S., Liberal Arts & Science from Finger Lakes Community College and a A.S., English from Nazareth College. Sarah is also certified in First Aid, CPR, and MAT and serves as a school-day opener or closer and assists our directors in the operation of the school, and especially when they are out of the building. Sarah is delighted to help deliver the best Pre-K education and development, experience in the area for families with who live in Brighton, Canandaigua, Farmington, Fairport, East Rochester, Gananda, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Macedon, Mendon, Penfield, Pittsford, Rochester, Victor and Webster.

• Alexis

  Alexis joined The Goddard School in 2024 and is an assistant teacher in our Bridge Early Preschool Program. She has two years of experience as a lead teacher at another large local childcare center, four years of experience as a counselor at Camp Haccamo, and two years of experience with AmeriCorps working in the Rochester City School District. She has also worked in retailing and hospitality. Alexis holds a B.F.A., Interior Design from Rochester Institute of Technology and is pursuing a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

• Amber

  Amber is an assistant teacher in our Twos program for younger NYS Toddlers. Before joining The Goddard School in 2025 she had six years of experience as a Toddler Teacher at local childcare centers. During her career in early childhood care Amber earned an Early Childhood Certificate and First Aid Certificate.

• Anyka

  Anyka is a full-time flex assistant teacher serving all of our age-based programs. She had two years of experience working in other early childhood education settings before joining The Goddard School in 2023 and is certified in First Aid and CPR.

• Carol

  Carol joined The Goddard School in 2025 and is an assistant teacher in our Bridge Early Preschool program for children who are between two and three years old. Carol began her career in education in 2018 as an English teacher in Peru. After moving to the U.S. she served as a nanny and then as an assistant teacher with a Goddard School in Colorado. After moving to the Greater Rochester, NY area she served as as an assistant teacher at another area childcare center and then as a nanny before joining The Goddard School in Pittsford (Bushnell's Basin).

• Catarra

  Catarra is a flex lead teacher serving all of our programs. Prior to joining The Goddard School in 2024 Catarra had six years of experience as a lead teacher and resource at a local childcare center. Before becoming an early childhood educator, Catarra earned a B.A., with majors in Consumer Health & Psychology at SUNY Brockport.

• Christine

  Christine is a part-time assistant teacher in our Preschool Program. She had four years of early childhood education experience including three years at The Goddard School from 2011 to 2014 before rejoining us in 2024. Christine earned an A.S., Marketing from Finger Lakes Community College, and has certifications in Early Childhood Development, Communication, SIDS Safety, First Aid, and CPR.

• Elizabeth P

  Elizabeth is a part-time flex resource assisting in all of our programs. She has worked at The Goddard School since 2021 while earning a degree from Monroe Community College and now while pursuing a bachelor's degree at Nazareth University. She is also certified in First Aid and CPR.

• Erin

  Erin is a part-time flex teacher serving all of our programs. She had 10 years of experience working with children in therapeutic riding sessions and interned with an early intervention developmental group before joining The Goddard School in 2021 where she has served as a flex assistant and assistant teacher while pursuing a master's degree. Erin earned a B.A., Psychology from SUNY Geneseo and is also certified in First Aid and CPR.

• Kayla U

  Kayla is a part-time flex lead teacher serving all of our programs. Before joining The Goddard School in 2024 she had prior experience as a lead teacher at childcare centers, as well as several years of experience nannying and in retail, hospitality, and healthcare settings. Kayla also served in the Army National Guard and prior to her service, Kayla earned an A.A., Liberal Arts from Finger Lakes Community College and received Early Childhood Education Training at Wayne Technical & Career Center.

• Leslie

  Leslie joined The Goddard School in 2022 and is a flex assistant teacher serving all of our programs. Prior to serving in this role she was a flex assistant teacher serving all of our programs. Before following her mother's footsteps to pursue a career in early childhood education, Leslie worked for several years in the hospitality industry. She is also certified in First Aid and CPR.

• Olivia

  Olivia joined The Goddard School in 2025 as flex assistant teacher serving all of our classrooms. Since graduating from high school Olivia has worked as a nanny, childcare center teaching assistant, and recreation program counselor for before-and after-school programs. She has also completed coursework toward an A.S. degree at Monroe Community College and holds Red Cross certificates in First Aid, CPR and Epi-pen administration.

• Tori

  Tori is an assistant teacher in our Toddlers program serving older infants. prior to joining The Goddard School in 2022, Tori had five years of nannying experience. She also earned an A.S., General Studies from Monroe Community College and pursued coursework in architecture at SUNY Morrisville.

• Wendy

  Wendy is a part-time assistant teacher in our Preschool/Early Pre-K program. She joined our Goddard School in 2017 and has more than 10 years of experience as a PTA member in the Fairport Central School District, and six years as a Girl Scout Leader. Wendy also holds an A.S., Liberal Arts & Science from Finger Lakes Community College. She is also certified in First Aid and CPR.