The Goddard School of Estero

Bios

• Dave

  Dave Horell is a dedicated educator and entrepreneur passionate about nurturing children's development and fostering community connections. He brings valuable insights into child behavior and learning processes with a psychology degree from Pennsylvania State University. Dave's professional background includes management and sales roles at Sherwin-Williams and as an Allstate agent, where he developed strong leadership and customer service skills. He now co-owns a Goddard School in Estero, part of Goddard Systems, Inc., renowned for its high-quality, play-based early childhood education. Dave, his wife Autumn, and their children—Rylan (17), Reese (13), and Remmi (4)—are committed to becoming active members of the Estero community. They aim to build relationships and support local initiatives that enhance children's well-being and development. Dave looks forward to collaborating with educators, parents, and community leaders to create a nurturing environment for all children.

• Ms Rachel

  I was drawn to The Goddard School because of its strong reputation for high-quality early childhood education and its commitment to nurturing the whole child. I’ve dedicated my career to nurturing young minds and creating enriching, developmentally appropriate environments. I hold a master’s degree in Christian Education and have over 39 years in childcare, including 35 as a director. I enjoy reading and spending quality time with my three adult daughters. Family is very important to me, and I find joy in lifelong learning and meaningful connections. I love watching children learn—from a baby’s first steps to Pre-K graduation. Seeing that spark of confidence in their eyes is incredibly rewarding. I’d love to learn more about Canva to make our school’s learning displays more engaging and educational. My favorite children’s book is The Spooky Old Tree by the Berenstain Bears. The repetition always keeps children engaged during read-alouds.

• Ms Crystal

  As a native Floridian with over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, I bring a deep-rooted passion for helping young children learn, grow, and thrive. For the past six years, I’ve served in administrative leadership roles, balancing my love for management with my enthusiasm for being in the classroom. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with every age group, learning something valuable from each. My greatest joy comes from collaborating with teachers and families to create engaging, meaningful learning experiences—and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of a child running up to greet you with pure excitement. Outside of work, you’ll find me cheering on my kids at their sporting events, reading, gardening, or diving into a good documentary.

• Ms Prathiba

  Ms. Prathiba has spent her career serving in the non-profit and economic development sectors, connecting business owners, government leaders, and capital sources. Her background spans business incubation, urban planning, and social investment, bridging public and private sectors. She began teaching in the DeSoto Kansas School District and has 13 years of experience as a substitute teacher, paraeducator, tutor, and early childhood lead. She finds deep fulfillment in shaping young learners into successful, well-rounded individuals. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, gardening, beach outings, culinary adventures, and spending time with family and friends through movies, music, and dance.

• Sofia

  I was born in Uruguay and moved to Florida at the age of six, an experience that shaped who I am today. Growing up, I enjoyed playing soccer, riding bikes, and spending time outdoors. I developed a strong connection to American culture while proudly embracing my Latino roots. One of my greatest challenges was learning English, which eventually became the language I speak, read, and think in. I am proud of that journey. My greatest accomplishments include becoming a mother, earning my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, and becoming a VPK teacher. I value balance in my life and bring that same mindset into the classroom. I love reading, staying active, and creating a positive, engaging environment where children feel supported, curious, and confident as they learn and grow.

• Ms Autumn

  Autumn Horell is a passionate advocate for children's health and well-being. As a mother of three, she understands family dynamics deeply. With a degree in Physical Therapy from Mount Aloysius College, she has a strong foundation in promoting wellness. Her experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant at Flagship Rehab in Maryland honed her skills in helping patients achieve their goals. Autumn and her husband, Dave, are thrilled to open a new Goddard School in Estero, Florida. They aim to create a clean, safe, nurturing environment where children thrive. Committed to fostering a love of learning, they support the holistic development of every child. Their combined experience ensures that each child receives the highest quality of care and support on their educational journey while actively engaging with and growing alongside the Estero community.