Faculty Bios

Angie - Owner - Welcome to The Goddard School® located at Belmont Greene! I’d like to take a minute to share a little about myself and my family. I am a former educator with a passion for learning and a love of children. While growing up my father was in the Army and later on in private business. Like my mother and father, I take great pride in owning my own business. I chose to own a Goddard School because of its reputation and high standards. My focus as the on-site owner is making sure your child is safe, healthy, and having a great day while learning. Both my husband Adam and I take great pride as owners of this beautiful School. We have two sons, Ben and Dan. Both are attending college and working. Dan is a pre-med student and Ben is studying accounting. As a former educator and on-site owner of The Goddard School, I look forward to providing a stimulating learning environment that instills a love of learning through meaningful and fun lesson plans and a well-defined curriculum that caters to individual learning styles. I welcome you and your family here, where each child is treated as an individual and as a parent you will know your child is happy and nurtured while learning in our beautiful school.

Ms. Kristen - Teacher - I have a Master’s degree in Special Education. I have taught elementary school students in Ohio, North Carolina, and New Zealand. I have also taught preschool students in Texas. I love to see children learn and grow. Their excitement over learning something new is contagious. I believe that the opportunities provided at The Goddard School allow children to develop a well rounded knowledge base.

Adam - Owner - My wife and I are the owners on site at our state-of-the-art School! I have degrees in Engineering, Business, and Computer Science and was in the finance and tech fields before becoming an owner. I look forward to seeing you at our School and welcome any questions.

Ms. Emilee - Teacher - I am currently completing my Childhood Development Associates Certification. I am CPR, First Aid, and MAT trained and certified. I have worked with children of all ages and in retail management. I chose to work with children after I had my own and was fascinated by her development. It felt more rewarding than anything I had ever done. I enjoy being a part of the children’s development at Goddard and learning about themselves and the world around them.

Ms.Rachel - Director - Ms. Rachel started at The Goddard School as the Lead Preschool Teacher. Throughout her time as a Lead Teacher, she conducted mock classroom Quality Assurance evaluations, mentored and trained new teachers, and opened the school two days each week. These duties, as well as leadership qualities, have prepared her to assist teachers, children, and parents as the Director. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Christopher Newport University. Her coursework at CNU included educational and developmental psychology, educational sociology and fieldwork, Natural Sciences, theories of child psychology, and teaching elementary math. She has worked in childcare for several years and chose to work with children because she wants to make a difference in their lives. She appreciates knowing that she can help form children's foundation of education. Goddard Schools appealed to her because the children have a variety of tools to learn with and the faculty truly loves the children they work with!

Ms. Katie - Teacher - I received my degree from Virginia Tech. As a biological science major, I was able to discover a variety of science-based courses such as psychology and anatomy. Contrary to my science-background my love for English has instilled communication and expression in my every day teaching. The innocent and curiosity of children can inspire an individual. My passion for teaching sprouted when I became a basketball coach for young girls. The confidence I have now inspired me to discover dance, rock climbing and yoga. The Goddard School® gives children the opportunity to learn through play. I am privileged to be a part of their growth and enjoyment every day.

Ms. Meagan-Teaching Assistant - I have always enjoyed taking care of children and infants while watching them grow and learn. I am currently enrolled at NOVA and pursuing a nursing degree. I completed my Licensed Practical Nursing Degree. I have experience with babies and children in the pediatric unit, NICU, and newborn nursery. I enjoy volunteering at the Ashburn Fire House as an EMT.

Ms. Pat - Teacher - I have certifications to teach in Early Childhood, Infant, and Toddler Aged children from the state of North Carolina. I love to interact with children and help them explore and learn. I also understand each child has different needs. I recently moved to the area from North Carolina where I cared for children in my home as a licensed childcare provider for fourteen years. My future plans are to go back to school and complete my degree in Early Childhood Education.

Ms. Erin Teaching Assistant - I am currently enrolled at NOVA working towards a degree in Elementary Education. In high school I was a teacher cadet enrolled in child development courses. I have coached cheerleading and Special Olympics for five years and have worked with children in a school setting for four years. It has always been my passion to work with children. I enjoy watching them develop physically and mentally. It is rewarding to make a difference in a child’s life. A child can always put a smile on my face. I chose Goddard for the structure it brings and because of the beautiful classrooms. My goal is to complete my degree and continue working with children.

Ms. Kathy Teacher - I graduated from SUNY Cobleskill with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood and then attended Sunny Oneonta and received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Immediately after graduation, I spent the next thirteen years as a teacher of a two year old class and assistant director. I enjoy working with young children because I love their endless love of learning something new. I chose The Goddard School because they help foster that desire to learn. The Goddard School also believes in a hands on approach to learning which I believe in.

Ms. Sophie - Teaching Assistant - I attended Marymount University and studied fashion merchandising. I graduated from Oakton High School and during my last year at Oakton High School I worked at a children’s center. I choose to work with children because they have huge imaginations and are entertaining. I like to help children learn things that will help them grow in life. I respect The Goddard School’s values and goals for children.

Mr. Matt - Teaching Assistant - I graduated from GMU with a BA in History and a minor in Asian-Pacific Studies. I am currently attending graduate school for a degree in Education! I have had great experiences with many different age groups while substitute teaching. I think Goddard is a wonderful place with a great vision for learning and I look forward to meeting you!

Ms. Nikki Teacher - I graduated from Shenandoah University with a Masters in Education and from Elon University with a Bachelors’ degree in History. I have worked with children all my life and have been with Goddard for over five years. I recently joined The Goddard School® located at Belmont Greene. I feel children deserve teachers who want to be there so that they are treated with love and respect. They will then become happy, intelligent, and independent adults under that teacher’s guidance. My primary goal in life is to be a good person and be happy. That’s why I love working with children because they are so happy!

Ms. Dawn Teacher - In 1996, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from McKendree College in Lebanon, IL. I was an Assistant Director at a child care center for infants to school aged children for a year after receiving my degree. I have since been a substitute teacher in various public schools. I chose to work with children because I enjoy the satisfaction of seeing them grow and develop. I have always liked observing children learn and master new concepts. I chose The Goddard School because I believe in the curriculum implemented here.

Miss Peggie - Teacher - Miss Peggie received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Miami and she continued to teach for 30 years! In fact, she taught in the Fairfax County, Virginia, School Program for 20 years and then retired. The Goddard School interested her because of the positive attitude given to the children, which creates a “want to learn” atmosphere.

Miss Lea - Miss Lea's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in English from SUNY Oneonta in New York, and a Master's in Education: Curriculum and Instruction. She has her North Carolina Early Childhood Certification (children from birth to Kindergarten). She is also certified in First Aid and CPR. She has been in the childcare field for six years and has been a lead teacher for 4+ of those years. She would like to provide care, values, and skills to children in an enriched environment that is safe and provides opportunity and choices to learn all subjects; which is why she chose The Goddard School. Miss Lea attends workshops and teacher seminars because she believes professional development is extremely important and beneficial to her teaching career.

Ms. Ghazala - I have four years of childcare experience and worked in Prince William County in an Early Intervention Program. I have certifications in computer skills, English as a Second Language, First Aid, and CPR. I also completed a Medical Assistant Course at Northern Virginia Community College. Working with children is rewarding especially when you can watch them develop and grow with confidence. I especially love seeing children smile when they have learned something new or made new friends. It is an amazing feeling to watch children grow around you. Goddard offers the best learning environment to meet the individual needs of each child.