Our Goddard School Teachers

Mr. Ali is the proud owner of The Goddard School located in Riverside, California. He is the father of a nine year old daughter; as a parent he recognizes the importance of early childhood development. He is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow up during their early formative years which has a direct and profound impact on their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development that lasts a lifetime. He understands the importance of early childhood education in 21st century learning and believes it needs attention now more than ever. He holds a Bachelor's degree in business administration and has been engaged in business development for almost two decades. His goal is to make your family’s Goddard experience exceptional; including fostering a love for learning in your child thus creating an environment where they care about going to school each day.

Mr. Farrukh Zafar is a passionate supporter of early childhood education and child development. With a background in business and a strong belief in nurturing young minds, he is dedicated to creating a positive and enriching experience for families.

My name is Rosa, and I bring over 20 years of experience in child development. I have a deep passion for working with young children and helping them begin their educational journey with confidence and joy. I strongly believe in the power of hands-on learning to inspire curiosity and growth. I am happily married to my husband, Carlos, for 23 years, and we have two wonderful children, Carlos 21yrs and Emilia 17 yrs. Both of my children greatly benefited from being part of an early childhood development program when they were young, which has reinforced my belief in the importance of early education. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family. I love going back to Los Angeles where I was born and raised and visit my family, favorite restaurants or taco stands.

Ms. Maria joined our Goddard family in 2024 as a dedicated teacher and quickly grew into a trusted leader. She has many years of experience in early childhood education and a strong passion for supporting infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Her commitment to teamwork, organization, and family partnerships has made her an invaluable part of our school community. As Assistant Director, she is excited to support our teachers, help families, and ensure a warm, nurturing environment for every child. We are grateful to have Ms. Maria leading alongside us with kindness, professionalism, and heart.

Ms. Lisette has been working with children for over 20 years and holds a Master’s degree in Education. Her advanced education, combined with her extensive experience, makes her a strong and compassionate leader in the field. She has held several administrative roles in child development centers and brings a wealth of management expertise from both franchisee and corporate preschool settings. Ms. Lisette has a deep affection for young children and is genuinely passionate about their growth, happiness, and long-term success. She is highly qualified and wholeheartedly committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families she serves.

Ms. Dianne has been a preschool director in the Inland Empire for over 30 years. She grew up in the Canyon Crest area of Riverside during her childhood and is delighted to be back in the community working at Goddard. Her passion has always been in Early Childhood since becoming a mother. She had the privilege of raising her two children while working as a preschool teacher early in her career. She credits preschool for playing a key role in her children’s lives and setting them up for a successful career path. Now, a grandparent of nine, she understands the importance of finding a quality preschool in these changing times. Ms. Dianne believes that classrooms should be a place where children can explore, question, and create without the fear of failure. She is excited to bring her knowledge to the team and give our families the assurance of a fun, safe and nurturing environment at The Goddard School of Riverside.

Ms. Ana has been a wonderful part of our Goddard family since 2023 and brings extensive experience to our infant program. She has always had a deep love for working with children and takes great pride in supporting our youngest learners each day. As a caring and highly qualified educator, she is dedicated to creating a warm, safe, and nurturing environment for every infant in her care. She also loves being able to watch her own toddler grow and learn alongside her at our school. We are grateful for Ms. Ana’s kindness, expertise, and heartfelt commitment to our children and families.

Ms. Diana has been in the field of Early Childhood for over 25 years. She began her career after attending Santa Ana college. She became passionate for making a difference in the lives of children. She enjoys teaching our Two year olds and implements English and Spanish in her daily curriculum.

Ms. Marissa is our dedicated Toddlers & Two’s teacher with early childhood education coursework from MiraCosta College. She brings three years of experience working with children from infancy through preschool. She is passionate about supporting early development and creating a warm, engaging learning environment. Outside of school, she enjoys spending quality time with her two children at amusement parks and the movies. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education to further grow in her profession.

Ms. Petra has her bachelor's degree in human development with a track of child development. She is also currently pursuing her master's degree in education. She has been teaching 3-5- year-olds for the past 12-years in a preschool setting, with infants and toddlers experience. Ms. Petra has a 5 1/2-year-old daughter whom she considers to be her best friend and enjoys doing life with. She is looking to finish her master's degree and climb the ladder in the education field.

Ms. Mindee brings over 25 years of early childhood teaching experience and a lifelong passion for helping young children grow. As a devoted mother of three, she understands the importance of creating a warm, nurturing, and encouraging classroom environment. She loves partnering with families and supporting each child’s unique developmental journey. Known for her dedication, hard work, and genuine love for children, Ms. Mindee is a valued member of our Goddard team. We are grateful for her experience, heart, and commitment to helping every child shine.

A caring and highly qualified Infant & Toddler teacher dedicated to providing a warm, safe, and engaging start for our littlest learners.

Ms. Yunuen is an experienced early childhood educator with a strong passion for working with young children. She is dedicated, hardworking, and committed to creating a nurturing learning environment. Her warm approach helps children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. She truly enjoys being around kids and guiding them through each stage of their growth.

Ms. Melina is a dedicated early childhood teacher with many years of experience and a deep love for working with children. As a proud mother of two, she brings compassion, patience, and understanding into her classroom every day. She enjoys creating innovative and hands-on learning experiences to help children grow and discover new skills. With her nurturing approach, she strives to make every child feel valued, confident, and excited to learn.

A knowledgeable and experienced preschool teacher with a true passion for early learning. She brings creativity, warmth, and enthusiasm to the classroom every day. Her love for children and teaching inspires young learners to explore, grow, and thrive.

Hi, I’m Adahli! I have been working with children for over a decade and truly enjoy helping young learners grow, explore, and build confidence every day. I love creating a warm, caring, and fun classroom environment where every child feels supported and valued.

Hello, My name is Ms. Tash, and I am thrilled to be part of your child’s learning journey. My passion for education began in 2007 when I enrolled at IVC to specialize in Early Childhood education, training to work with children from infancy through school age. I belive in fostering a nurturing enviroment where children feel safe to explore. On a personal note, I have been happily married for 23 years and am a proud mother of three children. As a family we love attending church services and events. We also find joy in going to the beach, movie theater, Mt. Rubidox and raising our puppy. What I love the most about teaching is watching each child develop at their own pace and celebrating their unique milestones!

My name is Jennifer, I started working with kids in 2016 at an afternoon program, which led me to pursue my education in Early Childhood Development. I have a 2 year old who currently attends the Goddard School, so as a parent myself, I value quality education and I am ready to help your children thrive at the Goddard School.

Hello, my name is Jessica but I go by Jess or Jessie. I have been around children all my life. I have five nieces and three nephews who I have helped raise. Originally, I went to school for psychology but switched to Early Childhood Education. I love working with children and seeing them grow and develop throughout the years. I have a three year old son who loves going to school because he has wonderful teachers and that is what I strive for. To be one of the great teachers that makes children want to come and learn. I have a bubbly personality and have a passion to teach.

Ms. Sarina has many years of experience working with infants and absolutely loves what she does. Her gentle approach and deep understanding of infant needs create a comforting classroom. She is passionate about supporting early milestones and fostering emotional security. Families appreciate her patience, consistency, and genuine care. She is committed to giving every baby the best possible start in their learning journey.

Ms. Vanya (nicknamed Jessica) has been with The Goddard School since begining 2024. Ms. Jessica is working towards her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Needs. She is looking forward to completing this in the summer of 2024. She is a mother of two children who attend Goddard. Her hobbies are photography, hiking and off-roading in the desert.