Our Goddard School Teachers

Meet Our Owner, Janki Patel! As a mom to two boys, ages 8 and 6, and her pup, Logan, Janki understands firsthand the importance of finding a school where children are known, loved, supported, and encouraged to grow. Janki’s passion for early childhood education began at a young age, and she is thrilled to have turned that passion into a daily reality. Her mission is to provide families with an exceptional early learning experience built on caring and qualified educators, an engaging curriculum, and strong partnerships between families and the School. Janki truly believes it takes a village to raise a child and is honored to be part of the Hockessin Goddard family. She is committed to continuing the School’s longstanding legacy of excellence while building meaningful relationships with the children, families, staff, and community it serves.

Ms. Kim is currently serving as our Director. She previously served two roles in The Goddard School of Hockessin - Assistant Director and Lead Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. She has an Associate's degree from Del Tech in Early Childhood Education. She has an Early Childhood Administrator certificate with specialized training in Administration, Infant/Toddler, and Preschool. She has been with The Goddard School since 1997. All of her career in childcare education has been with the Goddard School in Hockessin. "I enjoy the children's smiling faces, their hugs, and seeing the individual development of each child."

Machelle is currently serving as our assistant director. She previously held the position of the lead teacher in our PreK classroom and has been part of our faculty since 2013. She is certified through the Department of Education as an Early Childhood Teacher and Administrator. Her Bachelor's Degree is in Birth - Second Grade Education from Wilmington College. Machelle says she loves the curiosity children have.

Jen is the Lead Teacher in our Pre-toddler room. She has a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood from the University of Delaware and has worked at our school since 2003. Jen has an Early Childhood Administration with specialized training in Infant/Toddler and School-Age from the Department of Education. She is a mother of 3 sons and loves working in early child care. Jen loves watching children grow and learn. "It is a lot of fun being a part of the team at Goddard," adds Jen.

Jessica is the Lead Teacher in our Infant room. She has been with The Goddard School® since 2006. Jessica has an Early Childhood Teacher certificate from the Department of Education with specialized training in Infant/Toddler. She has her own children, two sons and a daughter. She loves that Goddard is more than just a child care center. Her son and daughter attend a local elementary school and her youngest is in our preschool class. She is excited that they have had the opportunity to be in such a great center. Jessica loves watching the children grow and develop into amazing little people.

Linda came to us in 2020 as an assistant in our Infant classroom. She worked in the Cecil County Public School system for over 10 years, with both Preschool and School-Age children. She also is a volunteer at DFRC (Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens with Intellectual Abilities). Linda has her lead teacher certification through the Department of Education. Linda spent a lot of her time with us as an assistant in the infant classroom. She recently took over the lead teacher position in the Twos classroom.

Zayna is the lead teacher of our Bridge classroom, which is our older two year olds. She has her Teacher certificate and has been working in the field of early childhood education for many years. She spent 11 years at the same center in New York at a child care center before moving to Delaware and joining our team in 2017. Zayna is excited to be a part of our preschool program. Zayna has one son who is in 1st Grade, and one daughter who attends our Preschool program.

Meet Gina our lead Preschool teacher. She has previously taught our Get Set and Toddler classes as well. She has an Early Childhood Teacher certificate with specialized training in Infant/Toddler through the Department of Education, along with an Associate degree in Early Childhood. She has been part of our faculty since 2003. Gina is married and a mother of 2, both children having gone through our Goddard program. She has a number of years in child care and in preschool settings. Gina says she enjoys watching the children learn and grow.

Ms. Hailey joined our faculty in the fall of 2022. Hailey has been in the early childhood field for over five years. She took a career pathway in high school, which helped her become certified through the state of Delaware. Hailey has two children, Ryder who is in first grade and Colton, who attends our preschool program. Hailey is excited to work with all of our wonderful families!

Maria is an assistant teacher in our Infant room and has been on faculty at Goddard since 2003. She has her Associates degree in Early Childhood and is certified through the Department of Education as an Early Childhood Administrator with specialized training in Infant/Toddler and Preschool. Maria loves that Goddard is so much more than a child care facility and has a lot to offer the children in the center. Maria loves seeing the determination of each individual child and their eagerness to learn.

Jen Davie joined our faculty in 2010 and serves as a floater in the facility, working with all of the age groups. Jen has a Masters in Elementary Education from Wilmington College and has experience teaching kindergarten and first grade, as well as Preschool and PreK. She has an Early Childhood Teacher certificate with specialized training in School-Age. In her spare time, Jen enjoys reading, long walks and spending time with her husband and daughters.

Sharon has been on faculty with us since 1998! She has her Early Childhood Assistant Teacher certificate and is a part of our Infant team. She loves working with the children and families in our preschool center. She enjoys furthering her understandng of child care programs and often enrolls in classes to learn more. Sharon also doubles as an administrative assistant, so you will sometimes see her in the office.

Hannah joined our team in 2021 and been a wonderful asset to our infant classroom! She is certified as an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher and is currently working towards her Lead Certification. Hannah works full-time in the infant area as an assistant.

Ms. Andrea returned to our faculty in early 2023, after taking several years off raising her four children! Ms. Andrea is an asset to our faculty. She is lead teacher certified through the State of Delaware, and has several years of early childhood experience. She is currently serving as our Pre K assistant teacher.

Hi, my name is Arianna Mendez-Powell and I joined the Goddard team in 2025. 1 am certified as an Early Childhood Intern through the State of Delaware. I love teaching and being around children because I love being a part of helping them grow and learn new things about themselves. I love their innocence and hilarious, beautiful personalities. In my tree time, I love coloring, shopping and being around family and friends.

Hi, my name is Chelsea Greenlee and I have been a part of the Goddard team since 2024. I have over 20 years of experience working with children and am certified as an Early Childhood Intern through the State of Delaware. I love teaching young children because I love to experience the joy in their little moments, the wonder in their eyes and being their safety and guidance away from home. I am aspiring to be a children's book author as well.

Hi! My name is Taylor Zistl. I became a part of the Goddard team in 2025 and started working in education field in 2024. I am a certified Early Childhood Teacher through the State of Delaware. I think Children are the future and that it is our responsibility to raise compassionate thinkers for tomorrow. Outside of the classroom, I like to cross-stitch and knit.

Kailee joined the Goddard team in 2024, and comes to us with a background in early childhood education. Kailee has been a Preschool assistant teacher in her time at Goddard.

Hanna joined the Goddard team in 2024. She has spent a lot of her time in the Get Set area, working with the two year olds.

Hi, my names is Paige Halstock and I joined the Goddard School faculty in 2025. I have been working in the education field since 2021 and earned by bachelor’s in educational studies. What I enjoy the most about teaching is witnessing the joy kids show when they learn something new. My hobbies include going to Pilates and hanging out with friends and family.

Hi my name is Jenniffer David, and I joined the faculty in 2026. I have earned my National CDA and have over 8 years of experience in the early childhood field, including more than 4.5 years as a Lead Toddler Teacher at another Goddard School! I believe every child is unique and deserving of love, respect, and support. I enjoy creating a nurturing environment where children feel comfortable, encouraged, and loved as they learn and grow. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and children, as well as traveling and listening to music.

Ivette brings more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education and holds her Early Childhood Teaching Certification through the State of Delaware. She began her career in the field in 2009 and originally joined our school in 2012, where she served as our Lead Get Set 2 Teacher. After taking time away to raise her four children, we are so happy to welcome Ivette back to our Goddard family! She now supports our classrooms as an afternoon floater, bringing her experience, creativity, and familiarity with our school wherever she is needed. Ivette believes in creating a positive and creative learning environment where every child feels respected and their individual needs are recognized and supported. We are thrilled to have her back!

Hi my name is Sara Thorpe and I joined the Goddard School faculty in 2026. I have been working in the early childhood education field since 2021 and have earned my CDA. I am a certified Early Childhood Teacher through the State of Delaware. What I love the most about working with children is watching them learn and grow. My hobbies outside of the classroom include coloring, painting and puzzles!

Hi, my name is Ally Eghan and I joined the Goddard School faculty in 2026. I have been working in the early childhood field since 2018. What I enjoyed the most about teaching young children are the cuddles and giggles. A fun fact about me is that I speak 5 languages and am an artist!

Hi, my name is Anayah Saunders and I joined the Goddard School faculty in 2025. I am working towards my bachelor’s in early childhood education from Wilmington University. What I enjoy the most about working with children is helping them grow and setting them up for success. My hobbies outside of the classroom include reading and going to concerts.

Hi, my name is Rachel Waite, and I joined the faculty in 2026. I have experience working as an assistant teacher in Montessori schools and hold a master’s degree in education. I believe early education is important because it gives children the tools they need to excel later in life. My favorite part about working with children is watching them grow and become unique individuals. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family, my boyfriend, and my dog, Pippa Bowie!

Hi, my name is Vickie Sykes, and I joined the faculty in 2026. I have a degree in education and obtained an Early Childhood Administrator certification from the State of Delaware. I have over 14 years of experience working in the early childhood field, including experience at other Goddard Schools! My favorite part of working with children is watching them learn something new. A fun fact about me is that I have two turtles, two cats, and three dogs!

Hi, my name is Melissa Ford, and I joined the Goddard School team in 2026. I am a certified Early Childhood Intern through the State of Delaware and have over 20 years of experience in the field. I believe that quality early childhood education helps build self-regulation and empathy. I enjoy that each child is unique, which keeps the experience dynamic and joyful. Outside of the classroom, I love to travel and spend time with my family.

My name is Carly Hogue and I began working at the Goddard School in 2026. I have been working in the field of early childhood education since 2021. I earned my CDA, completed TECE 1 & 2, and am a certified Early Childhood Teacher through the State of Delaware. The most fulfilling part of my work is seeing children develop new skills while learning through play. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy baking and spending time with my cat, Pumpkin!

My name is Claudia Rodriguez-Arreloa and I began working at the Goddard School in 2026. I am currently working towards gaining my bachelor’s in early childhood education from Wilmington University. I am a certified Early Childhood Intern through the State of Delaware. I believe that even the smallest interactions can help a child thrive. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy arts and crafts, and running!