Our Goddard School Teachers

Viral K. Davé, Owner Education: Viral (pronounced “Veeral”) holds a B.S. from North Carolina State University, where he majored in Electrical Engineering. He also earned an M.S. in Systems Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). Experience: Prior to opening his first Goddard School, Viral worked as an engineer and a management consultant in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, supporting the Navy, Army, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For the past 15 years, Viral has successfully opened and managed three additional Goddard Schools in Metro Atlanta, including Athens. Viral makes it his goal to ensure that the parents take comfort in knowing their children are being nurtured, educated, and, above all else, protected.

Ms. Vanessa holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Hampton University. She has over 10 years of experience in childcare. She first served as a floater in the classroom, working with toddlers. She has worked in just about every capacity. She has moved up to administration over the years. Working with children is her passion as she has 4 of her own. "I love seeing children learn and grow and serving my families!" Ms. Vanessa believes it takes a partnership between school and family to truly allow a child to thrive! "As Pete the Cat said, 'It's all good.' I like to carry that mantra into each day."

Originally from Kenya, Ms. Uma began working in the Goddard School of Roswell in 2003 as an assistant teacher and was promoted to lead teacher soon after. Ms. Uma has been in the childcare industry for over 20 years! After gaining experience and knowledge, and her Childhood Development Associate credential, she was promoted to Assistant Director and is currently our Director of Operations. Ms. Uma is a wife and mother of 2 adult daughters, who taught at the school in their teenage years. Her favorite children's author is Eric Carle. Aside from her passion for the childcare field and being a part of their journey, she loves music and believes it is so important for children. "Music is like a magic carpet that takes you on a journey through imagination."

Mrs. Marcela obtained her Child Development Associate credential and is continuing her education. She was a nanny for over 12 years, caring for children of all ages, before becoming an office administrator. She celebrates 3 years with Goddard! She is a proud wife and mother of two daughters. Her favorite children's authors are Sandra Boynton, Roald Dahl, and J.K. Rowling. She loves singing nursery rhymes and playing all the kids' games. What she loves about Goddard is the great team dynamic and family feel with their families! "My mission is to provide parents assurance that their children are well cared for and their littles to know it when they walk through our doors. I'm proud to be a part of this Goddard Village!" Favorite children's book: Barnyard Dance Favorite Quote: "Believe you can, and you're halfway there."- Theodore Roosevelt

Originally from Puerto Rico, Ms. Marisabel is our bilingual teacher who holds a Bachelors Degree in secondary education with a concentration in business education from the Pontifical Catholic University of P.R. She has over 18 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and teaching students at all levels. In 2017, she moved to Atlanta, GA, and has been working at the Goddard School ever since. She is a proud mother of three teens and loves spending quality time and exploring new places with them. "Working with children is my passion and I enjoy singing different songs to them." What she loves about Goddard is the family ambiance of support and collaboration, and the assurance provided to the families and personnel.

Ms. Helena is our bilingual Infant teacher from Peru. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology degree (specializing in Infant Education) from Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University and a postgraduate degree in hearing and language from Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru. She is highly trained in early intervention, particularly for infants and toddlers. Ms. Helena keeps learning and has over twenty-two years of experience in the childcare field. She and her husband reside in Roswell. Ms. Helena loves to read, travel, and is excited to come to work every day. "I love to see the children smile, their joy, and read books to them. It warms my heart to observe and engage with the children while they learn and grow!" Favorite children's book: Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Originally from Venezuela, Ms. Belkis studied at the National Experimental University of Guayana (UNEG), obtaining her bachelor's in public accounting, and holds a Postgraduate degree in Management in international taxes from the Gran Mariscal University of Ayacucho (UGMA). Ms. Belkis has two sons. She is passionate about reading, traveling, dancing, and good cuisine. What she loves about Goddard is their curriculum, the Health and Safety Standards, and the daily learning with her students. "I have the firm conviction that a happy childhood is proportional to a healthy adult; therefore, it fills me with great pride to be a part of their emotional development through affection, singing, games, and laughter." Favorite children's book: The Strings of Color and Teeth Are Not for Biting

Ms. Prasanna holds a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science. She has over three years of experience in the childcare industry. She moved to Georgia from Michigan, where she taught children of all ages. Ms. Prasanna enjoys helping her students learn, grow, and create a supportive environment. "The growth of children is a beauty, and I am glad to be a part of their journey and Goddard Schools".

Ms. Monica holds a B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Child Development. She has over ten years of experience in Early Childhood Education, with all age groups from Infancy to Jr. K. Ms. Monica uses her knowledge of each age and stage to inform and enhance the vertical articulation of skill and concept building from one class to the next. This key piece is vital in spanning the ages from the Infant Class to the Toddler Class. Ms. Monica supports both parents and children in this first and typically most challenging transition. Ms. Monica thoroughly enjoys shopping, interior decorating, and celebrating life with friends. What she loves about Goddard is being able to exercise her nurturing spirit and making children feel loved and supported through her fun and excited ways of teaching.

Ms. Sunshine has over two years of childcare experience and is working toward obtaining her Child Development Accreditation Credential. Her favorite part of the day is when she incorporates her creativity into the classroom with her students' artwork. In her free time, she paints and crafts. Ms. Sunshine is a sweet and nurturing teacher who loves to see her students' development flourish before her eyes. She is happy to be a part of our Goddard team and to foster relationships with our school community.

Ms. Yule is our bilingual Toddler 2 teacher. She holds an Administrative Sciences degree and is obtaining her Childhood Development Associate (CDA) credential. She has over three years of experience in the childcare industry since her move from Venezuela in 2019. She has taken care of children from a young age and has continued loving it throughout these years. She likes to dance, watch movies, and spend time with family. Ms. Yule has two children who motivate her every day to be a wonderful teacher and give her best! What she loves about Goddard is the ability to teach and play with her students in a safe and child-friendly environment. Favorite Children's Book: I Love You to the Moon and Back Favorite Children's Game: Dancing and choreography to nursery rhymes with littles Favorite Quote: "Don't count the days, make the days count."

Ms. Crystal is currently enrolled to obtain her Child Development Associate Credential while bringing both life experience and a caring, patient approach to the classroom. She has dedication and passion for nurturing and supporting young children as they learn and grow. As a proud mother of four grown children, she understands the importance of creating a safe, loving, and engaging environment for every child. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending quality time with her family. "I truly value the opportunity to care for and support each child. I am committed to helping them feel confident, happy, and encouraged every day."

Ms. Marley, originally from North Africa, holds an Associate of Applied Science degree, a Child Development Associate Credential, and certificates in Food and Safety and Art from Utah State University. She spent 4 years as a Kindergarten Art teacher. She is a passionate educator who enjoys working with children and being a part of their growth. She continues to expand her knowledge and plans to further her education in Early Childhood and Development. She loves her classroom, her students, and learning something new every day. What she loves most about The Goddard School is the opportunity to learn, grow, and continue developing as an educator while supporting children in their early years. She believes that each day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in her students' lives. Favorite Children's Game: Memory Matching Game Favorite Quote: "The power of God is capable of performing miracles with you, but it awaits your faith." -Pope Shenouda III

Ms. Otilia, originally from Mexico, has over three years of experience in the childcare field. She incorporates her bilingual skills into her students' everyday activities! Ms. Otilia has five children and twelve grandchildren. What she loves about Goddard is the positive environment and the care provided by the admin team. Ms. Otilia loves to make her little ones happy, smile, and nurture them. She enjoys singing and cuddling with her littles. "I love children and my job." Favorite Children's book: "The Gingerbread Man." Favorite Children's game: Singing nursery rhymes. Favorite Quote: "The world is marvelous because children exist."

Born in Germany, Ms. Latoschia comes from a military family, having lived in Florida, New Mexico, and Georgia for the past decade. She loves reading, crafting, and spending time with her husband and six children, ranging from a 6-year-old to a 23-year-old Marine. She has over 10 years of experience working with children and holds a Childhood Development Associate credential and is working to obtain her Technical College Credential in Early Childhood Development. What she loves about Goddard is the family atmosphere and the excitement children get when they accomplish something new. Ms. Latoschia is a nurturing and loving teacher who instills independence in her students. "I have always enjoyed being with kids." Favorite Children's Book: Good Night Moon and Green Eggs and Ham Favorite Children's Game: Puzzles Favorite Quote: "The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery."-Mark Van Doren

Originally from Delaware and of Brazilian heritage, Ms. Brenda graduated from high school and pursued her passion for childcare here in the Goddard School of Roswell. She is currently enrolled to obtain her Childhood Development Associate Credential. Ms. Brenda is caring, bubbly, and enjoys listening to upbeat indie worship music. What she loves about Goddard is how respectable and flexible the team is. "I also love the family environment and children who are ever so sweet and caring." Favorite children's book: Rainbow Fish Favorite Quote: "I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship."- Little Women

Ms. Madisen is our preschool teacher. She obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Community Development from Covenant College. She has over seven years of experience in the childcare field and has been with us for five years. She grew up in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, where she was influenced to work with children. Her hobbies include reading and drawing. She loves Disney, glitter, and everything pink! "I try to integrate my loves into teaching and making the children feel comfortable in the classroom."

Originally from Venezuela, Ms. Ginnela immigrated to the United States in 2021 to pursue a career in early childcare and development. She has obtained her Childhood Development Associate Certificate and graduated with her two degrees in Childhood Development from Venezuela. She likes to dance, watch movies, and listen to music. She likes to read books by Jane Austen and Megan Maxwell. She loves to help our families mold good humans for the future. "To educate is to guide and form good values and to leave the children with good memories given with love and fun." Favorite Children's Game: Simon Says

Ms. Crystal is our Pre-K 1 teacher. Originally from Glencoe, Alabama, she attended Gadsden State Community College as a student ambassador. Ms. Crystal received her degree in early childhood education from Perimeter College in 2013. She has been with us for seventeen years and resides in Woodstock with her husband, Eric, and two sons. She has worked with a variety of age groups with a background in various dance genres to bring a focus on physical development incorporated by melodies, lyrics, and spatial awareness. "I enjoy teaching the science of nature, animals, space, and creative arts." Favorite Children's Book: Ms. Nelson Is Back by James Nelson Favorite Quote: "God will never give you anything you can't handle, so don't stress." Kelly Clarkson

Ms. Anitha holds a Bachelor's degree in Science and a Bachelor's degree in Education. She has 9 years of teaching experience in Science and Mathematics at the elementary level in India and has resided in Atlanta for the past 9 years. She is a proud mother of two teen boys and is passionate about working with young children, supporting them to explore, learn, and grow in a caring and nurturing environment. Her interests include dance, music, and yoga, which reflect her balanced and creative approach to life and teaching. She enjoys reading inspirational books, especially Mystic's Musings and Karma by Sadhguru, which continue to guide and inspire her personal and professional journey.

Ms. Andrea is excited to be part of The Goddard School team! She holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she brings over six years of experience working in daycare, schools, babysitting, and as a nanny. She has a passion for helping children learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment where they feel supported and encouraged every day. She is from Jasper, Georgia, and recently moved to the Atlanta area with her dog to start a new chapter. She loves making learning fun through hands-on activities, play, and creativity. Her goal is to support children’s development socially, emotionally, and academically while also building strong connections with families. She enjoys incorporating her bilingual skills into the classroom to encourage early language development and cultural appreciation. In her free time, Ms. Andrea enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors.

Ms. Crishelle is originally from Wilmington, Delaware. She holds a degree in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University and an associate degree in Nursing. She is enrolled to obtain her BSN and become a registered nurse. Ms. Crishelle has over six years of experience and has been with Goddard for over four years. Her favorite children's book is Elmer, and her favorite game to play with kids on rainy days is Candy Land. Her favorite quote is, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the one who'll decide where to go." -Dr. Seuss. She enjoys working with her co-teachers to teach and brighten their students' futures!

From Woodstock, GA., and of Mexican descent, Ms. Marilyn is one of our bilingual Resource teachers. She graduated from River Ridge High School in 2021 and joined the Goddard team soon after. She is enrolled at KSU to obtain her BSN degree. Ms. Marilyn is a wonderful and caring teacher to her students. She plays soccer and would love to travel the world. What she loves about Goddard is the work environment and her team members. "I love to work with kids." Favorite Children's Book: Green Eggs and Ham Favorite Children's game: UNO Favorite Quote: "Don't give up! I believe in you all! A person's a person no matter how small."- Dr. Seuss

Ms. Grace is a Senior at Blessed Trinity High School. She has been working with children for four years and loves creating a fun and supportive environment for them. Ms. Grace will be seen throughout the whole school, particularly in the Infant classroom. She is passionate about mentoring and helping children grow. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in Pediatric Nursing. Favorite children's book: Where the Wild Things Are Favorite Quote: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt

Ms. Jaylee is currently enrolled at Georgia State University, majoring in Early Education to become a Kindergarten teacher. She is a Sunday school teacher in her ministry's organization, where she has obtained her 5 years of childcare experience working with children aged 3-12. Ms. Jaylee's favorite children's games are "Tag" and "Hide and Seek". Her favorite children's book is "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss.