Our Goddard School Teachers

Viral K. Davé, Owner Education: Viral (pronounced “Veeral”) holds an B.S. from North Carolina State University, where he majored in Electrical Engineering. He also attained an M.S. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in Systems Engineering. 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 10 years, Viral has successfully opened and managed two additional Goddard Schools in Metro Atlanta. 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."

Originally from Mexico, Ms. Marcela has been our office manager for two years. She resides in Georgia for over 30 years. She was a nanny for over twelve years with children of all ages before becoming an office administrator. Ms. Marcela obtained her Child Development Associate credential. 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. 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.

Originally from El Salvador, Ms. Elia is our bilingual Toddler 1 teacher. She holds a high school diploma and two years of experience in the childcare industry. She is a proud wife and mother of two children. Her hobbies are traveling and playing soccer. What she loves about Goddard is that it's a very welcoming place, where she feels appreciated and loves her students. "Every day is a blessing to share with them, and above all, to see them grow and demonstrate their development. I feel grateful to be working at Goddard." She feels fulfilled when she walks in, and her students are excited to see her; their hugs are priceless, and they chant her name, "Elia, Elia, Elia, Elia". Favorite children's book: The Little Blue Truck and The Rabbit Listened

Originally from Kentucky, Ms. Onisha has held a bachelor's degree in business administration for over twenty years before joining the childcare field. She is an avid enthusiast of culinary adventures; she loves cooking. She finds immense pleasure in the exploration of knowledge and imagination through reading. Creating an environment that's enriching as well as nurturing where every child can flourish and reach their fullest potential is her goal. "The opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of young minds is both a privilege and a responsibility I wholeheartedly embrace." What she loves about Goddard is its commitment to fostering a nurturing and educational environment where children can thrive. Favorite Children's Book: Our children's story, Peter Pan Favorite Children's Game: Hopscotch Favorite Quote: "Designed by God, so I must be special."- Bonnie Sose

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. Marley is our lead Two's teacher originally from Egypt where she was an art teacher for kindergarten for four years. She holds an Associate of Applied Science degree, a Certificate for Food and Safety, and a Certificate of Specialist course for Art from Utah State University. She has been with us for four years and has obtained her Child Development Associate credential. Ms. Marley loves working with children. "They welcome me every morning, and their beautiful smiles and hugs mean a lot of love to me." She loves to be a part of their growth; it makes her happy. Favorite Children's Book: 5-minute Disney Junior Stories Favorite Children's Game: Memory games Favorite Quote: " The power of God is capable of performing miracles with you, but it awaits your faith" -Pope Shenouda III

Ms. Otilia is our bilingual Two's teacher from Mexico. She has lived in Georgia for 35 years, has five children, and has twelve grandchildren. She has been with us for over two years. What she loves about Goddard is the positive environment and care of 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 ten years. 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 with children and obtained her Childhood Development Associate credential. 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 caring, bubbly, and likes to listen 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 six years of experience in the childcare field and has been with us for four 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."

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. Andrea is excited to be part of The Goddard School team! She holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as certifications in CPR and Fire Safety. 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.

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 a 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. 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!

Ms. Ginnela is one of our bilingual Bridge teachers. She is from Venezuela and immigrated to the United States in 2021 to begin a new life. She has obtained her Childhood Development Associate Certificate and graduated with her degree 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. Grace is a Junior at Blessed Trinity High School. She has been working with children for three years and loves creating a fun and supportive environment for them. 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