Our Goddard School Teachers

Rita is excited to open the Goddard School in Annapolis. The philosophy of the Goddard School is what drew her to open her own school. She finished her graduate degree from Howard University and has lived in Maryland most of her life. She is committed to providing a warm nurturing environment with age appropriate fun play based curriculum. She strongly feels it is a privilege to have the honor to impact young minds with stimulating curriculum. She looks forward to showing you her school. "Our children are born with all the wonders they will need. Our job is not to take it away"

Mr. Ivan has been with Goddard for two years and is excited to continue helping our school and our students grow. A UMBC double alumnus, Mr. Ivan has a passion for adventure, learning, and play. In his free time, he enjoys writing, camping, and playing video games.

Ms. Liz joined our team in 2026! She joins us with over 10 years' experience in the field of early childhood education, 5 which were spent as an Infant/Toddler Montessori teacher. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and is certified to work with infants through school-age.

Ms. Marina has been with our Goddard team since January of 2022 and has multiple years of experience in the childcare field. She has a degree in Psychology, Educational Psychology, and is pursuing a degree in School Counseling. She has a very strong passion for child development and education. Her love for early education comes from her own experiences as a child. Young children remind Ms. Marina of the importance of early education. During her free time, she can be found doing puzzles, singing and hanging out with family and friends !

Ms. Janet is a dedicated preschool teacher in our Sharks classroom, where she brings a love of learning—and lots of positive energy—every day. She especially enjoys teaching early math and reading skills, helping children build a strong foundation for kindergarten and beyond. Outside the classroom, Ms. Janet loves traveling with her husband. Most recently, they explored the beauty and history of Italy during their June 2025 trip!

Ms. Emily has been with our Goddard team since January of 2022 and came to us with ten years of experience in the childcare field. Ms. Emily loves cats, football and her seven grandchildren. During her free time, she can be found thrift shopping or taking a nap!

Ms. Keyri joined the team in 2023 quickly obtaining her preschool qualifications. She is proud to foster an environment where children can learn through play, exploration, and discovery! Her goal is to help every child build confidence while developing the skills they need for future success.

Ms. Arlene joined our team in 2025! Each day, Ms. Arlene comes to work with a caring approach and a passion for early childhood education - aiming to make every classroom feel like a second home. Seeing our students grow and thrive is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

Ms. Iyonna has three years of experience in early childhood education. She loves working with children. The first time she knew she wanted to teach in early education was when she was in fifth grade. She made it known to an entire audience that she wanted to teach in early childhood education and continues to pursue her goal. Her favorite childhood book was Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss!

Ms. Mykera brings the perfect balance of fun and professionalism to our twos classroom. With her great sense of humor and warm, nurturing style, she keeps the children engaged while helping them build independence, social-emotional skills, and a love for learning. Her ability to combine structure with silliness makes her a beloved teacher among both students and families!

Ms. Vivian brings energy, patience, and creativity to the Lobsters classroom each day. As the lead teacher, she loves helping her students grow through hands-on learning, guided independence, and lots of movement and music. She has a strong bond with the children and their families, creating a warm and welcoming environment. Fun fact—her sister, Ms. Rose, is our Lead Infant Teacher, and together they bring a special family connection to our school community!

Ms. Jadyn became a part of our Goddard team in 2025. She is dedicated to helping children grow with confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning! Through patience, encouragement, and meaningful connections, Ms. Jadyn strivesto make every day a positive experience.

Ms. Aaliyah came to our school in 2024! She is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment for every child. Ms. Aaliyah believes that each child deserves to feel valued, supported, and encouraged to explore the world around them in their own ways!

Ms. Briaja joined Goddard in 2023! Encouraging imagination and creativity is an important part of making learning meaningful. From arts and crafts to hands-on activities, there are always opportunities for children to express themselves and explore their interests. Ms. Briaja loves helping children discover new talents and ideas makes every day exciting.

Ms. Rose joined our team in 2023 and quickly became a beloved part of our infant classroom. She has a natural gift for nurturing our littlest learners and especially enjoys planning fun, sensory-rich activities to support their development. Ms. Rose shares a close friendship with Lead Toddler Teacher Ms. Mary—they've been friends for years! She’s also the proud sister of Ms. Vivian, our Lead Twos Teacher, making their care for children a true family affair!

Ms. Sierra is one of our infant teachers!

Ms. Cierra is one of our floating teachers!

Ms. Chanelle joined our team in 2024! With a warm heart and a caring nature, Ms. Chanelle does an amazing job creating a safe and loving environment for children in her care. Building meaningful relationships with each child helps them feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn.

Ms. Sapna became a part of our community in 2025! Ms. Sapna is passionate about helping children feel confident, comfortable, and excited to learn. Watching the younger children discover new things and reach their milestones is one of the most rewarding parts of she does each day!

Ms. Madison joined our Goddard team in 2026! Every child learns at their own pace, and providing the patience and encouragement they need is so important to Ms. Madison. Celebrating small victories and supporting children through new challenges helps build confidence and independence.

Ms. Jessica is one of our teacher aides and joined our team in 2024! Each day, she strives to make our classroom a place filled with laughter, learning, and encouragement.

With a heart full of enthusiasm for early childhood education, Leslie creates a warm and nurturing space for our littlest learners. She has over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, with a Bachelors Degree in family studies and human development. Her creativity, patience, and playful approach ensure that each day is filled with joy, exploration, and growth. Outside of work, Ms. Leslie is the founder of The Benjamin Mario Shadrick Foundation, a non-profit committed to help children all across the globe.

Ms. Lela is one of our floaters!

Angelfish

Ms. Ashlynn became a part of our Goddard team in 2025! Ms. Ashlynn does an incredible job helping the littlest ones feel at home in the classroom. With a friendly smile, a listening ear, and a little encouragement Ms. Ashylnn goes the distance in in helping children feel safe and secure. Building trust with children and families is something she role truly values!

Ms. Trista joined our team in 2026! She is a recent graduate from Salisbury University. Ms. Trista is committed to making moments special by providing guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for discovery. Helping children develop a lifelong love of learning is something she truly values!

Ms. Isabella is one of our floaters!

Ms. Joselyn is one of our floaters!

Ms. Christiahna is one of our floaters!