Our Goddard School Teachers

Hello! I’m Kinnari Patel, a proud advocate for early childhood education and a parent who has experienced firsthand the transformative impact of a nurturing school environment. With a degree in Computer Science and more than 15 years of leadership experience in the banking industry, I bring a unique perspective to the world of education—one rooted in structure, strategy, and heartfelt commitment. As a new owner of The Goddard School at Canton, I’m honored to lead our schools each day, helping children grow emotionally, socially, and academically in safe and enriching spaces. Supporting the whole child isn't just a philosophy—it’s my passion.

Hello and welcome! My name is Leena Patel, and I’m so proud to be one of the new owners of The Goddard School of Canton. My journey with The Goddard School began in 2013 when I opened my first location in York, PA, followed by a second in Philadelphia. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m thrilled to now be part of the Locust Point and Canton community. I graduated with a Biology degree from Lebanon Valley College. As a mother of three and a proud parent of a Goddard School alum, I wholeheartedly believe in The Goddard School’s philosophy of providing exceptional care and a strong educational foundation in a safe, loving, and nurturing environment. My passion is helping children grow into joyful, confident, and respectful learners who are prepared for lifelong success—in school and beyond. I’m excited to embark on this journey with your family and can’t wait to welcome you into our school community!

Hello! I'm April Brooks and I am the Director of Operations at The Goddard School of Canton. I began working with Goddard as a preschool teacher in 2023 at our Locust Point location. I joined The Goddard School of Canton in 2024 and have loved my time here! I received my masters degree in STEM Education from UMBC and my bachelors degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Towson University. I also hold the 90-hours preschool certification, 45-hours infant and toddlers certification, and 45-hours director certification. I love building relationships with our staff, students, and families! My priority is creating a loving, safe, and welcoming environment for every person who walks though our door.

Ms. Denise joined The Goddard Schools teaching team in April 2021. She has been working with children for over 15 years! Ms. Denise holds multiple educational qualifications, including 90 hour preschool certification, 45 hour infant/toddler certification and 9 hour communication. Ms. Denise is credentialed by Maryland State Department of Education, currently at a level 4! While teaching in the classroom, Ms. Denise's favorite activity is singing to the babies. When Ms. Denise isn’t at work, she enjoys swimming, watching movies, and making people laugh.

Ms. Nicole joined The Goddard Schools teaching team in August of 2020. She has been working with children for over 15 years! Ms. Nicole holds multiple educational qualifications, including 90 hour preschool certification, 45 hour infant/toddler certification, and 9 hour communication. While teaching in the classroom, Ms. Nicole's favorite activity is finger painting and sensory. When Ms. Nicole isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Ms. Naomi joined The Goddard Schools teaching team in April 2019. She has been working with children for over 10 years! Ms. Naomi holds multiple educational qualifications, including 90 hour preschool certification, 45 Infant and Toddler certification, and a Bachelors degree in Biology & Chemistry from Coppin State University. Ms. Naomi has a passion for helping children grow, learn, and build confidence while creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for each child's unique needs. When Ms. Naomi isn't at work, she enjoys baking, crafting, creating for her business, and spending time with her daughter.

Ms. Meredith joined The Goddard Schools teaching team in May of 2020. She has been working with children for 40 years! Ms. Meredith holds multiple educational qualifications, including the infant and toddler teaching certification, 90 hour preschool certification, and 9 hour communication training. While teaching in the classroom, Ms. Meredith's favorite activity is singing and playing instruments. When Ms. Meredith isn’t at work, she enjoys time with family, music, European football, and watching the Ravens and O's!

Barbara began working at The Goddard School of Canton in July 2025 as an assistant teacher. She holds an associate degree in early childhood education and is certified to teach Infant/Toddler and Preschool, with additional coursework in infant and toddler care, preschool curriculum, and health and safety. Barbara chose teaching because she finds each day to be a rewarding new adventure and loves forming individual bonds with every child she meets. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her kids, loves animals, and has a passion for dog grooming.

Ms. Jada joined the Goddard team in June of 2025. She is CPR and first aid certified. She has been in childcare for about 5 years. Ms. Jada loves putting a smile on students faces and enjoys that every day is a new adventure when working with children. When Ms. Jada is not working she likes to read, watch movies, hike, listen to music, and visit the beach!

Olivia began her journey at The Goddard School of Canton in April 2019 and is a certified teacher. She holds a bachelor's degree in general education and is certified to teach Infant/Toddler and Preschool. Her extensive training includes the 45-hour Growth & Development course, 45-hour Infant & Toddler Curriculum, 90-hour Preschool Curriculum, CDA, multiple health and safety courses, and more. From a young age, she knew she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children, and she loves watching them grow, learn new things, and reach new milestones each day. Building strong connections with students and families is what she enjoys most. In her free time, Olivia spends time with her family and friends, reads, watches movies, and relaxes at the beach or pool. A fun fact: she loves music and often travels to see her favorite country artists, including Carrie Underwood and Alexandra Kay.

Ms. Isa joined The Goddard Schools teaching team in September 2022. She has been working with children for over 14 years! Ms. Isa holds her 90 hour preschool certification and a teaching degree from UPEL Venezuela. While teaching in the classroom, Ms. Isa's favorite activities are art and Spanish Circle Time. When Ms. Isa isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, working out at the gym, and watching movies.

Ms. Gabi joined our school in January of 2025! She is first aid certified, CPR certified, and aide certified! Ms. Gabi has a passion for encouraging exploration through play and music. She loves watching little minds grow as they face new challenges. When she is not at work Ms. Gabi enjoys playing D&D and Magic the Gathering, reading, singing, writing, and hanging out with her furry babies!

Ms. Colleen joined The Goddard Schools teaching team in November 2020. She has been working with children for over 20 years! Ms. Colleen holds multiple educational qualifications, including 90 hour preschool certification and an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education from CCBC. Ms. Colleen is credentialed by Maryland State Department of Education, currently at a level 5! While teaching in the classroom, Ms. Colleen's favorite activity is art, circle time, and reading books! When Ms. Colleen isn't at work, she enjoys reading and traveling.

Jaidyn is a lead teacher here at the Goddard School of Canton. She has her 90 clock hour certification for ECE, experience in elementary schools, and experiences with children ages infant to school age. Jaidyn has been working in childcare for 5 years. She chose to work with children because she enjoys teaching and watching children grow and learn new things. She also believes in children’s potential and knows that supporting them now builds a strong future. A fun fact about Jaidyn is she’s double jointed in her shoulders!

Cheyenne joined The Goddard School of Canton in September 2024 as a certified teacher. She holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood/elementary education and is certified to teach Infant/Toddler and Preschool. Cheyenne chose early childhood education because she finds purpose in helping young children feel safe, supported, and confident as they learn and grow. She especially enjoys building meaningful relationships with her students and becoming someone they trust and enjoy learning with. Outside of work, Cheyenne loves reading, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs.

Joyce joined The Goddard School of Canton in January 2024 as a certified teacher. She holds an associate degree in Criminal Investigation and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and she is certified to teach Infant/Toddler and Preschool. Joyce has completed multiple early childhood credentials, including the 45-hour Infant & Toddler curriculum, 90-hour Preschool Curriculum, health and safety coursework, and more. She became a teacher after noticing that many young children were entering school without foundational skills, and she wanted to help them feel prepared and confident. Joyce finds fulfillment in helping her students grow and get ready for kindergarten one step at a time. Outside of school, she loves singing and dancing with her grandson.

Naizae joined The Goddard School of Canton in July 2024 as a resource teacher/floater. She holds her 45-hour Growth & Development certification and has always known she wanted to work with children, even as a child herself, when she played daily with her 20 baby dolls. Naizae loves watching children grow and learn new skills each day. In her free time, she enjoys binge-watching TV shows with many seasons and reading urban fiction.

Joshua joined The Goddard School of Canton in May 2025 as a certified teacher. He holds his 90-hour Preschool Curriculum certification as well as CPR/First Aid and Basic Health and Safety training. Joshua was inspired to become a teacher so he could provide children with experiences he didn’t have growing up. He loves getting to know each child’s personality and enjoys their silliness and creativity. Outside of the classroom, Joshua likes to LARP, write poetry, and dance.

Gwynn joined The Goddard School of Canton in November 2025 as a resource teacher/floater. She has completed certifications in Infant Safe Sleep, CPR/First Aid, and Basic Health and Safety. Gwynn has always dreamed of working with children because she finds their curiosity and imagination for life inspiring. She loves how creative children can be and enjoys watching their colorful ideas come to life. A fun fact about Gwynn is that she has a service dog named Shiver, a black Labrador retriever.

Shundelle joined The Goddard School of Canton in September 2025 as a resource teacher/floater. She is certified to teach Infant/Toddler and has completed multiple child development and safety courses. Shundelle believes that every child deserves to be heard, and she values the opportunity to be their voice and advocate. She loves listening to children, supporting their needs, and providing families with peace of mind. In her free time, Shundelle enjoys cooking and spending time with her children.

Daisy joined The Goddard School of Canton in December 2025 as an assistant teacher. She holds an associate degree in liberal arts and is certified to teach Infant/Toddler, with additional training in Growth & Development and Infant & Toddler Curriculum. Daisy has a passion for working with children and loves watching them grow and flourish. Her favorite part of teaching is how rewarding it feels, and the love and joy the children share each day. Outside of work, Daisy enjoys fishing, spending time in nature, and caring for animals. A fun fact: she was born and raised in Maryland, moved to Florida in 2019, and eventually returned home.

Rachel joined The Goddard School community in 2012 at the White Marsh location, later working at Locust Point in 2023 before joining the Canton team in 2025. She currently serves as an assistant teacher and holds her 45-hour Infant and Toddler certification, along with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Rachel loves working with children of all ages and especially enjoys sitting and playing with them, singing songs, and discovering new things together. Her favorite part of each day is seeing the children's happy faces. Outside of work, Rachel loves traveling and has visited Italy, Switzerland, France, the Bahamas, and Jamaica. She has also been learning Italian for three years.