Michael Pesi is the owner of The Goddard School located at 6400 Goldsboro Rd., Bethesda, MD. Michael has been happily married to his wife, Aletta, since 2012. They have a son, Michael, who graduated from The Goddard School, and a son and a daughter who currently attend The Goddard School. Michael and Aletta recognize the importance of early childhood development in a safe and nurturing learning environment, which is why they chose The Goddard School. Michael earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology and proceeded to pursue a Master’s in Biochemistry/Toxicology at Johns Hopkins University. While at Hopkins, Michael worked at the Kennedy Krieger School researching child brain development and genetics. Michael holds a Maryland Preschool Certification as well. Most recently, Michael was a Senior Educational Consultant at Quest Advanced Learning, LLC, where he gained experience in academic coaching, educational program development, and private school and college placement requirements. Also, he was a proud member of the United States Army Reserve stationed at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. Michael and his family are active in their community, where they participate in many charities such as the Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude's Children's Hospital and the American Cancer Society. Michael enjoys spending time with his friends and family, attending sporting events, playing music and traveling to southern Africa. “I am very proud to represent the Goddard School in Bethesda, MD. This area is rich in diverse cultures and education. These families want their children to be provided the highest level of preschool care and academic development. I am committed to ensure that this need is not only achieved, but exceeds expectations.”

Ms. Nicole is the Academic Director at The Goddard School of Bethesda. Ms. Nicole earned her Bachelor's Degree from Towson University and her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling for children from Johns Hopkins University. In addition, Ms. Nicole is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor. Nicole has her teaching certifications in both Infant/Toddler and Preschool, and has taught 2s, 3s, and a photography class to preschoolers. She has been in Administrative and Director roles since 2007. She came here from the Goddard School of King Farm, where she was the Academic Director for 6 years, and the Goddard School of Columbia before then. Ms. Nicole has a son and daughter who both attend The Goddard School of Bethesda. She believes that the preschool years are a wonderful age to foster a lifelong love of learning, and she is committed to facilitating a positive and enriching experience for all children and families during their time here!

Ms. Brea is the Assistant Director at the Goddard School of Bethesda. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with minors in Biology and Sociology, as well the Infant/Toddler and Preschool Certification. Ms. Brea has been in the classroom since 2015 and taught at a Goddard in Pennsylvania before relocating to the Goddard School in Bethesda. Ms. Brea has both the Infant/Toddler and Preschool Certifications. Ms. Brea loves the children’s willingness and excitement to learn and explore the world around them. She wishes to model compassion, kindness, and determination.

Ms. Somia is the Assistant Director at The Goddard School of Bethesda. She has been working in Early Childhood Education since 2004. Ms. Somia was born and raised in Reston, VA and speaks English, Urdu, Panjabi, and Hindi. She believes that educators can empower their students by expanding their teaching style beyond traditional academics. Ms. Somia encourages all educators to understand and embrace each Childs learning language while providing them with a preschool experience that promotes social and emotional growth, self-worth and belonging. Most importantly she believes that children should experience the world around them through the curiosity, love, and joy of learning through play.

Ms. Ismat is one of our Infant Teachers at the Goddard School of Bethesda. She has her Master of Social Sciences from the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh. She also has completed the 90-hour Early Childhood Course and 45-hour Infant and Toddler certification. Both Ms. Ismat and her husband came from Bangladesh and moved to Maryland in 1993. Ms. Ismat has been teaching for over twenty-five years. She wishes to model patience and compassion for the children. She hopes to model that “good things come to those who wait.” In addition, she wishes to demonstrate that every individual is different, so compassion and understanding is essential.

Ms. Patricia is one of our Preschool Teachers at The Goddard School of Bethesda. She has her Child Development Associate (CDA), 90- hour Preschool Certification and 45-hour Infant/Toddler Certification. Ms. Patricia has been married for 33 years and has 6 children, and a beautiful grandchild. Ms. Patricia was born in Jamaica and has been teaching since 2006. She loves walking in the doors of her classroom every morning and seeing the children's smiling faces. She wishes to model manners and using language to express ourselves.

Ms. Antoinette is one of our Infant Teachers at The Goddard School of Bethesda. Ms. Antoinette has her 90-Hour Infant/Toddler Teaching Certification and is credentialed in Maryland at Level 4. Ms. Antoinette has been teaching since 1996. Ms. Antoinette loves the inquisitiveness the students display. She hopes to model self-esteem, self-worth, love and respect to all of her students.

Ms. Radmila is one of our Toddler Teachers at The Goddard School of Bethesda. She is a loving mother of two beautiful girls who both have attended The Goddard School of Bethesda. Ms. Radmila looks forward to positively affecting the academic life of each child through her passion of teaching. She believes every child is unique and blessed with different qualities and she wants to encourage learning through being positive and supportive.

Ms. Sedatrious is one of our Preschool Teachers at the Goddard School of Bethesda. Ms. Sedatrious has the Child Development Associate (CDA), the Preschool Certification, as well as the Infant/Toddler Certification. Ms. Sedatrious has been teaching preschool for nearly 40 years! Ms. Sedatrious loves her students' willingness to learn and grow. She loves hearing their laughter and seeing their smile! Ms. Sedatrious wishes to model love, kindness, appreciation, and respect. She wants to teach them to treat others the way that they want to be treated.

Ms. Tanesha is one of our Pre Kindergarten Teachers at the Goddard School of Bethesda. She has earned the Certifications in Growth and Development, Preschool Methods and Materials, and Infants/Toddlers. Ms. Tanesha has been working with young children since 2011. Ms. Tanesha loves that the children bring brightness and happiness out of her each day. She also loves how curious and open they are. She wishes to model consistency, emotional support, a positive attitude, and fun! She believes that it’s important to communicate with parents and adapt to the children’s needs.

Ms. Agnes is one of our Pre-Kindergarten Teachers at The Goddard School of Bethesda. Ms. Agnes has her bachelor's degree in education and human sciences. Ms. Agnes has been teaching since 2017 and 1 year of teaching preschool in Qatar. Agnes was born in Ghana, and she speaks English, Asante Twi, and some French. Agnes has gained so much knowledge from Goddard students and seeks to model patience and giving thanks for all we learn.

Ms. Pat is one of our Toddler Teachers at the Goddard School of Bethesda. She is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Pat has a son and a daughter, who is also a teacher at the Goddard School of Bethesda! She has been teaching for over 25 years and loves how each child at the Goddard School has their own way of learning and expressing themselves. Ms. Pat wishes to model how everyone can learn from everyone else. She wants her children to know that all feelings are important because every child deserves to be heard and feel like they matter!

Ms. Ilyana is one of our Preschool Teachers at the Goddard School of Bethesda. She holds the 90-hr Preschool Certification and is pursuing a degree in Social Work. Her interest in teaching stemmed from how much joy her niece and nephew brought her and she has now been teaching sine 2019! Ms. Ilyana loves how creative and enthusiastic the children are. Her kids make her day brighter and better. She wishes to model respect, responsibility, and resilience.

Ms. Shakia is one of our Kindergarten Transition Teachers at the Goddard School of Bethesda. Ms. Shakia has a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Trinity Washington University. She has earned her CDA and Certification in Early Childhood Education, as well as the Infant/Toddler Certification. Ms. Shakia has worked in Early Childhood Education since 2006. She loves that all children are unique, happy, and willing to learn and try new things. Ms. Shakia wishes to model positive traits in students such as sharing, and displaying a positive attitude.

Ms. Lesley is one of our Preschool Teachers and has her 90-hour Maryland Preschool Certification and is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in education and special Ed. She is proud of her three wonderful children and one beautiful granddaughter. Ms. Lesley has been teaching for over 20 years and loves every moment! She is fluent in both English and Spanish and is originally from Nicaraguan. Ms. Lesley always encourages her students to be honest, fearless, and most important having fun while learning!"

Ms. Elaine is one of our Infant Teachers at the Goddard School of Bethesda. She has the Infant/Toddler Teaching Certification and has been teaching preschool since 2015. Ms. Elaine loves how excited the children get about learning new skills. She believes that watching children grow is one of the most special things in the world. Ms. Elaine wishes to model honesty, integrity, respect, and love.

Ms. Marlene is our Spanish Teacher at the Goddard School of Bethesda. She has has the Child Development Associate (CDA) and 90-hour Child Development Certification. She has been working in preschool for over 28 years. Ms. Marlene is from Costa Rica and speaks both English and Spanish. She loves how happy the children at the Goddard School are. She wishes to model happiness, working together, a love for reading, and a willingness to share.

Ms. Jojo is one of our Resource Teachers and has her 90-hr Maryland Teaching Certification. She has been working in childcare for the past 2 years. Ms. Jojo is fluent in both English and French. She loves working with children and feels honored by being a fundamental part of their growth and development.

Ms. Jamiyah is one of our Preschool Teachers. She has her associate degree in child development and has since a young age dreamed to be an educator. Ms. Jamiyah aspires to be the best role model for her students every day! She believes preschool education is the most important because that is the foundation of where education begins.

Ms. Nieva is one of our Preschool Teachers at The Goddard School of Bethesda. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology and the 90-hour teaching certification. Nieva was born in the Philippines and moved to America in 2019. Nieva speaks Tagalog and English. She wishes to model great manners and creating a beautiful environment.

Ms. Pia is one of our Preschool Teachers at the Goddard School of Bethesda. She holds the 90-hour Infant and Toddler Certification as well as the Preschool Certification. Ms. Pia has been teaching since 2008. Ms. Pia loves that the children at the Goddard School are open to try new tasks and meet new people. She wishes to model joy, fun, and happiness because she believes with these 3 qualities children will grow up to be amazing people!

Ms. Caitlin is our Art Teacher and has her bachelor's degree in psychology and is trained in crisis intervention for children with disabilities. She is currently pursuing further education to become an art therapist. Ms. Caitlin has been teaching in early childhood education for over 4 years. Her teaching style is through nurturing each child's imagination, discovery, and creativity.

Ms. Shama is one of our Infant Teachers and has her bachelor's degree in fine arts from the University of Dhaka. She also has her 90-hr teaching certification for the State of Maryland. She has a loving husband, two children, and an adorable Grandson. Ms. Shama is originally from Bangladesh and speaks fluent English and Bangla. She has been an educator for over 5 years and loves working at The Goddard School of Bethesda. Her favorite part of teaching is inspiring children to do their best and promote self-worth and individuality in their growth and development.

Ms. Nurida is one of our Preschool Teachers and has a Doctorate in Philosophy and also has her 90-hour Preschool Teaching Certification. She was born in Turkey and speaks fluent English and Turkish. Ms. Nurida is married to her loving husband and has two children. She has been teaching since 2019. She wishes to inspire each child through books, music, modeling kindness, and actively making teachable moments through play.

Ms. Henrietta is one of our Preschool Teachers here at The Goddard School of Bethesda. She has her BSC in Physics and is currently pursuing her 90-hour Infant/Toddler Certification. Ms. Henrietta is from Nigeria and lives with her loving husband. She has been teaching for over 30 years to students of all ages. Ms. Henrietta loves how the children at The Goddard School are joyful, eager to learn, and attentive. She wishes to model confident, compassionate, and kind behavior.

Ms. Amanda is one of our Preschool Teachers and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in communication science disorders with a minor in psychology. She also possesses a TESOL certification and is currently working towards her 90-hour Maryland preschool certification. Originally from Massachusetts, Ms. Amanda relocated to the area due to her husband's service in the Navy. She has a deep passion for teaching and finds immense joy in being a part of each child's growth and development. According to Ms. Amanda, "Every day, I have the privilege of teaching young minds and nurturing their innate curiosity to learn, which is truly the most fulfilling aspect of my job".

Ms. Alexxus is one of our Resource Teachers and holds a ServSafe certification for the state of Maryland. She is currently pursuing her associate degree in child development. Ms. Alexxus is excited to embark her first year in teaching with The Goddard School of Bethesda and is eager to make a positive impact and inspire her students. Ms. Alexxus finds immense joy in witnessing the children's perpetual smiles and their ability to create a wonderful memory every day. She aspires to be a positive role model and promote an inclusive and loving environment for the kids.

Ms. Markeeta is one of our Kittens Teachers. She is currently pursuing a dual degree in teaching and social work while also holding my certification as a paraeducator in Missouri. Her family consist of her husband their eight wonderful children. Her journey in education began in 2014, and she has been dedicated to it ever since. Ms. Markeeta loves observing the students develop into their distinct personalities and make their remarkable journey. Her goal is to serve as a role model, demonstrating the importance of "The Golden Rule" to all students, regardless of their age. Additionally, she aims to exemplify how qualities like kindness, love, respect, and patience serve as the essential building blocks for success in education.

Mr. Ethan is our Chinese Teacher and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in Chinese Language and Culture. He has a loving wife and two beautiful children. Mr. Ethan has been teaching since 2016. He is fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hokkien, and possesses the unique ability to connect with students from various linguistic backgrounds, ensuring effective communication and a nurturing learning environment. It brings him great joy to witness each child's growth and development as they embark on their educational journey. Ethan's personal aspiration is to serve as a role model who demonstrates the power of unwavering determination and courage in the face of life's challenges.

Audrey is one of our Resource Teachers with a strong passion for helping others. In her family, she shares her life with her loving parents and sister. Audrey has embarked on her first year as an educator, and she couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of The Goddard School of Bethesda community. What truly warms Audrey's heart is the genuine honesty and boundless love she finds in the children as she teaches. Her aspiration is to be a role model for them, embodying qualities of strength, courage, friendliness, humor, and a commitment to being the very best teacher that she can be. Audrey's journey in education is guided by her unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds and helping them grow into confident and compassionate individuals.

Ms. Ashley is one of our Preschool Teachers. She is on her journey to earn her degree in Early Childhood Education and currently has her 90-hr Teaching Certificate. In her warm and supportive home, she resides with her caring mother and sister. Ashley has been teaching since 2018, marking the start of her fulfilling educational career. Her primary aim as an educator is to lead by example, showcasing respectful behavior and a relentless enthusiasm for learning. She strives to inspire her students to be kind and build on their empathy and to embrace the joy of continuous growth and improvement.

Ms. Saridja is one of our Resource Teachers who brings a solid educational foundation and coursework in child development, which brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Her family consists of her loving husband, two grown children, and the future welcoming of her first grandchild. Her teaching journey spans over five enriching years, during which she has had the privilege of instructing in both English and Indonesian. She was born in Singapore, raised in Indonesia, and now America is her home. Growing up, she was fortunate to experience life in various countries, fostering a deep appreciation for diversity and culture. What ignites her passion in working with children is the immeasurable joy of witnessing their growth, progress, and hunger for knowledge. As an educator, Ms. Saridja's goal is to exemplify qualities of strength, courage, friendliness, and humor, striving every day to be the best teacher that she can be.

Ms. Alicia is one of our Resource Teachers here at The Goddard School of Bethesda. She is currently working towards her 90-Hour Certification and bachelor's degree in early childhood and special education. Ms. Alicia shares her life with her husband, Alan, and their delightful son, Atlas. Her journey in the field of education began in 2022. Ms. Alicia's cultural heritage is a blend of Irish and German roots. What truly captivates her about children at The Goddard School is their boundless curiosity and enthusiasm for learning and discovery every day. Her mission is to cultivate kindness and foster a deep love for learning through the power of play.

Mr. Michael is one of our Resource Teachers here at The Goddard School of Bethesda. He is on a mission to empower young minds through education. Currently, he is pursuing his degree in computer science and CDA. With a teaching career spanning since 2018, Mr. Michael has witnessed countless eureka moments in his students. He derives immense joy from those precious instances when children grasp new concepts, igniting a spark of curiosity and understanding within them. His aim is to instill in his students the value of curiosity, resilience, and determination.

Ms. Sanaa, is one of our Toddler Teachers here at The Goddard School of Bethesda. She is currently working towards her BSc in Business Management at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, she has a close-knit family consisting of two older brothers, a loving mother, and a caring father. This marks her first year in the field of teaching, and she is excited to embark on this journey to gain valuable experience. Ms. Sanaa has a profound appreciation for the natural curiosity that toddlers exhibit towards the world around them and their eagerness to learn. Her aspiration as a teacher is to serve as a role model, promoting open-mindedness, patience, and kindness among her young students.

Ms. Ana is one of our Resource Teachers here at The Goddard School of Bethesda. She has her CDA certification in the Infant/Toddler Program. She has been pursuing her passion in teaching young minds since 2020. Although she was born in the United States, her formative years were spent in the vibrant Caribbean Port City of La Ceiba, Honduras. Ms. Ana's roots and most of her family remain in Honduras, while her beloved mother occasionally graces her with her presence by visiting her here in the U.S. Ms. Ana's heart truly belongs to the world of children, as she is endlessly inspired by their boundless energy and insatiable curiosity, which they channel through the magic of play. Her aspiration is to serve as a role model for kindness and respect, fostering problem-solving skills and encouraging empathy. She is committed to sharing the richness of her cultural heritage and celebrating the diversity of life's many paths.

Ms. Kathleen is one of our Resource Teachers here at The Goddard School of Bethesda. She brings an impressive 27 years of expertise in child development. In addition to her extensive experience, she has successfully owned and operated a licensed home daycare business right here in Bethesda, MD. Kathleen resides with her loving husband, and together they cherish their two beautiful children. Her profound joy in working with children stems from contributing to their growth and development. At The Goddard School of Bethesda, Kathleen aims to model qualities such as kindness, sharing, and understanding through her own behavior.

Ms. Deanna, a valued member of our teaching team at The Goddard School of Bethesda, holds a Preschool Certification and is actively pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. With a teaching career that began in 2015, she finds joy in the enthusiasm of the children at our school, noting their eagerness to learn and kindness towards one another. Ms. Deanna aspires to model values of hard work, dedication, and compassion in her role as a Preschool Teacher.

Ms. Sam, one of our dedicated Infant Teachers at The Goddard School of Bethesda, holds certifications in both Infant and Toddler care (45 hours) and a 90-hour certification from Maryland. With a teaching journey that began in 2015, Ms. Sam values family time and carries her German and Irish heritage proudly. In her classroom, she actively embraces and celebrates diverse cultures, aiming to model the golden rule and maintain a consistently cheerful outlook.

Ms. Desteny serves as one of our Resource Teachers at The Goddard School of Bethesda. With a background in ABA Therapy, she brings a rich reservoir of knowledge to our educational environment. Hailing from Guatemala, Ms. Desteny resides in Maryland with her beloved husband in their charming home. This marks her inaugural year as a preschool teacher, and she thoroughly enjoys every moment in this role.