Our Teachers

Our teachers blend the highest education standards with nurturing care to help foster well-rounded child development.

Careers

If you want to help shape the hearts and minds of young children in a fun, nurturing environment, we’d love to have you work with us! We’re always looking for great teachers to join our family.

Check Out Our Job Listings

Warm, Nurturing & Highly Trusted

Learning happens best in a warm and nurturing environment, which is why our teachers take the time to make sure your little one feels safe and cared for every day to help them develop a lifelong love of learning. 

Expertise & Skills

Our caring teachers are highly experienced in the best methods to support your child with teachable moments of exploration, discovery and learning each and every day. 

  • Mr Dave

    Mr Dave

    Onsite Owner
    Dave Collins and his wife Jen are the onsite owners of The Goddard School located in Edgewater, MD. When building this state-of-the-art school, they stuck by their passions for instilling education and exceptional character in children at the earliest age. At Goddard, we believe that who a child becomes is just as important as what they know. This "character development" is something that the Collins' hold dear to the hearts of their own 4 boys and look forward to developing with your children too! Mr. Dave graduated from Saint Michael's College with degrees in elementary education and psychology. He started off his career teaching at the elementary level in upstate New York. Mr. Dave then managed the training Department at Sylvan Learning Centers and helped Goddard Schools build and execute high-quality programs in schools across the nation. Jen has a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and currently teaches 4th grade but helps to guide the school’s curriculum.
  •  Calissa

    Calissa

    Director
    Mrs. Calissa has been with our school since January 2019. She has 15 years of experience working with children of all ages. She has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development and Business Management. She also has a 90-hour certificate for working with preschool children and a 45-hour credential for infants and toddlers. Her decision to work in this field comes from a great passion for teaching young children and watching them grow. During her free time, she can be found baking, catering parties, and spending time with her family.
  •  Nicky

    Nicky

    Director
    Mrs. Nicky has more than 11 years of experience working with children of various ages in Germany, Spain and the United States. She is our Lead Teacher in the Loyal Labrador classroom. She earned her degree in social work/early childhood at a private, Catholic college in Germany. In 2015 she moved from Germany to the USA. Nicky has a 4 year old daughter enrolled in the Goddard School. Mrs.Nicky loves singing, playing flute and guitar and is super exited about teaching the children of The Goddard School music, as well as all of the skills that will help them make that smooth transition to Kindergarten. Mrs. Nicky’s favorite part of teaching is the children themselves. Their laughter, smiles, hugs and excitement to learning new and fun things!
  •  Jessica

    Jessica

    Faculty & Family Ambassador/Lead Teacher Wise Whitetails
    Mrs. Jess has worked in childcare for 10+ years and taught infant swim rescue for 2 years. She is a lead teacher in our Wise Whitetails classroom. She has received her 90-hour lead teacher certificate and is continuing her education in Early Childhood Education. Her love for working with children started at an early age and continues to grow with each opportunity. “Teaching has always been my dream and I hope to inspire students to never stop dreaming”
  •  Shalanta

    Shalanta

    Infant Suite Chairperson/Lead Teacher-Thankful Terrapins
    Ms. Shalanta is one of our wonderful infant teachers in our Thankful Terrapins classroom. She comes to Goddard with 17 years of childcare experience. She has her 45-hour infant/toddler certificate and her 90-hour preschool certificate. Ms. Shalanta loves what she does and hopes to one day own her own center! “Kids are our future and to be able to be a part of helping them to learn and grow makes me so happy!”
  •  Catherine

    Catherine

    Pre-Toddler Chairpoerson/Lead Teacher-Courageous Crabs
    Ms. Catherine is our lead teacher in the Couragous Crabs classroom! She has more than 11 years working with children as a teacher and a babysitter of all ages. Ms. Catherine has always loved watching and helping children achieve their milestones. She is currently in the process of earning her degree to become a pediatrician. Ms. Catherine has her 90 hour preschool certification. "I love working with all kinds of children, no matter the age you can always be that difference the child needs!"
  •  Dominique

    Dominique

    Toddler Suite Chairperson/Lead Teacher-Determine Ducks
    Ms. Dominique is a lead teacher in our Determined Ducks program. She has worked in childcare for over 4 years, ranging in the ages of eighteen months to six years old. She loves being able to create positive and loving bonds with both children and their families, which allows her to see them blossom to their fullest potential. Seeing children smile is her main goal. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Bowie State University in Psychology and a minor in Technology.
  •  Elizabeth

    Elizabeth

    Preschool Suite Chairperson/Lead teacher - Proud Pelicans
    Ms. Liz has been working with children for around 15+ years. She began working with children in her child development courses in high school and has since worked as a camp counselor, nanny, and preschool teacher. She has an associate's in early childhood/special education and is currently working towards her Bachelor’s. Ms. Liz believes in the importance of building strong relationships in the classroom through promoting the development of social/emotional skills. She also loves creating fun and engaging sensory exploration activities and crafts with the students.
  •  Kitana

    Kitana

    Pre-Toddler Suite Chairperson/Lead Teacher
    Ms. Kitana is a lead teacher in our Generous Jellyfish classroom. She holds an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Anne Arundel Community College. She also has her 45 hour infant and toddler certificate , as well as her 90 hour Preschool Certificate. Ms. Kitana has been with the school from the very beginning and has been with almost every age group in the building. Ms. Kitana believes that every child is unique and knowledgeable. She also believes children have an abundance of potential and she is dedicated to unlocking it!
  •  Tracie

    Tracie

    School Age Chairperson/Lead Teacher-Honorable Eagles
    Ms. Tracie has almost 10 years of preschool experience and her 90 and 45 hour certificates. She also works part-time at Central Elementary as the Assistant Librarian where she has been for 10 years. Ms. Tracie enjoys bringing enrichment learning to the Eagles and Monarchs classrooms through books and believes that reading is valuable to a child’s education and language development. She loves to find interesting books and engage the students in lively conversations about what they read. Ms. Tracie also believes in community involvement and volunteers in both her community and the Anne Arundel County Police Department. Ms. Tracie lives in Mayo with her 2 kids and various fluffy friends.
  •  Angel

    Angel

    Lead Teacher-Humble Herons
    Ms. Angel comes to Goddard with over 20 years of experience in the childcare field! She is a teacher in our Humble Herons classroom. Ms. Angel has her 45-hour Infant and Toddler certification as well as her 90-hour Preschool certification. She loves working with children because “They’re so funny, you can be yourself with them and they give you unconditional love!”
  •  Jenny

    Jenny

    Lead Teacher-Gracious Geese
    Mrs. Jenny is from the beautiful island of Guam. She is the youngest of five siblings. Taking care of kids has always been her passion even from a young age. Mrs. Jenny helped look after all 21 of her nieces and nephews, then went on to have 4 kids of her own. What really pushed Mrs. Jenny's love for kids was taking care of her niece Maddie who has autism. "Kids are my pride and joy. It is to the point where if seen at an event, I am most likely located wherever the kids are!!" When she is not around kids, Mrs. Jenny's favorite pastime is dancing Tahitian/Hula and playing with her two dogs. She was previously a substitute teacher in Westmoreland County throughout the years. Mrs. Jenny is ecstatic about being a teacher at The Goddard School.
  •  Crystal

    Crystal

    Lead Infant Teacher-Gracious Geese
    Crystal was born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland. She has worked with children ages 0-5 years old for over 8 years in various capacities. Crystal has a 90-hour child development certificate and is currently enrolled in the 45-hour infant and toddler program. Crystal favorite part about working with children is watching them grow and seeing them use the tools you have taught them to become great members of society.
  •  Jazmyne

    Jazmyne

    Lead Teacher-Gracious Geese
    Ms. Jazmyne has been in childcare for almost 4 years. She has earned both her 45 hour certificate and 90 hour certificate for infant/toddler. Ms. Jazmyne recently had the most beautiful baby girl of her own! "The reason I love working with children is because it brings me joy knowing that I am helping them learn and reach developmental milestones. Having my own child has made me appreciate it way more. Time goes by so quick and you just want to appreciate every moment spent with children no matter if you are teaching them, playing, talking. Appreciate it all!"
  •  Kierra

    Kierra

    Lead Teacher-Humble Herons
    Ms. Kierra is a teacher in the Courageous Crabs classroom. She has her 45 hour certificate and 90 hour certificate in Child Development. Previously before coming to Goddard, she was a nanny and has been in childcare for 5 years. Ms. Kierra brings great energy into the pre-toddler program! She loves coming into work because the kids make her most gloomy days, brighter!
  •  Britni

    Britni

    Lead Teacher-Curious Clams
    Miss Britni comes to us with 13 years of childcare experience with many credentials including her 90-hour preschool and 45-hour infant/toddler certificates. Miss Britni began her career in Early Childhood at the tender age of 16 and since then it has become her passion to watch children grow and develop. She truly believes that it takes a village to raise a child and is honored to be part of the team.
  •  Kinsey

    Kinsey

    Assistant Teacher- Curious Clams
    Ms. Kinsey as been caring for young minds since she was in middle school, when her eldest sister had her first child. She loves to foster creativity and inquisitive thinking in her niece and nephews. She touched the lives of many other families during her volunteering time at an after-school arts program, during her four years at Johnson and Wales University. She has loved the arts and sciences since she could toddle, with a special passion for pastry as it dances the line of both. If she isn't in the classroom, you can find Ms. Kinsey with a whisk or sketchpad in hand! "The mind of a child is a wonder. They are so curious! And so very adept to learn and grow. It's what they're meant to do!"
  •  Annie

    Annie

    Lead Teacher - Generous Jellyfish
    Annie has about 8 years of experience in early childcare including nannying and babysitting. Currently Annie is working towards a degree in child development. Her favorite thing about working with children is their ability to brighten her day.
  •  Mariah

    Mariah

    Lead Teacher-Generous Jellyfish
    Mariah attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina and received her associate’s degree in child Growth and Development in May 2021. And her bachelor’s degree in educational studies with a focus in social work in May 2023. She has over 5 years of experience working with children from infants to two years old. Mariah’s goal is to someday become an occupational therapist for young children. She enjoys helping the children learn about their emotions and how to express them through different activities.
  •  Heather

    Heather

    Lead Teacher-Generous Jellyfish
    Ms.Heather has many years of experience working with children from babysitting, being a full-time nanny, and working at a local in-home daycare. She attended Valencia College in Orlando, Florida and The University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. She has a daughter who attends The Goddard School and her favorite thing is being a mom. She likes to treat every child the way she would want her daughter to be treated.
  •  Cailey

    Cailey

    Assistant Teacher-Generous Jellyfish
    Ms. Cailey is an assistant teacher in our preschool program. She loves to work with young students and see them blossom and grow. She enjoys seeing them gain perspective and understand the world around them. Cailey will be attending AACC in the fall to pursue an associate degree in Elementary Education.
  •  Destiny

    Destiny

    Assistant Teacher-Courageous Crabs
    Ms. Destiny is one of the teachers in our Courageous Crabs classroom. She is the second oldest of five siblings. She has an associate’s degree in criminal justice from College of Southern Maryland. She is almost finished with her bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland Global Campus. Destiny is excited to work with children to help them learn, grow and prosper. She wants to work with juveniles or work for protective services. Destiny believes that kids are the future, and it makes her happy to see them happy.
  •  Michelle

    Michelle

    Lead Teacher-Determine Ducks
    Hello, my name is Michelle Beall, and I am so excited to work for the Goddard School. I have many years' experiences in childcare. I earned both the 45-hour certificate and 90-hour certificate for infant/toddler. I love working with children is because it brings me joy knowing that I am helping them learn and reach developmental milestones. Teaching has always been a passion and I love what I do.
  •  Zhane

    Zhane

    Lead Teacher- Outgoing Otters
    The Goddard of Edgewater is Zhane's first opportunity to work in a preschool setting. However, she has been teaching children for over a year now and love every moment of it. Zhane' adores the beauty of children's creative minds and watching as they expand their knowledge. She especially love watching them interact with one another and develop socially. Zhane' is grateful that she gets to experience all the beauty the Goddard School of Edgewater has to offer.
  •  Zoe

    Zoe

    Lead Teacher- Outgoing Otters
    Ms. Zoe is the Assistant Teacher in the Outgoing Otters classroom, focusing on teaching children in the 2-3 year age range. She is currently a student at Anne Arundel Community College, working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education. She earned her 90 clock hour certification as a senior in high school, and has been doing all she can to learn more in this field. “Patience and understanding is a key belief in my teaching. I will always be there to help a child blossom in their emotional and cognitive development”.
  •  Jenna

    Jenna

    Lead Teacher- Respectful Rockfish
    Ms. Jenna comes to Goddard as a volunteer from Central Special. She is currently a lead teacher in our Respectful Rockfish classroom. Ms. Jenna took child development classes in high school and holds her aide certification as well as her 90 hour certificate. Ms. Jenna's goal has been to work with children and her job here at Goddard is a realization of that goal. Ms. Jenna looks forward to the connections she makes with the children. She enjoys all age groups, their laughter and smiles and watching them grow.
  •  Ashanti

    Ashanti

    Lead Teacher - Proud Pelicans
    Ashanti has been in the childcare field since 2015. From being a camp leader, babysitter/nanny, assistant teacher, to Lead teacher. Over the last couple years i have earned my certificates of 90 hour, ADA, First steps in childcare, and Communications. Now working up to getting my associate's degree for early childhood development. Pursuing her career as being a preschool teacher allows Ashanti to have a positive impact and become a mentor or role model. It’s amazing to me to see what children can achieve when given the right tools and support.
  •  Rachel

    Rachel

    Lead Teacher-Motivated Monarchs
    Ms. Rachel is a graduate of Salisbury University. She has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary education. Ms. Rachel has been working with children since she was old enough to babysit. Her biggest goal is to help children develop into kind and caring people. "I love being able to help kids discover the person they are and seeing those lightbulb moments when learning new things!!"
  •  Dolores

    Dolores

    Lead Teacher-Motivated Monarchs
    Ms. Dee has over 10 years of experience in childcare. She enjoys watching the children grow and learn. Making connections with the children and their parents is super important to Ms. Dee. She has her 90 hour certificate and is currently working on expanding her knowledge in childhood development and childcare. "Watching the kids laugh and grow makes me smile!"
  •  Gemma

    Gemma

    Resource Teacher
    Ms. Gemma is the first of four kids and has worked as a babysitter since she was 11. Being with children of all ages is her true passion. She is interested in working in pediatrics in the future and will attend AACC in the fall to major in Health and Human Services. "My main goal at Goddard is to make sure each child is seen as an individual and feel that the environment we’ve created as teachers ensures them a safe space to grow and learn.”
  •  Tehseen

    Tehseen

    Intern
    Ms. Tehseen is a Junior at South River High School and she is currently working on getting her CDA. She has always loved kids since she started babysitting and now wants to become a teacher and plans to major in early childhood education. Ms. Tehseen loves hearing all the children's stories and helping them understand new things. She is also a teacher at the Little Seahawks preschool at South River High School.
  •  Brianna

    Brianna

    Intern
    Brianna is a senior in high school and is working towards getting her Child Development Associate (CDA). She loves working with young children because it brings her joy to see them grow and learn.
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