Our Teachers

Ross Flax opened The Goddard School in Columbia in 1997. After 18 years, the school was re-located to it’s present location in Ellicott City. A Philadelphia native, Ross attended Temple University where he earned his BA degree in Business Administration. He has been married to his wife Sandra since 1987 and has successfully raised two Goddard School graduates - Gabriela and Harrison aged 26 and 23. Both children have active, successful lives since graduating from college and graduate school. Gabriela lives and works in London and Harrison in Denver. Since then, he has opened four additional schools in Rockville, Clarksburg, Bethesda and Tysons Corner.

Heather has been the Academic Director at our school since 1998. She graduated from The University of Maryland with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Ms. Heather has four children and two grandchildren. She enjoys working with children because she loves to see them learn and grow in a safe and fun environment. She is thrilled to be a part of their childhood and looks forward to watching them develop throughout their time here at The Goddard School! As you make your decisions for child care, Ms. Heather will be available to answer any questions you may have and to make sure that your child's preschool experience is enriching and fulfilling!

Ms. Charlotte is a part of the administrative team. For the past 23 years, she taught our Kindergarten/Kindergarten Transition program in the Farmers classroom. She is also the Curriculum Coordinator for Goddard, reviews lesson plans, and organizes resources for our teachers. Charlotte was the National Goddard Teacher of the Year in 2011 and has been with our school since 2000. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Towson State University. She is also in the Maryland Model for School Readiness Program. The Maryland State Department of Education has acknowledged her achievements and has received her Maryland Child Care Credential at level 6. Ms. Charlotte is excited to help support the families and mentor and assist the staff while continuing her journey here at Goddard!

Jenna is a member of our administrative team. She is a recent graduate of Towson University and has received a degree in Elementary Education. As of 2023, she also has obtained her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Jenna has been apart of our school since 2020 and has worked with every age from infants to Kindergarten-age. Jenna is very excited to join the admin team and grow with the Goddard families and children. She loves working with our school, supporting the staff and interacting with the children everyday!

Ms. Madelyne has a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art, majoring in painting and art history. With a passion for art, she enjoys painting-acrylic, growing house plants, making jewelry, crocheting, knitting, and loves playing with her three pets in her free time. In teaching, she loves sharing the joy of creating and making art!

Ms. Andrea is a Pre-School teacher in the Ponies Classroom. She attended The University of Birmingham in England where she completed her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood and has been working at our school since 2008. Andrea is excited to continue her education and work towards her Masters in Education. She enjoys seeing the children progress academically and socially, and feels grateful to be a part of their school lives.

Ms. Cheyenne is a Toddler teacher in the Ducks classroom and began working at The Goddard School in 2004. She received her 90 hour childcare certificate and got her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. The Maryland State Department of Education has acknowledged her achievements and she now has a Maryland Child Care Credential at level 5. She enjoys working with children because it gives her great satisfaction knowing that she can make a difference in a child’s life by teaching and showing them the world.

Ms. Michele is a teacher in our Kittens classroom. She won the Goddard Infant/Toddler teacher of the year award in 2024 for the Southeastern region! She has an associate’s degree in Child Care Technology and has over 20 years of experience with various ages. She loves to write and read in her free time. She is excited to continue to grow professionally through her work at Goddard and help children learn about the world around them.

Ms. Alicia is a Pre-Toddler Teacher in the Chipmunks classroom and has been working at our school since 2012. She studied Elementary Education and worked for the Norfolk Public Schools with children who were ages 4-5. She also operated a licensed in-home daycare for 19 years which allowed her to stay at home with her children. The Maryland State Department of Education has acknowledged her achievements and has received her Child Care Credential at level 2. She enjoys teaching young children because they teach her so much and bring joy to her life.

Ms. Norah is a teacher in the Chick's classroom and has been at our school since 2008. She graduated from Union College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Economics. She has taught children ranging from infants to school age and has completed the 90 hour infant and toddler certification. She also enjoys experiencing all of the momentous “firsts” that happen to the children in her class.

Ms. Caitlin is a Pre-Toddler teacher in the Ducks classroom. She has attended Howard Community College while taking classes in Early Childhood Development. She loves to see a child’s face when they are learning something new! Ms. Caitlin is looking forward to learning more about child development and teaching at The Goddard School.

Ms. Alex is one of the teachers in the Farmers classroom. She has obtained a bachelor's degree from Towson University in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys teaching because she gets to have a positive impact on a child's life and watching them grow everyday!

Ms. Maria is a chicks teacher and has been working at our Goddard School since 2008. Ms. Maria has a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education. She is an avid storyteller and she loves creating things. Ms. Maria enjoys working with children because she sees children as unpolished gemstones, just needing knowledge to shine!

Ms. Afua obtained an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Anne Arundel Community College and holds a current MSDE Credential. She is bilingual and in her free time likes to listen to music and loves incorporating music and song into her work with the children. She enjoys teaching because she gets to watch the children grow and guide their learning each and everyday!

Ms. Kayla is currently a teacher in the Ponies classroom! Ms. Kayla has completed all of her childcare certifications and took child development courses. She plans on one day being a director at a preschool or childcare center. In her free time, she enjoys singing and writing poetry. She believes that kids need someone who can be a fun teacher and role model who doesn’t mind leading and helping them grow!

Ms. Caila has been teaching for seven years and received her 90 hour directly after high school. She loves watching children learn and accomplish milestones with confidence and excitement. In her free times Ms. Caila likes to crochet, color, read, and bake.

Ms. Brandi has experience working with the Howard County Recreation and Parks with a variety of age groups. She also has experience nannying children of various ages as well. She can speak some Spanish and has three children of her own. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family, reading, and thrift shopping. She loves teaching because she gets to build off of the children’s curiosity and enjoys watching them view the world with wonder!

Mr. Zack is a member of our preschool support staff and has an AA in Secondary Education Social Sciences from Howard Community College. He is currently working towards completing the Maryland State Department of Education Credential as well. He also loves watching children grow and develop into successful young adults.

Ms. Ally attended Stevenson University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in education and is hoping to obtain a master’s degree in special education. She has experience teaching in the Baltimore County public school system. She loves spending time with her Corgi, traveling, going to concerts, and watching movies. She enjoys teaching because she is able to make each child feel welcomed, safe, and building relationships in her classroom.

Ms. Katie is a teacher in our Rooster classroom and began working at our school in 2011. She has received her 90- hour infant and toddler certification and has multiple child care experiences. She enjoys teaching children because she likes to see children learn something new for the first time.

Ms. Twila has her 45 hour infant and toddler certification and has worked with infants for many years. She has her 2 children of her own and is willing to do anything to help people. In her free time, Ms. Twila likes to go shopping, read, and travel. She is very excited to watch the children grow!

Ms. Aisha has earned her 90 hours in infant and toddler training. She attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She loves working with children in order to see them grow and develop overtime!

Ms. Xochilt has experience working with preschool aged children in Montgomery County. She is working towards obtaining her 45 hours in childcare. Ms. Xochilt is fluent in both English and Spanish. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing video games, and partaking in photography. She is very excited to work with the children and watch them grow!

Ms. Nabriah has taken several courses in child care and has a history of working with children. Ms. Nabriah has a child of her own, whom she enjoys to spend her free time with! Ms. Nabriah loves seeing the impact she has on the children around her and lives by her favorite saying, “ we can only learn to love by loving".

Ms. Frankie is working towards obtaining her 90 hours in infant and toddler training. She loves traveling, learning new languages, and watching superhero movies. Ms. Frankie loves to watch the children have fun and grow!

Ms. Christine has her A.A. degree in liberal arts and is currently pursuing a degree in teaching from Bowie State. She holds her 90 hour teaching certificate and has enjoyed her previous work with children. In her free time she loves playing with her dogs and is studying Spanish. She loves teaching because the children are so full of life!

Ms. Sloan has received a certification in Early Childhood Development from Howard Community College. Ms. Sloan hopes to further her education and learning in the world of Early Childhood Development. In her free time, she enjoys fixing things, sewing, reading, learning about prehistoric animals, and spending time with her loved ones. She loves opening her heart up to her students, hearing their stories, and providing a comforting space for them to express themselves.

Ms. Angie graduated from Towson University in 2023 with a degree in Education. She has experience working in the Howard County Public Schools with a variety of age groups. She enjoys teaching because of the rewarding relationship that she builds with her students. She loves being a support system for them everyday as they come to school.

Ms. Azziyah is a recent graduate from Penn State University majoring in both IST and Sociology. She has three years of experience in Early Childhood Education. In her free time, Ms. Azziyah enjoys cooking and spending time with her family. She enjoys working with children in order to watch them grow and make an impact on their day to day lives.

Ms. Olivia graduated from Stevenson University and has many years of experience working with preschool children through a summer camp. Eventually, she plans to get a master’s degree in early childhood education. In her free time, she loves hiking with her dogs, trying new restaurants with friends, and watching sports. Ms. Olivia loves working with children in order to watch them grow. Their excited energy is contagious!

Ms. Angie has been teaching for 4 years and has completed the MSDE infant and toddler personnel teacher qualifications. She loves working with children to watch them grow and accomplish their many milestones.

Ms. Deonna has taught in the Army based childcare for six years. She has completed the MSDE infant and toddler personnel teacher qualifications. In her free time, Ms. Deonna loves watching movies like Harry Potter and Marvel. She also has a certification in Cyber Security. She enjoys teaching because she loves to watch children grow and witness their joy, endless energy, and enthusiasm everyday.

Ms. Olivia is currently attending Towson University and studying nursing with a minor in family studies. Previously, Ms. Olivia worked with students with special needs kids at a program throughout high school. She loves to watch and help the kids grow and learn. Ms. Olivia is excited to be a part of the Goddard family!

Ms. Mia has obtained her 90 hour in childcare. She is currently a student at Howard Community College and has a MSDE Credential at a level 3. She has worked with children for 5 years and is continuing her education in early childhood. She enjoys learning ASL and hopes to incorporate that as she works with children. In her free time, she enjoys crafting. She loves working with children because she enjoys watching them discover and learn new things each and every day!

Ms. Lily currently entering her senior year of high school and has three years of experience working with children. She plans to attend college to study Elementary Education and Special Education. She know ASL. In her free time, Ms. Lily enjoys reading and partaking in art. She loves teaching and working on math related activities. She cannot wait to foster relationships with the children overtime!

Ms. Aimee has a master’s degree in education from Marymount University and has 11 years of teaching experience. In her free time, she loves to sing and studied theater in undergrad. Ms. Aimee loves the curiosity and enthusiasm the children have for learning!

Ms. Abeba has been teaching children since 2016 and is currently pursuing her degree. She speaks three languages and is from Northern Ethiopia. In her free time, Abeda enjoys being with her husband and two children.

Ms. Olivia is currently attending Long Reach high school and is going to pursue some college once she graduates, studying to be a speech therapist or ASL interpreter. Ms. Olivia has been learning ASL for the past two years and hopes to continue doing so. In her free time, she enjoys tap dancing, listening to music, and hanging with her friends and family. She loves working with children because she gets to watch their personalities unfold, while watching them learn and grow!

Ms. Shania is currently a student at Towson University and is majoring in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Shania hopes to have her own classroom one day and encourage a safe space for all children. In her free time, she enjoys listening to true crime podcasts and reading thrillers. She is excited to advocate for all of her students and loves making connections with them!

Ms. Emily is currently a student at UMBC and is studying psychology. Ms. Emily loves to play lacrosse and spend time with her loved ones. She understands that children are all different and loves to honor their individuality. She is excited to watch the children learn and grow!

Ms. Betheal has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has been working with children since graduating. She enjoys exercising and spending time with her family. She enjoys teaching because she loves watching the children grow and develop overtime. She is very excited to work with them every day!

Ms. Mea currently attends Howard Community College and is obtaining her degree in communications. She likes to be with her loved ones and travel in her free time. She loves to watch the children grow and learn, leaving with a smile on their faces everyday.

Ms. Isabella has been working in childcare for four years in a variety of settings. She is a rising senior and hopes to pursue a degree in medical school. Ms. Isabella is bilingual and enjoys dancing, swimming, reading, and playing lacrosse in her free time. She enjoys teaching because she is able to be apart of their learning and growing process!