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. 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. Stephanie is currently a Roosters classroom teacher and was previously a pre-school teacher in the Roosters classroom since 2013. She has finished an Associates degree in Early Childhood from Howard County Community College. The Maryland State Department of Education has acknowledged her achievements and she has received a Maryland Child Care Credential at level 5. Ms. Stephanie loves seeing the children’s excitement when they have accomplished something they have been trying to do!

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. Michele is a teacher in our Kittens classroom. 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.

Mr. Zack Is a teacher in our Owls Pre-K classroom 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Kourtney obtained an associates degree in Business Administration. She is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in education. She is a mother of two children and enjoys reading and crafting in her free time. She loves working with kids because she gets to see the smiles on their faces when they accomplish new goals and learn new concepts!

Ms. Divya obtained a MBA in Human Resources and a BA in Computer Applications. She has found her passion in working with children and is pursuing certification in Early Childhood Teaching. Ms. Divya has worked in the past as a n engineer but her love for children has turned her towards teaching. In her free time, she enjoys dancing and listening to music. She is a proud mother to a daughter. She loves being around children to watch them learn and explore new things each day!

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. 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. 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. Kylen has worked with a variety of ages throughout the past 3 years, ranging from infants to adolescents. She holds her 90 hour certification in infant and toddler training. She hopes to one day open her own daycare center. In her free time, Ms. Kylen enjoys watching anime, singing, and listening to music. She loves teaching because she wants to help the younger generation grow!

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. 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!

Mr. Elias is currently in our Owls classroom as a teacher’s aid! He graduated from Howard community college where he got an associate’s degree in elementary and special education. Mr. Elias also got a bachelor’s degree in family science from the University of Maryland. He enjoys teaching because he loves to watch the kids grow intellectually as well as personally!

Ms. Ju’ Daya is currently attending college to pursue a degree in pediatrics. She knows sign language and in her free time enjoys babysitting. She loves working with kids and teaching them new concepts!

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. Taylor is currently attending Towson University and plans on getting a degree in early childhood education. Ms. Taylor loves to go hiking on different trails nearby and she played both volleyball and lacrosse in high school. She loves teaching because she is able to add to a child's life and help them accomplish their goals! Ms. Taylor plans to teach Kindergarten in the future. She is very excited to become a part of the Goddard community!

Ms. Courtney is a teacher in the Chick's classroom and has been working at our school since 2008. She has taken classes at Howard Community College and has received her 90-hour infant and toddler certification. Courtney has had diverse learning experiences working with children and she enjoys watching them learn and grow! Courtney is now a proud mom of a Goddard School student who shows her every day that our school is more than just a daycare!

Ms. Sydney is graduating from Bowie State University with a degree in Child and Adolescent Studies. In her free time, Ms. Sydney enjoys spending time with her two dogs named Reese and Summer. Ms. Sydney loves teaching because she is able to watch the growth and development of children overtime.

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. 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. 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. Caitlyn is currently attending Bryan University to become a medical assistant. She has worked at several different child care centers and has obtained her 45 hours in Infant and Toddler Training. She loves working with the children and teaching in order to see their progress every day!

Ms. Mia has obtained her 45 hour training in childcare and is currently working towards obtaining her 90 hour. She has worked with children for five 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. Megan provides a support staff role in our school. She has obtained a degree in Elementary Education at Towson University. She has completed the 90 hour certification and is currently at MSDE Credential level 3. In her free time Ms. Megan is on a competitive jump rope team and enjoys to spend time with her family and friends. She loves to work with children and to impact their lives.

Miss Amanda is attending St. Bonaventure University and majoring in inclusive elementary education with a minor in early childhood. She currently has her 45 hour certification and enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her friends. She's excited that she gets to be an important part of children's lives and help create a love for school.

Ms. Paige is entering her senior year of high school and is active in sports like softball and soccer. In her free time, she plays for several club teams and hopes to continue this journey as she enters college next year. Ms. Paige loves working with children because she can nurture, play, and watch them grow.