Our Goddard School Teachers

Hi, my name is Dipti and I am one of the owners of The Goddard School located in Laurel. I opened my first school in Hanover, MD and I love Goddard's philosophy in education and their emphasis on safety and security. I earned my bachelor's of science degree from the University of Maryland. I am a proud parent of two Goddard alum. The administrative team and I work side-by-side to create the best Goddard experience for the children, families, teachers, and the community. We strive for a collaborative work environment and a pursuit of continuous quality improvements.

Haley joined The Goddard School of Laurel in March 2025, bringing with her two years of experience as a director at The Goddard School in Pflugerville, Texas. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Maryville College, along with director credentials in both Texas and Maryland. Haley is passionate about creating a nurturing and joyful environment for both children and teachers, and she is thrilled to be part of the Laurel family. Outside of work, she loves spending quality time with her son, Kayde, and her husband, Killian—they are her whole world. Haley’s leadership, warmth, and dedication shine through in everything she does.

Ms. Alesia is a warm-hearted and loving preschool teacher who has been a dedicated member of The Goddard School of Laurel since 2017. With years of experience in early childhood education, she brings a calm, nurturing presence to the classroom every day. She holds an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and has a special passion for working with children, helping them grow through patience, structure, and compassion. Alesia also loves building connections with children and staff across all age groups and is always ready with a smile and a hug. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys cooking and spending quality time with her family, both of which bring her joy and balance.

Ms. Xiomara, also known and "Ms. Cici", has been a beloved member of The Goddard School of Laurel since July 2019. She holds Senior Staff qualifications in both the infant and preschool age groups and brings a joyful, nurturing presence to every classroom she steps into. Known for her great sense of humor, Ms. Cici loves making people laugh and spreading positivity throughout the school. In her free time, she enjoys cleaning, spending time with her family, shopping, and adding to her fabulous purse collection. Her vibrant personality and dedication to children make her a treasured part of our Goddard family.

Ms. Maggie joined The Goddard School of Laurel in March 2025, bringing with her over 35 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Washington Adventist University and has dedicated her career to nurturing young minds with patience, care, and a deep love for learning. Ms. Maggie’s classroom is filled with warmth, structure, and meaningful moments that support each child’s growth and development. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending cherished time with her grandchildren. Her wealth of experience and gentle presence make her a treasured part of our Goddard family.

Ms. Zee joined The Goddard School of Laurel in March 2025 and brings a thoughtful, well-rounded perspective to the classroom. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Economics and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Colby College. Currently, she is pursuing her Senior Staff credentials as well as her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification to continue growing both personally and professionally. In her free time, Ms. Zee enjoys taking fitness classes, practicing self-care, watching movies, and dancing. Her passion for education, paired with her vibrant personality, makes her a wonderful asset to the Goddard community.

Ms. Makenzi joined The Goddard School of Laurel in March 2025 and brings a vibrant energy to the preschool classroom. She holds senior staff qualifications and is currently studying Human Development and Nonprofit Leadership & Social Innovation at the University of Maryland, College Park. With a passion for advocacy, Makenzi hopes to use her degree to influence educational policy and support both students and teachers on a broader scale. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family—especially her beloved nieces and nephews. She also loves to cook, bake, and unwind by coloring. Makenzi’s creativity, warmth, and dedication shine through in everything she does.

Ms. Brenda has been a part of The Goddard School of Laurel since it first opened its doors in 2015. She is a qualified teacher with experience across infant, toddler, preschool, and pre-k classrooms. With a passion for both teaching and connection, her favorite part of the job is building strong relationships with children and their families. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Brenda enjoys crocheting blankets for hospitals, going bowling, and getting lost in a good book. Her dedication, warmth, and creativity make her a cherished member of our Goddard family.

Ms. Verna is a dedicated lead teacher who finds great joy in working with infants and toddlers. Born and raised in Portland, Jamaica, she brings a nurturing and thoughtful approach to early childhood education. She especially loves how young children are natural explorers—eager to discover the world around them in their own unique and special ways. Ms. Verna is passionate about creating a safe, engaging environment where each child can thrive and grow at their own pace. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her beloved grandchildren, which brings her endless joy and inspiration.

Mr. Zamier joined The Goddard School of Laurel in May 2025, bringing with him a strong background in supporting others through his bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Lock Haven University. He brings a calm, thoughtful presence to the classroom and is passionate about helping children grow in a supportive and engaging environment. In his free time, Mr. Zamier enjoys reading books, relaxing with his family, and attending limited screenings at local theaters. He’s also excitedly preparing for a new chapter—welcoming his first son at the beginning of June! His gentle spirit and dedication make him a wonderful addition to our Goddard family.

Ms. Gitanjali joined The Goddard School of Laurel in May 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education. She previously spent seven years at The Goddard School in Silver Spring and holds a 90-hour Maryland State Child Care Certificate. Originally from India, Ms. Gitanjali earned her bachelor’s degree along with a one-year diploma in teaching, and she brings that strong educational foundation into her classroom each day. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with children—something that brings her great joy both in and out of the classroom. Her kind heart, dedication, and love for learning make her a valued member of our Goddard family.

Trinity McCoy joined The Goddard School of Laurel in March 2025 and brings over six years of continuous teaching experience. She has worked with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and even led summer camp programs, making her a well-rounded and passionate educator. A proud graduate of Paint Branch High School, Trinity completed several early childhood development courses and is now continuing her education at the Howard University. Her love for teaching comes from growing up in a big family as the middle child of eight, where caring for others came naturally. In her free time, Trinity enjoys making people laugh and indulge in a little retail therapy. Her vibrant personality and deep love for children shine through in everything she does!

Mr. Dajuan joined The Goddard School of Laurel in May 2025, bringing with him a strong background in working with young children through his previous experience as a track coach for ages 3 to 7. He is currently enrolled at Montgomery College, where he is studying psychology with the goal of deepening his understanding of child development. Mr. Dajuan has a natural energy and enthusiasm that shines in the classroom, and he loves helping children grow through movement and positive encouragement. In his free time, he enjoys working out and continuing his passion for coaching. His uplifting spirit and commitment to youth development make him a valued part of our Goddard team.

Ms. Tarmia joined The Goddard School of Laurel in June 2024 and has been a wonderful addition to our team. A graduate of Bladensburg High School, she is currently working toward obtaining her senior staff qualifications to become a lead teacher. Tarmia has a natural love for working with children and even spends her weekends babysitting! Her warm, caring personality shines through in everything she does, both in and out of the classroom. In her free time, she enjoys going out with friends and catching up on sleep. Tarmia brings a fun, energetic spirit to the classroom and is always ready with a smile!

Ms. Savannah joined The Goddard School of Laurel in April 2025 and has quickly become a vibrant part of the team. She is a proud graduate of KIPP College Preparatory and is passionate about empowering young minds through Goddard’s inquiry-based approach to learning. Savannah thrives on creating engaging, thoughtful experiences that help children grow with confidence and curiosity. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading and dancing, always finding joy in movement and imagination. She looks forward to building meaningful connections with her students, colleagues, and families, and bringing positivity and purpose into each day.

Ms. Maddi joined The Goddard School family in January 2025 and has loved being part of such a warm and welcoming community. She is currently working toward her lead teacher certification and holds a lifeguard and first-aid certification. Passionate about education, Maddi is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in history and education at Montgomery College, with plans to transfer to the University of Maryland in the spring. She is excited to continue growing both personally and professionally in the early childhood field. When she’s not in the classroom, Maddi enjoys catching up on her favorite TV shows, playing games, and getting in some well-deserved rest. She’s always up for a good laugh and loves bringing positive energy into the classroom every day.