Our Teachers

My name is Marisha Leber. I am the Onsite -Owner at The New Market Goddard School. I graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies and Masters in School Counseling. I have a personal connection to Goddard as it has been a part of my life for over 10 years. In 2009, I was a Preschool Teacher at the Goddard School in Urbana and overtime all 3 of my children attended the Goddard School. I am grateful to all our families for allowing The Goddard School of New Market to be a part of their children lives and experience a fun learning environments.

My name is Kristin Knezel and I am the New Market Goddard School Executive Director. For the last 12 years, I have worked at the Goddard School of Urbana, MD. From 2009-2015 I worked in various classrooms from toddlers to Pre-K and from 2015-2022 I was the Director of Operations. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education from Shippensburg University. I am very excited for the opportunity to open a brand-new school while bringing my extensive knowledge from both teaching and directing to the New Market Goddard School.

My name is Stephanie Jones and I am the new Assistant Director at the New Market Goddard location. An Ijamsville native, I graduated from University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Studies and have been working with children for as long as I can remember. Over the past year I have been at our partner location, The Goddard School of Urbana as a pre-k teacher for the 2021-2022 school year and prior, spent 3 years teaching in the preschool program. In between I was the Director at Kidville, a children’s enrichment facility in Rockville, where I did everything from teaching to operations and management. Now residing in Lake Linganore, with my husband and 2 boys, I am looking forward to bringing my love for children and passion for early childhood curriculum to our community.

My name is Ms. Makayla. I have been working with children since 2019. I pursued my education through online college courses and am now a Maryland Certified Lead Teacher for Preschool and Infant/Toddler. I decided to join the education field because I love to create a bond with children, be able to make a change in their lives, and they never fail to put a smile on your face even on your worst days. I am so excited to watch your children grow and succeed!

My name is Ms. Jenna. I have worked with children since graduating from high school and I love every second. I have continued my education and am a Maryland Certified lead teacher for Preschool and Infant/Toddler. I am so excited to get to know all the babies in my room and give them a caring and nurturing environment. I’m so grateful to have a job full of sweet laughs and smiles!

Hi, my name is Kailana. I am a Goddard graduate and am so excited to start my career journey working in a Goddard School. I grew up helping to take care of children. My mother has worked for Goddard for over 14 years and some of my best memories were of going to school with her and helping in her classroom. I am currently in high school and am taking child development classes this semester. I look forward to meeting all of the wonderful Goddard families and children.

Hi, my name is Michelle and I’ve been working with children for over 20 years. I have worked with every age group in a center. I am a Maryland Certified Lead Teacher and am qualified to work with every age group. I currently hold an Infant/Toddler CDA and am in the process of going back to school to pursue my degree in early childhood education. I’ve been married for over 16 years to my amazing husband. We have no children but love spoiling our nieces and nephews. I love working with children and teaching them to reach milestones as they grow.

Hi, my name is Ms. Haley. I recently started working as a floater at the Goddard School in January and I love it! I am a student at Oakdale High School and have been taking child development classes for the past 2 years. I can't wait to continue to get to know all the kids and watch them learn and grow.

Hello, my name is Kesha. I joined the Goddard School of New Market in August of 2023, and I am so excited to be a part of this amazing team. I have many years of early childhood development experience from the age of 6 weeks to 4 years old. I absolutely love being an infant and toddler teacher :) I have my associate degree in art/Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix. I have been married for over 28 years to my wonderful husband. We have 3 grown children and 2 yorkies. I look forward to getting to know all my families.

Hi, my name is Caitlyn and I’m excited to be part of the Goddard family. I have been working with children since 2010. I graduated from Frederick Community College in 2016 with an associate degree in early childhood education and Frostburg State University in 2018 with a bachelor’s in liberal arts with a focus in education. I enjoy reading and experimenting with art and love to bring these hobbies into the classroom. Outside of work, I am a baton twirler and enjoy playing video games online with my friends.

Hi, my name is Jess and have my bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland. I have worked with children on and off since 2018. I love working with children and helping them experience new and exciting things in the classroom. I look forward to working with all of the children in my class and their families.

Hi, my name is Kayla, and have been part of the Goddard family since 2022. I love that I get to come to work each day and watch the children in my class learn and grow. I am engaged and getting married later this year. I am so excited to be a part of the Goddard family.

Hi! My name is Karley Thompson and I am a teacher’s aide here at the New Market Goddard school. I am currently working on my general studies major at Frederick Community College where I have plans to transfer to a four year university after finishing my first two years. I have always been interested in working with children, and when I first started helping my sister babysit I knew I loved making deep connections with the children, and watching them grow their own beautiful personalities. I am so excited to help in each classroom that I am needed and guide your children on the pathway for success.

Hello, Goddard Families! My name is Ms. Natalie. I have been working in childcare as a Maryland Certified lead teacher with all ages over the last five years and have loved every minute. My favorite part of teaching is watching a student have that “lightbulb” moment and feel proud of their accomplishment. I am proud to be a part of the Goddard community and look forward to helping your children grow!

Hello Goddard Families! My name is Ms. Caleigh. I started working in childcare in 2022, but I have been babysitting for family/friends since I was 16. I have previous experience working with two- and three-year olds. I think that my favorite part about teaching is getting to watch these kids grow, learn, and succeed in ALL aspects as they experience exciting & new things. It’s such an honor to play such an active & crucial role in shaping the young minds of the future. I look forward to getting to know all my kiddos and their amazing families.

Hi! My name is Camryn. I have been working in child care since 2016. I pursued my education through Frederick Community college and have worked with children of all ages. I joined The Goddard School in December 2023 and can’t wait to get to know all the kids! I love watching children learn how to do new things and grow. When I’m not at work I enjoy being outside either hiking, running or camping. I can’t wait to watch your kids explore and succeed!

Hello Goddard family, I’m Erykah. I have been working in childcare since 2021. I earned my preschool certification when I was in high school and participated in child development for all 4 years. I am a infant/toddler and preschool certified Maryland lead teacher. Currently I love working with the children in my preschool classroom. A little fun fact about me is that I played lacrosse for 10 years and love being outside. My favorite thing to do is visit the beach with my family. I can’t wait to help create an amazing learning environment for each and every student.

Hi, my name is Christin and I have been in the childcare industry for over 16 years. I began my career working in my family-owned childcare. In 2005 I earned my Pre-School lead Teacher certification specializing in Pre-School and Pre-K age groups. In the past year I earned my certification specializing in Infant and Toddler Age groups. I am currently in the process of going back to school to pursue my degree in early childhood education. I was born and raised in the New Market and graduated from Linganore High School. I married my high school sweetheart, and we have two amazing daughters, Kayleigh and Payton. I love working with children and helping them to reach their milestones. Teaching children is my passion, and I am so excited to watch your children grow and succeed!

Hello, my name is Katherine, but everyone calls me Kate. I was born and raised in Frederick County and graduated from Tuscarora High School in 2016. I have my bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMBC and have been working in childcare since 2023. I started out as an aide and am now a lead certified preschool teacher. I have 4 cats and a dog. I love playing video games and spending time with my friends playing board games and going to escape rooms. Fun fact: I took dance for 14 years when I was younger and was a member of the color guard in high school.

Hi! My name is Jamie. I am new to Goddard but have been in childcare for 6 years. I have worked with children of all different ages from infants up to preschool. I love teaching and watching the children learn and grow. Seeing them accomplish and reach milestones is the best! When I am not at school I am hanging with my own little man or staying active in sports. My son is currently enrolled in Goddard and we absolutely love it here. I am so excited for my future at The Goddard School of New Market and to work with your children and help them learn and grow!

Hi Goddard families! My name is Ms. Taylor. I was born in Rockville, grew up near Annapolis, and moved out here to Frederick in April of 2022. I currently live in Ijamsville with my boyfriend of almost three years and we love Frederick. We’re looking forward to getting engaged and married soon and are excited to start a family of our own someday. I graduated from the University of Georgia in 2018, where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree with a minor in Spanish that included a semester of studying abroad in Spain. I absolutely love working with children and have been doing so since I was 12 years old. The majority of my experience comes from substitute teaching in Anne Arundel County Public Schools; I worked as a Kindergarten TA for a year and also subbed in every grade from Pre-K to 6th (mostly Pre-K and grades 2, 3, and 5). I have also run my own summer and winter camps, taught gymnastics and swim lessons, served as Assistant Coach on a local summer swim team back home, and been a nanny

Hello, my name is Ms. Michelle. I was born in Texas, but I have lived in Maryland since I was five. I have my associate degree in general studies from Howard Community College. I have my 90- hours Certification in Infant and Toddlers and my 90 hours in Preschool. Although I have only been at Goddard since 2023, I am not new to childcare. I have been working with children for over 20 years. I love seeing them reach milestones and surpass set goals.

Hi, my name is Jaela. I joined the Goddard school in February 2024. I am a Maryland State certified teacher and 2+ years of previous experience working with children. I also have two children of my own! I look forward to meeting your family and watching the kids grow into the stars that they are!

Hi, my name is Kayla. I am currently studying Early Childhood Education at Carroll Community College. I also currently have my Preschool CDA and I am qualified to teach all age groups from infant/toddler through school age. I have been working with children since 2013. I love working with Pre-K because they are eager to learn, explore, and make new memories!

Hi! My name is Ms. Kalyn. I recently graduated from Frostburg State University with my bachelor’s degree in early childhood/ Elementary Education. I did four internships during my college experience in different aged classrooms. I chose to become a teacher because I love working with children and watching their growth in the classroom. My favorite part is connecting with the children and building relationships with them. Outside of school, I love traveling and going on adventures!

My name is Hailey Bowles. I am a PreK teacher here at The Goddard School of New Market. I started here in the Summer of 2022. I am currently attending West Virginia University and studying (online) Early Childhood and Special Education. In my free time I love shopping and drag car racing. I have a huge passion and love for kids. I am so happy to be a part of The Goddard School of New Market family.

My name is Emma. I’ve been working with children since 2019. I have experience teaching toddlers to school age. I enjoy getting to know each child’s individual personality and love how much joy they bring to me on a daily basis. I live in Mount Airy and graduated from Urbana High School. Something you may not know about me is I love animals and I pet sit part time! I’m excited to get to know your children and watch them grow each and every day.

Hello, my name is Emily. I was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, but my my family is originally from Puerto Rico. I have been with Goddard since 2021. I live in Damascus with my husband and my son Lucas. I have two dogs, Bella and Bandit. We love to go hiking and swimming. I graduated from UMBC in 2020 with my bachelor’s degree in psychology, and am currently working on my Master’s. My childcare career started shortly after high school around 2011, babysitting around my neighborhood and family members. On Sundays I taught Sunday School in my church which started my love for teaching. I became a teacher to help future generations grow. I love watching them get excited to learn, and I love being a part of that excitement. I still babysit as well as dog-sit from time to time. I am super excited to continue my career here at New Market and help form the minds of children.