Our Goddard School Teachers

Mrs. Eden has her Bachelors degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Salisbury University. She spent the first five years of her career with Montgomery County Public Schools as both a kindergarten and a second grade teacher. Mrs. Eden has another five years of experience with the Goddard School in Gaithersburg, both as a teacher and as an administrator, before opening the Goddard School in North Bethesda. She is committed to creating a educational program for students that instills an early love of learning. In her free time, Mrs. Eden enjoys musical theatre and spending time with her husband and their dog, Cooper.

Mr. Worley obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, from the University of Maryland and his Master's degree in Engineering from Stanford University. He has Business Administration training from both Georgia State University and The University of Maryland. Mr. Worley has over 25 years of professional experience in Engineering and Business Administration. Mr. Worley and his wife, Jill, have been with Goddard since 2003 and also operate the award-winning Goddard School located in Gaithersburg.

Mrs. Garcia received her Bachelor’s Degree from Towson University and a few years later went on to get her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland. Before coming to the Goddard School, Mrs. Garcia spent 3 years as a public school teacher for Montgomery County where she taught 1st and 2nd grade. Mrs. Garcia was born and raised in Germantown, Maryland. She currently resides in her hometown with her two fluffy dogs, Oliver and Mimi, her husband, Edward, and their daughter Angela, a proud Goddard baby! She enjoys going on hikes with her dogs and loves the beach and the sun!

Mrs. Megan Dade has her Bachelor's degree from Wheeling Jesuit University in Elementary Education and a certification in Special Education, K-12. Prior to joining the Goddard School, Mrs. Dade spent 8 years teaching in private schools as well as 4 years as an Assistant Director at another school in Montgomery County. She currently lives in Greenbelt with her husband.

Ms. Lizzie Drake has her Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. Prior to joining the Goddard School, Ms. Drake spent 6 years teaching preschool through elementary aged students in both Maryland and abroad. She spent 1 year as an Assistant Director at another preschool in Maryland, and 3 years in Public School.

Ms. Lizzy Avey joined us in 2025 as a Lead Teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Millersville University and her MSDE teaching certifications. Ms. Avey joined us with five years of teaching experience, most recently as a Lead Preschool teacher. Ms. Avey lives in Rockville with her husband and dog and enjoys DIY, dancing, and playing the ukelele.

Ms. Cassandre Bauduin joined us in 2025 as a Lead Teacher with five years of teaching experience. She holds her Master's degree in Psychology and her MSDE certifications. Ms. Bauduin lives in North Bethesda with her husband and their two dogs. She loves seeing the impact that she can have on a child's evolution: intellectually, emotionally, and personally.

Ms. Dayana Beltran joined us in 2024 as a Lead Teacher. She joined us with six years of teaching experience, both in North Bethesda and in Columbia, working with all ages. Ms. Beltran holds her MSDE certifications in the Infant/Toddler age group, as well as coursework in special education. She believes that the best part about being a teacher is the privilege of leaving an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of her students, by helping them see that they are loved and capable.

Ms. Raia Butler joined us in 2024 as a FLEX teacher before transitioning into an Assistant teaching position and is now a Lead Teacher! Ms. Butler is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Bowie State University. She joined us with four years of teaching experience working in the field of early childhood education and holds her Maryland State certifications. In her spare time, Ms. Butler enjoys doing hair and art.

Ms. Camacho joined our team in March 2020 as an Assistant teacher and now works as a Lead Infant/Toddler teacher! She is certified through the State of Maryland to teach both Infants/Toddlers and Preschool. Before coming to The Goddard School, she had 4 years of teaching experience working with students aged 6 weeks through 5 years and feels with confidence that her favorite age group is Infants and Toddlers!

Ms. Jean Canong joined us in 2025 as a Lead Teacher. She holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and her MSDE teaching certifications in the Preschool age group. Ms. Canong has two sons, one of whom is a Goddard student! In her free time, she enjoys trying new foods, traveling, and trying new experiences.

Ms. Apoorva Easha joined us in 2026 as a Lead Teacher. She holds her Bachelor's Degree from Visvesvaraya Technological University and her MSDE certifications in both the Preschool and Infant/Toddler age groups. Ms. Easha joined us with two years of experience teaching in the US, ages 2-5. In her spare time, Ms. Easha enjoys doing arts and crafts, listening to music, and spending time with her husband.

Ms. Cindy Giang joined us in 2024 as a Lead Teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County as well as her MSDE Preschool certifications. She joined us with 10 years of experience working with students aged 2 through middle school. In her free time, Ms. Giang enjoys gaming and playing badminton and pickleball.

Ms. Hemnani joined us in 2022 as a Lead Teacher. She has her Bachelor's degree in Education from Seva Sadan College and her Master's degree from RKT College. Ms. Hemnani has 13 years of experience working with students aged Preschool through high school! She lives in North Bethesda with her family. In her free time, Ms. Hemnani enjoys cooking, yoga, listening to music, and spending time with family.

Ms. Margarette Henery joined us in 2026 as a Lead Teacher. She is fully certified through the state of Maryland and joined us with 4 years of teaching experience in the Toddler and Preschool age groups. In her spare time, Ms. Henery loves reading.

Ms. Layla Mathews joined us in 2026 as a Lead Teacher. She holds her Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, as well as her 90-hour certifications. Ms. Mathews joined us with four years of teaching experience with ages 3 months through 7 years. In her spare time, Ms. Mathews enjoys puppy yoga, pilates, and trips to Michaels for scrapbooking supplies!

Ms. Lauren McNeal joined us in 2022 as a Lead Teacher. She has her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Towson University and is fully teacher-certified through the Maryland State Department of Education. Ms. McNeal has experience teaching students aged Preschool through first grade. She believes in creating an environment where students feel safe, so they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

Ms. Sara Owens joined us in 2025 as a Lead Teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College of Maryland and is currently purusing her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Owens holds her MSDE certifications in both the Preschool and Infant/Toddler age groups and joined us with 8 years of experience working with children aged 18 months through 5 years. In her spare time, Ms. Owens enjoys gardening, nature, and hiking with her fiance and their rescued pit bull.

Ms. Kelly Palmer joined us in 2023 as a Lead Teacher. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Coppin State University and joined us with two years of teaching experience. In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, and crafting. She says the best part about being a teacher is watching her students discover something they didn't know before.

Ms. Ingrid de Portillo joined us in 2025 as a Lead Teacher. She holds her CDA as well as her 90-hour certifications in both the Infant/Toddler and Preschool age groups. Ms. Portillo joined us with over 20 years of teaching experience working with students 3 weeks through 2 years. She lives in Rockville with her husband and in her free time enjoys taking walks with her dog, Oreo, sewing, crafting, and cooking.

Ms. Alex VanOrd joined us in 2025 as a Lead Teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Mercyhurst University and joined us with three years of teaching experience in both Pennsylvania and Japan. Ms. VanOrd believes that a teacher's job is to guide children and support their growth not only intellectually and physically, but also socially and emotionally.

Ms. Ashley Xiloj joined us in 2021 as a Lead Toddler teacher. She has her full teacher credentials through the State of Maryland for both Infants/Toddlers and Preschoolers. Ms. Xiloj has two years teaching experience, coming to the Goddard School. In her free time, Ms. Xiloj enjoys spending her time with her dog, Lucy, and playing the piano. To her, the best part about being a teacher is knowing that you are one of the few people to help change and impact children’s lives.

Ms. Hasina Ahmad joined us in 2022 as a FLEX teacher and is now an Assistant Teacher. She is fully certified through the Maryland State Department of Education. In her free time, Ms. Ahmad enjoys reading and going on walks.

Ms. Bernisse Akimana joined us in 2023 as a FLEX teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree from Trinity Washing University and experience with children with diverse learning needs. Ms. Akimana lives in Silver Spring and believes that the best learning environment for children is one where they feel safe and free and explore learning at their own pace

Ms. Mary Assefa joined us in 2025 as an Assistant Teacher. She holds her 90-hour certifications and is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Bowie State University. Ms. Assefa loves seeing her students meet growth milestones! She lives in Rockville with her family and in her free time enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors.

Ms. Gabriella Balsa joined us in 2022 as an Assistant teacher. She has 25 years of experience working with infant through Pre-K students, is fully certified through the Maryland State Department of Education, and has her Associate's degree. Ms. Balsa lives in Rockville with her children and husband. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, spending time with family, and cooking different foods.

Ms. Kyra Howard joined us in January 2024 as a FLEX teacher. She holds her 90-hour certifications in the Preschool age group and joined us with 4 years of experience working with students aged 2-6 years. Ms. Howard lives with her family, including her dog Tulsie, in Bethesda. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing/painting, reading, writing, and exercising.

Ms. Imani Kenya joined us in January 2025 as a FLEX teacher. She holds her 90-hour certifications through the Maryland State Department of Education and is currently pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education from Montgomery College. Ms. Kenya joined us with 9 years of teaching experience with primarily ages two through five. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, painting, and scrapbooking.

Ms. Ashlee Lopez joined us in 2025 as an Assistant Teacher. She joined us with two years of teaching experience with Preschoolers and holds her MSDE certifications in the Preschool age group. In her spare time, Ms. Lopez enjoys spending time with her two cats, Kira and Chester.

Ms. Yaritza Pizarro joined us in 2026 as an Assistant Teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree from Colegio Universitario de San Juan and her MSDE teaching certifications in the Preschool age group. Ms. Pizarro joined us with two years of experience in the US, teaching Preschool-aged students. She believes that building strong relationships with her students is essential to creating a positive learning experience.

Ms. Tawanda Sabbat joined us in 2026 as an Assistant Teacher. She holds her Maryland State teaching certifications and joined us with over 10 years of teaching experience, primarily with ages 3-6. In her spare time, Ms. Sabbat enjoys spending time with her two amazing daughters and relaxing at the beach.

Ms. Stephanie Sanchez joined us in 2023 as a FLEX teacher. She joined our team with 2 years of experience working with students aged 2-6 years. Ms. Sanchez believes the best part of being a teacher is building strong relationships with her students! In her free time, she plays league volleyball and creates pottery.

Ms. Aniya Smith joined us in 2024 as an Assistant teacher. She joined us with four years of teaching experience working with students of all ages, and is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. In her spare time, Ms. Smith enjoys math and roller skating.

Ms. Velasquez joined us in 2024 as a FLEX teacher. She feels that the best part about being a teacher is being able to engage with children and to build a safe environment where students feel comfortable and loved.

Ms. Nataly Vilca joined us in 2025 as a FLEX teacher before moving into an assistant teaching position. She joined us with 2 years teaching experience and holds her MSDE teaching certifications. Ms. Vilca lives in Rockville with her grandmother. In her spare time, Ms. Vilca enjoys spending time with family.

Ms. Chakravarty joined our team in 2021 and is an Assistant Teacher in our Early Preschool program. She has her 90-hour certifications through the State of Maryland and her Bachelor's degree from the University of Calcutta. Ms. Chakravarty believes in building lifelong relationships with her students. She lives in Gaithersburg with her husband and two daughters. In her spare time, Ms. Chakravarty enjoys to listen to music, cook new food, and practice sewing and crocheting.

Ms. Teresa Cruz joined us in 2022 as a FLEX teacher. She has her Bachelor's degree from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Mexico and is credentialed through the State of Maryland. Ms. Cruz loves painting and working with other modes of art. She loves integrating art into the classroom!

Ms. Anjali Finn joined us in 2024 as a FLEX teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree from McDaniel College and her 90-hour certifications in the Preschool age group. Ms. Finn joined us with over 5 years of experience working with students. She lives in Potomac with her family and in her spare time enjoys listening to and singing Indian music.

Ms. Juliana Hernandez joined us in early 2024 as a FLEX teacher, before moving into an Assistant teacher position. She is currently pursuing her Maryland certifications. In her spare time, she enjoys working out and playing with her dog.

Ms. Julissa Hernandez joined us in 2023 as a FLEX teacher. She joined our Goddard family with experience working with students aged 4 months through 8 years. She has her Infant/Toddler certifications and is fully certified in the Maryland State Department of Education. In her free time, Ms. Hernandez enjoys going to the gym with her sister!

Ms. Macrae joined us in 2021 and is one of our Assistant teachers. She has a Bachelor’s degree, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree, both from the University of Maryland. She is teacher-qualified within the State of Maryland! Prior to coming to Goddard, Ms. Macrae tutored and mentored elementary through high school aged students. In her free time, Ms. Macrae enjoys painting scenes from nature, swimming, and hiking. Ms. Macrae lives in North Bethesda with her family, walking distance to our campus!

Mrs. Sravanthi Pitchala joined us in 2024 as an Assistant Teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree from Audi Sankhara Institute of Technology and joined us with two years of teaching experience working with students. Mrs. Pitchala lives in North Bethesda with her spouse and two children. In her spare time, she enjoys growing plants and watching TV.

Ms. Geeta Sahi joined us in 2025 as a FLEX teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree from the University of Delhi and joined us with 5 years of experience working with infants through Preschoolers. Ms. Sahi lives right down the street with her husband and together they have one daughter, in college.