Our Goddard School Teachers

Hello, we are extremely proud to be the onsite owners of The Goddard School of Clinton and of Long Hill Twp. Our own children attended the Goddard School in Clinton, and we were so impressed with Goddard’s approach to early childhood education that we decided to open our own Goddard School in Long Hill Twp in 2019. Since then, we have been dedicated to providing local families with the same high-quality education and care that our own children received. We understand that each child is unique and has their own individual needs and strengths, and we work closely with our team of early childhood educators to create a personalized learning experience for each student. Above all, we are dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive and develop a lifelong love of learning. We believe that early childhood education is the foundation for a successful future, and we are committed to providing local families with the best possible start in life.

Marissa is a highly skilled and dedicated professional at The Goddard School in Clinton, where she has made significant contributions to the growth and development of the school community. Holding a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, which she earned in 2016, Marissa brings over a decade of experience working with children in both private and childcare settings. Her career spans a wide range of roles, beginning in 2006, where she has worked with children of all ages, fostering an environment of learning, growth, and safety. Before being promoted to Director in June 2022, Marissa worked as a preschool teacher and Assistant Director at several educational institutions, where she honed her skills in leadership, classroom management, and curriculum development. She is certified in CPR and First Aid, and participates in ongoing professional development to ensure that she meets the highest standards of care and safety.

Dominique is a dedicated and highly experienced member of The Goddard School team, with over 25 years of expertise in early childhood education, spanning from Infants to Pre-K. She began her career as an assistant in the infant room and worked her way up, taking on lead roles in various age groups before settling as the Lead Teacher in the Pre-K classroom. Dominique currently serves as the Assistant Director, where she plays a key role in staff training and ensures the smooth operation of all classrooms. Dominique holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Preschool/Pre-K, demonstrating her deep knowledge and commitment to early childhood development. She is certified in CPR and First Aid, and maintains up-to-date background checks, reflecting her dedication to creating a safe and nurturing environment. Passionate about ongoing professional development, Dominique is deeply invested in the growth of both the children she teaches and the staff she supports.

Shahreen Ahmad, Regional Director for Goddard Long Hill and Clinton, brings over a decade of experience in Early Childhood Education. With a Bachelor's in Finance and dual Masters in Early Childhood Education and School Building Leadership, she has successfully led educational programs across six sites. Shahreen’s student-centered approach, honed through her roles as a teacher and Assistant Principal in NYC, has driven significant improvements in social-emotional and academic outcomes. A dedicated educator and mother of two, she’s passionate about nurturing inclusive environments where every child’s voice is heard.

Carlene has been an integral part of The Goddard School since the school opened, bringing over 10 years of experience in early childhood education, working with children from infancy through preschool. She began as an assistant teacher and, through her dedication and hard work, advanced to the role of lead teacher. Certified in CPR and First Aid, Carlene prioritizes the safety and well-being of the children in her care. She remains current with all required background checks and professional training. Her commitment to creating a nurturing and supportive environment makes her an invaluable member of our team.

Noha brings a wealth of experience working with children, with a strong foundation in early childhood education. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Preschool Education and is currently pursuing her Early Childhood Associates degree to further expand her expertise. Noha is CPR and First Aid certified, and she remains committed to staying current with all required trainings and background checks. Her dedication to professional development ensures the highest level of safety, care, and support for the children she works with.

Brianna brings over 12 years of experience working with children and holds an associate's degree in science, with plans to pursue a bachelor's degree. She is passionate about teaching children new skills and empowering them to apply their learning independently. Brianna has volunteered as a rugby coach for young players, ages 4 to 8, where she developed her ability to nurture growth, confidence, and teamwork. She is CPR and First Aid certified and remains current with all required training and background checks, ensuring a safe and enriching environment for the children she works with.

Diana joined the Clinton Goddard team in October 2022, bringing with her over 15 years of experience in childcare. She holds her CDA (Child Development Associate) and has been with The Goddard School since 2015. Her expertise is primarily with infants and toddlers, and she truly enjoys the morning meeting, where she helps set the tone for the day. Miss Diana is CPR and First Aid certified and stays up to date on all required trainings and background checks, ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in her care.

Alexandra joined the Goddard Clinton team, bringing over 20 years of experience in working with children. Prior to this, she spent 19 years at another Goddard School, where she developed a deep passion for engaging with children and supporting their learning journeys. Alexandra is CPR and First Aid certified, and she ensures that she is always up-to-date on all required trainings and background checks. In her free time, she continues to nurture her love for working with children, supporting their growth and development.

Amy is a dedicated Assistant Teacher with over 15 years of experience working with young children. She is currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education at Raritan Valley Community College, furthering her expertise in the field. Amy has taught children ranging from toddlers to pre-kindergarten, fostering a positive and nurturing learning environment. She holds CPR and First Aid certifications and stays current with all necessary trainings and background checks, ensuring the safety and well-being of every child in her care.

Jessyka began her career working with children in 2008 as a babysitter and has since gained extensive experience in early childhood education. She has worked as an infant and toddler teacher and as a behavior technician (BT). In 2018, Jessyka earned her Infant and Toddler Child Development Associates (CDA) certification, further enhancing her expertise. She is passionate about fostering creativity and learning through singing, art, and sensory activities, believing these experiences are essential for young children's cognitive, emotional, and motor development. Jessyka is dedicated to providing a nurturing, engaging environment that encourages exploration and growth.

Alyssa joined The Goddard School of Clinton in 2024, bringing valuable experience from both formal childcare settings and babysitting. She is currently enrolled in school, stays current with all required training, and is certified in CPR and First Aid. Alyssa is passionate about early childhood education and enjoys creating engaging, hands-on experiences that make learning fun. She takes pride in making children smile, helping them build meaningful memories, and supporting their growth as they develop a strong academic foundation.

Erika brings over 20 years of experience working with children to the Clinton Goddard School. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) in preschool and pre-K, along with CPR and First Aid certification. Erika previously spent three years at another Goddard School before joining our team. Passionate about encouraging children to express themselves creatively through art, she also enjoys incorporating Spanish into daily activities, games, and songs. Erika is dedicated to providing a fun, nurturing, and engaging learning environment, helping each child grow and reach their full potential.

Alexis holds both an Associate's and Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and has completed two years of student teaching in kindergarten and fourth grade through East Stroudsburg University. With a strong passion for early childhood development, Alexis is committed to nurturing a love for reading and conducting hands-on science activities that inspire young learners. She is CPR and First Aid certified and maintains current training and background checks to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.

Isabel is a dedicated early childhood educator with a deep passion for supporting and nurturing children, especially during their formative years. A Valedictorian graduate, she is currently pursuing an Associate's Degree in Pre-Medicine. Isabel chose early childhood education as her career path due to her commitment to fostering growth and development in young children. She is CPR and First Aid certified and stays up to date with all required trainings and background checks to ensure the highest standard of care and safety for the children she serves. With her dedication to both education and child well-being, Isabel strives to create a positive, safe, and enriching environment for every child she works with.

Kelly joined The Clinton Goddard School in June 2024 and has been working with children since she was 16. She chose to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education because of her deep love for children and her fascination with watching them develop their unique personalities. Kelly believes that this stage of life is crucial for children's growth, and she is dedicated to helping them learn and thrive. Outside of her work, Kelly stays active in her professional development, remaining CPR and First Aid certified, and ensuring she is up-to-date with her yearly training and background checks.

Seema joined the Goddard School in June 2024. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Economics, she has been working with children since 2009, starting with tutoring in arts, crafts, and Hindi before moving into childcare in NJ. Inspired by her daughter’s childhood, Seema chose Early Childhood Education for her love of nurturing and teaching children. She is CPR and First Aid certified and stays up to date with her yearly trainings and background checks.

Maria is a dedicated and compassionate educator at The Goddard School. Growing up in a large family, she developed a deep love for working with children from an early age. Her experience as a nanny and community babysitter further strengthened her passion for childcare, leading her to pursue it as a full-time career after graduating high school. Maria is CPR and First Aid certified and remains current with all mandatory state trainings. She loves using her experience and knowledge to create meaningful connections with the children in her care, helping them learn, grow, and thrive in a nurturing environment.

Brian brings over five years of experience working with children in various capacities, including as a swim instructor, inclusion coach, Pre-K support teacher, girls' varsity swim team coach, and substitute teacher. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Centenary College and is CPR and First Aid certified. Brian is committed to creating a positive and supportive environment for children, and is up to date on all necessary background checks, clearances, and trainings. Excited to join the Goddard team, he looks forward to contributing to the growth and development of the children in his care.

AnneMarie brings 20 years of experience working with children of all ages and abilities in a variety of settings. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and stays current with all state and Goddard training requirements. Passionate about fostering growth and learning, AnneMarie loves the innocence and curiosity of children. She cherishes the moments when they discover something new and believes in the saying, “From the mouths of babes,” as their adorable and unexpected remarks always bring a smile to her face.

Sofia is a dedicated and experienced educator with 10 years of working with children of all ages. She has completed four years of psychology and inclusion courses and remains up to date on all required trainings. Passionate about fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment, Sofia loves the excitement and unpredictability that each day brings. She enjoys actively engaging with children, supporting their growth, and assisting with daily care routines and activities. Her goal is to create a positive and enriching learning experience for every child.

Haley joins The Goddard School with hands-on experience working with children of various ages, including her time as a cheer coach throughout high school and assisting in kindergarten classrooms. In those roles, she supported lesson planning and helped create effective classroom environments. Haley is current with all mandatory state and Goddard training courses. She is passionate about working with children and finds deep purpose in being part of their growth. Inspired by their creativity and honesty, Haley loves seeing the world through their eyes as they build confidence and discover their unique strengths.

Mckenzie joined The Goddard School of Clinton in 2025, bringing with her valuable experience as an assistant teacher and summer camp counselor. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Childhood Studies. McKenzie is up to date on all required training and is certified in CPR and First Aid. She is passionate about creating an inclusive learning environment where every child is given the opportunity to succeed. Mackenzie believes in recognizing and supporting each child’s unique needs and abilities. She encourages curiosity and exploration through thoughtfully planned lessons, engaging activities, and meaningful play.

Sharon joined The Goddard School of Clinton in 2025, bringing with her extensive experience in early childhood education, particularly with preschool-aged children. She is CPR and First Aid certified and maintains all required professional training. Sharon is passionate about fostering a nurturing and engaging learning environment where children feel happy, supported, and inspired to explore. She believes that every child is a natural thinker, and she encourages curiosity by welcoming their questions and guiding them toward discovery. Her dedication to early education is rooted in her belief that joyful learning lays the foundation for lifelong success.