Our Goddard School Teachers

As the owner of The Goddard School in Elmwood Park, I feel incredibly grateful to be part of a community that helps children learn, grow, and thrive every day. Before opening the school, I spent many years building my career in the corporate world, but becoming a mother changed my perspective in the most meaningful way. I am a proud mom who understands how important it is to find a place where your children feel safe, loved, encouraged, and inspired. Like every parent, I wanted the very best for my own children, and that passion naturally grew into wanting to provide the same experience for other families. Creating a warm, nurturing environment for children and building lasting relationships with parents is truly an honor and something I take to heart every single day. My goal is for every family at to feel supported, welcomed, and confident that their children are receiving the care, attention, and education they deserve.

Ms. Kristen joined the family as the Director of Community & Culture, and she brings over 10 years of experience in the early childhood education field. She began her career as an assistant teacher at an early learning center before advancing into an educational coordinator role. Ms. Kristen later transitioned into the public school system, where she worked as a teacher and eventually became a college counselor. Most recently, she served as a center director at two tutoring centers, and we are so excited that she is now a part of the Goddard School community.

Ms. Claudia joined the family as Director of Operations, bringing 13 years of experience in early childhood education. For the past six years, she has served in leadership as an Assistant Director, where she discovered her passion for supporting both teachers and families in creating the best possible learning environment for children. Ms. Claudia holds a bachelor’s degree in World Language and Culture, which strongly influences her approach to education and leadership. She believes that understanding different perspectives and fostering open communication are essential in helping children grow into confident, curious individuals. Dedicated to ensuring every child feels safe, nurtured, and inspired each day, Ms. Claudia is committed to upholding the high standards of excellence that the Goddard School family is known for.

Ms. Lisa proudly cares for and supports our family as the Director of Academics while continuing in her role as the Pre-K Lead Teacher. With over 30 years of experience in the childcare field, she has dedicated her career to nurturing young minds and creating meaningful learning experiences that help children grow, thrive, and succeed. Her passion for teaching is what continues to inspire and fulfill her each day. Ms. Lisa genuinely looks forward to coming to work every morning and spending time with the children in her classroom. Serving both in the classroom and in an academic leadership role allows her to remain closely connected to each child’s daily learning and development while supporting the school’s curriculum and educational goals.

Ms. Freyda is a dedicated Infant Lead Teacher at the Goddard School with a lifelong passion for nurturing and caring for young children. From an early age, she developed a love for caregiving through helping care for her younger siblings and cousins, which inspired her commitment to creating a safe, loving, and supportive environment for every child in her care. In addition to her role at the school, Ms. Freyda also serves as a teacher for 4–5-year-olds at her church and is the Vice President of the Kids Ministry, where she continues to positively impact children’s lives through leadership and mentorship. She is CPR and First Aid certified and remains dedicated to promoting the health, safety, and development of each child she teaches.

Ms. Patricia is a dedicated Lead Teacher who is passionate about creating a positive, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for young children. She is committed to supporting each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth while helping them build confidence and develop a love for learning. Ms. Patricia holds an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and has experience working with children across various age groups, including infants and toddlers. She is CPR and First Aid certified and is passionate about building strong, positive relationships with both children and families. Through her caring approach and dedication to early childhood education, Ms. Patricia strives to make every child feel safe, supported, and encouraged each day at the Goddard School.

Ms. Jessica is a dedicated Lead Teacher in the Young Toddler Program with over 10 years of experience working with children. Originally from New York City, she is a proud mother of three beautiful children, with another baby boy on the way. Ms. Jessica began her journey at the Goddard School four years ago in the Infant classroom as a Teacher Assistant before transitioning into the Young Toddler classroom as a Lead Teacher. Through her dedication and passion for early childhood education, she is committed to creating a nurturing, creative, and supportive environment where children feel safe, confident, and encouraged to explore, learn, and grow each day.

Ms. Celestina is a dedicated Lead Teacher and early childhood education professional with six years of experience working with toddlers. She is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that supports children’s social, emotional, and developmental growth. With patience, consistency, and a caring approach, Ms. Celestina builds strong relationships with both children and families, helping each child feel secure, confident, and ready to learn. She is committed to fostering a positive classroom experience where children can grow, explore, and thrive each day at the Goddard School.

Ms. Alyssa is a dedicated Lead Teacher in the Preschool program with 10 years of childcare experience. Her journey in early childhood education began during her senior year of high school and continued through roles in nannying and early childhood education. She joined the Goddard School family five years ago and has gained valuable growth, patience, and experience throughout her career. Ms. Alyssa is passionate about creating a fun, nurturing, and supportive classroom environment where children feel encouraged to learn, grow, and thrive each day. She looks forward to continuing to learn and grow alongside her students while helping support their academic, social, and emotional development.

Ms. Tia is a dedicated Lead Teacher in the Pre-K program with nearly 20 years of experience in childcare. She is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and thrive each day while creating a warm, nurturing, and supportive environment for every child in her care. As a proud mom of one and a “bonus mom” to two, Ms. Tia values the importance of building strong, meaningful relationships with children and families. She is committed to helping each child feel safe, confident, and encouraged to grow both academically and socially. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Tia enjoys gardening, spending quality time with her family, and cheering on the Eagles and Celtics. She looks forward to continuing to support and inspire the children and families of the Goddard School community each day.

Ms. Rosa is a dedicated Teacher Assistant in the Infant program with 15 years of experience working with children. Originally from Colombia, she has a background as a Nursing Assistant, which has helped shape her caring, patient, and attentive approach to working with babies. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where infants feel safe, loved, and supported each day. Ms. Rosa enjoys incorporating music and dancing into daily activities to make learning fun and engaging while helping children grow and thrive at the Goddard School.

Ms. Gloriosa is a dedicated Teacher Assistant in the Infant program with over 10 years of experience in early childhood education. She is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and positive environment where children feel loved and supported each day. Caring for children, including her own grandchildren, brings her great joy and fulfillment. Ms. Gloriosa is committed to helping each child grow, learn, and thrive while providing families with a warm and caring classroom environment at the Goddard School.

Ms. Cassandra is a dedicated Teacher Assistant in the Young Toddler Program who is passionate about creating a fun, safe, and nurturing environment where children can learn and grow. With experience working with children in both nannying and childcare settings, she enjoys building positive relationships with children and families while helping each child feel supported and cared for every day. Ms. Cassandra is CPR, AED, and First Aid certified and brings patience, creativity, and positive energy into the classroom each day. Outside of work, she enjoys skincare, traveling, and spending time with friends and family at the Goddard School.

Ms. Princess is a dedicated Teacher Assistant in the Toddler Program and is currently in her second year of working in early childhood education. She is passionate about creating a fun, organized, and nurturing environment where children feel supported, engaged, and encouraged to grow each day. Alongside her work in the classroom, Ms. Princess is studying to become a special needs therapist and is working toward a future in ABA therapy. She loves the positive energy children bring each day and feels grateful to be building a career centered around caring for and supporting others. Her strong organizational skills, dedication, and love for family continue to inspire her both personally and professionally at the Goddard School.

Ms. Parker is a dedicated Teacher Assistant in the Preschool program who is passionate about early childhood education and creating a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where children can learn and grow. She is currently pursuing her Associate degree in Early Childhood Education at Bergen Community College and has experience working in both daycare and ABA support settings. Through patience, creativity, and positive interactions, Ms. Parker enjoys helping children build confidence, develop new skills, and feel encouraged each day at the Goddard School

Ms. Rafileidy is a dedicated Teacher Assistant in the Pre-K program with over seven years of experience working in childcare. She is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and succeed while creating a caring, loving, and positive environment where they feel safe and supported each day. Ms. Rafileidy enjoys building strong relationships with children and families and brings patience, kindness, and positive energy into the classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys building Lego sets, traveling, and spending quality time with her family at the Goddard School.

Ms. Eileen is the dedicated Lunch and Activity Assistant with over 25 years of experience in education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Montclair State University and certifications in Art and Elementary Education. Since joining the Goddard School in 2021, Ms. Eileen has enjoyed leading the art program for Preschool and Pre-K students, helping creativity, imagination, and confidence flourish each day. Outside of the classroom, she is a proud mom of two daughters and enjoys crafting, gardening, baking, cooking, and traveling. She loves sharing her passion for art and creativity with young learners while fostering curiosity and self-expression in every child.