Our Goddard School Teachers

Amy is the on-site owner & leader of The Goddard School of Fairfield, NJ, bringing over 30 years of experience in Early Childhood Education & Educational Leadership to our preschool, toddler program, & pre-kindergarten classrooms. She began her journey with the Goddard brand in 2006 as a Director and opened our Fairfield location in 2013. Under her leadership, the school has earned Goddard’s Circle of Excellence recognition, placing it among the top-performing schools in the system. A graduate of Rowan University with a degree in Elementary Education, Amy is committed to high-quality early childhood education & fostering strong child development. As a mom of six, she understands the importance of creating a nurturing, learning environment where children and families feel valued and connected. Outside of school, Amy enjoys traveling, cruising, Disney World, & running, having completed several marathons, bringing the same energy, dedication, and passion to our school community each day.

Ms. Renee brings 21 years of experience in early childhood education to The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, joining our team in 2019. She started as an Assistant Teacher and quickly advanced to Lead Preschool Teacher. She has also served as Kindergarten Teacher and Lead Pre-K Teacher before taking her current role in 2022. Ms. Renee holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from William Paterson University and is certified in CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration, and Allergy Readiness to ensure child safety. As a mother, she values creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can thrive. Her dedication, versatility, and deep understanding of child development support our infant, toddler, preschool, and pre-kindergarten programs.

Mr. Brandon is a valued member of The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, leadership team, serving as Lead Educator and Assistant Director while leading his Pre-K classroom. Since joining the school in 2018, he has demonstrated a commitment to early childhood education. He began his career as an Assistant Teacher and advanced to Lead Pre-K Teacher before earning the role of Assistant Director, successfully balancing classroom leadership with school operations. Mr. Brandon holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, a nationally recognized certification, and is certified in CPR and First Aid. He has also been trained in Diversity and Child Care Management. As part of his professional growth, Mr. Brandon completed a course in early childhood development through an online learning initiative of Harvard University. Growing up with eight younger siblings, caring for children is natural to him, and his experience and dedication make him a trusted teacher and leader.

Jennifer joined our team with extensive Early Childhood Education Management and teaching experience. She has nearly 20 years of experience in school operations. Additionally she more than 15 years of teaching experience and taught on several levels from older infants through Kindergarten. While teaching Kindergarten at The Goddard School in Wayne in 2011, she was awarded the national Teacher of The Year for the Goddard Systems franchise. Jennifer has her degree in Psychology from Fairfield Dickinson University. Jennifer is CPR and First Aid certified.

Ms. Ava brings a diverse background in early childhood education, classroom leadership, and administrative support to The Goddard School of Fairfield. With several years of experience as both a Lead Teacher and Teacher Assistant, she has developed a strong understanding of child development, classroom management, and the importance of creating engaging, nurturing learning environments. As our Program Support Specialist, Ms. Ava works alongside our onsite Franchisee, Directing Team, and faculty to support school operations, curriculum implementation, classroom environments, and overall program quality. Her role combines administrative responsibilities with hands-on classroom support, helping ensure that our teachers have the resources and guidance needed to provide exceptional educational experiences. Ms. Ava is passionate about fostering positive relationships, supporting educators, and contributing to a welcoming school community where children, families, and faculty can thrive!

Ms. Kaylee is the Lead Bridge Teacher at The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, and has been part of our team since 2019. With seven years of experience working with children ages 2 to 4 and additional experience at All Care Rehabilitation, she brings a strong passion for early childhood education and child development. Ms. Kaylee holds a degree in Family Studies from Montclair State University, enhancing her knowledge of child and family dynamics. Known for her positive energy and creativity, she creates a joyful, engaging learning environment where each child feels supported and encouraged. Her dedication helps prepare children for success in our preschool and toddler programs, fostering a love of learning and growth.

Ms. Neli joined The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, in 2019, bringing valuable early childhood education experience from the New York Department of Education as a Group Leader and Activity Specialist. She has served as Assistant Pre-Kindergarten I Teacher and Virtual Learning Teacher before becoming our Lead Preschool II Teacher in 2021. Ms. Neli holds CPR and First Aid certification from the Red Cross, as well as certifications in Foundations in Health and Safety through the Early Childhood Education and Training Program and NYS Office of Children and Family Services. Passionate about early childhood education, she creates a nurturing and engaging learning environment where children thrive academically and socially. Outside of school, Ms. Neli enjoys spending time with her cat and dog.

Ms. Sandra is a valued member of The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, having originally joined in 2014 and rejoined in 2022. With a passion for early childhood education and over 35 years of experience specializing in infant and toddler care, she held a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and extensive experience as a teacher assistant. Ms. Sandra creates a nurturing, responsive, and stimulating learning environment where infants feel safe and loved. Her warm, caring approach fosters strong relationships with children and families, providing individualized attention and thoughtful care that lays the foundation for early development and learning. Families trust Ms. Sandra to provide exceptional care in our infant program.

Ms. Grecia is our Lead Toddler II Teacher at The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, bringing six years of experience working with young children. Her dedication earned her Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024, based on parent nominations. Before joining us, she worked as a Youth Development Specialist and Front Desk Coordinator at the Boys and Girls Club and as a family caregiver, developing strong nurturing skills. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Advocacy and Policy at Montclair State University and has completed Allergen Safety training to ensure a safe, inclusive environment. Ms. Grecia’s passion, experience, and commitment make her an invaluable part of our toddler program and early childhood education team.

Ms. Marie has been a cherished member of The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, since its opening in 2013. With over 35 years of experience working with infants and toddlers, she brings extensive knowledge and passion for early childhood education. Before joining our school, Ms. Marie spent 15 years at a corporate childcare center, attending numerous workshops to deepen her expertise. She is also trained in Safe Sleep practices for infants, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment. You’ll often find Ms. Marie’s friendly face greeting families and assisting in our Infant and Toddler classrooms each morning, providing compassionate care to our youngest learners. Marie is also trained in Safe Sleep for Infants.

Ms. Paula is the Lead Preschool I Teacher at The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, joining our team in 2018 with 16 years of experience as a teacher assistant and office assistant at another school. She is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and well-organized learning environment where every child can thrive. Ms. Paula holds CPR and First Aid certifications, is Safe Sleep trained, and is certified in Medication Administration. Committed to continuous professional growth, she has completed several continuing education courses to enhance her skills. Her extensive experience and certifications give families confidence in her ability to support early childhood education and child development in our preschool program.

Ms. Ashley is the Lead Twos Teacher at The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, bringing over ten years of experience as a lead teacher in early childhood education. She is passionate about creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment where toddlers can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. As a mother of three, Ms. Ashley understands the importance of providing a safe and caring space that supports each child’s individual growth. Her extensive experience and personal connection with families allow her to meet the unique needs of every child with compassion and dedication, making her a valued member of our toddler program and early childhood education team.

Mr. Tyler is the Lead Pre-K I Teacher at The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, joining our team in 2022. Before stepping into this role, he gained valuable experience as an assistant teacher and all-school assistant while studying at Montclair State University, where he earned his Filmaking Bachelor’s Degree. Mr. Tyler also served as a Lead Teacher in Maryland, further developing his expertise in early childhood education. Recognized as Teacher of the Month for his dedication, Mr. Tyler is passionate about creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. His hands-on experience and commitment help every child thrive academically and socially in our preschool and pre-kindergarten programs.

Ms. Catherine “Cat” brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, specializing in infant care and development. She has worked in a variety of childcare and preschool settings, supporting children from six weeks through early childhood. Ms. Cat has served in both lead and co-teaching roles, including as a Lead Infant Teacher at a Goddard School, where she implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum, supported milestone growth, and built strong relationships with families. She is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where infants can grow and thrive. With her calm, consistent approach and strong background in infant development, families can feel confident that their children are receiving attentive, high-quality care.

Andrea is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Montclair State University and has earned Dean’s List recognition for her strong academic performance. She brings valuable hands-on experience working with young children in both early childhood and behavioral support settings. Andrea previously served as a Teacher Assistant, where she helped create a nurturing, emotionally responsive classroom environment, supported daily routines, and guided children through engaging learning activities that fostered social, cognitive, and fine motor development. She also has experience as a Behavior Technician, supporting children with autism by implementing individualized treatment plans, using positive reinforcement strategies, and collaborating closely with families and clinical teams. Andrea is CPR certified and is fluent in Spanish. She is passionate about supporting children’s growth, independence, and confidence in a safe and caring environment.

Mr. Kevin is a valued member of The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, bringing prior experience as a Preschool Assistant Teacher at a corporate childcare center. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Psychology from The University of Bridgeport, where he was part of the Honors Program and earned an Emerging Leaders Certification through the Student Leaders Institute. Mr. Kevin’s strong academic background and hands-on experience help him connect with children emotionally and educationally. Named Teacher of the Month in February 2023, he is passionate about fostering a positive, nurturing learning environment where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential. Families trust Mr. Kevin to provide exceptional care and guidance in our preschool program.

Ms. Raquel is the Assistant Pre-K Teacher at The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, bringing over seven years of hands-on experience in early childhood education. She has worked as a student assistant, special education teaching assistant, and completed internships at child care facilities, gaining diverse experience supporting young learners. Ms. Raquel is CPR and First Aid certified and is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive learning environment. She is graduating from Montclair State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Foundations for Elementary Teachers and a minor in Family Science and Human Development. Her passion and education make her a valuable part of our pre-kindergarten and early childhood education team.

Ms. Maria joins The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, with over 25 years of experience in early childhood education and school leadership. She most recently served as a Preschool Lead Teacher at Play Learn Explore Academy, creating engaging, age-appropriate activities and fostering a safe, nurturing learning environment. Previously, she spent over two decades as Assistant Director at Little Ferry Nursery School, managing daily operations, supporting staff growth, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Fluent in English and Spanish, Ms. Maria is known for her warmth, strong communication skills, and ability to connect with families from diverse backgrounds. Her passion for professional development, innovative teaching strategies, and dedication to children’s growth make her an invaluable addition to our preschool community.

Ms. Misty brings a strong background in early childhood education to The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey. She began her journey in the Child Development Program at Passaic County Technical Vocational Schools, building a solid foundation in child development and learning. Ms. Misty has three years of hands-on experience as a Preschool Teacher Assistant with the Center for Family Resources Head Start program. She has also volunteered as a mentor for children with special needs, showcasing her dedication to inclusive early childhood education. Her experience and passion make her a valued member of our preschool and toddler programs, committed to nurturing every child's growth and success.

Ms. Amiyah joined our team after volunteering at a school for two years. She loves to play music and dance along. She even graduated from Rosa Parks High School of the Arts! Ms. Amyiah is currently pursuing her degree in education. She was our January 2023 Teacher of the Month! She is excited to be a part of our team and interact with all of these little smiling faces each day.

Ms. Jayleen joined The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, in 2025, and has over four years of experience as an Assistant Teacher and Assistant Director at a previous early learning center. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Spanish from Drew University. Ms. Jayleen is dedicated to creating a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environment where young children can grow, learn, and thrive. Her background and commitment make her a valuable member of our preschool and early childhood education team.

Ms. Valentina is a graduate of Rowan University and brings previous early childhood experience as a Teacher Assistant at another Goddard School. She has completed professional training in child development, positive guidance, health and safety, emergency preparedness, mandated reporting, and developmentally appropriate practices. Valentina is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn and grow.

Ms. Yare joined our Goddard family with experience working with young children in a Montessori classroom, where she supported hands-on learning, independence, practical life skills, kindness, and peaceful problem-solving. She loves helping children build confidence while creating a nurturing and positive classroom environment. Ms. Yare is currently attending Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her studies, along with her naturally patient, empathetic, and compassionate personality, complement her passion for caring for and supporting young children. She is also bilingual in English and Spanish and brings strong communication, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to our school community.

Ms. Lesly joined The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, in 2024, bringing nearly a decade of experience as a Youth Development Specialist at the Boys & Girls Club, where she has mentored and empowered youth since 2015. She is passionate about early childhood education and dedicated to creating a nurturing, supportive environment where every child feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential.

Ms. Savanah joined The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, bringing four years of experience working with children. She previously served as an Assistant Teacher at a Montessori school and as a swim instructor at a children’s swim school. Through her swim instruction role, she received CPR and lifeguard training, further strengthening her commitment to child safety. Ms. Savanah brings energy, patience, and enthusiasm to the classroom, helping children build confidence, develop new skills, and feel secure in their daily learning experiences.

Ms. Adelina joins The Goddard School of Fairfield, New Jersey, with over five years of experience in early childhood education, working with children from toddlers to preschoolers. She is passionate about creating a warm, engaging learning environment where each child feels supported and encouraged to grow. Previously, she served as a Child Care Teacher at Little Learners Childcare Center and taught at the YMCA in Mountain Lakes, designing age-appropriate activities and hands-on preschool experiences for children ages 3–5. Ms. Adelina is CPR certified, holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, and is pursuing her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Montclair State University. She also has experience supporting children with special needs through volunteer work with the ACES School Counseling program, reflecting her dedication to helping all children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

Ms. Joshualy joined our Goddard family with experience working with children ages 3–8 in private school settings. As a dance instructor, she has planned and led engaging activities that encourage creativity, confidence, self-expression, teamwork, and physical development, while creating a positive and inclusive environment for children. She is currently attending Montclair State University, where she is pursuing studies in Justice Studies and Business. Ms. Joshualy brings strong skills in classroom management, child development, lesson planning, behavior guidance, and communication with families. Ms. Joshualy is also bilingual in English and Spanish and is CPR & AED certified. Her compassionate personality, creativity, and ability to build positive relationships make her a wonderful addition to our faculty.

Ms. Danielle brings a strong background in elementary education and child development to our school. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from William Paterson University and holds a New Jersey Elementary Teaching Certification. Her classroom experience spans multiple age groups and roles, including Kindergarten Teacher, Basic Skills Instructor, Paraprofessional, Fourth Grade Teacher, and Substitute Teacher. Most recently, Ms. Danielle taught Kindergarten, where she created engaging, standards-aligned lessons, differentiated instruction to meet individual developmental needs, and worked closely with families and colleagues to support each child's success. Ms. Danielle also has experience providing individualized and small-group reading and math instruction, supporting children with diverse learning needs, and creating positive, inclusive classroom environments. She is passionate about building strong relationships with children and creating learning experiences.

Ms. Sydni currently attends Montclair State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Political Science. She brings prior experience working with children as an Assistant Dance Teacher and has a strong background in communication, teamwork, and customer service. Sydni is also a member of the National Honor Society of Dance Arts and National Technical Honor Society and earned Dean’s List honors at Montclair State. She has completed training in health and safety, child supervision, positive guidance, and developmentally appropriate practices and enjoys supporting children and teachers throughout our school.