Our Teachers

Mary has been working with children for about thirty years. Six years ago, she joined Goddard as the founding Director in Millburn. Mary served children in Charter Schools for nineteen years. She has led academic success in schools as an Executive Director, Chief Academic Officer, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Professional Development & Principal. Throughout the years, Mary has provided professional development for principals and teachers on the use of research-based instructional practices, bilingual & dual language instruction, data analysis to increase student achievement, curriculum planning and behavior management, and other topics that impact teaching, learning and school operations. As a mother, grandmother and educator, she believes young children need a safe and nurturing environment that allows them to explore and learn through fun experiences that honors their individual needs and preferences while focusing on their natural sense of wonder.

Laura is a graduate of Columbia University’s Teachers College and The Pingry School where also she taught English, leadership, and mindfulness for ten years, Laura's vision is that "the classroom should simultaneously prepare our children for the world and make the world better." To serve this mission, in Millburn and Maplewood Goddard Schools, “we help our children become strong, empathetic communicators who thrive in diverse communities.” While many may overlook the importance of the first five years, Laura understands that this is the critical time when we establish the foundation and trajectory of a person’s whole life. In fact, "moment for moment there is no bigger impact we can make on a person's life, and the world, than the first few years" says Laura. "Goddard Millburn is not just a daycare, we are a school that seeks to transform the world, one child at a time." Laura is the mother of five young daughters and cares for all children as her own.

Ms. Khyati has been working with young children for eight years as a teacher and school leader. She has a Bachelors in Engineering and Human Services. Her passions for working with our youngest learners enables her to support our teachers and students to ensure that we focus on inquiry, explorations and a fun learning environment. She believes that through active engagement, meaningful inquisitive activities and communication, children can thrive, learn and grow to be life long learners. Empowering teachers to guide children's learning and tap into their natural curiosity is an incredible feeling and sense of accomplishment for her and the teachers she supports.

Ms. Maria has been teaching in early child education for many years across ages - infant, toddler, preschool and prekindergarten. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from New Jersey City University and Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She also holds two Child Development Certificates in Preschool, infant, and toddler. When asked what her teaching approach is at The Goddard School she states: “it is important to lead by example”. She teaches her children the importance of communication and kindness. Using books and activities from our Life Lesson Library, Ms. Maria knows that she is helping students develop their critical thinking skills that will impact their ability to communicate and advocate for themselves.

Ms. Anabelle is a lead English teacher with 13 years of experience and holds a Children's Development Associate. Her teaching philosophy is “to allow each child to have a safe space where they can learn in the way that suits them best”. She has worked with children with autism and has found it a rewarding experience by seeing every child gain confidence through the tools she has used in her classroom. She loves stepping outside of the box with her instruction and ensuring that children have fun while learning. She believes the trilingual program The Goddard School of Jersey City offers brings so much more diversity to the curriculum which allows students to grow, learn and thrive.

Ms. Karina, is one of our lead English teachers and has been working in education for the last 11 years working with children ages 3 months- 5years. Ms. Karina had the opportunity to train and work at the Goddard School in Maplewood, NJ in the Infant room. She is currently in the process of furthering her education with a focus in Early Childhood Education. She says what she likes most about being a teacher is “I’m able to inspire students to strive to success by building lasting relationships with them”. She loves being part of the Goddard School because of its Wonder Of Learning curriculum, which provides us with the ability to get to know our students needs and teach them through small groups. During this time she loves getting to customize activities to encourage children to ask and answer question’s, so they get to explore.

Ms. Delia has been teaching in early child education for many years across ages - infant, toddler, preschool and prekindergarten. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology and has always had a passion for working with young children. She says what she loves most about teaching is "being a guide that allows students to explore and develop their curiosity. Each moment of discovery, each breakthrough, feels like a shared triumph, and it's incredibly rewarding to know that I'm helping to shape their personal journey". She is excited to be part of the Goddard School Jersey City team to help the students thrive.

Ms. Altagracia is a Lead Spanish Teacher in our infant classroom. With almost two decades of prior teaching experience. She holds an Associates Degree from the Dominican Republic and a Child Development Associates in Infants. Ms. Altagracia believes that a strong, loving bond between the teacher and child is the best foundation for helping young learners thrive. She recognizes the primary importance of the development of children’s social emotional skills. Ms. Alta strives to make a positive impact on students lives by making personal connections with her students to help them grow and learn. Ms. Altagracia is excited to bringing her passion in helping children thrive at The Goddard School!

Ms. Elizabeth is a Spanish Teacher at the Goddard School Jersey City and holds a Bachelor’s in Education. She has had the opportunity to train and work and the Goddard School in Maplewood, NJ and has worked with Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers and Pre-K. When asked about why she loves working at Goddard Jersey City, Ms. Elizabeth highlights the commitment to health and safety as well as the focus on active engagement in the classroom. Positive and consistent teacher student interactions create a fun learning environment. Most of all, “I love seeing the joy and excitement on a child’s face when they learn something new in class.”

Ms. Katherine has been teaching in educational childcare for more than fifteen years with children of all ages - infant, toddler, preschool and prekindergarten. She earned her bachelor's in Education from Universidad Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and her certification in Early Childhood Education from University of Maryland, College Park. When asked what energizes her most about teaching in the toddler program at The Goddard School she states: “I love to connect with students and watch them grow into great people. I get excited about making a difference in their lives every day.” Ms. Katherine believes that “teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best!” (Bob, Talbert). Ms. Kathy has been working with Goddard since 2018. She was a founding faculty member at the Goddard School in Millburn, NJ. Being able to continue her passion for working with young children at The Goddard School of Jersey City motivates her to be the best toddler teacher she can be!

Ms. Venice, a Lead English Teacher in our Toddler program, has been with Goddard Millburn for several years. Holding a Bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University, and a passion for early childhood care, Ms. Venice is acquainted with designing lesson plans that engage children and help them learn through play. When asked about her favorite time of day, Ms. Venice mentions that “lunch time provides students with the opportunity to interact with each other in a different way. I love seeing my children use their communication skills and talk about things that interest them.” In terms of what she loves about working at Goddard Millburn, she says “this School is like my family. Our administration supports faculty and makes sure we have all the things we need to achieve success. The school is not only well-maintained, it is also a safe place for children and faculty.”

Ms. Verushka is a Lead Spanish Teacher in our Pre-School program with experience both as a classroom teacher and an educational psychologist. When asked about her goal as a teacher, Ms. Verushka says that she "wants to make a lifelong mark on her students and be the teacher who looks and listen in addition to teaching." Her favorite time of day is small-group work because it provides her with the opportunity to give children even more personalized attention. With regard to our Wonder of Learning Curriculum, Ms. Verushka celebrates that it is "dynamic and versatile, and can be adapted to each child." Also she sees that her students have greater autonomy and self-confidence as a result of the Reggio-inspire approach and engaging lessons. Ms. Verushka is a nurturing and inspired teacher who loves working at The Goddard School of Millburn.

Ms. Wendy, a Lead Spanish Teacher in our infant program, comes to Goddard with over 20 years of experience and professional development through the Child Development Associates program. A loving, hardworking, creative, talented teacher who goes above and beyond on a consistent basis, Ms. Wendy builds strong relationships with her children by teaching them how to respect and have patience with one another. When asked about whys she loves our Wonder of Learning Curriculum, Ms. Wendy says because it really is setting a foundation for life-long learning. Ms. Wendy shared that she “loves seeing their faces light up when they are learning something new.” Wendy believes that offering consistent positive affirmations to students can build a strong foundation for teaching them the excitement of learning.

Ms. Alisha has worked in education for over 15 years, she holds a Bachelor’s in psychology and an Associate’s degree in early childhood education. She has worked as an education director and lead teacher prior to coming to The Goddard School. Her teaching philosophy is “creating an environment in which children feel valued and respected. I believe the child’s social and emotional development are key factors in learning, alongside their academic endeavors”. When asked about why she loves our Wonder of Learning Curriculum, she says it provides opportunities for children to explore their natural curiosity while engaging in activities that help them develop more knowledge and skill.

Ms. Chelsea is a Preschool Teacher that speaks both Spanish and English with over 5 years over teaching experience. She has a Bachelor’s in psychology and has focused her career on developing young learners. She believes “that with hard work, kindness, and love, children will rise to the occasion and have bright and successful futures”. Ms. Chelsea focuses on the importance of student-driven inquiry and hands-on-experiential learning. Her favorite time of day is Learning Lab because it allows her to observe and connect with each student as she guides them in the learning process.

Ms. Vinna is a Lead Mandarin Teacher for the Jersey City school holding a BA in foreign language education. Ms. Vinna’s main objective is to create a learning environment rich in culture and resources so children can learn through fun and engaging activities. She believes that the classroom should help children make decisions for themselves that develop their self- confidence and improve their critical thinking skills. Ms. Vinna feels so happy to be at The Goddard School where she believes that her work makes a huge impact!

Ms. Julia hold a Bachelors degree from Brooklyn College. She has been working with young children for over 6 years. Ms. Julia is able to speak Spanish and American Sign Language. She believes that regardless of the child's age, the classroom environment must value curiosity, kindness and respect. Children must feel safe to express themselves and explore all the fun learning opportunities that will develop a love for learning.