Our Teachers

Nicole Harrison is the Owner of The Goddard School of West Orange and of Livingston. As a mother of 4 children, she has always understood the importance of early childhood education. Nicole has a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health as well as a teaching degree in Physical Education and Health. She has many years of experience working in business prior to her teaching path. Nicole and her team are committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for the children in the community. Our unique nurturing approach will give your child the opportunity to develop into a joyful, confident learner who is prepared for success in school and in life.

My name is Larseia. I've been with Goddard since October 2020 and I have my Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and Childcare Management. I have been working in the childcare setting for over 10 years now and come from a family full of educators. I started as a teacher in our West Orange location and moved over to Livingston when we opened our doors in 2022. I love what I do especially when seeing a child's reaction when they learn something new that they can be excited about. The best feeling is entering a school or classroom and having children run over with smiles to give you hugs. I love being someone that not only the children can come to, but faculty as well. I am the person that teachers and parents call over when their kids are having a rough morning and need a little extra help at drop-off and getting into their classrooms. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hello, my name is Madeleine. I graduated from Hamilton College with a degree in Creative Writing. One of my early jobs after graduation was working for a literary agent whose focus was children’s books. This interest in children’s literacy and education then brought me to Hunter College where I earned a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education with a thesis on early literacy. I taught for 10 years at a preeminent Reggio inspired preschool in Manhattan. While there, I was sent to Italy to study Reggio techniques where the philosophy originated, as well as to numerous schools across the country to present and learn about educational theories. Since moving to New Jersey, I have worked with various schools across the state, providing in-class STEAM lessons as well as professional development for teachers and administration. I come to The Goddard School as Early Childhood Education Specialist, bringing my passion, breadth of experience and knowledge.

My name is Ms. Ashley! I have been working in education for 2 years. My favorite children's book is "I am Enough" by Grace Byers. I am a passionate marketing professional with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, specializing in the education sector, driving engagement through innovative strategies and creative campaigns. Skilled in creating impactful content, building strong brand presence, and fostering connections within the educational communities to inspire growth and learning. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ms. T! I am excited to be joining the Livingston team as the office assistant. I have been working in childcare for 10 years. I have my associate degree in education. My favorite children's book is The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. The best part of being in a school is all of the hugs you give out and receive! I love to laugh and giggle, and I try to make others in my presence do the same. My long-term goal is to open my own business. I believe that I can make a positive impact by leading by example and continuously giving positive feedback! I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

My name is Alex. I've been working in childcare since 2016. I have my B.A. in Philosophy and Religious Studies and working towards my Master's in Education. I started over at the West Orange location in 2020 and moved over here to Livingston in 2022. My favorite children's book is Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney. I love to create songs and sing them to the children. I'm a mother of two beautiful daughters and I aspire to be an early childhood director. My friendly and optimistic personality creates a positive environment for my students and coworkers. I am so excited to help my students learn about patience and perseverance. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Bethany Lopez and I have been working professionally with children for 10 years. I started in the Goddard West Orange location in 2020 where I lead the infant room for two years before transitioning to Livingston's infant room when they opened their doors in 2022. I am continuing my education at William Paterson University; pursuing my degree in psychology with a minor in chemistry. My favorite part of teaching is creating a home away from home for all of my students; we are a family here! I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ms. Bertha! I have been working in education for over 1 year. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I am fun, loving and patient. My most loved children’s book is “I Like Myself!” by Karen Beaumont. I make a positive impact on the teaching team here by including more arts and crafts so that we can stimulate the children’s artistic side. Also, i love teaching the children my first language which is Spanish. My long-term professional aspiration is to advance in a career of children’s education. This year I am working to improve my English vocabulary so that I can better communicate and assist the children here at The Goddard Livingston. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ms. Daya! I have been working in education for 3 years. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I create a fun and engaging learning environment, where they feel supported and encouraged. My most loved children’s book is “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam Mcbratney. I make a positive impact on the teaching team by being a teacher who develops all students through love and play. My long-term professional aspiration is to continue my studies in psychology and counseling. This year I would love to learn about advanced child development techniques. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Nancy! I am studying English at Essex Community College. I am just beginning my journey in childcare but it's been amazing so far. My favorite children's book is "Because I had a Teacher" by Kobi Yamada. I love all the children in my care and getting down to their level to play with them. I take pride in being kind and showing patience. My goal this year is to continue building my English language skills and I'm happy to have the support of my Livingston team! I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ms. Sami. I have been working in education for over 8 years. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I always treat them with love and care. My most loved children’s book is “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown. I make a positive impact on the teaching team here by continuing to spread my kind and positive energy because you never know who needs it the most. My long-term career aspiration is to continue to grow in a career I feel there is opportunity. This year I would love to learn how to crochet. In a classroom setting I would love to learn more Spanish to communicate with my fellow students and teachers. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi! My name is Ms. Jay! I have my CDA in early education and my B.S. in business administration. I am a year into facilitated childcare with Goddard Livingston, but I have always loved interacting with children! I won the "Teacher of the Year" award in 2023. I love finding new ways to teach and communicate with them in the languages they need. I love to write children's books about the children I meet and their different personalities. Eventually, I would love to get published. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ms. Bridgett. I've been in education for 12 years. I have completed early childhood education classes. My favorite children's book is Three Little Bears. I love having fun with children and getting down to their level to explore the environment from their point of view. I love watching them progress and being the best teacher I can be. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hello, my name is Darlin. My favorite books are the "Pete the Cat" series. I am currently working towards my bachelor's in psychology. I love finding ways to make learning fun and exciting. I enjoy bringing a warming presence to the classroom. I love learning and hearing from others with experience. My long-term goal is to become a psychologist. This year I want to focus on building healthy teacher-student relationships and teaching other non-verbal methods of communicating. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ms. Ivy! I have 3 years of experience with various ages. I enjoy working with children to build a bond and make a connection with them that help them grow. My long-term goal is t become an ABA therapist. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Yarixa! I have 8 years of experience caring for children. I am super excited to be with my new classroom. My superpower is attending to the needs of each child and helping give structure to their day. My long-term goal is to go back to school for education. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ishana! I have a degree in Business Administration from Morgan State University in Maryland. I have over two years' experience with various ages. I enjoy being a positive role model for kids as well as being someone who genuinely loves. I think that is what makes an amazing an teacher. My favorite childhood book is "If you gave a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Numeroff. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ms. Tati! I have been in education for under a year. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I am very funny, and my smile causes them to smile back. I can make a positive impact on the teaching team here by adding my happy- go lucky and thumbs up attitude to my children and their families. My long-term goal career/professional aspiration would be to go back to school and get my associate’s degree in early child development. This year I would like to learn how to create little games and learning materials for kids that help stimulate their development. What I love about myself is that I light up the room with my smile and that I make people laugh, especially when they are not feeling good. A fun fact about me is I am goofy, silly, unique and outgoing. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ms. Lianna! I have been working in education for 3 years. I started with Goddard in preschool and preK and shifting to the younger classrooms. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I love doing arts, crafting and science projects. My most loved children’s book is “What Feelings Do When No One’s Looking” By Tina Oziewicz. I make a positive impact on the teaching team by being a good team player and continuing to grow with the company. My long-term professional aspiration is to lead my own Pre-K and Kindergarten class. This year I would like to learn more about behavioral management. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi my name is Ana! I have been in childcare for 5 years. My favorite children's book is "Si Tocas un Dinosaurio." I love to listen to music so in the classroom I love to get the kids dancing! My first language is Spanish and my goal is to continue learning English. My long-term goal is to become a lead teacher and continue to support my team and students to the best of my abilities. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ms. Maribel! I have 8 years of experience working in education. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because my children enjoy arts and crafts with me. I also love to bring my daughter to school, she is such an amazing helper. My most loved children’s book is “The Color Monster” by Anna Llenas. I make a positive impact on my teaching team by sharing my ideas but also learning from their ideas. My long-term career aspiration is to become a physical education teacher and own a gym. This year I would love to learn more creative ways to lesson plan. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hello my name is Ms. Jeimy. I joined the Goddard school team in 2025. The reason I became a teacher is because I am a very positive person and enjoy watching the children learn. Watching the children learn their letters and enjoy a good book it puts a smile on my face. My favorite childhood book is "Pete the cat" by James Dean. I enjoy dancing with her friends in her classroom and being silly. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ms. Eva! I have been working in education for 12 years. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I make learning fun. We have a great time together. Their laughter inspires me to bring my best to the classroom. My most loved children’s book is “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae. I make a positive impact on the teaching by being a team player. I love sharing ideas and learning from others. I want to help create a supportive and upbeat environment where we all work together. My long-term career aspiration is to become an early childhood center director/ owner. This year I would love to improve my cooking skills. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ms. Emily! I joined the Livingston location after being over at our sister school in West Orange. I have my B.A. in early literature and my associate in early childhood education. I've been in education for 11 years. I'm a super silly person that loves to laugh! My favorite children's book is "Possum come a-knockin" by Nancy Van Laan. I love helping my students try new things in the classroom. My long-term goal is to become a school administrator. I'm excited to learn more about the Wonder of Learning curriculum and introduce it to our families! In my spare time, I play violin and I'm also a third-degree black belt in karate! I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ms. Sara! I have been working in education for 10 years. I have my bachelor's degree in liberal studies. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I provide a safe, positive and fun environment. My most loved children book is “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss. I make a positive impact on my teaching team by sharing my great ideas and my openness to collaborate. My students being happy in my classroom and coming to Goddard is an accomplishment. My long-term career/professional aspirations are to impact the future generation and allow every child to shine in their own way. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ms. Bridget! I have been working in education for over a year. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I love to look at the world from their perspective and make learning fun. My most loved children’s book is “The Snowy Day.” By Ezra Jack Keats. I make a positive impact on the teaching team here by continuing to be reliable and resourceful. My long-term career aspiration is to advance my career in childhood education. This year I would love to learn how to ski. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ms. Katie! I have been working in a preschool setting for 4 years. I have been working with children of all ages for over 10 years. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I am compassionate, fun, and creative. Connecting with the children and building a loving relationship with each child is so important. My favorite children's book is "In My Heart" by Jo Witek. I can make a positive impact on the teaching team here with a fresh new perspective. My long-term aspiration is to go back to school for my masters in Elementary Education. I currently have my bachelor's degree in environmental studies. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Mr. Alphonse! I have been working in education for over a year. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because love to be hands on with my students by creating materials for them like books, using my own stories! My most loved children’s book is “Someone Loves You.” by Mr. Hatch. I make a positive impact on the teaching team by always being of assistance when needed. My long-term professional aspiration is to become a published children book illustrator. This year I would love to learn more about classroom management. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

I am a dedicated pre-kindergarten teacher with a passion for nurturing young minds and fostering a love of learning. I have my certification as a Child Development Associate, I also attended Essex County College for Early childhood Education. I have over 15 years of education and experience working with children. I love creating warm and inclusive classrooms where all my little learners feel valued and encouraged to explore. I believe that play is an essential part of learning and spend a lot of my time incorporating a variety of hands-on activities, throughout my lessons. I am committed to building strong partnerships with parents and families which I believe is the key to each learner’s success. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hello Goddard Families, My name is Ms. Cynthia and I have been working with children for over 20 years. I studied early childhood development at Bronx Community College. I am a proud mother of three and a grandmother of 2. I love working with children because working with children provides you with the opportunity to develop a new purpose each day! I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hello, my name is Mr. Ryan. I have been in education for 4 years with experiences in working with children from Pre-K to 3rd grade. Some of my hobbies include playing basketball, playing guitar, and making origami. I strive to make the classroom a fun and safe environment where children can play, learn, laugh and grow. My teaching philosophy is that every child has the potential to do great things and that everyone has a different path for success. Everyday I come in with the goal of teaching something new to the class and making an impact that will last a lifetime. I hope to continue to help spread the wealth of knowledge the world has to offer and am excited to work with future students and parents. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Nishii! I am the school's kitchen helper and floater. I spend my time in the kitchen helping prepare snacks and distributing lunches. I also pop in and out of classrooms as an extra support when needed. Please feel free to stop in to say hi! I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Diana! I am a classroom floater. I spend time in classrooms throughout the building as an extra support and set of hands. I love getting to know all the kids in different classrooms and it makes me happy to be able to jump in wherever I am needed. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Ms. Sierra! I am new to education. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I am caring and give all my children a fair chance to express themselves. I can make a positive impact by encouraging my students to always strive to be great and continuing to make learning fun. My most loved children’s book is “The Rabbit Listened.” by Cori Doerrfeld. My long-term career/professional aspiration is to become a psychiatrist. What I love about myself is my personality and everything that makes me fun and kind. A fun fact about me is I don’t know how to swim, that is something I would love to learn this year. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.