Our Teachers

Nicole Harrison is the On-Site 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.

My name is Ashley Slade. I have been working in education for 2 years. My favorite children's book is "I am Enough" by Grace Byers. I love to create a safe environment for the children here through The Goddard Quality Assurance standards. Through my efficiency and time management I can support my team. I love creating fun hands-on experiences for every child each month with our enrichment activities. I graduated from nursing school and my long-term aspiration is to work in pediatrics, while continuing to grow with Goddard Livingston. 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.

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. Amy! I've been in childcare for 13 years. My favorite children's book is "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. I absolutely LOVE babies so I'm excited to start my journey here in the infants classroom! In my free time, I love cooking and baking with my grandchildren. I love being supportive to my fellow teachers and being a team player. 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 Leah! I am apart of the Goddard Livingston infant team. I love being here with the babies and supporting their early stages of growth. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hello, My name is Reina. I am very excited about working at The Goddard School of Livingston. I've been with Goddard for 3 years. I graduated with a B.A in Communications and Media Literacy at Saint Peter's University. I also have experience in early childhood education through school and previous employment. I have always enjoyed working with children. I find that I am really passionate about teaching and engaging with children. I also love to see children learn and thrive in a very positive environment. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Paola! I have been working in education for three years. I have my associate degree in science. I love caring for children and I value having fun and being kind. My long-term goal is to continue my education into the medical field. A fun fact about me is that I am an identical twin! I'm so excited to be working with the team here at Goddard. 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. Jay! I have 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 Ashley! I've been in facilitated childcare for almost a year! I'm in school studying education! My favorite children's book is "Chicken Soup with Rice" by Maurice Sendak. I love finding creative ways to engage and alter the approach to teaching based on each student's individual interests. I want each and every child to feel seen and heard when I am there. I am always ready to sing, dance, and have fun! I am very open and pride myself on having great, warm energy! My long-term goal is to continue to work towards helping and changing the lives of our youth! I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Cassandra Conklin. I have been working in education for 4 years. My favorite children's book to read is "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" By Dr. Seuss. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I help them feel comfortable, happy, loved, and safe. By keeping a positive, loving, and safe environment, it will make a huge impact on their success. My long-term aspiration is to become a child/adolescent Psychologist Art Therapist. One thing I would love to learn this year is how I can become the best version of myself, from those around me. I believe with my determination and team-work I can make a positive impact. A fun fact about me is I have a puppy named Luna. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Tateonah Harris. I am a first-time teacher. 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 mind games and learning materials for kids. I like to be thanked and recognized for my success and hard work by rewards. 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.

Hi, my name is Ms. Stephanie. I am working toward my CDA. I am just beginning my journey in facilitated childcare, but excited to learn! My favorite children's book is "The Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. I love to make people laugh and smile. I am big on teamwork and guidance because having support goes a long way. My long term goal is to become a physical education teacher! I'm looking forward to building bonds with my students and creating memorable moments! I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Sofia Olave. I have been working in education for one year. I also have a degree in multi-media art and graphic design. The Children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I bring a fun and playful personality to a learning environment. My most loved children’s book is “Play with Clay” by Jenny Pinkerton. I can make a positive impact on the teaching team here because I feel that I can connect with the children, and I am always willing to learn while giving my best. My long-term career aspiration is to excel in being an educator with creativity. My personality and my creativity helps me solve many problems. The way I see life, my mom always tells me “Thank goodness, you always laugh.” I like to be recognized for my success, accomplishments and hard work with beautiful words. I love it when I am given the opportunity to prove myself. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Dumtochi Nwoga. I have been working in education for two years. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I provide a warm and comforting environment where they can express themselves. I believe I can make a positive impact on the teaching team by the openness to educate my team on skills within my expertise. My most loved children’s book is “Eloise at the Plaza” by Charlotte’s Web. A fun fact about me is I am an author. I can draw and paint very well. I also am apart of a royal dynasty back home in Nigeria. I have an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. My long-term career/professional aspiration is to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in Oncology. Something I would like to learn how to do this year is learn how to drive. In addition to that, something I love about myself is that I am an empath.

Hi, my name is Sarah Pascale. I have 8 years of experience in Education. I also have my Bachelor of Art in social science and education studies. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I am loving, and we can share silly moments together. My most loved children’s book is “Corduroy” by Don Freeman. I make a positive impact on the teaching team here by always being a team player and being a helping hand in other classrooms. I like to be thanked and recognized for my success, accomplishments, and hard work through kind words and symbols of appreciation. My long -term career/ professional aspiration is to become a lead teacher. What I love about myself is how resilient I am. Also, a fun fact about me is that I am a quadruplet. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Daniela Cruz. I have over 7 years of experience in education. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I am a very crafty person with a bubbly personality. I can make a positive impact on the teaching team here with my positive energy and crafty skills. My most loved children’s book is “1 Fish, 2 Fish, 3 Fish.” by Dr. Suess. My long-term career/professional aspiration is to continue gaining more experience and become a lead Pre-K teacher. I love to be thanked and recognized for my success, accomplishments, and hard work with a thank you. In addition to giving me good ideas is how my supervisor can support me in my role. What I love about myself is my bubby personality and my love for art, crafts and experiments.

Hi, my name is Shabria Hawkins. I have been working in education for over six years. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I make learning fun. I love to be eye level so that I can connect with them and make them feel safe to be themselves. My most loved children book is “Pete the Cat Saves Up’ by Eric Litwin. I make a positive impact on my teaching team because I am very open-minded, and I am able to take constructive criticism. I love to be thanked and recognized for my success and accomplishments by gifts or encouraging letters. Using encouraging words and promoting a healthy workspace is how I feel supported by my team and supervisor. My long- term career and professional aspiration is to go back to school and become a teacher. What I love about myself is I am very patient, loving, understanding and ambitious.

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 Sierra Marshall. I am a first-time teacher. 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. I like to be thanked and recognized by any verbal appreciation. 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.

Hi, my name is Sara D’Egidio. 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. I love to be thanked/ recognized and celebrated for my success, accomplishments and hard work by being told I am doing great work. My students being happy in my classroom and coming to Goddard is an accomplishment. Being a shoulder when I need advice and giving me honest feedback is how I feel supported in my role. 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 Nadia Seltzer. I am a newly graduate with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a first-year teacher. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I am easy to talk to and they love my empathetic nature. My most loved children’s book is “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter. I make a positive impact here by the consistent kindness I bring to the team every day. I love to be thanked/ recognized and celebrated for my success, accomplishments and hard work by words of recognition. I feel the most supported in my role by having a safe working environment and being able to comfortably speak up. My long-term career/ professional aspirations to be the most impactful teacher for every student I come across. What I love about myself is the ability to hold a conversation and creativity. This year I want to learn how to be an effective teacher, I am excited to learn. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained.

Hi, my name is Briyanna Brown. I’ve been working in education for 1 year. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I am fun, nice, patient, and loving. I treat the children in my class with equal love and care. My most loved children’s book is “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney. I can make a positive impact on the teaching team here by continuing to be respectful and responsible. My long-term career/ professional aspiration is to become a Nurse. I like to be thanked and recognized just by a verbal expression or gesture to let me know I am doing a good job and on the right track. Something I love about myself is how talented and independent I am. I strive to do everything as best as I can and never give up no matter what. This year I would love to learn how to become a better assistant teacher. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

My name is Ms. Kentasha. I have my CDA. I have been in education for 12 years. My favorite children's book is anything from the "Skippy John Jones" collection. I love finding fun things for the children to do: we get messy, make silly faces, dance, and sing! I am a child at heart and an overall positive person. I won the "Teacher of the Year" award for 2022. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi, my name is Krissan Vassell. I have been working in education for 2 years. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I engage with all my students, treat them with care and understanding. As well, continuously teach them new things. My favorite children’s book is “The Gingerbread Man” By Jim Aylesworth. I like to be thanked and recognized for my success by being told that my hard work is being seen and is not going unnoticed. My long-term goal is to become a Registered Nurse, working in the Emergency Department. Something I would like to learn how to do this year is how to become more comfortable when driving. In addition to, a fun fact about me is I was born in Jamaica, and I ran track. What I love about myself is that I am very kind, always giving a helping hand and respectful. 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.

Hi, my name is Shikha Polavarapu. I have been working in education for more than 14 years. The children in my class enjoy having me as a teacher because I make learning fun by using different methods. My most loved children book is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. I make a positive impact on my teaching team by working together and suggesting any ideas to make learning more fun. I love to be thanked/ recognized for my success and accomplishments with a smile and a hug. Helping me grow in my role by guiding me in the right direction is how I feel supported by my team and supervisor. My long-term career/ professional aspiration is to continue to grow and work with children. What I love about myself is I can connect with young children well. This year I would love to learn more adaptive technology.