Our Teachers

Laura is a mother of five young daughters, a former educator, and a passionate advocate for early childhood education. A graduate of The Pingry School—where she also taught for ten years—and Columbia University’s Teachers College, she brings both experience and purpose to her work. She has earned the National Rookie of the Year and Circle of Excellence Awards, two of the highest honors in the Goddard system. When expecting her first daughter, Laura couldn’t find child care that met her standards—so she created it herself. She partnered with Goddard for its strong focus on health and safety and its inspiring Reggio Emilia-based Wonder of Learning curriculum. Just as important, each Goddard School is locally owned and rooted in community—something Laura deeply values. At her schools, she introduced trilingual immersion, where every child learns English, Spanish, and Mandarin, reflecting her belief that early childhood is the ideal time to raise confident, culturally aware communicators.

Ms. Alexa proudly serves as the On-Site Operator at The Goddard School of Millburn, bringing over 17 years of passion and experience in Early Childhood Education. After more than a decade as an infant teacher, she moved into leadership as Head of Community Engagement, where she strengthened connections between families, staff, and the school community. Ms. Alexa holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and is known for her warm, approachable leadership style. She was drawn to The Goddard School’s innovative trilingual program and believes deeply in the power of early multilingual learning. As On-Site Operator, she is dedicated to creating a nurturing, high-quality environment where children thrive, teachers feel empowered, and families feel a true sense of belonging.

Ms. Kim brings a deep love of learning and over 20 years of leadership experience to her role as Director of Education at The Goddard School of Millburn. Throughout her career, she has guided schools at prestigious locations in Manhattan, including the United Nations, Rockefeller Plaza, Park Avenue, and Long Island City. She holds a Master of Education degree and a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry. A former fifth-grade teacher with a permanent New York public school certification, Ms. Kim’s heart has always been in education. Her enthusiasm, warmth, and ability to connect with students, families, and teachers are at the center of her leadership. She is passionate about inspiring young learners, mentoring educators, and building a school community where every child feels supported, valued, and excited to grow.

Ms. Nashira is the Director of Operations at The Goddard School of Millburn, where she helps create a warm, organized, and high-quality experience for every child and family. She brings over a decade of expertise in education and school operations, including her previous role as School Operations Manager at KIPP Academy. Earlier in her career, she served as a Kindergarten teacher and behavioral specialist, building a strong foundation in early childhood development. Ms. Nashira earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management and Psychology from Rutgers University. Her calm, approachable leadership and deep commitment to families make her a trusted partner in every child's journey. She is passionate about maintaining a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive, and she plays a key role in ensuring the school’s continued excellence.

Ms. Maggie brings over a decade of experience and holds a Master’s degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language. As the World Language Coordinator at The Goddard School of Millburn, she designs curriculum, coaches teachers, and supports dynamic language instruction from infancy through Pre-K. Inspired by her mother, a math teacher in Taiwan, Ms. Maggie views early education as a calling rooted in care and connection. She loves how The Goddard School’s Wonder of Learning™ curriculum encourages children to build knowledge through exploration and reflection. Known for her warmth, thoughtfulness, and dedication, Ms. Maggie helps spark a love of language and global awareness in every child. Under her guidance, children find joy in expression and confidence in their unique voices, making our school a place where every learner is celebrated.

Ms. Vicky, School Assistant at The Goddard School of Millburn, is a native speaker of English and Spanish who finds great joy in watching children develop new skills, build connections, and thrive in a nurturing environment. She ensures children are well-fed, happy, and cared for, and supports teachers with educational materials and classroom supplies—helping the school run smoothly each day. Ms. Vicky values The Goddard School’s blend of structured learning and play-based exploration, believing it fosters well-rounded growth. She is passionate about helping children build skills like empathy, teamwork, and confidence, preparing them for success in school and life. Committed to creating a safe, supportive space, she proudly fulfills the school’s mission each day. Her favorite quote is: “If you have a dream, don’t let anybody take it away, and always believe that the impossible is always possible.”

Ms. Jian is the Lead Mandarin Teacher in our Pre-Kindergarten classroom, bringing over a decade of teaching experience to The Goddard School of Millburn. She believes that a strong, loving bond between teacher and child is the foundation for helping young learners thrive. Ms. Jian places great emphasis on nurturing social-emotional development while fostering imagination and creativity through engaging activities like theatrical performance, singing, and games. Her joyful, student-centered approach helps children build confidence, language skills, and a love of learning. Ms. Jian is proud to be part of The Goddard School community, where she feels her work truly makes a meaningful impact each day.

Ms. Sara is the Lead Mandarin Teacher in our Infant and Toddler program at The Goddard School of Millburn. A native Mandarin speaker, she brings nearly a decade of teaching experience and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree. Ms. Sara’s natural warmth, patience, and joyful spirit allow her to connect effortlessly with children across all early childhood stages—from infants to preschoolers. She believes that young children learn best when they feel safe, loved, and encouraged to explore their world. Through songs, stories, and interactive play, she fosters both language development and emotional growth. Ms. Sara is thrilled to be part of the Goddard Millburn community, where she can nurture a lifelong love of learning from the very start.

Ms. Kristen is a Lead English Teacher in our Pre-School program and has been a part of The Goddard School of Millburn since our opening year. With nearly twenty years of experience in early childhood education—including six years as a Director at another New Jersey Goddard School—she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. Ms. Kristen holds a bachelor’s degree in History with an Elementary Education Certification from William Paterson University. She loves how the Wonder of Learning™ curriculum “gives children an opportunity to question and explore so many different topics.” Her favorite part of the day is Learning Lab, where she enjoys watching children apply what they’ve learned in new and creative ways. Ms. Kristen feels grateful to be part of a school community that “has given me the opportunity to grow and learn alongside the children.”

Ms. Jojo, a passionate and experienced teacher, is a Mandarin teacher in our Pre-School program. Ms. Jojo is an extremely warm and empathetic person, who easily builds trust and strong relationships. Smart, engaged, hard-working, collaborative and active, Ms. Jojo crafts hands-on learning experiences through which students learn while having fun. A mother herself, Ms. Jojo balances all aspects of teaching young children with grace and ease. She focuses on supporting students through their social-emotional development, while challenging them with new and interesting tasks that build important school-ready and life-ready skills.

Ms. Muriel is the Lead Spanish Teacher in our Preschool program. She holds a Master’s degree in Teaching and brings over a decade of experience working with young children. Ms. Muriel believes that children learn best when they are active participants in their own learning, and that when activities are joyful and engaging, children naturally develop a lifelong love for learning. She appreciates how our Wonder of Learning™ curriculum empowers students to take the lead, using their innate curiosity and imagination to guide exploration. With thoughtfully designed, high-quality materials, Ms. Muriel creates opportunities for meaningful learning every day. She loves being part of the Goddard Millburn community, where both students and faculty inspire her to continue growing as an educator. “I am always learning something new, which keeps my experience as a teacher exciting and rewarding,” she shares.

Ms. Tatiana, a Lead Spanish Teacher in the Pre-School Program is a member of our Founding Faculty. A teacher for nearly 20 years, Ms. Tatiana has her CDA credentials in Toddlers and Preschool education, and she has taught nearly every age group - infants, toddlers, preschool, and prekindergarten. When asked about why she loves our Wonder of Learning Curriculum, she says “it is inquiry-based, student-driven, and play-based which are three of the most important elements in an intentional and high-quality early-childhood education program. Her favorite time of day is both Large Group Gathering Time and Small Group Centers because both provide students with the perfect blend of structure and freedom. When asking Ms. Tatiana what excites her most about the trilingual curriculum at Goddard Millburn, she says, “I see the children developing important skills such mental flexibility and critical thinking which improves their ability to learn anything.”

Ms. Luisa is a Lead Spanish Teacher in our Infant Program who has experiences with children of all ages. Earning a BA in Psychology, Ms. Luisa has always been interested in understanding more about what makes people happy, how they learn, and how she can help them. She says, “For me, contributing to start of their great journey as human beings, is awe-inspiring. I love seeing how step-by-step the traits that form their personality, tastes and talents develop. When asked why she loves our Wonder of Learning Curriculum, she says, “the curriculum has shown me how I can mindfully help our children develop socially-emotionally and what developmental goals I should have in mind. I’ve observed that by babies exploring together, they stimulate each other. Each one finds a different way to do the same thing, and they amaze each other with their achievements. Ms. Luisa mentions that she loves small groups and one-on-one interactions, and the fact that we have different areas of learning.

Ms. Nicolle, a Lead Spanish Teacher in our Pre-Kindergarten Program, has experience working with children from birth through school-age. Earning her Associates Degree in Education, Ms. Nicolle says, “I always wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl." When asked about her favorite area of the classroom, Ms. Nicolle identifies the Sight Word Wall because it makes students feel proud of their emerging reading skills. She believes the role of a teacher is to "help every child believe in themselves and their capacity to overcome challenges." She wants her students to feel comfortable making mistakes, "Making mistakes is part of the learning process, and we cannot learn as long as we are afraid to make mistakes." "I want my students to have confidence in themselves as they learn new things (including Spanish!), so they can share their light with the world!"

Ms. Jeanine has been a dedicated educator for three years. A native English speaker, she holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology. Ms. Jeanine's passion for teaching stems from her desire to be an integral part of a child's developmental journey, shaping their growth and becoming a positive influence during these formative years. Her enthusiasm for the Wonder of Learning Curriculum is rooted in its focus on inquiry and self-exploration. She values how it encourages curiosity and empowers students to learn through their own ideas. One of Ms. Jeanine's favorite aspects of her work is Small Group time, where she has the opportunity to engage more closely with each child. Her classroom’s Art Wall is a space that allows her students to take pride in their creations, sharing them with peers, parents, and teachers. She is deeply inspired and is committed to fostering essential skills, like communication, during these crucial early years to ensure her students' success.

Ms. Astry has been teaching for two years and has experience working with infants and toddlers. She is fluent in Spanish and became a teacher after discovering a deep connection with children. She finds great joy in observing children develop at their own pace, which aligns with her passion for the Wonder of Learning Curriculum, as it is inquiry-based and encourages individualized learning. Her favorite part of the day is Small Group time, where she can focus on meeting the unique needs of a smaller group of students. Ms. Astry is also passionate about the trilingual curriculum, as it provides children with valuable exposure to new languages and cultures. She is committed to upholding the school's mission and vision, ensuring that each child is well-prepared for the world ahead. As she believes, "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself."

Ms. Edwina is a Lead English Teacher in our Toddlers program, and she comes to Goddard with a passion for Early Childhood Education. With a Masters of Economics, Ms. Edwina returned to teaching because she is passionate about child development and has the desire to make a positive impact on the world. As a native English and French speaker, she is particularly interested in Goddard Millburn’s multilingual approach and its focus on global and cultural education. In her classroom, Ms. Edwina focuses on communicating clearly with her students and setting a warm and nurturing atmosphere in which all students feel safe and loved. In lesson planning, Ms. Edwina is creative and detail orientated. She collaborates with her colleagues to create intentional, play-based learning experiences for her children, so that they are having fun while learning all-day long.

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Ms. Evelyn has been an educator for two years, specializing in children aged 12 months to 2 years. Fluent in Spanish, she became a teacher out of a deep passion for working with young learners and finds great fulfillment in guiding their growth and development. Her favorite moments in the classroom occur during Spanish lessons, where she takes joy in seeing children understand and engage with the language. She finds it incredibly rewarding to share her native language and culture with her students. Ms. Evelyn appreciates the school’s trilingual curriculum, as it provides children with valuable exposure to multiple languages and cultures while fostering their language development. Inspired by the school’s mission and vision, Ms. Evelyn is dedicated to giving her best every day, ensuring that her students receive the necessary tools to learn and thrive. She strongly believes in the power of education and lives by the motto, "Children are the future of tomorrow".

Ms. Seriah has over seven years of teaching experience, having worked with children across a range of age groups, from infants to preschool. A native English speaker, she has always had a deep passion for working with children and supporting their growth. Ms. Seriah particularly enjoys Large Group time, where she has the opportunity to observe children interacting with each other. She finds it fascinating to witness both the similarities and differences in their development. Although this is her first experience in a trilingual environment, she recognizes the value of such exposure, noting that children at this age are like sponges, and learning multiple languages will provide them with invaluable life skills as they grow. What initially drew Ms. Seriah to Goddard Millburn was the warm and welcoming environment, which made her feel confident that this would be a place where she could thrive. Her favorite quote is, “I want to be great or nothing!”

Ms. Ana primarily working with toddlers and is fluent in Spanish. She finds immense joy in teaching, as children serve as a daily reminder of hope are a key to a brighter future. Her favorite aspect of the Wonder of Learning approach is the opportunity to explore different fields of learning each week, witnessing the remarkable progress children make in each area. She finds it incredibly rewarding to help them discover a world full of wonder and knowledge. One of her favorite moments in the classroom is when children engage with new materials during Small Group sessions, sparking their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. She also values the trilingual curriculum, as it plays a significant role in developing children's language skills and expanding their ability to communicate. Ms. Ana aligns with the school’s mission and vision, as she strongly believes that communication is the foundation of meaningful learning.

Ms. Sara has been an educator for five years, working with children ranging from infancy to middle school. She holds a bachelor's degree in early education, a CDA credential, and is a licensed substitute teacher in New Jersey. Fluent in English, she chose to pursue teaching to build meaningful relationships with her students, create a space for her creativity to thrive, and witness the daily growth of the children she teaches. Ms. Sara admires the three pillars of the Wonder of Learning approach, as it provides structured yet flexible lesson planning. Unlike traditional curriculums that require strict adherence, WOL empowers educators to design engaging, customized lessons that align with students’ needs. While searching for a new teaching opportunity, The Goddard School’s mission stood out to her, particularly its commitment to helping children thrive in diverse environments and she was also drawn to the warmth and kindness of the team!

Ms. Jovani has dedicated 7 years to Early Childhood Education, working with children of all ages. She is fluent in French, Creole, and English. Her passion for teaching stemmed from her enjoyment of working with young children and her desire to positively impact their lives. The Wonder of Learning Curriculum has not only supported the children's development in communication and problem-solving skills but has also taught her valuable lessons in patience, resilience, and effective observation, enhancing her abilities as an educator. Her favorite part of the day is Small Group Time, which allows for deeper connections and a more personalized approach to learning. Ms. Jovani also enjoys the cozy reading corner, which provides a calm space for children to relax. Inspired by the academic, social, and emotional aspects of the school's mission and vision, Ms. Jovani fulfills this by creating a warm, welcoming environment where every child feels valued, appreciated, and encouraged to grow.

Mr. Lake has been an educator for two years, specializing in early childhood education with preschool-aged children. They hold a bachelor's degree from Stockton University and are fluent in English. Their passion for teaching stems from the profound impact their own teachers had on their life. Mr. Lake values the Wonder of Learning approach, as it provides children with hands-on experiences that foster skill development, curiosity, and growth. They particularly appreciate the Wonder of Learning walls in the classroom, as these displays not only showcase students' work to families but also serve as a constant reminder to the children of their own capabilities and achievements. What sets the Goddard School apart, in Mr. Lake’s eyes, is its team of hardworking, resilient, and compassionate educators who inspire them daily. They find the school’s mission and vision deeply motivating, as they emphasize the importance of prioritizing both the education and well-being of every student.

Ms. Ruth has been an educator for two years and is a native Spanish speaker. She became a teacher with the goal of bringing joy to children’s lives and witnessing their developmental progress. Ms. Ruth particularly appreciates the Wonder of Learning curriculum for its creative approach, which not only inspires children’s imaginations but also challenges her own creativity as an educator. She believes the trilingual curriculum is crucial as it broadens children's minds, exposing them to different languages and cultures. Ms. Ruth is motivated by the goal of fostering better communication, both within the team and with the children she serves. She strives to achieve this by teaching children the importance of listening and communicating with respect. Her favorite quote is, “Al que madruga, Dios le ayuda,” which translates to, “The early bird (and the prepared one) gets the worm.”

Ms. Christine is a Lead English Teacher in our Infant program who comes to Goddard with a degree in Nursing and experience working in Early Childhood Education and care. When asked to describe her philosophy of teaching, Ms. Christine encourages us to “take the time to listen. To observe. To Understand. Patience is a virtue. It is only when we do these things that we can provide the best help for a child.” She sees working in Early-Childhood Education as an “amazing gift” because she feels that she is making an important contribution to the world by raising future leaders. When asked about why she loves our Wonder of Learning Curriculum, Ms. Christine says that it encourages our babies to use their natural curiosity. “I am always amazed by how much I learn while observing their process of exploration and discovery.”

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Ms. Emily has been a dedicated educator for eight years and holds a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University. Fluent in English, she became a teacher with the goal of being a positive influence in the lives of children. Ms. Emily particularly values the Wonder of Learning curriculum for its emphasis on self-discovery and curiosity. Unlike traditional methods focused on memorization, the curriculum encourages children to explore topics of interest and adapt lessons to their unique needs. She believes that the trilingual curriculum not only fosters an appreciation for diverse cultures but also enhances children's learning abilities. The vision and mission of our school inspire Ms. Emily to continually strive for personal excellence while motivating young learners to become caring, curious, and responsible members of their communities. She says, "The Goddard School is an extremely tight-knit community that supports each other with unwavering empathy and compassion."

Ms. Jaida is fluent in English and has a Spanish level 2 skillset. Jaida has always liked working with children because you are able to shape who they are in a positive way. Her favorite time of day is large group time because you are able to help foster a child's ability to use their language skills, social emotion skills and develop their cognitive development at the same time! Ms. Jaida loves that we have a trilingual program, because she believes when introduced at such an early age, it will increase their knowledge of other cultures! When asked what inspires her about our vision and mission, she candidly responded, " I am inspired by the goal to support social emotional intelligence as well as cultural awareness and understanding"!

Ms. Katia has worked with children varying from ages 2-5 for the past 11 years and speaks fluent Spanish. When asked why she became a teacher, she replied, " The love I have for children and the desire to help them develop and grow for a brighter future is what inspired me to become a teacher". What she loves most about teaching is that feeling of pure love you receive from them every day, forming bonds with the children and their families, and making a difference in their day every day. Her favorite part of the day is when the children have outdoor time. This is where they are building bonds with each other by playing interactive games and developing new skills. The favorite part of the classroom set-up is the Library Area. In the library area, this helps the children develop linguistic, cognitive, emotional and social skills as well as helps strengthen their concentration and memory!

Ms. Josselin has been working with children for two years and is fluent in Spanish. When asked why she likes working in Early Childhood Education, she said, "So I am able to show my affection and admiration for the children while also teaching them". Ms. Josselin's favorite part of the day is when the children are playing together but also developing their social emotional skills by interacting with a friend or the class as a whole! She lives by the quote," Do good without looking at whom you are doing it for"!