Our Goddard School Teachers

Sanjay Tuladhar is the owner of The Goddard School in Skillman. The kind of environment children grow up in during their early formative years has a direct and profound impact on their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development that lasts a lifetime. In recognition of this important phase of a child’s development stage, along with his lifelong passion for education, Sanjay is proud to present this state-of-the-art facility to the community where children can learn and grow in a fun and safe environment, guided by teachers with the highest qualifications. Sanjay holds an MBA in finance from NYU, B.S. in Electrical Engineering from RPI, and B.S. in Physics/Economics from Wesleyan University. He has held many leadership positions in bellwether financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse, and Barclays. He strives to bring the same passion, focus, and professionalism from his days on Wall Street to serve the discerning families of our community.

Ms. Heather serves as the Executive Director of The Goddard School in Skillman, New Jersey. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and English from Kean University and has been a dedicated member of The Goddard School family since 2010. With more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education, Ms. Heather is passionate about fostering a love of learning in young children. She believes that education extends beyond academics and should support each child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Ms. Heather is committed to creating a nurturing and engaging environment where children build confidence, develop essential life skills, and establish a strong foundation for lifelong learning and future success.

Ms. Sweta started her teaching career teaching 11th and 12th graders. She has taught High school in Connecticut before becoming an Early Childhood Educator and a Special Educator. She holds a Master Degree in Biological Sciences and a Bachelors degree in Botany. She also holds a degree in Education and has certifications in Early Childhood Education. She shifted to Education administration as the Curriculum Coordinator, Program Specialist and Assistant Director and has been part of many leading programs. Being in the company of children and playing the role of being their advocate is what she loves most and her favorite thing is to instill love for reading in children. Her most-liked children's authors are Eric Carle, Ronald Dahl and Ruskin Bond. When not working, Ms. Sweta loves adventure sports, traveling, is a voracious reader and a passionate writer. She volunteers her time with NAMI Mercer NJ and NJ Special Olympics. She feels great to be a part of the Goddard Family!

Ms. Rachel has an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Middlesex County College and a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Kean University. She has over five years of experience in the teaching field, and enjoys providing a safe, fun, comfortable, and educational environment for children to grow. She believes that each child is unique and likes to show them how to be responsible and independent learners. Rachel also enjoys giving them the tools to believe in themselves and to respect one another. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with families and friends, and making arts and crafts.

Ms. Helena holds a degree in the medical field from ASA College. However, she sought to pursue a different career path in childhood education. With more than eight years of experience teaching children aged 3 to 5, Ms. Helena is passionate about working with young learners. She finds it remarkable to witness their potential when provided with the appropriate resources and encouragement. Ms. Helena aims to instill that same sense of wonder and enthusiasm in her students. An interesting fact about her is that she has a deep love for animals and dreams of owning a farm in the future. In her leisure time, she enjoys spending quality moments with her family.

Ms. Erica, a native New Yorker, is the proud mother of a daughter and a son, as well as a devoted grandmother to four grandchildren. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Psychology, along with a 90-hour Childcare Certification, and is CPR certified. Erica brings a strong background in early childhood development and is committed to supporting the growth, learning, and well-being of every child in her care. Her professional knowledge, paired with her warmth and dedication, helps create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore. Outside of her professional life, Erica enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, reading as a way to continue learning, and staying active by playing tennis.

With over a decade of experience working with young children in diverse educational settings, Ms. Smita brings a compassionate, child-centered approach to the classroom. She holds an undergraduate degree in Biology, a Master’s degree in English Literature, and a Diploma in Early Childhood Montessori Education. Ms. Smita believes every child is unique and naturally present in the moment. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in respect, mindfulness, and supporting each child’s individual pace of development, helping children transition confidently to the next stage of learning. Outside the classroom, she practices yoga and meditation, which inspire the calm, nurturing presence she brings to her work as an educator.

Ms. Izabela holds a Master’s degree in Biology with a focus on secondary education, along with postgraduate studies in Early Childhood Education. She believes every child has unique strengths and is committed to nurturing their emotional and cognitive growth. A strong advocate for lifelong learning, she earned an Associate degree in Health Science from RVCC and promotes healthy living as part of her teaching approach.

Ms. Shreya holds a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Kolkata, India, and previously worked as a Senior Software Developer at Cognizant. Driven by a passion for working with children, she transitioned to early childhood education and now has over four years of experience in this field, including almost two years at Goddard. She is also pursuing a CDA in Early Childhood education with a focus on preschool-aged children. Prior to joining Goddard, she has volunteered with young learners in India and taught toddlers at Apple Montessori School in the U.S. Ms. Shreya believes every child is unique and is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing space where they can grow, learn, and explore.

Ms. Jackie holds an associate degree in Elementary Education from Raritan Valley Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies, where she explored cultures and traditions from around the world. With over five years of experience working with toddlers, she loves watching children learn, grow, and express their unique personalities. She believes every child explores the world in their own way through different domains of learning. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing with friends and cuddling with her dog, Mac.

Ms. Shruti holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Mumbai, India, with a background in Business Management specializing in Human Resources. She has over 12 years of experience in Talent Acquisition and previously worked with Deloitte as a Resource Management Specialist. Her psychology background supports children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development, while her HR experience strengthens her skills in organization, communication, collaboration, and leadership. Ms. Shruti is passionate about working with schools and families to create nurturing, inclusive learning environments that support each child’s growth and confidence.

Ms. Alexi graduated from Harry S. Truman high school. Ms. Alexi has experience in babysitting, caretaking and being a mother herself. She has since developed a fondness and passion for teaching and caring for children. Ms. Alexi is a highly cheerful, ambitious, and compassionate teacher. She believes all children have their own identities and ensures each child’s unique strengths and needs met. Ms. Alexi truly enjoys teaching children to become independent learners. She is grateful to give children the opportunity to be taught by learning and play. She also believes it is greatly important to form a sense of responsibility in each student which will help them in the following years of school. She is so proud to watch the growth and success in each student and looks forward to seeing them every day. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and yoga.

Ms. Stefanie is a highly dedicated educator who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from King’s College. With over 20 years of teaching experience in a variety of roles, she has spent more than a decade specializing in Early Childhood Education, including prior work at another Goddard School. Passionate about inspiring a love of learning in students of all ages, Ms. Stefanie believes that every child possesses limitless potential to grow and thrive. She strives to nurture that potential through a loving, patient, and supportive approach to teaching. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Stefanie enjoys hiking, biking, and caring for animals—especially her beloved cat, Lilith—and treasures time spent with her daughter, Piper.

Ms. Priya holds an MPhil in Biotechnology from Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu - India, a Master's degree in Biotechnology from Vinayaka Mission University, Salem - India and a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology from Anna University, Chennai. She is a dedicated lead teacher, with over two years of experience nurturing and educating children aged 2- 4 from various early childhood institutes like T.L.E and Primrose. Before moving to the USA, Priya served as a lecturer in biotechnology at D.K.M College in Salem, where she taught for 2+years. Her passion for teaching young minds is matched by their artistic talents. Priya excels in drawing and art/craft work and has a rich history of participation and success in Drawing and Rangoli competitions, winning prizes at both district and state levels. She feels blessed to have a job she loves deeply and is grateful for the opportunity to play a small part in the early journeys of future generations.

Ms. Kumkum is our lead Preschool teacher. She has her masters in English Literature with a degree in Mass Communication and Retail Management. After a long ten years' experience in the retail industry as a Retail Head, she started her own school in India. She has been teaching for more than six years now. Ms. Kumkum has experience in Montessori schools and also other schools like Kinder Care and The Learning Experience. She loves being with children. She enjoys helping them learn and grow in a safe and clean environment. Her main goal is to provide children with a proper base which will nourish them for their future.

Ms. Pooja holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delhi and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from South Delhi Polytechnic School. She has over seven years of experience in early childhood education—four in India and three in the U.S. Her play-based, personalized approach creates a warm and inclusive classroom where children feel confident and supported. Outside of school, she enjoys gardening, time with loved ones, and is a proud mother of two young daughters.

Ms. Munzarin (Ms. Z) is a dedicated Early Childhood Educator with over 14 years of experience creating joyful, inclusive learning environments. She supports children’s growth through positive reinforcement, creativity, and individualized support. She holds a bachelor’s degree in History, Economics, and Political Science, a CDA credential, and an International Montessori Teaching Diploma from NAMC, along with a Fashion Design and CAD certification from FIT. In 2025, she completed RBT training through the Autism Partnership Foundation and ABA training for Autism, strengthening her ability to support children with autism. She enjoys family time, travel, and scenic drives, and volunteers in a refugee English literacy program with her son, reflecting her commitment to service and lifelong learning.

Ms. Poornima earned her Master of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Mysore in India and has over four years of experience teaching social studies, economics, and languages. She has also volunteered with children ages 5–12, earning multiple honors, including the President's Volunteer Service Award. In 2023, she earned her CDA. Outside the classroom, she enjoys singing and stage activities. A dedicated educator, she takes pride in inspiring a love of learning—both in her students and her own award-winning child.

Ms. Nilam holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and has over six years of experience working with infants from 6 weeks to 18 months old. She is passionate about supporting children's growth during their earliest developmental stages and creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment. Ms. Nilam believes every child is unique and strives to provide individualized care that supports their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. She values building strong relationships with families through open communication and partnership. In her free time, Ms. Nilam enjoys cooking and arts and crafts, and she brings that creativity into the classroom to provide fun, hands-on learning experiences for her infants.

Ms. Erica brings three years of experience in early childhood education, including one year serving as an Assistant Director. Prior to joining the childcare field, she worked in medical offices and is a graduate of Healthcare Training Institute. Ms. Erica is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can learn, explore, and thrive. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending quality time with her family. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships with children and their families while supporting each child's growth, learning, and early development.

Ms. Noopur brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education. After earning her Master’s degree in Mass Communication and spending several years teaching and mentoring at the university level, she realized her true calling was working with young children. She believes the toddler years are a remarkable time of growth, discovery, and learning, and she feels honored to be part of each child’s journey. With her gentle patience, nurturing nature, and encouraging approach, Ms. Noopur creates a warm and supportive classroom where children feel safe, valued, and excited to explore the world around them. As a devoted mother of two young daughters, she understands the importance of fostering confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning in every child.

Ms. Namta brings more than six years of experience caring for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children in licensed childcare centers and private family settings. She is CPR and First Aid certified and is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to learn and grow. As a proud mother of a son, Ms. Namta understands the importance of patience, compassion, and building strong, trusting relationships with children and their families. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and looks forward to supporting each child’s development, confidence, and love of learning as a valued member of The Goddard School community.

Ms. Burcin holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language Teaching from Cyprus International University and an associate degree in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Art and Design. She brings nearly a decade of classroom teaching experience, including several years teaching in the United States. Her design background gives her a natural eye for creating warm, inviting, and engaging classroom spaces. Outside of teaching, Ms. Burcin enjoys exploring new places with her family, planning their next adventure, curling up with a good book, or relaxing with a cup of coffee and a favorite film. She looks forward to teaching, creating meaningful connections, and growing alongside the children.