Our Teachers

Hello, we are Sumara and Imran, proud owners of the Goddard School located in Stirling, New Jersey. We are thrilled to be able to provide The Goddard School’s outstanding program to the children and families of the surrounding communities. Before opening the Goddard School, we spent our careers in the financial industry working on Wall Street. As working parents, we struggled to find a high-quality program until the Goddard School opened in our area. Experiencing first-hand the value of a strong educational foundation and recognizing the need and demand for a high-quality alternative to childcare, we opened our school in May of 2019. Inspired by how our two children thrived at our local Goddard School, our mission is to provide a school that enriches a child’s emotional, social, intellectual and physical development while preparing them for success in the 21st Century, and providing the foundation for a lifelong love of learning in a safe and nurturing environment. We are also committed to providing an eco-friendly clean environment for our students and proud to be offering a choice of an organic food program. We invite your family to visit our brand-new state of the art school in Stirling. We are excited to introduce you to our incredible faculty, including our Education Director, and look forward to talking with you about the Goddard School’s play-based curriculum. Thank you for the opportunity to share in your child's growth!

Mrs. Lourdes is the Education Director at The Goddard School of Longhill Twp. Lourdes has been working with children for over 27 years. She worked at Primrose in SC, and at KinderCare in Connecticut for 22 years. Grew up in New Jersey and moved away 38 years ago and came back full circle. I have two sons and two beautiful granddaughters. With a passion for working with children and making a difference, she believes that the preschool years are a wonderful age to foster a life long love of learning and is committed to facilitating positive and enriching experience for all children and families during their time here! “While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” By Angela Schwindt

Education Coordinator Ms. Kimberly began her career with The Goddard School as an Assistant Director. She has been working with children for eight years previously at the Goddard School in Clinton, as an Assistant and the Lead Preschool Teacher. Ms. Kimberly had strived to work with parents to best prepare each child for kindergarten and beyond. She has become our Education Coordinator and is looking forward to working with all ages and families. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, and especially enjoys sharing her love of reading with her 2 nieces. She loves hanging out with her Fiancé and her puppy Maya on a big farm, being outdoors, and making decorations for parties. She is very excited to be part of the Goddard Family in Long Hill Township.

Shahreen Mourad, newly appointed Regional Director for Goddard Long Hill and Clinton, is a seasoned professional in Early Childhood Education. She holds a Bachelor’s in Finance and dual Masters in General and Special Early Childhood Education, along with School Building Leadership. With over 8 years in teaching and 3 years as an Assistant Principal in NYC, she’s demonstrated exceptional leadership across six educational sites. Shahreen champions the importance of early education, focusing on creating nurturing and inclusive environments that prioritize student voice. Her student-centered approach has yielded significant improvements in both social-emotional development and academic success. Transitioning into administrative roles, she’s shaped educational programs and supported dynamic teaching methods. Also a mother of two, Shahreen understands the multifaceted impact of education. Her leadership promises to enhance the Goddard brand by nurturing each child’s unique

Ms. Erica is a dedicated and experienced lead teacher in our Pre-K 2 classroom. With over six years of experience in the child care field, she has taught children ranging from preschool to kindergarten, fostering their growth and development with passion and expertise. Ms. Erica holds an Associate's degree from Union County College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree to further her knowledge and skills. She is also looking forward to completing a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) program in the near future, aiming to work more closely with children on the spectrum. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Erica plays a crucial role in organizing our school events, ensuring they are engaging and memorable for both children and parents. She also serves as our social media coordinator, skillfully managing our online presence to keep our community informed and connected. She finds great joy working with children and is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment.

Ms. Connie is a Lead Teacher in our Pre-K classroom. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Ms. Connie is multilingual, studying two different languages, and enjoys teaching herself various new skills. With a rich background in theater, she is proficient in playing the piano, singing, and dancing. Her favorite aspect of working with children is applying diverse teaching methods and witnessing their growth and development. Ms. Connie is dedicated to leaving lasting impressions and earning her students' trust. She finds immense joy in being a positive influence in their lives and seeing them excited to come to school every day. Ms. Connie's mission is to fill her students with knowledge and empathy. She strives to teach them that they are important, intelligent, cared for, and heard. As she often quotes, "A person is a person, no matter how small." - Dr. Seuss

I am Ms. Siera and I am an Assistant Teacher in Pre-K. I graduated from Union County College with an Associate Degree in Education and transferred to Kean University. I am currently majoring in Early Childhood Education with dual certification of Students with Disabilities and Math. I am also minoring in American Sign Language. I have worked in the child care field for almost four years and enjoy learning new programs and processes. What I love about working with children is that I am able to watch, experience, and help their imagination and knowledge grow to their fullest potential. Most importantly what I love about education is that I learn from my students as much as they learn from me. During my free time I enjoy watching movies, traveling, and learning new abilities.

Ms. Anllely is the Lead Teacher in our Young Toddlers Classroom. With over eight years of experience working with children ranging from Toddlers to Pre-K, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our team. She is currently studying to earn her CDA certification. Ms. Anllely's favorite part about working at The Goddard School is leaving long-lasting impressions on her students. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the park with her son and watching movies. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing and enriching environment for our young learners.

Ms. Celine brings a wealth of passion and expertise to our Preschool Classroom. With a B.A. in Art Therapy and currently pursuing her Master's at Caldwell University, she is also working towards her CDA certification. Ms. Celine has dedicated half her life to advocating for mental health, and she finds immense joy in nurturing and teaching young minds. Her dedication to children’s development is evident in her enthusiastic approach and her commitment to their growth. Beyond her academic pursuits, Ms. Celine takes pride in her leadership role, consistently training and mentoring her fellow teachers. She is thrilled and humbled to be part of the Goddard family, where she looks forward to inspiring and guiding the future leaders of tomorrow. Her passion for education and her nurturing spirit make her an invaluable addition to our team.

Ms. Maren has been a valued member of The Goddard School family for four years. She graduated from Loyola University with a degree in Biology and a minor in Business. With four years of experience in childcare, she excels as a Floater Teacher, welcoming and supporting all students throughout the school. In addition to her role at The Goddard School, Ms. Maren is a certified personal trainer and an indoor cycling instructor. Her diverse skill set and dedication to health and fitness bring a unique energy to our team. In her free time, Ms. Maren enjoys reading, writing, and participating in CrossFit. Her enthusiasm for both education and personal well-being makes her an invaluable resource for our students and a cherished member of our community.

Ms. Faline is a Co-Teacher in our Bridge Classroom and has been a dedicated member of The Goddard School for two years. She holds an Associate's degree in Early Education and is passionate about teaching and supporting children's growth and learning. In addition to her commitment to education, Ms. Faline enjoys cooking and traveling in her free time. She is always delighted to be part of The Goddard School, where she can contribute to the development, success, and education of your children.

Ms. Shelby holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and has been with The Goddard School for over three years. She finds The Goddard School to be a fun and rewarding place to work, where she can actively assist in guiding and teaching the next generation of future leaders and world changers. Shelby loves engaging with children and inspiring their curiosity and love for learning. She takes great joy in being part of their developmental journey, helping them reach their full potential. Additionally, Shelby helps run the taekwondo enrichment programs during the summer, sharing her passion and skills with the children. Outside of work, Shelby enjoys practicing taekwondo, listening to Kpop music, reading, walking, cooking, baking, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is thrilled to be part of The Goddard School community, where she contributes to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for young learners

Ms. Mileidy is the dedicated Lead Teacher in our Toddler Classroom, bringing over 10 years of experience in childcare. She  is  also currently pursuing her CDA certification, further enhancing her skills and commitment to early childhood education. She completed her studies in Venezuela and is trilingual, enhancing her ability to connect with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Ms. Mileidy takes great pride in creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive each day. She has a passion for teaching and excels at establishing routines and structures that help children feel secure and supported. In her free time, Ms. Mileidy enjoys drawing, reading, and dancing. Her commitment to fostering a positive and enriching atmosphere makes her an invaluable member of The Goddard School community.

Hi my name is Maria better known to your kid's as Miss Maria. I have been a teachers' assistant for about two years, truly enjoy what I do and being around your children is an experience I enjoy everyday. In addition I have worked as a volunteer for many years working with children with disabilities. I have 3 children of my own. The best part of my day is when your child asks for a hug, from me.

Ms. Jo is a valued Resource and Infant Assistant Teacher at The Goddard School, where she has been an integral part of our team for the past five years. With 25 years of experience working in a high school before joining us, Ms. Jo brings a wealth of knowledge and a nurturing spirit to our youngest learners. Retired from her high school career, Ms. Jo now enjoys spending quality time with her grandchildren, a role that complements her passion for working with infants. She takes great pride in organizing and participating in special parent events at The Goddard School, fostering a strong sense of community and connection among our families. Ms. Jo's dedication and warm presence make her an invaluable member of our Goddard family, where she continues to positively impact the lives of our children and their parents.

Ms. Merly is the Lead Teacher in our Bridge Classroom and has been a cherished member of The Goddard School family for two years. With nearly nine years of experience working with children, her passion for teaching is evident in everything she does. Ms. Merly is the proud mother of two beautiful girls, Mia and Cianni, who keep her busy with their Taekwondo, swimming lessons, and basketball. Teaching has always been her passion, and she finds immense joy in nurturing young minds and watching them grow. She loves seeing the children's smiles in the morning and leaves each day with a smile on her face. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Merly enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places, and cooking with her daughters, trying out new recipes together. She truly enjoys working at The Goddard School, where she can witness the children learn and understand new things every day.

Ms. Celine is the dedicated Lead Teacher in our First Steps Classroom. Her passion for working with children began at a young age and has only grown stronger over the years. With extensive experience in childcare, ranging from infants to preschool, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a nurturing spirit to our team. Ms. Celine is currently pursuing her CDA certification, further enhancing her skills and commitment to early childhood education. She believes that being a part of a child's life is the most rewarding experience, and she takes great pride in helping young learners grow and thrive. In her free time, Ms. Celine enjoys listening to music, going to the gym, and spending quality time with her friends and family. Her enthusiasm and dedication make her an invaluable member of The Goddard School community.

Hello! My name is Gia and I have been working at Goddard since February of 2023. I just graduated High School and will be attending college in the Fall to become an Ultrasound Tech. I love having the opportunity to work with kids. They are always a ray of sunshine.

Ms. Alexandra is a Floater Teacher at The Goddard School and has been with us for over a year. As a resident of Long Hill, she is deeply connected to the community. Before joining The Goddard School, Ms. Alexandra worked at Crème de la Crème in Colorado for a year, where she discovered her passion for working with children. In her role here, she is dedicated to providing the best care and education for your kids, ensuring they thrive in a nurturing environment. In her free time, Ms. Alexandra attends hip-hop dance classes, spends time with friends and family, and enjoys baking. Her favorite sport is hockey—she has a great time watching the NJ Devils play at the Prudential Center. Fluent in Russian and Kazakh, Ms. Alexandra was adopted from Kazakhstan at 23 months old and has continued to speak both languages. Additionally, she works as an EMT on weekends, finding joy in helping people in need. Ms. Alexandra is grateful to be part of such an amazing team at The Goddard School.

Ms. Angelica is an Assistant Teacher in our First Steps Classroom at The Goddard School of Long Hill. With six years of experience in childcare, she loves every moment of helping and mentoring young children's minds. She finds great joy in working with children and is thrilled to continue her passion at our school. Currently, Ms. Angelica is pursuing her CDA certification, further enhancing her skills and commitment to early childhood education. Additionally, she is taking classes to obtain a certificate in the medical field, showcasing her dedication to personal and professional growth. Ms. Angelica's enthusiasm and nurturing spirit make her an invaluable asset to our team, and she is excited to contribute to the development and success of our young learners.

Ms. Haleemah is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler Classroom and has been working in childcare for over four years. She has experience with children aged 2 to 5 years old and has been a dedicated member of The Goddard School team for the past two years. Her passion for working with children has been evident from a young age, and she plans to continue her education by pursuing her CDA certification. Ms. Haleemah has been a great asset to our team, bringing enthusiasm, dedication, and a nurturing spirit. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, listening to music, and dancing. She is eager to contribute to the growth and development of our young learners.

Ms. Karen is the Lead Teacher in our Infant Classroom and has found working with children to be a profound source of joy and inspiration in her life. She is absolutely delighted to see children grow, interact with the world, and form their own personalities and knowledge. Ms. Karen is currently pursuing her Associate degree in Child and Family Studies, along with an additional CDA certification, to further enhance her skills and dedication to early childhood education. As a fluent Spanish speaker, she loves incorporating her language into her communication to help build understanding of both English and Spanish for the children in her care. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Karen loves cooking and exploring cuisines from different cultures, which allows her to learn more about the world around her. When she’s not cooking, she enjoys reading novels or discovering new music to share with others. She considers herself an explorer of the world, enriching her life with new experiences.

Ms. Caitlin is the Assistant Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. She graduated with an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from Union County College and has been working in childcare for over seven years, focusing on children aged 3-4 years old. For Ms. Caitlin, the most rewarding aspect of her work is seeing the children apply the lessons she teaches them in their everyday lives. In her free time, Ms. Caitlin enjoys crocheting amigurumi, reading novels, walking, and spending time with her family. She is super excited to begin her journey with The Goddard School of Long Hill and looks forward to seeing where this adventure takes her.

Ms. Chloe is an Assistant Teacher in our Get Set classroom. She has extensive experience working with children and their growth and development in a variety of private, group, and school settings for over 10 years. Ms. Chloe studied at Gordon College in Wenham, MA, first studying Music Education and then Elementary Education. She cares deeply for young child she encounters, whether in the classroom or walking down the hall. She is SO excited to be working with each and every one of the students, parents, and staff at Goddard and to provide an excellent education experience. She is so excited to be starting her journey here at the Goddard School of Long Hill!

Ms. Emma is an Assistant Teacher in our Infant Classroom. She joins our school with over four years of experience working with Infants. She is very passionate about working with this age group, it brings her such joy to leave a positive impact on such little minds. Currently she is continuing her education by pursuing her CDA certification for Infants. In her free time, she enjoys traveling back home to Puerto Rico to see family, cooking and spending time with friends. To be able to witness the growth and development in the Infant classroom and to be able to contribute to their success of young learners is her greatest joy.