Our Goddard School 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

Ms. Kimberly began her career with The Goddard School as an Assistant Director and has been working with children for over ten years. She previously worked at The Goddard School in Clinton as both an Assistant Teacher and Lead Preschool Teacher, where she partnered closely with parents to prepare each child for kindergarten and beyond. In her current role as Education Coordinator, Ms. Kimberly works closely with teachers to develop engaging lesson plans, ensure curriculum goals are met, and create a nurturing learning environment for children of all ages. She is passionate about fostering each child’s social, emotional, and academic growth while supporting teachers in delivering the highest quality early childhood education. Ms. Kimberly is committed to building strong partnerships with families, understanding that collaboration between home and school is key to a child’s success. Her leadership, dedication, and love for education make her a valued part of The Goddard School family.

Shahreen Ahmad, Regional Director for Goddard Long Hill and Clinton, brings over a decade of experience in Early Childhood Education. With a Bachelor's in Finance and dual Masters in Early Childhood Education and School Building Leadership, she has successfully led educational programs across six sites. Shahreen’s student-centered approach, honed through her roles as a teacher and Assistant Principal in NYC, has driven significant improvements in social-emotional and academic outcomes. A dedicated educator and mother of two, she’s passionate about nurturing inclusive environments where every child’s voice is heard.

Ms. Erica is a dedicated and experienced educator 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. Celine is a dedicated teacher in our Preschool Classroom, bringing both passion and expertise to her role. She holds a B.A. in Art Therapy and is currently pursuing her CDA certification. With a lifelong dedication to advocating for mental health, Ms. Celine finds great joy in nurturing and guiding young learners. Her commitment to children’s development shines through her enthusiastic teaching style and her focus on fostering growth in every child. In addition to her classroom work, she embraces her leadership role by training and mentoring fellow teachers, helping to strengthen the entire school community. Ms. Celine is honored to be part of the Goddard family and looks forward to inspiring and supporting the future leaders of tomorrow. Her passion, creativity, and nurturing spirit make her an invaluable member of our team.

Ms. Merly is a passionate 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. Mileidy is a teacher in our PreK 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.

Ms. Faline is a 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. Siera is a teacher in our PreK 2 classroom. She holds an Associate Degree in Education from Union County College, with dual certification in Students with Disabilities and Math. She is also pursuing a minor in American Sign Language. With nearly eight years of experience in early childhood education, Ms. Siera is passionate about exploring new teaching methods and continuously expanding her skills. She finds joy in nurturing children's creativity and curiosity, and values the opportunity to help them grow both intellectually and emotionally. What she loves most about teaching is the mutual learning that takes place—she believes that while she teaches her students, they also teach her.

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. 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. Anllely is a nurturing teacher in our Twos Classroom. With 10 years of experience working with children ranging from toddlers to Pre-K, she brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, and passion to our team. Ms. Anllely’s favorite part about working at The Goddard School is making meaningful and lasting impressions on her students. She is committed to fostering a nurturing and enriching environment where young learners can grow and thrive.

Ms. Jordyn is the teacher in our PreK 1 Classroom. She has been working with children since 2022. In her previous childcare roles, her classroom received multiple awards for "outstanding achievement" and "exceptional structure". Currently, she is furthering her education by pursuing her CDA (Child Development Associate) for Preschoolers. Ms. Jordyn has a Native American background and is skilled in playing the violin, dancing, and theater. She enjoys shopping, picnics, painting, and horseback riding. Ms. Jordyn is excited to be part of the Goddard Team and to contribute to the growth and development of our students.

Ms. Vanessa has been working with children for over four years in various roles, including floater, assistant teacher, and lead teacher. Her experience across different age groups has allowed her to develop a well-rounded approach to nurturing and educating young learners. She is a graduate of Kean University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. Fluent in Haitian Creole, she enjoys incorporating language and cultural diversity into the classroom. In her free time, she loves to read, always seeking new stories and knowledge to share with her students. Passionate about early childhood education, Ms. Vanessa strives to create a warm and engaging environment where children feel supported and encouraged to grow.

Ms. Gabby has been working with children for over five years, specializing in tutoring and teaching dance to children of all ages, including those with special needs. Her experience has allowed her to develop a patient, creative, and engaging approach to working with young learners. She is currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, further deepening her knowledge and skills in child development. Ms. Gabby is passionate about fostering a love for learning and movement in children, helping them build confidence and express themselves through education and dance. Her goal is to create a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to grow.

Mrs. Hina is a dedicated and experienced educator who brings a strong academic background and passion for early childhood development. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Science and a Montessori diploma from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). With 9 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Hina has developed a deep understanding of child development and excels at creating engaging, student-centered learning environments. Mrs. Hina is fluent in both Urdu and English, allowing her to effectively connect with a diverse group of students and families. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family. As a proud mother of three sons, she loves trying new recipes for them, along with cooking, shopping, and gardening in her free time.

Ms. Ximena is a Floater Teacher at our school with experience working with children from newborns to 14 years old. She is currently a student at Rutgers University, double majoring in Political Science and Business Management & Leadership. While her academic focus lies outside the field of education, she has a strong passion for working with children and brings warmth, energy, and flexibility to every classroom she supports. Ms. Ximena is fluent in Italian, English, and Spanish, allowing her to communicate effectively with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Her strong work ethic and positive attitude make her a valuable asset to our school community.

Ms. Nia joins our team as an Assistant Teacher in the First Steps Classroom, bringing with her valuable experience working with children of all ages. Prior to joining our school, she worked as a swim instructor, where she built strong connections with children while helping them develop confidence and new skills. Ms. Nia’s calm and supportive nature makes her a wonderful presence in every classroom she enters. She is excited to continue nurturing children’s growth and development across all age groups.

Ms. Tejal is a teacher in our Preschool classroom. She holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and brings a strong background in both accounting and customer service. This is her third year working with children, and she is passionate about creating a positive and supportive environment for young learners. Ms. Tajul speaks Hindi and Gujarati, which helps her connect with children and families from diverse backgrounds. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and reading. She finds joy in bringing smiles to others and is grateful for the opportunity to work with children and make their days a little brighter.

Ms. Karissa is a teacher with over seven years of experience working with children ranging in age from 2 to 14 years old. Throughout her career, she has specialized in team building, lesson planning, arts, and physical education. Ms. Karissa brings great energy and creativity to the classroom and is passionate about helping children learn through play, movement, and hands-on activities. She believes in creating a supportive and engaging environment where children feel confident to explore, express themselves, and build meaningful relationships. With her strong background in both structured and play-based learning, Ms. Karissa is committed to fostering each child’s growth socially, emotionally, and academically. Her enthusiasm and dedication make her a valued part of our teaching team.

Ms. Kelci brings nearly 10 years of experience working with children ages 1–5 and holds an Associate’s Degree in Education from Essex County College. She previously served as a Lead Preschool Teacher and is excited to be working in our PreK classroom. Ms. Kelci is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging, and inclusive learning environment where all children and families feel welcomed. While English is her primary language, she also understands Spanish and Portuguese. In her classroom, she enjoys incorporating hands-on activities, music, and creativity to make learning meaningful and fun.

Ms. Yulanda is a dedicated and caring educator with over three years of experience working with young children. Ms. Yulanda truly enjoys working with children and finds joy in supporting their growth, development, and happiness. She believes it is essential to nurture and care for each child while creating a safe, loving, and supportive learning environment that meets their individual needs. She speaks English and values building strong, positive relationships with both children and families.

Ms. Aileen is a dedicated and caring educator who joins our team as an afternoon floater teacher. Ms. Aileen is bilingual in English and Spanish, allowing her to effectively support and connect with children and families from diverse backgrounds. She brings a calm, nurturing presence to the classroom and enjoys supporting children as they grow, learn, and feel safe throughout the day. Ms. Aileen is excited to be part of our school community and looks forward to supporting both students and teachers across our classrooms.

Ms Branjanae brings over four years of experience in childcare, working with children ranging from infants through school-age. She began her career at a daycare in Texas, where she spent over two years building a strong foundation in early childhood care and development. Ms Branjanae is passionate about creating engaging and creative learning environments for children. She enjoys incorporating her artistic talents into the classroom, including drawing, painting, and hands-on building activities. Ms. Branjanae is dedicated to supporting children’s growth through creativity, exploration, and meaningful connections.

Ms. Heaven joins us as an afternoon floater teacher, supporting all of our classrooms. She is currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice with aspirations of building a career in the legal field. While her academic path is focused on law, she has a strong passion for working with children and is dedicated to making a positive impact in their lives. She hopes to build a future centered on supporting and guiding youth in meaningful ways. Ms. Heaven is bilingual in English and Spanish, allowing her to effectively connect with and support both children and families from diverse backgrounds. She values building strong relationships and creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone in the classroom.

Ms Sirena has been working in the childcare field since 2017, bringing several years of hands-on experience supporting children’s growth and development. Throughout her career, she has worked with children of various ages, assisting with daily routines, implementing engaging learning activities, and providing positive behavior guidance. Ms Sirena is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive classroom environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to learn. As a parent herself, she brings a strong understanding of child development, along with patience, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping children thrive. She believes in the importance of building strong relationships with families through open communication and collaboration, ensuring each child receives the support they need to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Ms Melody brings a strong foundation in early childhood education and a passion for supporting young learners during their most important developmental years. She has experience working in both infant and toddler classrooms, where she focused on creating nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environments for children to grow and thrive. With hands-on experience in caring for and educating young children, Melody is dedicated to fostering each child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Her warm and attentive approach helps build meaningful connections with the children in her care, supporting their confidence and curiosity as they learn. Melody’s diverse cultural background includes Italian, Filipino, and Scottish heritage, which enriches her perspective and appreciation for inclusive learning environments.

Ms. Latwan brings over five years of experience working in early childhood education and has served in both Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher roles. She is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging, and supportive learning environment where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn each day. Ms. Latwan enjoys building strong relationships with her students and families while helping children grow socially, emotionally, and academically through hands-on learning experiences and positive interactions. She values creating a classroom environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and independence.