Our Goddard School Teachers

Miss Alpa is the dedicated on-site owner here at The Goddard School in Wayne. Alpa has over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry, but it was her affinity for children and passion for making a difference that led her to the Goddard School. Alpa and her husband went through the IVF process for ten years and finally succeeded in having their first child in 2023. She truly appreciates how much of a blessing children can be. She is proud of her association with the Goddard name and has made it her mission in life to make sure children in the Wayne area are given the absolute best tools available for growth and development.

As the Operations Director, Ms. Marissa ensures the seamless day-to-day management of our school, creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for children, families, and staff. With 15 years of experience in early childhood settings and a degree in Early Childhood Education, Ms. Marissa plays a vital role in maintaining the standards and systems that keep our school running smoothly. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative atmosphere where teachers can focus on what they do best—guiding and inspiring young learners. In her spare time you can find her engaging in fun activities with her own two kids, reading the latest mystery novel, or baking yummy desserts for her family.

Ms. Megan is a dedicated Lead Infant Teacher and Quality Assurance Specialist who combines a deep love for nurturing the youngest learners with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards in early childhood education. With over 20 years of experience in early childcare, she is known for their patient approach and ability to create a warm, secure environment where babies can thrive and families feel supported. In her dual role, Ms. Megan also ensures that we meet and exceed quality standards, conducting regular assessments, supporting staff with compliance, and implementing improvements to enhance the care and education provided across all classrooms. In her free time, she enjoys being active, exploring nature with her two daughters, and building the latest Lego sets. 

Cathy is a toddler teacher dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment where children grow through play, routine, and positive relationships. She previously taught in the infant classroom and is excited to now support children as they transition into the next stage of development. As a wife and mom of four, Cathy brings empathy, patience, and real-life experience into the classroom while working closely with families to support each child’s growth.

Ms. Destin recently joined Goddard School this summer. She has worked with various age groups of children since she was a teenager. She loves working with the children and being able to see them grow each day. Miss Destin wants to use her childcare experience to aid her with her dream of one day working in schools as a social worker. Her favorite activity during the school day is to start a dance party with her class. Her favorite hobby outside of work is to draw and write stories.

Ms. Kianna worked with children before covid in early 2020 and is excited to be back to working with children again. She graduated from Montclair State University in May 2023, with a bachelor’s degree in Education and minor in Family Science & Human Development. Ms. Kianna is currently in process of getting her teaching certification and hopes to go back to school to earn her Masters. Outside of school, Ms. Kianna loves to spend time with her baby, go out to eat, travel, and shop!

Ms. Stephanie, lovingly known as Ms. Stephie, has been a part of The Goddard School community since the spring of 2022. The nickname “Ms. Stephie” was given to her by one of her very first students and has stuck ever since. She earned her educational background from Caldwell University and brings a thoughtful, child-centered approach to her classroom each day. Ms. Stephie believes children learn best through authentic, hands-on experiences. She loves observing children’s natural curiosity to enrich classroom lessons, celebrate individuality, and create meaningful learning moments. She values the diversity each child brings to the classroom and enjoys building lessons that reflect and honor those differences. Outside of school, Ms. Stephie is a proud mother who loves traveling with her family. Exploring new places, cultures, and people is one of their favorite activities, and she believes these experiences help foster appreciation, understanding, and a broader view of the world.

Ms. Viviana joined Goddard School in March of 2023. She previously worked in the food industry for many years but decided it was time for a change. Since working here she has made so many memories with the kids she's been with. Ms. Viviana loves to engage with the kids and get to know each of their different personalities. Additionally, she truly enjoys building relationships with her students' parents and gaining their trust to develop strong bonds. When Ms. Viviana is not at work, she loves rewatching Shrek movies, eating out, and living life to the fullest with friends and family.

Ms. Dalia joined The Goddard School in 2022. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and has many years of classroom experience working with young children. She enjoys doing hands on activities and helping students explore inquiry skills with science experiments. When she is not at school, Miss Dalia enjoys spending time with her husband and three sons.

Ms. Heather has been working with children for over nine years and was honored as Teacher of the Year for 2025. She loves creating a classroom filled with laughter, curiosity, and little sparks of joy that make learning exciting and meaningful. Storytime is one of Ms. Heather’s favorite parts of the day, and she is passionate about helping children develop a lifelong love of reading. She also enjoys crafts such as sewing and crocheting and often brings those creative skills into the classroom for fun, hands-on learning experiences. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Heather enjoys curling up with a good book or spending time on her latest crafting project, always finding new ways to inspire creativity both at school and at home.

Ms. Melissa has a bachelor’s degree from Roanoke college and has been working with children for over 8 years! She realized how much she loved working with kids when she started working at a summer camp with her family. She decided she wanted to become a teacher, and her heart ended up in Pre-K. When she’s not in school she loves to snuggle with her dog Bear or be in a park hammock reading a good book!

Ms. Donna enjoys creating a safe, nurturing, and fun learning environment where young children can learn and grow. She has experience working with children of all ages and loves helping them build confidence while reaching important developmental milestones. Ms. Donna is currently working toward her education degree and is happy to return to the classroom now that her own children are older. In her free time, she enjoys fishing and crocheting.

Children hold a special place in Ms. Marissa’s heart, especially since she is a mother herself. Watching them learn, grow, and discover the world is an amazing experience for her. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and baking, always experimenting with new ideas and recipes. She also loves spending time with her family and sharing her latest creations with them—they’re the best critics!

Ms. Katie has been working with children ages 2–8 for about eight years and is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging, and supportive learning environment. She loves watching each child grow, build confidence, and discover new skills every day. Ms. Katie believes in encouraging curiosity, kindness, and a love of learning through hands-on experiences and positive relationships. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys watching movies, doing puzzles, and spending time outdoors. She also stays active through sports and movement—interests that reflect the energy and enthusiasm she brings into her classroom.

Ms. Stephanie has been working in Early Childhood Education since 2017. She has her CDA and loves how each day is different from the next in the classroom. Ms. Stephanie enjoys working with toddlers and engaging with each child, learning about their individual likes and dislikes. You can find her painting or building with the kids. In her spare time, she uses her creativity to make candles. She loves spending time with her son Jamesy. Their favorite thing to do together is go to the water park!

Ms. Raquel has worked with children since she was 15 years old in various settings and with all age groups. She enjoys working with kids because she loves to see their little minds grow and excel. Outside of school, she enjoys exploring new places, dining at various restaurants, and taking long drives to take in breathtaking views. She also loves spending time with my family, friends, and boyfriend. 

Ms. Daniella joined the Goddard family as an assistant teacher. She has experience working with young children and holds a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. As a mother, she loves engaging with and getting to know each child. Ms. Daniella is a team player who is always willing to help wherever needed. She values creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive. She loves the kids and coworkers who have become like family to her. When she’s not at school, Ms. Daniella enjoys going to the beach, shopping, and spending quality time with her boys, Nicholas and Joey, and her husband. Her dream is to one day visit Italy with her family.

Ms. Maggie brings 16 years of experience in the education field and joined The Goddard School in January 2025. Her passion for working with children shines through in everything she does, and she finds it to be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding experience. When she's not in the classroom, Ms. Maggie enjoys shopping, relaxing by the pool, and spending time with her daughters, her friends, and her boyfriend, Choco.

Ms. Lindsay is a high school senior with aspirations of entering the pediatric field of medicine. She has spent her teenage years babysitting children of all ages and has developed a strong passion for supporting the growth and development of young learners. In addition to her work in the classroom, Lindsay serves as a firefighter and enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach, and making memories with her family.