Our Teachers

Nicole Harrison is the Owner of The Goddard School of West Orange and of Livingston. As a mother of 4 children, she has always understood the importance of early childhood education. Nicole has a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health as well as a teaching degree in Physical Education and Health. She has many years of experience working in business prior to her teaching path. Nicole and her team are committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for the children in the community. Our unique nurturing approach will give your child the opportunity to develop into a joyful, confident learner who is prepared for success in school and in life.

My name is Kelly Gonzalez, and I am very happy to be joining the West Orange Goddard as the Center Director. My career in Early Childhood Education began in 2005 as an infant teacher. Since then, I have received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development and have been working as a Center Director for the last 10 years. As a mom of 3 and an educator I have always loved working with children, keeping them safe and watching them learn and grow every day.

Hi families! My name is Donna, and I am excited to be the Assistant Director at The Goddard School of West Orange. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Montclair State University. I have leadership, teaching and case management experience. I decided to pursue a career in childcare because I genuinely enjoy being around all children. The innocence of children really warms my heart. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, baking, hosting fun get togethers with family and friends, and watching all things Bravo channel related (my guilty pleasure!). I am certified in CPR/First Aid, Severe Allergy Response, Including Children with Special Needs, Safe Sleep Practices, and Medication Administration.

My name is Samiah Wade. I am a graduate of Stockton University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I had the pleasure of becoming the President of an organization H.O.P.E (Helping Other Students Excel) for three years, in which I nurtured, mentored, and led many college students. Talking about it now seems massive, but I managed it with lots of hope, prayers, and smiles! The experience has opened my eyes to how humans operate and how it starts with children. My love for teaching began at a young age, where I have always loved the art of independence and the curiosity of development. I was a preschool teacher for about 5 years before being promoted to Director at my previous location. I am honored to play a substantial role in molding children into the best little people they can be.

What a pleasure it is to be apart of your family! I am super excited to be onboard with you all as the Education Coordinator for The Goddard of West Orange. A bit of background on me, I graduated from Caldwell University with my Bachelors’ in Psychology in 2022. Within my years of schooling, I have taken many teaching classes to broaden my knowledge on education. I have also worked in as a lead Preschool Teacher and worked as a closing Supervisor for six years in another center located in New Jersey. I am super excited to be a part of your child’s education, and I cannot wait to help support the team every step of the way. Let’s have an awesome year!

Hello, my name is Madeleine. I graduated from Hamilton College with a degree in Creative Writing. One of my early jobs after graduation was working for a literary agent whose focus was children’s books. This interest in children’s literacy and education then brought me to Hunter College where I earned a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education with a thesis on early literacy. I taught for 10 years at a preeminent Reggio inspired preschool in Manhattan. While there, I was sent to Italy to study Reggio techniques where the philosophy originated, as well as to numerous schools across the country to present and learn about educational theories. Since moving to New Jersey, I have worked with various schools across the state, providing in-class STEAM lessons as well as professional development for teachers and administration. I come to The Goddard School as Early Childhood Education Specialist, bringing my passion, breadth of experience and knowledge.

Hi, my name is Shannon. Before coming to America, I taught University courses in Chinese language, literature, and writing for several years. Since moving to New Jersey I joined the teaching program at Rutgers University and I have endorsements from the NJ Department and Education for Mandarin and Bilingual/Bicultural education. I am so excited to be teaching at The Goddard School of West Orange, where I can share my language and culture with our youngest learners. I think that a multicultural education is a great foundation for future world citizens!

Hi, my name is Jahonna. I am a proud aunt and love working with all children. I attended the Essex County Adult Education Program. I love all things orange. In my spare time I enjoy doing party planning. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hi. My name is LaShana and I am excited to join the Goddard Team. I have been a Lead and Assistant Teacher since 2020. I also was a nighttime nanny for twin infant girls as well as a nanny for 2 boys for over 10 years. I love building strong bonds with the children that I will carry forever. I love making an impact on their lives by helping them grow and learn about the world around them. In my free time I enjoy shopping, reading, watching documentaries trying new restaurants and going to amusement parks.

I am an enthusiastic and dedicated person with a passion for outdoor activities and a commitment to shaping the minds of young learners. One interesting fact about me is I love all things green! This extends to my love for gardening, hiking, and being outdoors. I believe that having a love for nature can greatly benefit the development of young minds, and I am eager to incorporate this passion into my work with the children at the Goddard School of West Orange!

I graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a bachelor's degree in psychology. I have worked for the Goddard franchise for 3 years. I started as an assistant teacher and then moved up to head teacher. I am CPR certified, and first aid certified. I love watching the growth of every child and watching them succeed in every milestone. I love reading and watching TV.

Hello! I am currently a student at Montclair State University. I have been working with children in a childcare setting since 2022. I also have experience babysitting since I was very young. I love working with children and watching them grow into their own person. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, cooking, and reading.

Hello all! I'm Aliyah, and I take pride in reflecting on different aspects of my life with strong values, beliefs, and fulfilled passions. I aim to inspire others and create a positive, joyful, and safe environment. In my free time, I enjoy diving into my studies, mastering double dutch, experimenting with cooking, and getting lost in a good book!

Hello Goddard Families! My name is Ms. Nezi and I love working with children because it has numerous advantages. It's an opportunity to watch children grow and develop into confident, self-sufficient learners! I have been working with children for over 7 years in previous roles as a lead teacher as well. I am currently studying for my CDA. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

Hello Goddard families, I am very excited to be apart of The Goddard West Orange team. I myself am a mom of two amazing kids. I love spending quality time with my friends and family. Working with children has numerous advantages. It's an opportunity to watch children grow and develop into confident, self-sufficient learners. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained

Hello Goddard families, my name is Ms Anayyah and I am a graduate of Cicely L. Tyson, where I studied performing and fine arts. I also majored in animation! I love bringing my creative side and imagination to my classroom. I feel one can teach basic skills without love, but to truly make a difference in a student's life, there needs to be love. Love sees teaching as an art where we explore different ways of connecting to subject matter and to students. Love brings patience and understanding, which are so important in teaching. In my spare time, I am event coordinator for my business where I have created a platform to help black creators in my community share their art, music , talent and skills. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

I'm super excited to join the team here at the Goddard School. My goal is to help every child self-express and implement growth every step of the way. I love music, yoga, movies, sleeping, arts and crafts, and shopping!

Marlissa Field here, and it makes me extremely happy to be a part of the West Orange Goddard. I have been working with children since 2006. Since then, I've earned my Child Development Associate in Infant and Toddler and Associate of Arts in Education, and I'm currently enrolled at the University of Phoenix to complete my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Working with kids of all ages is enjoyable, and fostering an environment that is secure, enjoyable, and instructive for all kids is rewarding. I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, reading, and going on adventures. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained

Hi My name is Einna. I graduated from Montclair High School in 2010 and am currently attending Bryant Stratton College online for Early Childhood Education. I have been working with children since 2021. I love working with children because I love to see them grow . I also love working with them because of my own personal experience so I feel like I can be a mentor. In my free time, i enjoy watching movies, bowling, reading, and listening to music.

Hello I am Ms. Jackie and have been working in childcare for many years. I also worked in cosmetology, in accounting, and am a certified Zumba teacher. I love working with all ages of children they are so valuable and smart. I love making them happy , comfortable, and feel important. In my spare time I enjoy acting, dancing, and singing. I have acted and appeared in my first gospel movie on the big screen at the CityPex Theater in Newark last year. I enjoy Basketball, Skating, cooking, and enjoying life. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained

Hello Goddard families, I'm Ms. Ashley, a mom and a proud dog owner. I recently left another Goddard after five years. I love working with children and am pursuing a career as a medical assistant. I enjoy watching anime and doing nails and hair in my free time. I'm excited to be your child's teacher at The Goddard School of West Orange!

Hi I am Ana. I have been working with children for over 2 years now. I love giving the children a feeling of security, and educating them in their early stages of life. In my free time, i enjoy Dancing, cooking, and spending time with my family.

I feel so honored to have the opportunity to work with your child at the Goddard School. I've been a teacher since I was 16 years old, and growing up with 6 siblings taught me everything I needed to know to start my career in education. During my 4 years of high school, I also had much fun practicing graphic design and cheerleading. And guess what? I even attended cosmetology school!

Hello. I'm Idalia! I have my CDA and Paraprofessional Certificate. I am also currently in school for Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and plan to go for my Bachelors as well. Ive been working with children since 2002. I am a very patient person and love to show support for my students. I love working with children based on my own life experience. I always wanted to grow up to make a difference for children. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and learning new makeup skills.

I am a high school graduate, and I also attended the Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts in East Orange. I started working with kids at the age of 14. I worked for a daycare in the city as a summer job, and ever since then I have wanted to continue a career working with children. I also worked for the YMCA for about two years. I love working with children because I want to have a positive impact on their lives. I enjoy building relationships with children as a fellow caregiver. I have been very happy to have the opportunity to learn and grow. Children have a special place in my heart. I love every kid that I come across. When I am not working, I love cooking, cleaning, sports, and music.

I earned my Bachelor's degree from St. Peter's University, and I'm currently in my third year of Early Childhood Education. I am passionate about everything I am learning and teaching. In my spare time, I prioritize self-care, writing, reading, exploring new restaurants, and going on invigorating nature walks. Additionally, I am dedicated to giving back to the community by helping to feed those in need at my church every month. My teaching philosophy is simple yet powerful: "If you love a child today, maybe they will let you teach them tomorrow."

I graduated high school in 2008. I obtained my CDA in preschool and completed my child development training. During my years working with children, I have cared for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and assisted aftercare with elementary students. I started out as an aftercare teacher. I have also been an assistant and a lead teacher. Working with children ensures each day will be a unique adventure. Children are exciting and very unpredictable. Nothing matches the energy of a child’s enthusiasm for life and eagerness to learn. Engaging in different tasks and activities every day, ensuring the children grow and learn to their best potential. When I am not at work, I love reading books, riding my exercise bike, art, dance, and singing.

Hi! My name is Asya. I have my Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Bloomfield College and I continue to take certificate courses in Education. I have previously worked as a substitute teacher, as well as an aftercare teacher and Lead teacher at MCPK for over 10 years. I love working with children because they make me laugh and add joy to my days. In my free time, I enjoy watching gameshows, bowling, skating, and speaking about surviving Stage 2 Breast Cancer for awareness.

Hi, I’m Ms. Eliza! I live in West Orange with my parents and my two dogs. I graduated from Centenary University where I received my Bachelor’s degree in communication. I love working with kids of all ages, they make every day so exciting! In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, and being in nature. I am so excited to get to work with your children and help them grow.

Hello Goddard families, my name is Jaylin Gary, and I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. I am currently enrolled at Saint Peter’s University studying Early Childhood Education. I love working with children and teaching them. My all-time favorite thing to do is teach, but outside of teaching I love to go on runs with my puppy, read mystery books, and cook. Some fun facts about me are that I am an Aries, I love anything pink, and pizza is my most favorite food. I love being on the Goddard school team! I have over 20 training hours under my belt, I am CPR/First Aid certified, severe allergy response, and safe sleep practices.

Hello, I'm Diana. I graduated from West Orange High School and pursued higher education at Rutgers University and Essex County College. I aspire to become a pediatric nurse. I have dedicated the past 4 years to working with children, an experience that fills me with joy as I witness their growth and the depth of their young minds. Recognized for my nurturing heart and creative mindset, I hold a deep affection for purple, as well as pursuits such as baking, drawing, and coloring. It is truly fulfilling to be a part of the Goddard team!

Hi, my name is Shabria. I have been working with children for over 6 years. I love being with them and watching them grow into independent little people. It’s such a great process to watch and experience right in front of your eyes. Children bring so much joy into a room. I enjoy doing various activities with the children and watching them learn new things, advancing every day. I am CPR/First Aid certified, severe allergy response, and safe sleep practices.

I am a very friendly/outgoing person. I love to mentor and work with children to ensure their development and future. I have my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in English and Psychology I love to sing and dance. I also love to spend time with my friends and family on my spare time. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained

I am currently attending Rutgers University. I am majoring in social services. I have been babysitting and tutoring for many years, as well as working with Get Set programs. I find great satisfaction in creating connections and understanding each child that I have worked with. When I am not working, I love to explore different restaurants, museums, fitness, listen to music, and doing community service for my church.

I am a highly motivated and nurturing individual with a passion for educating children and providing them with essential skills for both academic and personal development. In my leisure time, I enjoy engaging in activities such as cheering, cooking, and reading. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in global business at school.

Ms. Sue is a loving and caring mom of 5 and grandmother of 6! She is our afternoon "Grandma" assistant and helps in each classroom - she truly enjoys working with every single age group!

Sandra is a part of our resource team! She is a proud resident of Essex county and has lived here her entire life. Sandra has worked with children for over 20 years as a childcare provider and knew from a young age that working with kids was what she wanted to do in life. She is a proud mother of 5 and grandmother of 3!

I graduated high school in 2019. I have been babysitting for 7 years and have worked in childcare over the summers. I grew up in a big family. Once I turned 16, I knew I wanted to work with children. I love playing with children and teaching them. When I am not working, I enjoy watching shows, coloring, taking walks around parks, and sleep overs with my siblings and cousins.

I graduated high school and am currently enrolled in school. I worked for a daycare for almost two years as well as foundation prep schools for some time. I was also an after-school teacher for four years during high school. By nature, children are active, imaginative, and creative. The activities, lessons, and experiences of working with children also help me to increase my own imagination and creativity. Working with children involves love, laughter, caring, and some tears, but there is never a dull moment. I enjoy reading books in my free time, and I am also a mom. Taking care of my daughter, spending time with her, and taking her to dance classes.