Our Goddard School Teachers

Christine Matthey is the On-Site Owner of The Goddard School of Westampton. With over 25 years of experience in education, she brings a deep understanding of the importance of early childhood development. Christine holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a Teacher Certificate K-5, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, and a Principal Certificate K-12. Recently, she earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, further strengthening her expertise in the field. A former teacher and administrator, Christine has extensive experience in private, parochial, and public school systems. She is married and the proud mother of three school-aged children—a seven-year-old daughter and twin five-year-old boys—which fuels her passion for creating a nurturing and enriching environment for young learners. Christine and her team are dedicated to providing the highest quality preschool experience for children in the community.

Hello, my name is Ashley, I have an A.S in Criminal Justice and B.A credits in Special Education/ Elementary Education. I believe that nurturing starts at home and continues wherever the child is located, especially for the majority of their day. The same can be said about education. We are all students who are constantly in a state of learning. In my spare time I like to read and I am in the process of learning how to crochet. Previously, I was a sub para in Trenton and subbed at a few school until I became a permanent para at a school in Trenton. I taught math to a group of students and taught science to the entire class. In the future I can not wait to be a mom! Not yet... but one day!

Miss Minda is the Lead Teacher in our Infant classroom. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and has over five years of experience teaching children. Miss Minda loves working with children and teaching them how to be successful in everything they do, whether through learning or play. In her spare time Miss Minda enjoys watching tv, cooking, and spending time with her teenage daughter.

My name is Yenel and I am new to the early childhood field, but have worked as a church youth leader in my local church for four years. I am assisting in the infant classroom and I believe that children deserve a well rounded education to help them grow. In my spare time I like to watch movies and shows. I also like to crochet. I am excited to learn how to care for children and their individual needs and desires.

Hello, I am Shiane White. I am the Lead teacher of the Two’s classroom here at The Goddard School. I have been a part of The Goddard School since 2018. I love that I can come into work everyday and help shape little minds so that eventually they will become beautiful, bright, and wonderful minds. Outside of school, I sing in my church choir, cook, and spend time with family. Some of my favorite things are Target, Bath & Body Works, and the color yellow.

Hello! My name is Jeanette Cruz, born and raised in Puerto Rico. I have been an elementary/preschool teacher for 12 years now and I absolutely love my Job! I am also a mother of two, Shaday and Abimael, and I am an Abuela of two DJ and Kay. When I am not teaching I am dancing or singing! My favorite color is teal, my favorite season is Summer, my favorite food is tacos, and my favorite things are fruity candles.

Hello! My name is Melvina Yarngo. I am from Liberia, Africa. I moved to New Jersey in 2020. I am blessed with one beautiful daughter. I have worked as a Residential Caseworker for 24 years, before transferring to early childhood education. I love working with children. I also enjoy cooking and making new friends. My favorite drink is Kool-Aid, my favorite candy is Skittles, and my favorite food is chicken.

Hi, I’m Ms. Jocelyne! As the school floater, I have the unique opportunity to work with students and staff across various classrooms, offering support wherever it's needed. I love being able to step in and assist teachers with their lessons, help students with individual needs, and ensure that everything runs smoothly throughout the day. Every day brings a new challenge, and I enjoy adapting to different environments while building positive relationships with everyone I work with. I’m passionate about creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere for all students and staff, and I’m grateful to be part of such a dynamic and collaborative school community.

Hi my name is Joanna, and I am the Lead Preschool teacher here at the Goddard School! I have a bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education and have been working with children for about 10 years. I have experience babysitting and being a floater in another school, but I am so excited to take on the new opportunity of being a lead! I love teaching the children new concepts and seeing the lightbulb come on when a concept clicks!

Miss Alina is currently the Assistant Teacher in our Preschool classroom. She loves being part of the children's learning journey and finds joy in watching them grow each day. With a warm and nurturing approach, she helps create an engaging and supportive classroom environment. Miss Alina enjoys baking and coloring in her free time, which allows her to express her creativity. Her favorite color is purple, and she takes pride in her Leo traits of confidence and enthusiasm. She values building strong connections with both the children and their families to support a positive early learning experience.

Mrs. Dinusha lives in Westampton with her husband and two children. She is currently the Assistant Teacher in our Get Set classroom. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree and has previous experience as a science, technology, and mathematics teacher. Mrs. Dinusha is passionate about teaching and finds joy in watching children grow and learn. In her free time, she enjoys baking, crocheting, and dancing.

Meet Rachel Marie! Rachel brings over 20 years of experience as a nanny, caring for children from 12 weeks to 13 years old. As a mom to a bright and busy 2 ½-year-old, she brings both professional expertise and a nurturing, personal touch to everything she does. She’s passionate about celebrating children’s milestones, supporting their natural curiosity, and helping them discover their place in the world. One of her guiding values is making sure every child feels seen, heard, and respected — something she understands deeply as both a caregiver and a parent. Her favorite children’s book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a story that mirrors the growth and transformation she loves witnessing in every child.

I am thrilled to introduce our new Assistant Teacher, Ms. Lelah Keshen, who has recently joined the Goddard of Westampton team! Many of you may remember Ms. Lelah from her time as a camp counselor over the summer, where her skill set and attention to detail really stood out. We are excited to have her bring those qualities to our Get Set classroom as she transitions into her new role. Ms. Lelah is a student of Montclair State University, and her educational background equips her with the knowledge and tools to nurture young minds effectively. What she loves most about teaching is the opportunity to work with children and to experience the unique perspectives they offer on the world around them. Her passion for fostering an engaging and open environment will undoubtedly benefit our students. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Lelah enjoys a variety of hobbies, including music, singing, and spending time outdoors. Her enthusiasm for life and learning is contagious.

Meet Kyler Hedgepeth, our dedicated floater and Assistant Teacher! Kyler brings passion and experience to our team, inspired by her strong military family background and commitment to shaping young minds. A freshman at Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC), she is pursuing a nursing degree, reflecting her care for others. Kyler loves teaching because it allows her to set a positive example and foster a safe, encouraging environment for children to learn and grow. Outside the classroom, she is a vibrant dancer and takes pride in her family’s legacy, including Hedgepeth School. Her ROTC experience has instilled discipline and leadership, qualities she brings to her role every day.

We introduce Amelia (Mia) Ray as our new Assistant Teacher for Preschool! Mia holds a bachelor’s degree in Sequential Art from the Savannah College of Art and Design and previously taught digital arts to at-risk middle and high school students. Mia finds inspiration in the imagination and curiosity of children. With a mom from England and a dad from Massachusetts, Mia has a diverse cultural background that enriches her teaching style. She also has a younger brother, who studies at Penn State and is a volunteer firefighter. In her spare time, Mia enjoys gaming, music, crafting, and cooking. She previously lived in Australia and owns her own business. Mia dreams of traveling to Japan. We are excited for Mia to share her wealth of creativity and experience with our preschoolers!

Elizabeth Hayes, our vibrant Assistant Teacher in the First Steps classroom! Currently pursuing a major in Family Court at RCBC, Elizabeth is dedicated to understanding and supporting children and families in her educational journey. What Elizabeth loves most about working with children is their wonderful individuality—the way each child shines with their unique personality and joy. She thrives on their excitement and playful expressions, making every interaction a memorable one. Outside of the classroom, Elizabeth is a self-taught hair enthusiast with a passion for cosmetology. She enjoys babysitting and always keeps a curious mind, eager to learn.

Introducing Tyra Jefferson, our enthusiastic Assistant Teacher in the Get Set classroom! Tyra is passionate about fostering a love of learning and comes from a large, loving family with five siblings and eight nieces and nephews who inspire her daily. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Child Psychology and earning her CDA credential in Behavioral Psychology. With over four years of nanny experience and more than two years at Kiddie Academy, Tyra brings a wealth of knowledge in nurturing and guiding children. She loves seeing the joy of discovery as kids learn, play, and build friendships. Outside of work, Tyra enjoys reading, hiking, camping, concerts, and is a proud coffee and candle enthusiast who values self-care. She aspires to become an ABA therapist for children with autism, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact. We are thrilled to have Tyra on our team!

Meet Sarah Dobbins, our enthusiastic Assistant Teacher in the toddler room! As a proud mother of two spirited boys, Liam (14) and Cian (10), Sarah knows that parenting is the most important job out there! Her experiences as a mom enhance her natural ability to connect with children, making every day in the classroom a joyful adventure. With a degree in medical billing and coding, Sarah has a unique background that adds an interesting twist to her teaching style. What Sarah loves most about teaching is the incredible exchange of wisdom that happens every day; she believes that not only do children learn from her, but she learns so much from them too!