Our Goddard School Teachers

Dr. 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.

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.

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.

Mrs. Dinusha lives in Westampton with her husband and two children. She is our Lead Teacher in the infant classroom. Ms. Dinusha joined our team in February of 2025. 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.

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.

Laura Baez is a dedicated educator and proud mother of three—two girls and one boy. She began her teaching career at The Goddard School on December 17, 2025. She graduated from New Brunswick High School in 2013 and completed a year and a half at Middlesex County College. Laura previously spent eight rewarding years at Kid Start Learning Center, working with children from infants to pre-kindergarten. She finds joy in the daily adventures of teaching, filled with surprises, laughter, and learning, and cherishes witnessing her students’ growth. Outside of the classroom, Laura loves experimenting in the kitchen and trying new recipes, viewing cooking as her creative outlet. She looks forward to sharing some culinary creations with her little learners. With enthusiasm, Laura anticipates an incredible year ahead in the First Steps Room, filled with fun, learning, and unforgettable adventures.

We’re excited to introduce Thomas O'Brien, our Lead Teacher for the School Age Summer Camp classroom! Thomas holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Elementary Education and brings over 25 years of experience in the field. He loves working with children because every day brings a new challenge and opportunity to make a difference. Thomas’s favorite children’s books are the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems, and in his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing and coaching sports.

We are thrilled to welcome Safietou “Sofie” Diallo as our new Assistant Teacher, who joined us on March 23, 2026. Ms. Sofie will bring her enthusiasm and creativity to the Infant and First Steps classrooms, where her passion for nurturing young minds will shine. Originally from West Africa, she holds a high school diploma and offers a unique perspective to our educational environment. Before teaching, she gained valuable experience in communication and marketing, enhancing her ability to connect with children and families. What Sofie loves most about teaching is spending time with children and engaging in play, believing every interaction is an opportunity for learning. Her warm, supportive approach creates a nurturing atmosphere. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing Scrabble, cooking, and exploring new ideas online. Fluent in French, Ms. Sofie embraces her heritage and aims to share it with her students, fostering an appreciation for diverse cultures.

Mrs. Lisa holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and brings with her years of experience as an elementary school teacher. She has taught Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and currently teaches 3rd grade during the school year. This summer, she’s thrilled to be leading our Pre-K campers! “I’m super excited to spend the summer with our Pre-K campers — they’re so curious, silly, and full of big imaginations. I can’t wait to see how much they grow over the summer!” Her favorite children’s book is Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes, a story she loves for its sweet message about self-acceptance and kindness.

Meet Miss Madelyn O’Brien – What brought Miss Madelyn to camp this summer is her passion for working with children and helping them learn and grow. Her favorite part of working with kids is watching them make new friends and discover new things each day. A favorite children’s book of hers is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom – a classic she loves sharing with young readers!

Meet Ms. Mita Patel, our inspiring Lead Preschool Teacher! A dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience teaching kindergarten and primary classes in India, Ms. Mita brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our classroom since joining us in June. Family means the world to her—she shares her life with her loving husband and their three wonderful children: two sons and a daughter. Their unwavering support and encouragement fuel her commitment to nurturing young minds every day. With a Master's in Commerce, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management, and a Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education, Ms. Mita combines her academic background with a deep love for learning. Her enthusiasm is infectious, as she believes that the natural curiosity and joy of children bring incredible energy to the classroom. Ms. Mita enjoys dancing, listening to music, and traveling to new places. She also cherishes quiet evenings of "me time," sipping green tea while watching birds from her window.

Meet Ms. Heather, our vibrant new assistant teacher who joined us on June! A proud mom of three incredible boys, ages 20, 16, and 14, she knows a thing or two about the joys of childhood. A graduate of RVRHS, Ms. Heather is passionate about spreading happiness, which is why she loves working with children—their infectious joy brightens her day! With her sons growing up, she cherishes every moment spent with our little ones, reminding her of the magic of childhood. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find her soaking up the sun at the beach or enthusiastically cheering her boys on at basketball games. Outgoing and social, Ms. Heather brings energy and warmth to our school, making every day an adventure!

Meet Ms. Marissa, our cheerful summer camp counselor, who joined us in April! With a high school diploma and a passion for fun, she keeps the camp lively while dog sitting and babysitting in her free time. A music enthusiast, Ms. Marissa brings 9 years of clarinet and 4 years of saxophone experience, promising some delightful tunes around the campfire. A fun fact about Ms. Marissa, she was adopted from Guatemala! An active community member, she spreads joy wherever she goes. Get ready for a summer filled with laughter and adventure with Ms. Marissa!

Introducing Ms. Meela, our dynamic summer camp counselor who joined us this June! Currently pursuing her degree in Inclusive Education at Rowan University, Ms. Meela brings a unique perspective and dedication to ensuring every child feels valued and supported in our camp environment. Having started her journey as a swim teacher, she gained invaluable experience before becoming a para-professional, where she worked closely with students of all levels. Her love for the innocence and curiosity of children fuels her passion for creating an inclusive and nurturing atmosphere. When she's not busy making memories with our campers, you can find Ms. Meela soaking up the sun at the beach or exploring the great outdoors. A true music lover, she finds joy in the sounds of her favorite artists, Beyoncé and Drake, adding a rhythm to her vibrant spirit. We are excited to have Ms. Meela as part of our camp family, where her kindness and enthusiasm continue to inspire and uplift every child!