Our Teachers

Christine Matthey is the On-Site Owner of The Goddard School of Westampton. As a mother of 3 children, she has always understood the importance of early childhood education. Christine has a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Teacher Certificate K-5. She also holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Principal Certificate K-12. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She has many years of teaching experience as well as administrative experience working in private, parochial, and public school systems. Christine 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 Mickayla Rush. I graduated from Rowan University in 2021 with my B.A in General Psychology. I have been working with children for about 8 years and I absolutely love what I do. I have worked with all age groups with different learning styles and personalities. My goal is to make the school a safe and inviting space for everyone! In my spare time I help coach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I am currently a blue belt and even compete in tournaments.

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, my name is Chelsea Holcomb. I work in the First Steps classroom. I currently have my Child Professional Diploma, and I am pursuing my Early Childhood Associates Degree. Working with the kids everyday I love watching them learn and grow. When I am not working at The Goddard School I love being outdoors, either hiking, fishing, or sitting by a campfire listening to country music. I also enjoy a day at the beach with family and friends. Some of my favorite things are the color blue, target, and steak.

Hi! I am Ja'Niyah, I received my associates degree from Morgan State University and I am now on my journey into the childcare field. As the oldest of six siblings, I am no stranger when it comes to children. I have a passion for helping all children reach their full potential, I encourage the children to be curious and take chances when learning. In my spare time I love to be with my siblings and do different activities with them. I also enjoy reading, morning walks and baking. I am excited to keep growing and making positive impacts on not only the children's lives but myself and those who I surround myself with.

Hello, my name is Lesly Santos. This is my first year working in education. I am also currently in college, majoring in Health Science. One of my favorite things about Early Childhood Education would be getting to know each and every child, and being a part of their learning process. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, going to the beach, and camping. My favorite foods are Italian and Spanish foods. My favorite desserts are cheesecake and tiramisu. Also my favorite beverages are iced coffee and Pure Leaf Raspberry Tea.

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.

My name is Dennice Stribling. This is my first year working with Preschoolers, as a teacher assistant. My favorite thing about working with preschoolers is not just helping in the class, but learning so much from each individual child. I enjoy spending time with my husband of 46 years, my four children, and my eight grandchildren. I also spend a lot of time with my friends whom I attend church with. Some of my favorites include; lasagna, banana pudding, sweet potato pie, and coffee.

Hi, my name is Christina Swirbel, but I go by Tina. I have been working with children for 30 years. I took ten years off from working to raise my son, I have been back working for five years now. I am the assistant teacher in the Bridge classroom. I enjoy watching them learn and grow each day.

My name is Siani Young. I am an assistant teacher in the Two’s classroom. I have worked in childcare for six years now, and it is truly my passion. I love coming to school and seeing my students get excited to see me, because I really enjoy teaching each child. I enjoy reading, cooking, and all animals. Some of my favorite things are potatoes, the color turquoise, and the flowers called forget me nots.

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!

My name is Zoey, I graduated from Rancocas Valley Regional High School in 2023, and now attend The University of New Haven, majoring in Health Science with a Public Health minor to become an OBGYN. I have worked at my church's youth group and I am also a server. I love interacting with the children and learning new things about each of them. In my spare time, I love to travel! I have been to Liberia three times, London and Belgium. Fun fact: My Mom also works at The Goddard School!

Hello! My name is Brooke and I am currently studying elementary and special education at Rowan University. I have experience working with children as a substitute aid as well as volunteering as a Volleyball Coach. My biggest joy in the classroom is watching the children learn and grow. In my free time I am a very active person, I love to play sports and spending time with my family and friends.

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.

My name is Morgan and I am currently assisting in the Toddler classroom. I attend Rowan College with a major in Special Education. My first job was a babysitting position, and I loved it. I knew after that my passion was teaching. The most important rule I set for myself while working here at the Goddard School is ensuring safety at all times and making sure I help the children develop their learning skills in our classroom. Outside of work, my hobbies are shopping, drawing and cooking.