Our Teachers

Jyoti Verma, co-owner of The Goddard Schools located in Henderson and Las Vegas (South), NV, earned her Master of Science degree in MIS and Marketing, and a Bachelor’s degree in Arts (Economics Major). She was always passionate about children, education, and community hence, wanted her life-work to crystallize around those three focal points. She’s excited to operate a business that plays an important role in the community by providing exceptional service for children and that is centered on her most important priority—family. Ms. Jyoti is proud to be a part of The Goddard School and is committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for the children in the community.

Gagan Verma, co-owner of The Goddard Schools located in Henderson and Las Vegas (South), NV, earned his MBA from Columbia University, NYC, and a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from DCET. He also passed levels I & II of the CFA Charter. After a successful career with fortune 100 companies in risk management, corporate finance, and management consulting, he joined his wife in 2020 to operate their childcare business that aligns with their values and provides exceptional early childhood educational and developmental services for children. Mr. Verma also had the privilege of serving on the board of Spread the Word NV, the largest child literacy-related nonprofit in Nevada. He is very excited and proud to be a part of The Goddard School and is committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for the children in this community. Mr. Verma is CPR and First Aid certified and has completed a background check with the Las Vegas Metro Police Department.

Gia was born in Granada Hills, CA, and raised in Mohave Valley, AZ. She has been in the Early Childhood Education Field since 2000, received her AA in Early Childhood Education from CSN and her BA in Business Administrative from NSC. She works in the field because "You deserve to go to work each day and be happy! I always say we have the BEST families, faculty and facility!" She enjoys spending time with her family, attending sporting events, shopping at Target & Amazon, and is an obsessed dog mom of 2 Pitbull's named Paisley and Jax. Some of her favorites include Mexican food and pizza, dips, coffee, and the color green. Fun Fact: I have been to Nicaragua twice to rebuild a school and serve children; it was life-changing!!

Sequoia was born in Fountain Valley, CA, and raised in Flushing, MI. She has been in the Early Childhood Education field since 2011 and is attending CSN pursuing her Early Childhood Education degree. She teaches because “I love children; watching them learn and grow is one of the most rewarding things you can do!” She enjoys taking her children to the beach and Target in her spare time. Some of her favorites include: Italian food, Dutch Bros, Dr. Pepper, Reeses, and her favorite color is black. Fun Fact- “I was born on Christmas!”

Ms. Jasmine was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She is pursuing her criminal justice and social science forensics degree and has experience as an assistant teacher and camp counselor. She teaches because "I love to watch children grow and their character develop!" In her spare time, she loves to binge watch movies and series. Some of her favorites include macaroni piem Rosta Pasta, cranberry juice, sprite, chips, honeybuns, and the color purple. Fun Fact: I've been to Japan, and my family is from the twin island of Trinidad & Tobago.

Ms. Brenna was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. She obtained her CDA and she teaches because "I love to see children grow and learn new things!" In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, painting, and reading. Some of her favorites include sushi, tea and coffee, and chips and salsa; her favorite colors are forest green and royal purple. Fun Fact- "I am double-jointed in my fingers!"

Ms. Gabby was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She has experience in the ECE field as an assistant teacher and a kindergarten teacher. She teaches because "It is exciting to see children learn and grow!" In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering to help the community stay off the street and play sports instead. Her favorites include Mexican, Starbucks, and chips. Her favorite color is blue. Fun fact: "I have a cat named Zeni."

Ms. Eimani was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has experience in the early childhood education field as a toddler teacher. She teaches because "It's my passion; I love teaching the new generation and watching them learn and grow with the knowledge they have learned!" In her spare time, she loves being a mom and writing her own books. Her favorites include pizza, Mexican, Italian, Power Aide Zero, white peach Liquid IV, hot Cheetos, and Oreos. Her favorite colors are red and black. Fun fact: "I am a Scorpio mom to a Scorpio!"

Ms. Liberty was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She is new to the early childhood education field and is in the process of obtaining her degree in child development. She teaches because "I love putting smiles on children's faces!" In her spare time, she enjoys drawing. Her favorites include pizza, water, and Cheez-Its. Her favorite color is pink. Fun fact: "I love outside and summertime."

Ms. Makenzie was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She attends CSN and is working towards getting her psychology degree. She has experience working in the ECE field for about two years. She teaches because "I love being able to help and connect with children while giving them a safe and nurturing environment to thrive in!" In her spare time, she is either doing homework or reading. Her favorites include Applebee's, Cane's, Dutch Bros, Monster energy drinks, and Dot cinnamon sugar pretzels. Her favorite color is green. Fun fact: "I have two dogs, and I am currently working on getting my master's in psychology!"

Ms. Claudia was born and raised in Jalisco, Mexico. She attended the University of Educators of Guadalajara and has worked with children since 2015. She teaches because "I like to help children have fun while they learn!" In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, exercising, and shopping. Her favorites include seafood, 7-up, and flaming hot Cheetos. Her favorite color is pink. Fun fact: "I like to dance to Latino music!"

Ms. Alaina was born and raised in Parker, Colorado. She has experience in the early childhood education field as a toddler teacher. She teaches because "I love to watch children grow and see their imagination!" In her spare time, she loves to read and learn how to cook new foods. Her favorites include ramen, Dr. Pepper, yellow Red Bull, and Pringles. Her favorite color is pink. Fun fact: "I did competitive cheer for most of my life!"

Ms. Jessica was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is new to early childhood education and is excited to learn and grow. She teaches because "I love working with children!" In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family. Her favorites include pizza, Baja Blast, and gummy worms. Her favorite color is pink. Fun fact: "I've never been on an airplane."

Ms. Rosa was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. She has experience in the Early Childhood Education field with all age groups and has volunteered in schools and babysat. She teaches because "I like to share knowledge and see progress develop over time!" She loves to explore the mountains, spend time with family, and watch movies in her spare time. Her favorites include Mexican, Dr. Pepper, kit kat, hot Cheetos with lime, and the color blue. Fun Fact- "I have two dogs; a dachshund and a husky!"

Ms. Cassandra was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has experience working with children ages 5-11 and is currently attending college to obtain her degree in criminal justice. She teaches because "I like working with children and helping them learn new things!" In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching dramas, and playing video games with her son. Her favorites include Pad Thai, sweet tea, lemonade, and spicy chips, such as Takis and hot Cheetos. Her favorite colors are pink, yellow, and orange. Fun fact: "I'm learning how to speak Korean."

Ms. Liana was born and raised in the State of Hawaii. She is new to the ECE field and recently graduated from CSN with an associate degree in Criminal Justice. She teaches, "To prepare and inspire young minds for their bright future!" She enjoys reading, drawing, and playing video games in her spare time! Some of her favorites include spaghetti, green tea, French fries, and the color blue. Fun Fact- "I am a happy dog mom of two chihuahuas, Abigail Jean and Puka!"

Ms. Hailey was born in Pennsylvania and raised in Michigan. She has experience working in the early childhood education field, working with children from infants to two years. She teaches because "I want to positively impact kids' lives and make a safe environment for them." In her spare time, she enjoys going to the gym and spending time with her friends and family. Some of her favorites include chicken alfredo, strawberry creme, Dr. Pepper, and popcorn; her favorite color is pink. Fun Fact- "I moved to Nevada five years ago!"

Ms. Val was born and raised in Ukraine. She has experience in the early childhood field as a childcare worker and babysitter. She teaches because "I love watching children learn and grow!" In her spare time, she enjoys reading and walking. Her favorites include sushi, coffee, and kettle corn. Her favorite color is green. Fun fact: "I love to play with my grandkids!"

Ms. MC was born and raised on the island of Maui. She received her BA in Asian Studies, obtained her CDA certificate, and has many years of early childhood education experience. She teaches because "It is rewarding to watch children understand and demonstrate what I've taught them!" She enjoys traveling, playing video games, and spending time with her family and friends in her spare time. Some of her favorites include Korean BBQ, Italian, Lemonade, dark chocolate, and the color black. Fun Fact-"Japan is my favorite place to travel, and I've been there twice!"

Ms. Desteny was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She has experience working with elementary school children, as she interned as a teacher assistant. She teaches because "I love helping children learn and grow!" In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending a lot of quality time with her friends and family. Her favorites include pizza, raspberry lemonade, and strawberries with chocolate. Her favorite color is sage green. Fun fact: "I can sing a little!"

Ms. Martha was born and raised in Guatemala, Central America. She graduated from college as an Elementary School Teacher. She then gained experience as a paraeducator at LUSD in California and had her own home daycare. She teaches because "No other job gives me the challenges, joys, creativity, and inspiration. I like to see how children grow and learn!" In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, camping, and cooking. Some of her favorites include Chinese food, pink lemonade, and cashews; her favorite color is red. Fun Fact- "I love movies...but I can't handle scary movies!"

Ms. Serena was born in Hayward, CA, and raised in San Jose, CA. She has over 6 years in the early childhood education field, focusing on children 18 months- 5 years old. She teaches because "It gives a sense of pride that I can be a part of the most important years in a child's life!" She enjoys organizing and playing with her 3 dogs and 5 cats in her spare time. Her favorites include Italian food, sandwiches, Cheez-it's, iced coffee, and the color teal. Fun Fact- "I have an obsession with office supplies and collect colored pens."

Ms. Lori was born and raised in Waianae, Hawaii. She has five years of experience in the ECE field. She teaches because "The next generation is our future." In her spare time, she enjoys floral design and traveling. Her favorites include lau lau, iced tea, and brownies. Her favorite color is red. Fun fact: "I love creating floral hair pieces!"

Ms. Lisa was born and raised in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. She obtained her CDA and she has 20 years of experience as a Special Education teacher working with preschool to elementary students. Lisa teaches because "It is gratifying for me to see children progress mentally, physically, and socially." She likes to relax at home or shop at Target in her spare time. Her favorites include Mexican food, Italian food, desserts, chocolate, coffee and the colors black and pink. Fun Fact: "I am an Amazon shop-a-holic and love to collect Starbucks cups!"

Ms. Heather was born and raised in Apple Valley, CA. She is new to early childhood education and is currently obtaining her CDA. She teaches, "I love children and watching them grow and learn." In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her kids, going on walks, and shopping. Some of her favorites include Mexican food, pizza, strawberry lemonade, coffee, and cookies; her favorite color is pink. Fun fact: "I am double-jointed in six of my fingers!"

Ms. Marisol was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. She has over 10 years of working in the Early Childhood Education field. She teaches because "Beyond having a passion for caring for children, I enjoy watching children develop into loving adults!" She enjoys traveling, working out, and baking in her spare time. Some of her favorites include sandwiches, chicken, coffee, donuts, and the colors white & black. Fun Fact- "I am spontaneous!"

Ms. Leslie was born in Bullhead City, Arizona, and raised in Laughlin, Nevada. She is new to the early childhood education field and is currently in school for education. She teaches because "I LOVE kids!!" In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies. Her favorites include carne asada, water, and cookies. Her favorite color is purple. Fun fact: "I love Ironman!"

Ms. Abby was born in Russia and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is currently in college, pursuing her bachelor's in elementary education. She teaches because "I love to see children thrive and excel at their best!" In her spare time, she loves spending time with her friends and family, hiking, and playing pickleball. Her favorites include pasta, Dr. Pepper, and popcorn. Her favorite color is pink. Fun fact: "I played volleyball for 9 years!"

Ms. Brittny was born and raised in Salinas, CA. She has ten years of experience in Early Childhood Education and teaches because "I love education and want to make a difference." In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family. Her favorites include Sushi, smoothies, and hot chips. Her favorite color is turquoise. Fun fact: "I love to play softball!"

Ms. Crystal was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. She attended SBBC in California for ECE and has volunteered in many elementary schools. She teaches because "I want to make a positive impact on students' lives and have an influence on the next generation." In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her animals and watch movies. Her favorites include Chinese food, rootbeer, and sunflower seeds. Her favorite color is green. Fun fact: "I have over 30 nieces and nephews."

Ms. Dominique was born in Tracey, California, and raised in Lithonia, Georgia. She has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and four years of experience in the early childhood education field. She teaches because "I love being around kids! It is rewarding to see them learn and grasp something that I've taught them." In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. Some of her favorites include tacos, lemonade, and popcorn; her favorite color is purple. Fun fact: "I can play the piano, and I am currently learning ASL!"

Ms. Juliette was born in American Samoa and raised in Hawaii. She is new to the ECE field and is excited to learn and grow. She teaches because "I love making a difference with the younger generation." In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her family and playing sports. Her favorites include french fries, Dr. Pepper, and chips. Her favorite color is pink. Fun fact: "I played volleyball for 6 years!"

Ms. Lina was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is relatively new to the Early Childhood Education field but is excited to learn and grow. She teaches because "I want kids to learn and have fun, and I want to build a bond with them. " In her spare time, she likes to build Legos and color. Her favorites include pasta, sweet tea, and Cheez-Its. Her favorite color is purple. Fun fact: "I've always known that I have wanted to be a teacher since I was 7 years old."

Ms. Kimber was born and raised in Henderson, NV. She has been in the Early Childhood Education field for seven years, teaching students from infants through Pre-K. Ms. Kimber teaches because “I love to see children learn and grow. I get excited when the babies learn something new.” She enjoys hanging out with family and friends, watching Netflix, and listening to music in her spare time. Her favorites are Mexican food, Pepsi, chocolate milk, snickers, Cheetos, and the color purple. Fun Fact: “I’m related to Pocahontas!”

Ms. Melissa was born in Los Angeles and raised in Moreno Valley, California. She has experience in the early childhood education field as an assistant kindergarten teacher. She teaches because "I love to see the wonder in a child when the light bulb goes off when they learn something new." In her spare time, she enjoys roaming around and finding adventures with her 9-year-old son, who keeps her on her toes! Some of her favorites include coke, lemonade, chicken, and chips; her favorite color is blue. Fun fact: "I enjoy many different genres of music!"

Ms. Ranjitha (Ranji) was born and raised in India. She has a Diploma in Electronics and Communication and experience as a school teacher in India. She teaches because "I love children and want to spend all of my time making sure they succeed!" In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and watching TV. Some of her favorites include Indian food, water, Pani Puri (an Indian snack), and the color black. Fun Fact- My family and I love our family gamenights!