Our Teachers

Jyoti Verma, co-owner of The Goddard Schools located in Las Vegas (South) and Henderson, NV. She has been the On-Site Owner of The Goddard School in Henderson, NV for 10 years and recipient of the respected Circle of Excellence Award. Jyoti has 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!"

Jen was born in Seattle, WA, and raised in Henderson, NV. She received her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from CSN and has been working in the ECE field since 2012. She works in the field because “I love seeing children learn and grow and reach new goals!” In her spare time, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her family and friends. Her favorites include tacos, coffee, pineapple, Mr. Goodbars, and the color orange. Fun Fact- “My grandpa played for the 49ers!”

Sam was born and raised in Delaware. She is pursuing her Early Childhood Education Degree at CSN. She works in the field because, “I want to better tomorrow’s youth, and I love their bright smiles!” In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her family, traveling, and reading. Her favorites include nachos, coffee, sour gummy worms, and Doritos, and her favorite color is pink. Fun Fact– “I was the last baby born in Delaware in 1989!”

Crystal was born in California and raised in Minnesota. She began her career in the Early Childhood Education field in 2012. She has her CDA and is currently attending CSN to pursue her Early Childhood Education degree. She works in the field because “I believe those first few years of life are so important, and I enjoy watching my students learn and grow.” She likes to spend time with her family and read. Her favorites include Poke, Dr. Pepper, Reese cups, and her favorite color is yellow. Fun Fact- “I am an avid reader!”

Kana was born in Oahu, Hawaii. She is currently attending UNLV to pursue her degree in Early Childhood Education. She has experience working with Safe Key. She works in the field because "seeing kids blossom and grow when they learn something new makes me so happy. I want to be the foundation for my students to build upon.” She likes to read and listen to music in her spare time. Her favorites include Sushi, Diet Coke, Golden Eagles (from Dutch Bros), French fries and her favorite color is blue. Fun Fact- “I have over 500 books in my personal library and hope to one day have enough books to be considered a library."

Xavier was born in Oxnard, CA, and raised in Las Vegas, NV. They have experience tutoring children from K-6th grade and are excited to implement best practices in the ECE field. They have plans to go to UNLV for Film School. They teach because "I believe in helping the youth reach their full potential because they are our future!" In their spare time, they enjoy playing video games like Overwatch, Minecraft, and Animal Crossing. They also like to cook, bake, and write. Some of their favorites include mac & cheese, root beer, salt and vinegar chips, and the color black. Fun Fact: "I love anime! My favorites are JJK, Bungo Straydogs, Neon Gensis Evangloin, and Fire Force."

Amber was born and raised in Missouri. She is new to the early childhood education field and teaches because "I teach so I can help make a better world for the future." In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, family, and her dog. Some of her favorites include Cane's chicken tenders, crackers, and Coke; her favorite color is yellow. Fun fact: "I recently rescued a dog that has become a big part of my life!"

Teayr was born and raised between Henderson, Nevada and Seligman, Arizona. She is new to the ECE field and is excited to learn and implement best practices. She teaches because "I love working with kids and getting to see their excitement when they learn new things." In her spare time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, hanging out with her friends and family, and going to thrift stores. Her favorites include Carne Asada, Hot Cheetos, Horchata, and graham crackers with milk, and her favorite colors are yellow, black, red, and blue. Fun Fact- "The town I grew up in (Seligman Arizona) is the town the Disney movie Cars is based off of on historic Route 66."

MaKaila was born and raised in Burnsville, Minnesota. She has experience in the ECE field and is currently attending college online. She teaches because "I love to teach because I love to watch children's minds expand and grow into the person they are going to be." In her spare time, she enjoys reading and playing with her guinea pigs. Her favorites include sushi, Gatorade, and popcorn. Her favorite color is green. Fun fact: "I am the youngest of my four siblings."

Val was born in San Diego and raised in Imperial Valley, California. She received her BA in Early Childhood & Adolescent Development, volunteered in children's ministries, and worked in a preschool setting since she was 18. She teaches because "I get to learn something new every day!" In her spare time, she enjoys reading, taking her dogs for a walk, shopping at Target, Ulta, and Michaels, and watching movies. Some of her favorites include chicken nuggets/fries, iced tea and iced coffee, and chocolate; her favorite color is pink and glitter. Fun Fact- "I know all the Taylor Swift songs!"

Lovely was born and raised in Paranaque, Philippines. She received her Bachelor's in Physical Therapy when she came to the US; she followed her passion and began teaching. She teaches because "I want to share what I've learned and to keep learning!" In her spare time, she likes to camp and goes on road trips. Some of her favorites include shrimp, iced tea, fruit strips, and the color green. Fun Fact: "She loves rice and eats it every day."

Alesea was born in Westerly, Rhode Island and raised in the Mystic, Connecticut, area. She has experience in early childhood education, as she helped run a preschool program at her high school. She teaches because "I love kids and would like more practice working with all age groups!" In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cruises, and spending time with her family and pets. Some of her favorites include pizza, Mango Snapple, and chips; her favorite color is pink. Fun Fact- "I am going to Australia next year!"

Cara was born in Provo, Utah, but calls Portland, Oregon, home. She is new to the early childhood education field. She teaches because "I understand how significant teachers are in a child's development, and I want a career that positively impacts my community." In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her three children and tending to her house plant collection. Some of her favorites include salad, raw or roasted veggies, coffee, and fruit; her favorite color is green. Fun fact: "I am one of nine children! I am an aunt + great-aunt to over forty nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews!"

Samantha was born in Southern California and raised in South Side Chicago. Samantha studied child development and early childhood education both in and out of formal education. She was a nanny and a preschool teacher before moving to Las Vegas. She teaches because "Creating meaningful bonds to educate, encourage, and build confidence in children is truly my passion. I hope to foster a fun, safe, and warm environment for every student." In her spare time, she enjoys baking, crafting, and reading fantasy novels. Some of her favorites include tonkatsu ramen, raspberry tea, grapes and crackers with cheese; her favorite color is green. Fun Fact- "I love visiting Renaissance Faires and creating outfits for them!"

Jhane was born in Lynwood, Ca, and raised in Las Vegas, NV. She has earned her CDA and has been in the Early Childhood Education field since 2016. She teaches because "I love growing minds, and children are so happy when they are learning!" She enjoys spending time and shopping with her family in her spare time. Her favorites include pizza, wings, Pepsi, Oreos' and the colors pink and black. Fun Fact: "I'm a mother of two and love beauty pageants!"

Kayla was born and raised in Las Vegas but also lived in Chicago. She is new to early childhood education but graduated from Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts. She is currently working on her degree at CSN. She teaches to "inspire." In her spare time, she enjoys arts and crafts, dancing, cooking, journaling, and painting. She is also an avid gym enthusiast. Some of her favorites include Poke, wings, tacos, popcorn, pickles, and Dr. Pepper; her favorite color is blue. Fun fact: "I'm a vocal performer throughout the Valley. I have had the opportunity to sing opera at Michael Jackson's former residency and a pop-up performer for Fox 5 Productions."

Molly has lived in many different places but spent the majority of her time in California. She has experience in the ECE field with two- and three-year old children. She teaches because "I love interacting with children and helping them to learn and grow. It’s fascinating to see how their minds work and how each child approaches a situation differently.” In her spare time, she enjoys creating new things like writing, drawing, crocheting. Her favorites include tacos, coffee, and apple chips. Her favorite colors are red and black. Fun fact: "I love lizards! I’ve owned bearded dragons & snakes!”

Thomas was born and raised in California. He is new to the early childhood education field and teaches to "shape young minds, to help them start on the right path to success." In his spare time, he enjoys relaxing, spending time with his family, and watching new movies. Some of his favorites include pizza, iced sweet tea, hot Funyuns and Turbos; his favorite color is green. Fun fact: "I dislike raw tomatoes but love tomato sauce and anything else like it!"

Kash was born in Columbia, SC, and raised in Paterson, New Jersey. She studied Early Childhood Education at North Carolina A&T State University and has experience in education and the medical field. She teaches because "I love watching children grow and develop their own personalities." In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her son and fiancé, coloring and braiding hair. Some of her favorites include mozzarella sticks, burgers, banana boba, hot Cheetos and the color pink. Fun fact: "I'm the oldest of 3 girls and I love dolphins!"

Rochelle was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Las Vegas. She is pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education from CSN. She teaches because "I love teaching and aspires to be an elementary teacher in the future!" In her spare time, she enjoys shopping and hanging out with family and friends. Some of her favorites include pasta, Starbucks, popcorn, and the color teal. Fun Fact- "I love to sing, dance, and I was a gymnast for 9 years."

Charlene was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii! She has accomplished her AA in Early Childhood Education and BA in Family and Education and has over 20 years of serving families with young children. She teaches because "Working with young children and families is my passion!" In her spare time, she likes to read books, watch movies, and play card games. Some of her favorites include Yard House Poke Nachos, Tropical Smoothie Mango, chocolate, key lime shake, and the color magenta. Fun Fact: "I rode a train in Alaska, visited the Smithsonian in Washington DC, and visited Cowabunga Bay!"

Emily was born in San Jose, California and raised here in Las Vegas, Nevada. She used to volunteer with Americorps as a literacy tutor working with kids K-5. She is currently pursuing her early childhood degree at CSN. She works in the field because “I've always liked working with children, and I love seeing students grow and learn!” She likes to do things with her family, like visiting parks, museums, and aquariums in her spare time. She also loves all things arts and crafts. Her favorites include Indian and Mediterranean food, orange Hi-C, fruit- pomegranate, and her favorite color is yellow. Fun Fact- “I love plants and plan on growing my own garden with fruits and vegetables!”

Evelyn was born in Los Angeles and raised in Las Vegas. She recently completed her AA in Early Childhood Education from CSN and is excited to put into practice what she has learned. She teaches to "show children that learning can be fun!" In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, reading, drawing, and going to concerts. Some of her favorites include Vietnamese, Red Bull, lavender rose tea, popcorn, and the colors black and lavender. Fun Fact: "I was born on New Year's Day!"

Dhoree was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education and has experience in elementary and early childhood education. She teaches because "I am dedicated to children's education, and I want to be a part of their success." In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, shopping, and watching TV. Some of her favorites include Chinese food, pasta, iced tea, chips, and the colors green and lavender. Fun Fact: "I love line dancing, telling funny stories and jokes!"

Calista was born and raised in Las Vegas but recently lived in New Hampshire. She received her degree in Psychology from UNLV. She has six years of experience in early childhood education with infants and toddlers. She teaches because "early childhood is a crucial time in development, and I love helping children on their path." In her spare time, she enjoys scrapbooking, cooking, hiking, and spending time with her family. Her favorites include pasta, chocolate chip cookies, and hot chocolate. Her favorite color is purple. Fun fact: "I volunteered at an orphanage in Romania for two months during college."

Haru was born and raised in California. She is new to the early childhood education field at The Goddard School but has experience with SafeKey. She teaches because "I enjoy being able to teach and learn from young minds and guide children as they grow and develop on their journey. " In her spare time, she enjoys arts and crafts, cooking and baking, playing games, and listening to music. Her favorites include Arizona Tea, Chai Tea, Crab, Okra, Stuffed Shells, Rainbow Goldfish, and Snack Packs. Her favorite color is aqua. Fun fact: "I love animals! I have a dog named Chloe, a lizard named Mushu, a cat named Kitaro, and a snake named Pandora."

Jean was born in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is new to the early childhood field but is excited to shape young minds. She teaches because "I want to inspire the future generation to be successful, and I love helping others succeed." She enjoys working out, reading books, and learning new languages. Some of her favorites include tacos, coffee, water, flaming hot Cheetos, and reeses; her favorite color is neon green. Fun Fact- "I have a collection of stuffed animals that I love to cuddle."

Joy was born and raised in Raleigh, Mississippi. She is new to the early childhood education and has an associate's degree in Liberal Arts. She teaches because "I love kids!" In her spare time, she enjoys tennis, hiking, and spending time with her dog. Some of her favorites include tacos, water, and chocolate; her favorite color is pink. Fun fact: "I have triplet sisters named Faith, Hope, and Charity."

Robyn was born and raised in Ogden, Utah. She has over fifteen years of experience in early childhood education and is in the process of obtaining her ECE degree. She teaches because "I enjoy knowing that I took part in helping guide and teach young minds that will grow to be some of our future doctors, teachers, and leaders one day." In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her children and family, drawing, and listening to music. Her favorites include alfredo pasta, seafood, hot or cold peach tea, and albanese gummy bears. Her favorite color is purple. Fun fact: "I learned to play the clarinet in elementary school and still know how to play it!"

Tammy was born in North Carolina and raised in New Orleans, and lived in LA before moving to Las Vegas. She has worked in Early Childhood Education since 2012. She teaches because "I believe children are a joy to work with because they are funny, loving, and a pleasure to work with!" In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family; she is a mother of 3 and grandmother of 3. She enjoys cooking and having game nights. Some of her favorites include shrimp, Coke, popcorn and chips, and the color yellow. Fun Fact: "I love painting and making new things out of old things."

Victoria was born in Flagstaff, Arizona, and raised in Henderson. She is new to the ECE field, pursuing a Psychology degree from UNLV, and has experience babysitting. She teaches because "I love to watch the kids grow and learn!" In her spare time, she likes to bake cakes and cookies. Some of her favorites include tacos, goldfish, green tea, and the color red. Fun Fact: "I have been a lifeguard for two years and have five siblings!"