Our Goddard School Teachers

Mr. Rami is a devoted husband and proud father of three children - and like any parent, he wanted the very best for them. When he began searching for early childhood programs, he quickly realized how difficult it was to find a place that felt genuinely nurturing and truly educational. He knew it could be done better. So he built it. The Goddard School of Murray Hill was created from that deeply personal place - as a commitment to families who, like his own, are looking for something more thoughtful, more intentional and more inspiring for their children. Before opening the school, Mr. Rami built a successful career in finance and earned dual degrees in Finance and Accounting. But his most important role has always been being a father - reading bedtime stories, answering endless questions and watching his children discover the world around them. That perspective continues to guide every decision he makes. 

Kellyann holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from The City College of New York, and is currently in progress towards a Master’s degree in Literature there. She worked as a permanent floating substitute teacher at Maple Hill Elementary School, a K-5 school in the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, NY for five years, working in all grade levels and specialist positions as needed throughout the school. From 2016-2017, she worked as Library Specialist teacher at Maple Hill, and took great pleasure in finding “just right” books for each child. Her favorite children’s books are Strega Nona by Tomie de Paola and The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

Ms. Luciana, affectionately known as Ms. Lulu, is our Director of Operations. Ms. Lulu hails from Brazil and holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She brings with her over 20 years of experience in operations within early childhood education. Ms. Lulu has a genuine passion for working with children and deeply understands the importance of creating a welcoming and nurturing environment. As a mother herself, she is acutely aware of how essential it is for children to feel cherished and supported at school. Her favorite children's book in English is “The Hug Machine” by Scott Campbell.

Sylvia holds an Associate's degree in Communications and has always been passionate about working with kids. Since high school, she has volunteered at various learning centers in Staten Island and fell in love with watching children learn and develop using creativity and curiosity. She believes children learn best through play and by engaging with their peers. Her favorite children's book is Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein.

Ms. Christine has a Bachelor's of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences. She has been caring for young children since the age of 14. She has experience volunteering at a school for special needs children and working at an in-home daycare. Ms. Christine enjoys interacting with young children and seeing how they interact with one another. She believes that children are our future, and she is excited to be a part of their success and growth. Ms. Christine's favorite children's book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.

Ms. Sallie holds a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies. She has previously worked in a dance studio and spent several years babysitting children of various ages before joining the Goddard School. Ms. Sallie chose a career in Early Childhood Education because she feels a sense of pride being able to help young children reach new developmental milestones. Ms. Sallie believes children learn best through play and through personal experiences. Her favorite children's book is No David by David Shannon.

Ms. Litzy is currently working on her CDA (Childhood Development Associate certification). Her passion to work with children began when she worked in a summer camp at an SYEP (summer youth employment program). It was during that time that she decided to continue working in the childcare field. She believes that the best way a child learns is through play and arts and crafts. One of her favorite children's books is It’s Okay to Make Mistakes by Todd Parr.

Ms. Althea holds an Associate's degree in Mental Health and Human Services. She chose a career in childcare because she believes these are the most impactful years of their lives and shapes their future, so it is important to be in a positive environment. She believes the best way for children to learn is through hands-on experience. Her favorite childhood book is Wemberly's Ice Cream Star by Kevin Henkes.

Ms. Lidia has her Associate's Degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing a psychology Bachelor's degree at Hunter College. Ms. Lidia's first experience working with children was as a babysitter, and she instantly fell in love with children and became passionate about childcare. Seeing children learn and grow makes her feel like a kid again and it makes working as an educator worthwhile. Ms. Lidia believes children learn best through play and encouragement of imagination. Her favorite children's book is If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff.

Ms. Beatriz holds an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Psychology. She is currently working towards getting certified as a clinical medical assistant. Her passion and experience in childcare started at home when she would help take care of her siblings and babysit her younger relatives. Later, she began working at a summer camp and an after-school program, and then daycares, and she has loved it since. She believes children learn best through play and arts and crafts activities. Ms. Beatriz’s favorite children's book is Wutaryoo by Nilah Magruder.

Ms. Melaney is a high school graduate with 8 years of childcare experience. She has always loved working with children, but teaching became her passion when she was volunteering at a daycare. Ms. Melaney believes children learn the best when they learn from their own mistakes and are encouraged to do better. Her favorite children’s book is “The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?” By Mo Willems.

Ms. Jessica is originally from New Jersey and relocated to New York City in 2019, and she has worked in early childhood education for over ten years. She has developed a deep passion for supporting young children’s growth and development. Ms. Jessica holds an Associate’s Degree in Child and Family Studies and is currently pursuing her degree in Educational Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education at SUNY Empire State University. One of her favorite children’s books is Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae. Working in early childhood education is truly her passion, and she is so excited to continue learning, growing, and making a positive impact in the lives of children and their families.

Ms. Natalie has over 6 years of experience in childcare as both a floater and assistant teacher for children between the ages of 2 months to 7 years old. She fell in love with teaching children in her junior year of high school when an internship brought her to a Pre-K classroom, where she’d spend a few hours every week reading stories, setting up free play stations, and helping parents with pick up. Natalie believes children learn best in loving environments that encourage independence. One of her favorite books is “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes” by James Dean and Eric Litwin.

Ms. Josairis is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Her passion to work with children began when she worked at an elementary school in 11th grade for a high school internship, as well as while babysitting her nieces and cousins. Ms. Josairis believes that the best way a child learns is through creative activities and with songs. One of her favorite children's books is I Love My Beautiful Hair by Elissa Wentt.

Ms. Arieliz is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in Education at Lehman College and plans to also obtain a master's in childhood education. Her passion for working with children came from caring for her niece and nephews. Tutoring her niece and encouraging her nephews' imagination as they grow has become such a rewarding role in their lives. Ms. Arieliz feels that being able to have a positive impact on any child's life to guide and support them through their early milestones is incredibly important. Ms. Arieliz believes children learn best through hands-on experiences and spending time with their peers. Her favorite children's book is "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown.

Ms. Kathy is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been working with children of all ages for over 12 years. Ms. Kathy choose a career in Early Childhood Education to help educate and make a difference in our children’s lives. She has a passion for working with children and encouraging their creativity. Her favorite children's book is I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont.

Mr. Gianni holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University. He knew since the age of 13 that he wanted to work with children, from the first time he began volunteering at his church's daycare (he fell in love instantly). There was something about witnessing the development and growth in the younger ones that he found to be very satisfying. He believes children learn best when they are engaged and having fun! It's all a matter of the environment and support, after all, we are their biggest cheerleaders. Mr. Gianni's favorite children's book has been the same from when he was little, and that is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. As an adult, he appreciates the message even more than when he was a kid.

Ms. Genesis is a high school graduate and has worked as a teacher’s assistant for Pre-K classrooms since 2021. She has always had a profound love for working with children. She enjoys finding new and creative ways of teaching and participating in inventive play alongside them. Ms. Genesis believes children learn best through creative teaching methods. Her favorite children's book is The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach.

Ms. Shantal started her career in early childhood at the YMCA! She has always had an interest in childcare and it has sparked a career choice in early childhood development. She chose working with children because watching them grow each day brings her joy. She believes children learn best through music and play. One of her favorite children's books is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

Ms. Jean has a Bachelor of Arts and holds a Childcare Development Associate Certificate. She has been in the world of childcare for close to two decades, ranging from being a babysitter to an Assistant/Resource Teacher. The children's' smiles light up her days! She believes that children learn best when there is a fun, child friendly approach to it. She enjoys reading to the children, as she becomes quite animated (with silly voices for each character too). Her favorite book is Don't Let the Pigeon Drive The Bus by Moe Willems, and she enjoys the whole series.

Ms. Fatima has an educational background that includes a bachelor's degree in therapy with a minor in Psychology from FIU. She also holds an associate in arts. Ms. Fatima used to teach at a Goddard School in New Jersey and came to us when she relocated to New York! She is passionate about working with children, because she realized it is her niche in life. Everyone has a calling, and being a teacher is hers! Ms. Fatima believes children learn best by mirroring behavior. Being your child's role model is one of the best ways your child can learn positive behavior. Her favorite children's book is "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Philena holds a Trained Teacher's Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Grade 1 Class 1) from the Cyril Potter's College of Education and a Certificate in Education (Nursery General) from the University of Guyana. She developed a love for the teaching profession at a very early age. Her teachers were her role models, and this aided in her decision to become an Assistant Teacher after graduating High School. She has 24 years of experience teaching school aged children. She is a firm believer that young children learn best at their own pace of development in an environment that is conducive for learning, as well as a good Parent/Teacher relationship. One of her favorite children's books is The Three Little Pigs by Flora Annie Steel.

Ms. Brianna holds an associate degree in Psychology. Her passion for childcare started when she would babysit her two younger cousins at home at the age of 15, and she grew up loving to connect with children and seeing things from their perspective. She believes children learn best through play, allowing them to explore, experiment, and engage with their environment, encouraging curiosity and skill. Her favorite children’s book growing up is “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein.

Ms. Adrienne is our food handler and provides our students with healthy snacks and meals throughout the day!

Ms. Desiree has been working with children since she was a teenager. She always knew that working with children was something she wanted to do. She first started off by doing internships in childcare when she was in high school. Shortly after graduating, she started working in an afterschool program with elementary and middle school kids. Ms. Desiree then wanted to work in a daycare setting, which she has been doing now for the past few years. She loves experiencing the different milestones that infants and toddlers meet as they grow and learn about themselves every day. Ms. Desiree believes that children learn best through play and hand on activities. Her favorite childhood book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

Ms. Laney began to develop her passion for working with children during her two years of babysitting experience. She has since gained three years of experience working with K-5, beginning as a youth worker and advancing to a group leader. She finds contributing to the growth of children and building meaningful connections to be a rewarding experience. She believes children learn best through the connections they form with both peers and adults. Ms. Laney’s favorite childhood book is “Biscuit” by Alyssa Satin Capucilli.

Ms. Gangadai (or Ms. G) grew up in Guyana and is a mom of a teen son. She has 10+ years of experience in early childhood education, and she was also a stay-at-home mom for 10 years. Ms. Gangadai fell in love with children and how they learn and interact with their environment. She believes children learn best through hands-on learning and messy play! Ms. Gangadai's favorite children's book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.

Ms. Crishna, or Ms. Cris, studied Hotel Management and Tourism in Brazil, holds an Associate Degree in Dance from CUNY, and has taught skating classes for children. She also worked in a Portuguese and English Montessori Preschool in Brooklyn, where she built strong connections with families and began teaching Portuguese to some of the children. She chose a career in education because of the meaningful bonds she built with children and families, which inspired her to continue her studies and eventually pursue a Master’s in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about working with children because of their natural curiosity, their questions, and the laughs they share when she's being silly, which awakens her own creativity and love for learning. She believes children learn best when they are guided with playfulness, routine, and consistency. Her favorite children’s books are The Three Little Pigs and the Brazilian folk tale Curupira.

Ms. Aushae has 4 years of experience in infant classrooms as well as extensive nanny experience. Prior to that, she worked with young children and infants. She attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and earned a certificate in Acting for Film, TV, and Stage. She is a naturally nurturing person and has always had a passion for caregiving and giving infants the best possible start in life. She believes children learn best through repetition and by example, as well as through play. Her favorite children’s book is Pete the Cat.

Ms. Kearo is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the City College of New York. She previously worked as an after-school counselor and recently turned her talents to early childhood. She is passionate about early childhood education because it gives her the opportunity to use her own creativity to help cultivate children’s growing imaginations. She believes children learn best when they are in a safe and welcoming environment. Her favorite children’s book is Nightmares by Jason Segel.

Ms. Sherin has worked in childcare professionally since 2017, but she first became interested when she was much younger, when she had the opportunity to work as a teaching assistant in high school. She enjoyed mentoring younger students and working in classrooms. She believes children learn best by example, as well as through play. Her favorite children’s book is Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb.

Ms. Adrianna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Studies with a minor in Africana and Latin American Studies. She found her passion for education and childcare while taking courses dedicated to understanding childhood development and working with young children on campus. She believes that children learn best when they are fully supported in both their academic and social/emotional learning. Her favorite children’s book is ‘The Snowy Day’ by Ezra Jack Keats.

Pre-Toddler - Mr. Justin has a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Pace University. Before joining us, Mr. Justin previously worked at The Goddard School of Worthington as an assistant teacher. Mr. Justin has always wanted to work with children because he believes that the proper molding and empathy is key to a child’s upbringing, and he hopes to bring that to all of the children he teaches. Justin believes that children learn best through experience and application. Mr. Justin’s favorite children’s book is “Prince of a Frog” by Jackie Urbanovic, a beautiful take on the classic Princess and the Frog story that shows that everyone is special despite who they are and what they look like.

Ms. Bat-Or is completing her BA in psychology with plans to get a Master's in Early Education in near future. Her love for children started when her parents brought home her much younger sister. With the large age gap, she started to learn what it meant to care for children. The passion to lead a classroom came from observing children through the ages 2 up to 14 years old, seeing the many different ways and tricks to handle any and all situations. Children learn best through play and through examples set by us! I spend most of my life reading and love all books, with a special place in my heart for the classics such as "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak.

Ms. Reanna holds a Bachelor's degree in Special Education and German. She has been working with children since 2022 and loves being part of their learning journeys. Reanna believes that children learn best through an inclusive, hands-on approach where they feel supported to explore, play, and grow at their own pace. One of her favorite children's books is The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister.

Ms. Nicholle holds an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology. Ms. Nicholle has always been passionate about working with children and advocating for their needs. She knew she wanted to work with children after completing an early literacy program at her college, where she supported the communication and early literacy skills of children ages 0–5 through story time. Her favorite children’s book is “No, David!”, by David Shannon.