Our Teachers

Mr. Singh is a proud husband and father of three young children, Asees Singh (7), Japna Singh (4) and Kirpa Singh (2). Inspired by his own children and the lack of quality care available, Mr. Singh developed a passion for Early Childhood Education which led him to open The Goddard School in Murray Hill. Prior to this, Mr. Singh worked in Finance and has a dual major in Finance and Accounting. Mr. Singh spends most of his time playing with his children and providing them every opportunity to develop a love of learning.

Emily holds a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Washington University in St. Louis and a Masters Degree in Special Education from The College of New Rochelle. Emily has been working in Early Childhood Education for over ten years. She began her career as a classroom teacher before spending five years working in New York State's Early Intervention Program. More recently, Emily served as an Education Director at an Early Childhood center before joining us at The Goddard School. Emily has a passion for working with children and her favorite children's book is Angelina Ballerina by Katherine Holabird and Helen Craig.

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. Madison attended City Tech Community College for teaching. Prior to working with The Goddard School, she worked in a Pediatric doctor's office for 4 years as a medical assistant. She loves all children and enjoys watching them grow and thrive. Her favorite book is “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” by Laura Numeroff.

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. 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. 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. Tori holds a bachelor's degree in Dance and Psychology. Her passion for teaching grew when she taught dance at the summer camp she grew up going to. She believes that children learn the best when interacting with their peers. One of her favorite books is "Corduroy" by Don Freeman.

Ms. Emily is currently pursuing an associate degree in Psychology. She has over 2 years of experience tutoring Elementary School students and over 2 years working with preschoolers. Ms. Emily chose a career in Early Childhood Education because she deeply enjoys being a part of a child's development and being a part of their growth and future success. Her favorite children's book is The Way I Feel by Janan Cain.

Ms. Angelica, or Ms. Angie, is currently working towards getting her degree in Healthcare Administration. Then, she wants to further her education in Speech Language Pathology to help kids with communication disorders. She has always loved working with children. She used to babysit her nieces and nephews, which grew her love for kids. She loves teaching them new things and playing with them. Before working at Goddard, she worked as an Administrative Assistant for two years. One of her favorite children’s books is "We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt" by Steve Metzger.

Ms. Alex holds an Associate's degree in Education Studies (1-6) and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Ms. Alex is an older sister of five siblings, which helped build a passion for working with children. She believes that the best way for a child to learn is through play. One of her favorite books is “Llama Llama Red Pajamas” by Anna Dewdney.

Ms. Rachel had known she wanted to work with early learners since she was a senior in high school! She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampshire College, and later attended Bank Street College of Education for her Masters in Early Childhood General and Special Education. Her first three years teaching were in a Reggio-Emilia setting and she has recently been working at a school focusing on applied behavior analysis. The relationships that she has been able to build with students and families, both in and out of the classroom, have been a huge part of her enjoyment and passion for her career. One of her favorite books, which she has memorized at this point, is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom! by Bill Martin Jr. If Ms. Rachel were not a teacher, she would work in animal rescue.

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. Ray is currently pursuing an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been involved in childcare since age 15, working with summer camps and after school programs, and has loved it ever since. She believes children learn best through an individualized approach. Her favorite children's book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

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. Josairis is currently pursuing on 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. Orenia holds an Associate's degree in Children and Youth Studies and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. Her love for teaching comes from tutoring young children from ages 4 to 13 and spending time as a children’s librarian. She chose a career in childhood education because she loves to watch children grow and develop as they eagerly learn new things. Ms. Orenia feels that children can learn best with creativity and connectedness to their peers. Her favorite book is Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña.

Ms. Nina was a long-time member of the Parent Association, the Vice President in the Student Leadership Team and held a chair on Title 1 within NY’s Department of Education. Nina is currently looking to further her education in Early Childhood Development. Her love for children has led her down this career path and she is committed to playing a part in children’s learning experiences. She believes children learn the best with creativity, consistency, and being able to be amongst peers. Her favorite children’s book is Tales of a Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfizer.

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 his Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen 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. 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 infants/toddlers take 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Zenaya has worked over the years as an assistant teacher in ages ranging from infants to early pre-teen years, in both general and special education settings, as well as in daycares and preschools. She also currently provides in-home ABA therapy. Ms. Zenaya has always been passionate about teaching, and she wants to inspire children to always strive to be the best they can be. Ms. Zenaya feels that children learn the best through exploration, and that exploration promotes curiosity while limiting the fear of failure. Her favorite children's book is Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by James Dean and Eric Litwin.

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