Our Goddard School Teachers

"We believe our school should provide the most hospitable, most enriching, and most welcoming haven for our children, their families, and our staff.” This is the mission statement specially crafted by “Ms. Jodi” & “Mr. Bill”, as they developed their plans to open The Goddard School of Bala Cynwyd. "Opening our school has been the adventure of a lifetime, and the most rewarding aspect is the community of children, staff, and families that has developed so organically. We believe in and strive for exemplary communication, academic excellence, and fostering the purest of environments," reports Mr. Bill. Ms. Jodi & Mr. Bill are parents to three 20-somethings, and they are celebrating 28 years of marriage. "Parenthood, itself, has provided the biggest preparation for our administrative and proprietorial responsibilities." When personal time permits, you will likely find Ms. Jodi on a golf course and find Mr. Bill behind a drum set. "Welcome, one and all, to our school!"

Ms. Kelsey joined our team in 2024. She has been working with children for over 10 years! In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and going to the beach. Italian and Mexican food is her favorite, and she loves anything purple. She chose to work for Goddard because she wanted to work with children. What Ms. Kelsey enjoys most about childcare is being able to assist them in growing up.

Chelsea is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, and recently relocated with her family from Jacksonville, Florida, where she lived for the past 15 years. She has been in the Early Childhood Education field for over a decade and has a true passion for helping children learn and grow. Before moving, Chelsea worked at The Goddard School in Florida as an Assistant Director for four years. She and her husband have two children. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys curling up with a good book and blanket and spending quality time with her family. Chelsea loves being part of The Goddard School because of its commitment to high standards and exceptional curriculum. Having both of her own children attend Goddard, she has personally experienced the positive impact the school’s approach has on young learners.

Ms. Sara holds a BA in Early Childhood Education from Neumann University and brings nine years of experience working with young children. She loves nurturing curious minds and is dedicated to creating a safe, engaging, and supportive classroom where every child feels valued, confident, and excited to learn. When she’s not in the classroom, Ms. Sara enjoys theater, crocheting, and spending time with her two cats. These creative passions inspire the warmth, patience, and imagination she brings to her work each day, helping children feel right at home as they grow and thrive!

Hi! It was evident that The Goddard School was an extraordinary place, and all the teachers here really care about their children. I am excited to bring my skills in child care here, and I especially enjoy seeing them grow and learn. My favorite color is purple, and when I am off duty you will likely find me reading, hiking, or enjoying photography.

Ms. Teresa joined our team in 2021. She holds a Bachelor's Degree degree in Marketing/Business Administration from Cabrini College, and a Teacher Certification for K-6th from Thomas Edison State University. She has been working with kids since 2008, from teaching preschool, kindergarten, first grade, fifth and sixth grade special education, to sixth grade math. In her free time, she enjoys all types of arts and crafts, reading, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and husband, especially at the beach! Her favorite sport is baseball and absolutely loves the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. She chose to work for Goddard because the owners and administration team are very supportive and provide the kindergarten classes with everything they need for the school year. What Ms. Teresa enjoys most about childcare is seeing the tremendous growth the children go through from September to June.

Ms. Holly joined our team in 2023. She holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Drexel University. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, crocheting, and reading. Her favorite food is cereal and loves Big Fish Grill in Wilmington, Delaware. She chose to work for Goddard because we have a reputation of quality in care and education. What Ms. Holly enjoys most about childcare is witnessing the joy of discovery and observing the children as they grow and master new skills.

Miss Caitlin represents all that is pure and earnest in the childcare field. Starting her career in 2008, she has faithfully served in the classroom. In December of 2024, Ms. Caitlin earned her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Walden University! In her personal time, you will find Ms. Caitlin in her kitchen crafting up some original sweets & candies, or enjoying karaoke and trivia with friends. Ms. Caitlin offers, "I find that helping to shape the minds of young children is one of the most rewarding things a person can accomplish. I also love doing arts & crafts with them!"

Mr. Jon joined our team in 2024. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and has been working with kids for 10 years. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and going to concerts. His favorite food is sushi and Mexican food. What Mr. Jon enjoys most about childcare is helping the children learn and grow.

Ms. Laurie joined our team in 2025 and has quickly become a wonderful addition to the classroom. Known for her kind and caring nature, she creates a warm and welcoming environment where children feel comfortable and supported. Her gentle approach and positive attitude help build strong connections with the children, who truly enjoy spending time with her each day. Ms. Laurie is dedicated to helping children feel happy, safe, and valued as they learn and grow.

Ms. Amanda joined our team in 2023 and she is currently studying Early Education at Delaware County Community College. In her free time, she enjoys painting and playing with her dog. She chose to work for Goddard because of how much our staff love and care for each and every child. What Ms. Amanda enjoys most about childcare is how rewarding it feels to see a child master a skill they've been working on.

Ms. Audrey joined our team in 2023 and has been working with kids for 4 years. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, singing and spending time with loved ones. Her favorite food is ice cream, and loves Tom's Dim Sum in Media. She chose to work for Goddard because our dedication to the children is palpable the moment you walk through our doors. What Ms. Audrey enjoys most about childcare is the ability to enrich their lives every day.

Ms. Grace joined our team in 2022. She was born in Puerto Rico and is fluent in Spanish. She holds a CDA and has been working with kids for over 25 years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and decorating & shopping for her new home. Ms. Grace thinks it is a pleasure to work for Goddard, and she looks forward to many more wonderful years with our team of teachers and administrative staff, while providing a fun, nurturing learning space for her students.

Ms. Alexa joined our team in 2024. She holds an Associates degree in Criminal Justice and has been working with pre-schoolers for over 3 years. In her free time, she enjoys watching sports, hanging out with her teacup yorkie, and all things Disney. Her favorite food is Mexican, especially from El Limon. She chose to work for Goddard because of their love for children and support for staff. What Ms. Alexa enjoys most about childcare is making a positive impact on the children's lives.

Ms. Latasha joined our team in 2022. She is currently working towards her Bachelor's degree at Rosemont College, and has been working with kids for over 15 years. In her free time, she enjoys reading. Her favorite food is french toast and her favorite animal is an elephant. She chose to work for Goddard because she loves working with children. What Ms. Latasha enjoys most about childcare is seeing the children grow.

Hello! What I value the most about The Goddard School is their adherence to maintaining high standards of excellence for the children and for the staff. The joy I experience every day is seeing children grow, as well as building community and relationships. My favorite color is teal, and as most know, I love music! Piano is my favorite, however I also sing and play guitar.

Ms. Briana joined our team in 2022 and has been working with kids for 6 years. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and going to the gym. Her favorite food is Mexican, and loves all things blue. She chose to work for Goddard because she believes it's a great environment that creates an amazing community. What Ms. Briana enjoys most about childcare is caring for the children and watching them grow.

Ms. Karla joined our team in 2023 and has been working with kids for 5 years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and hanging out with her family. Her favorite food is sushi, especially from Morimoto. She chose to work for Goddard because of our great reputation and standards. What Ms. Karla enjoys most about childcare is watching the children learn, grow, and reach milestones.

Ms. Marydith ("Ms. Mara") joined our team in 2025. She arrived here having faithfully served another Goddard School. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling. Her favorite food is Waldorf salad, and she loves cats & dogs. She chose to continue working for Goddard because she enjoys working with children in a classroom setting. What Ms. Mara enjoys most about childcare is being a part of a child's growth and development.

Meet Ms. Lanaya! Lanaya is a passionate and experienced educator with over a decade of work in the early childhood education field. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from West Chester University, equipping her with both the knowledge and practical skills to support young learners. Ms. Lanaya has a genuine love for working with children, which shines through in her nurturing and engaging classroom environment. She is dedicated to helping each child grow academically, socially, and emotionally, while fostering a lifelong love of learning. Her experience, warmth, and commitment make her a valued part of the classroom, where children feel supported, encouraged, and inspired every day.

Ms. Shana joined our team in 2021 and has been working with kids for over 20 years. In her free time, she enjoys reading, shopping, and taking walks. Her favorite color is blue, and loves to eat out at Chik-Fil-A and go on Target runs. She chose to work for Goddard because she wanted a place to grow and flourish. What Ms. Shana enjoys most about childcare is teaching and making an impact on the children's lives.

Ms. Nia joined our team in 2024 and has been working with kids for 3 years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family. Her favorite food is pasta, especially from Olive Garden, and loves going on Target runs. She chose to work for Goddard because we have a supportive work environment. What Ms. Nia enjoys most about childcare is building bonds with the children and being a positive role model in their lives.

Ms. Maria joined our team in 2022. She has been working with kids for over 10 years, and working in childcare centers for 7 years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time down the shore and practicing photography. She chose to work for Goddard because of our amazing teachers. What Ms. Maria enjoys most about childcare is how fulfilling it is to see how the children grow, and to be someone the families can rely on.

Meet Ms. Dianyra! Dianyra is a dedicated and experienced educator with over 10 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childcare from Harcum College and brings a strong foundation of knowledge and hands-on expertise to her classroom. Originally from Puerto Rico, Ms. Dianyra is bilingual in English and Spanish, allowing her to connect with and support a diverse group of children and families. She believes that creativity is one of the most effective ways to help children reach important developmental milestones while making learning fun and engaging. In her classroom, Ms. Dianyra fosters an environment where imagination and exploration are encouraged, helping children grow with confidence and joy. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and expressing her love of music by playing the bass guitar.

Ms. Kate joined our team in 2024. She holds an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching kids for 20 years. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and spending time with her family. Her favorite food is sushi, especially from Ooka. She chose to work for Goddard because she agrees with their standards and philosophy. What Ms. Kate enjoys most about childcare is seeing the children develop and grow each day.

Mr. Gabe joined our team in 2020 has been working with kids for over 4 years. In his free time, he enjoys playing board games, video games, and reading books. His favorite food is oysters, and fell in love with Ristorante de Mario on his recent trip to Rome. He chose to work for Goddard because he felt it was the best fit for his teaching career. What Mr. Gabe enjoys most about childcare is watching the children grow and learn.

Meet Ms. Abbey! Abbey is a passionate early childhood educator with nearly a year of experience working with young children. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she developed a strong foundation in creativity, expression, and communication. She brings these skills into her work with children every day. She believes that each child is unique, with their own strengths, interests, and learning styles. Because of this, Ms. Abbey is committed to using flexible strategies and individualized practices to support every child’s growth and development. With her creative background and thoughtful approach, Ms. Abbey strives to create an engaging, inclusive environment where children feel seen, supported, and encouraged to explore the world around them.

Ms. Shebotta, Ms. S for short, joined our team in 2022. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Child Development and Family Studies, and has been working with kids for 10 years. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and collecting candles. Her favorite foods are jerk chicken and pho, and loves all things purple. She chose to work for Goddard because she really enjoys the energy and flow of the school. What Ms. S loves most about childcare is watching the children grow and learn through play.

Ms. Sokhary ("Ms. Sam") joined our team in 2022. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She has been working with kids for 8 years through nannying and teaching. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, drawing (amazing artist!), and traveling, especially camping. Her favorite color is dark green and she loves cats and dogs. Ms. Sam is proud of being a responsible, reliable, and caring teacher. What she enjoys most about childcare is helping the children learn and grow in every stage of their young lives.

Meet Ms. Tehya! Tehya is a dedicated and caring member of our preschool team with three years of experience in child care. She has a genuine passion for working with young children and takes pride in creating a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. Ms. Tehya loves helping children explore, learn, and build confidence through play and hands-on activities. Her patience, kindness, and enthusiasm make her a wonderful role model, and she is committed to supporting each child’s individual development every day.

Meet Ms. Ciera! Ciera is a dedicated toddler teacher with several years of experience in the childcare field. She brings patience, energy, and a genuine love for working with young children into her classroom each day. Understanding the unique needs of toddlers, Ms. Ciera creates a supportive and engaging environment where children can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. She focuses on building strong relationships, encouraging independence, and guiding little ones through important developmental milestones. Her warm and caring approach helps toddlers feel safe, confident, and excited to discover the world around them.

Ms. Briana joined our team in 2024. She holds an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and has been working with kids for 2 years. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and writing. Her favorite animal is a giraffe and her favorite food is tacos. She chose to work for Goddard because she loves the atmosphere and how the teachers engage with the children. What Ms. Briana enjoys most about childcare is watching the children grow and observing their likes and dislikes at a young age.

Meet Ms. Kayla! Kayla is a dedicated early childhood educator with two years of hands-on experience in the early childcare field. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, reflecting her commitment to fostering growth and learning in young children. Kayla believes that the energy and environment around them deeply influence children. With this in mind, she brings a positive, nurturing presence into the classroom each day, creating a space where children feel supported, engaged, and excited to learn. Her primary goal is to ensure every child in her care feels safe, valued, and free to be themselves. All while having fun and building meaningful early experiences that support their development.

Ms. Angela joined our team in 2022. She holds a CDA for Infants and Toddlers and has her Associates in Theology. She has been working with kids for over 10 years. Her favorite animal is her cat Remy, and loves spaghetti, especially from Fiorino's. She chose to work for Goddard because of our bright and happy environment. What Ms. Angela finds fascinating about childcare is watching the infants develop.

Ms. Louna is a dedicated and experienced educator with over a decade of work in the education field. Originally from Lebanon, she recently relocated to Philadelphia and brings with her a wealth of knowledge, cultural perspective, and a deep passion for working with young children. Ms. Louna has a special love for caring for infants, where she excels at creating a warm, nurturing, and responsive environment. She understands the importance of these early stages of development and is committed to supporting each child’s growth with patience, attentiveness, and care. Her calm presence and genuine compassion help infants feel safe, comforted, and secure, allowing them to begin their learning journey in a positive and loving setting.

Ms. Anna joined our team in 2024. She holds a Master's degree in Music and has been working with kids for over 3 years. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, practicing ballet, and tennis. Her favorite food is sushi, and loves dogs. She chose to work for Goddard because she believes we have a great school that provides opportunities for professional development. What Ms. Anna enjoys most about childcare is watching children grow and helping them acquire new skills.

Ms. Leah joined our team in 2024. She is currently enrolled at St. Joseph's University and has been working with kids for 5 years. In her free time, she enjoys practicing photography and all things purple. Her favorite food is pasta, especially from Maggianos. She chose to work for Goddard because of the. friendly and welcoming environment. What Ms. Leah enjoys most about childcare is learning about each child and getting to know them.

Ms. Lily joined our team in 2024. She is currently in her junior year at Temple University studying Criminal Justice, and has experience working with kids ages 3-13 at multiple summer camps. In her free time she enjoys practicing photography. Her favorite food is cordon bleu and her favorite restaurant is Joe's Crab Shack. She chose to work for Goddard because she loves kids and enjoys working with the younger ages. What Ms. Lily enjoys most about childcare is building relationships with the children and their families and watching them grow and develop.

Ms. Jingyu joined our team in 2024. She is currently studying Nursing at Drexel University, and is interested in becoming a pediatric nurse in the future. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and dancing. She loves the color lavender and her favorite food is tacos, especially from the Cucina Zapata food truck. She chose to work for Goddard because she loves to spend time with children.

Ms. Emma joined our team in 2023. She is currently working towards her Nursing degree at Drexel University, and aspires to work in the NICU. In her free time, she enjoys curling up with a good book and her three cats. She chose to work for Goddard because she appreciates the high standard of education we provide, and the supportive work environment. What Ms. Emma enjoys most about childcare is seeing the children grow and develop.