Our Goddard School Teachers

Hi I'm Jay, and I'm the local partner at The Goddard School of Macungie. My family's connection to the Goddard community began over 15 years ago when we sent our young kids to The Goddard School at Bethlehem. I have a very strong commitment to education and service, and want my school to be the best experience for all children and families. I live right here in Fogelsville with my wife Priyanka. We are proud parents of two children—both in college. I serve on the boards of the Parkland School District and Lehigh Career & Technical Institute (LCTI) and volunteer as a coach for the Springhouse Middle School science team. When I'm not busy with all of that, I love playing pickleball! Welcome to our school; we look forward to getting to know your family!

Welcome to our School. My husband Monty and I are the owners of The Goddard Schools located in Bethlehem, Macungie and Center Valley. We live in the Lehigh Valley and have 3 daughters, all of who are all Goddard graduates! Our Goddard journey started in 2004 as Goddard parents. We opened the Goddard School at Macungie in 2015 in partnership with Ms. Jill, to bring the exact same exceptional standards in little children's education that I had wanted for my children. Monty has an MBA from Ballarat University, Australia. I have an MD and retired from medicine in 2016, to continue full time with my passion in Early Childhood Education. Thank you so much for exploring our Keystone Stars accredited Preschool. I can't wait to show you around, and hopefully have you join our Goddard family!

Carol has been working with children of all ages for the past 40 years. She received her associate's degree in early childhood education from Northampton Community College and her bachelor's degree in psychology/elementary education from Moravian University. In addition to her work with children through various school systems, she cherishes the time she had spent in the field of high school youth ministry and homeschooling her 10 children. Ms. Carol is passionate about healthy practices for both young children and adults.

I am thrilled to be at The Goddard School – Macungie, a wonderful childcare center located in Breinigsville, where I have been working for over nine years. I hold a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University and a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Millersville University. Before joining the Goddard School Bethlehem in 2009 as a preschool and kindergarten teacher, I owned and managed a veterinary hospital for ten years. I am a proud mother of two grown-up kids and a 3-year-old Cavalier. As a childcare provider, I am passionate about children and feel privileged to watch them learn and grow. I strongly believe that providing a nurturing environment that supports the whole child is crucial in creating lifelong learners. Thank you for entrusting me with your child's development. I am excited to be a part of your child's journey! I appreciate the opportunity to share in your child’s growth.

Miss Heetha holds a Pennsylvania Director Credential, a Master's degree in Computer Science, and a CDA for preschool through Pre-K. Her favorite thing about working with children is educating them about character values and helping them become tomorrow's leaders. During her free time, Miss Heetha loves to cook Indian food and garden! Her favorite children's books are all of Eric Carle's books.

Mrs. Michele began her dedicated career in early childhood education in 2014. Over the years, she has gained extensive, well-rounded experience in the field, having worked closely with toddlers, served as a Pre-K Lead Teacher, and contributed as a childcare administrator. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and high-quality early education. Mrs. Michele is deeply passionate about fostering a love for learning in young children. She finds immense joy in witnessing those breakthrough moments when a child grasps a new concept and lights up with excitement. Outside of the classroom, she loves spending quality time with her family and enjoys shopping. Some of her favorite children's books to share with her students are Caps for Sale and Goodnight Moon.

Miss Bonnie has over 15 years of experience working with kids as a nanny. She has worked with infants up to 14 years old! Miss Bonnie's favorite thing about working with kids is seeing them learn new things through playing! Miss Bonnie's favorite children's book is "Miss Nelson is Missing". When Miss Bonnie isn't at school she loves to design websites using graphic design, reading and is an aquarist!

Miss Alina is our Twos assistant! Miss Alina has been working with children here in America since 2016, but has worked with children in Ukraine since 1998. Miss Alina has a degree in Music education and was a piano teacher for a long time. What she loves most about working with children is doing different activities with them and watching how excited they get. She also loves seeing them grow to be independent! When she isn't at school, Miss Alina loves to cook for her family. Her favorite books are all Peppa Pig Books!

Mr. Brandon started working in childcare in January of 2025 and has wanted to be a teacher ever since he was 6 years old. He attended Northampton Community College and graduated in December of 2023 with an Associate's Degree in Secondary Education. Mr. Brandon's favorite thing about working with children is their creativity and all the stories they are able to make up about almost anything. In his free time, he spends time with my family and likes to collect and listen to vinyl records. His favorite children’s book is "The Mouse and the Motorcycle"

Miss Semra has been working with kids throughout high school and came to our Goddard family shortly after graduating! She is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree from Kutztown University. Miss Semra's favorite thing about working with children is seeing the smiles on their faces every day! When she is not with us at school, she likes to draw and hang out with her family! Her favorite children's book is "Red Fish, Blue Fish" by Dr. Seuss.

Miss Pavani started working with children in October of 2023. She has a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Acharya Nagarjuna University. Her favorite thing about working with children is their curiosity and the joy and laughter they bring to everyone! Miss Pavani loves to cook, do artwork, and chit-chat with her friends when she is not in school! Her favorite children's books are "Pete The Cat" and "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut"

Miss Kerry started working with children in 2007! She has a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and her favorite group to work with is Toddlers! Miss Kerry loves watching her class grow and learn new things everyday! When she is not at school she loves watching movies, playing with her daughter and traveling. Miss Kerry's favorite book is "Chika Chika Boom Boom".

Miss Karen is CDA certified and has been in the early childhood field for more than 12 years. Throughout her career, she has worked with all age groups from 1 year old to Kindergarten. She enjoys getting to know the children and playing with them as well as teaching. She believes children learn through play and with a little strategic planning that makes my job so enjoyable. She has two boys who are all grown up and out on their own. When she is not teaching, Karen enjoys writing short stories, drawing, and swimming. Karen loves the outdoors, the four seasons, and nature. Her favorite children's book is “Are You My Mother?” by P.D. Eastman. She enjoys taking on the characters of a story when she read it.

Miss Lydia has been with The Goddard School for 2 full years and returned after a break. She has nannied for 2 families in the past for about 10 years but has been caring for children of all ages her whole life. She comes from a big family, being the Eldest of 7 siblings. & having a 4-year-old of her own. Miss Lydia enjoys reading and coloring in her free time and LOVES spending her time with her son. Some of her favorite children's books are any of Anna Dewdney's Llama Llama stories and Pete the Cat stories. She loves working with children because children are the future, and they can surprise her in so many ways and teach her just as much as she teaches them.

Miss Kelsey has been working with children for 14 years! Her favorite thing about working with children is watching them grow and learn new things about themselves and the world around them! When she's not at school, Miss Kelsey enjoys camping, hiking, cooking, baking, crocheting, reading, and spending time with her family. Miss Kelsey's favorite children's book is "The String Cheese Man and Other Fairy Tales."

Miss Jazmin has been working with children since 2022 and brings enthusiasm and creativity to every day in the classroom. She is currently enrolled at Kutztown University, where she is working toward her middle school teaching degree. One of her favorite parts of working with children is that no two days are ever the same; each day brings something new, exciting, and full of learning. When she’s not at school, Miss Jazmin enjoys spending her time reading and writing. Her favorite children’s book is Corduroy by Don Freeman.

Miss Karissa has been working with children for 4 years now! She loves working with children because they are inspiring, they are always learning new things, while teaching her a few things along the way! Outside of work, Miss Karissa spends the rest of her day relaxing at home! Once a week, she attends dance practice for a competitive dance team! Her favorite children's book is "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss

Miss Sharmi has been working with children since 2016. She began her journey in India and later continued supporting young learners in the United States through her work at a Kumon facility. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology. One of her favorite parts of working with children is discovering something new from them each day; their creativity inspires her and encourages her own. Over the years, she has also developed a deep sense of patience through her work with young learners. When she’s not at school, Miss Sharmi enjoys relaxing with a good game of Sudoku. Her favorite children’s books include The Jungle Book, Where There’s a Bear, There’s Trouble, and Inside the Zoo in a City.

Staci is a deeply experienced educator who began her journey in childcare in 2000. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Kutztown University, a Master’s in Reading Education from Edinboro University, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Delaware Valley University. Staci’s favorite part of teaching is watching the pure excitement in children's eyes and on their faces when they master a new skill and do it well. In her free time, she enjoys reading, camping, taking road trips, and trying new restaurants. Her favorite children’s books are anything written by Eric Carle.

Emily officially stepped into professional childcare in 2026, building upon years of prior experience as a volunteer and babysitter. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College and loves the classroom environment for how fun, silly, and joyful the children can be. During her personal time, Emily enjoys reading, crocheting, and playing video games. Her favorite children’s stories to read to her students are all of the classic Dr. Seuss books.

Ellen began her career in childcare in January 2026, building upon a passion for early childhood development that she cultivated since her time at Kutztown High School. Her favorite part of working with young children is having the privilege to watch the rapid milestones and wonderful changes in every baby as they grow. Outside of the classroom, Ellen is an enthusiastic football and hockey fan, enjoys gardening, and loves riding on a Harley motorcycle with her husband. Her favorite children's book to share with her class is The Kissing Hand.

Clarisa started working professionally in childcare in March 2024 and graduated from Parkland High School in 2026. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing the bright smiles, hearing the laughs, and experiencing the creative ideas children share when they learn something brand new. For fun outside of school, Clarisa stays active by running, watching movies, and taking long walks with her dog. Her favorite children’s book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.

Corinne’s dedication to early education began in 2019 while working at a gym daycare facility and babysitting during her high school years. A 2021 graduate of Parkland High School, she finds true joy in seeing the world through the children's eyes and getting to learn all of their unique personalities. In her free time, Corinne is highly creative and enjoys painting, writing, and listening to music, alongside spending quality time with her family. Her favorite children's book is Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes.