Our Goddard School Teachers

Sowmya Surapaneni is the proud owner of the Goddard school in Lancaster. She is a physician (Rheumatologist) and has worked for Penn State for around 15 years. She was looking for a break and wanted to give back to community in a different way . Being a mom of 3 kids herself, she not only knows the importance of running a school focussed on fun and education but in a safe , engaging and nurturing environment . She is committed to providing the best early childhood education where the kids could thrive socially, emotionally and intellectually and bring out the boundless potential of the young minds.

Leena is proud to be the co-owner of The Goddard School of Lancaster! She graduated from Lebanon Valley College with Biology degree. As a mother of three, she believes that all families want safe, clean, fun-filled, quality care with an educational focus for their children. She chose The Goddard School because its philosophy of providing high quality care with a top-notch educational program in a safe, nurturing environment aligns with her own beliefs. She loves watching children grow and have fun while learning the skills they need for success in school and life! Welcome to our Goddard Family! Fun Fact About Ms. Leena: She enjoys traveling to different places with her family!

Victoria is an experienced childcare professional with a strong background in early childhood education, with a particular focus on infant care. She likes to create a warm and nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to explore and grow. In addition to her work in the classroom, Victoria is also a theatre performer and musician. She enjoys incorporating elements of creativity, music, and imaginative expression into the learning environment to help inspire curiosity and joy in young learners. Victoria is proud to be part of The Goddard School community and is dedicated to supporting children during these important early years.

Ashley is excited to be a part of The Goddard Family. She began her journey in 2025. She has worked in many different centers over the past several years teaching all ages of children. Her favorite age groups are Infants and Toddlers, but she loves to educate all ages and care for all children. The experience of watching children learn and develop into who they are is her biggest passion in this role and her number one priority is making sure children feel safe and loved while in their care.

Abby graduated from Millersville University in December of 2024. She began working in the field and started working at The Goddard School in 2025. Abby has always loved working with young children, from extracurriculars to church activities, and she developed a deeper love for the field during college. She is excited about helping children learn and grow.

Victoria joined The Goddard School of Lancaster in 2026 and brings over 10 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education and has both classroom and administrative experience, including serving as an assistant principal. Passionate about learning through play and positive guidance, Victoria is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment and building strong partnerships with families. She values collaboration with staff and strives to foster a fun, engaging, and supportive learning experience for every child.

Calina Acosta is a passionate early childhood education professional with several years of hands-on experience supporting young children’s growth and development. She earned her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Harrisburg Area Community College and has been working in the field since 2018. Calina brings a nurturing, patient, and dedicated approach to her work with children. Her experience extends beyond the classroom through her long-standing service in children’s ministry at her church, where she has supported children’s learning, emotional growth, and sense of belonging. Calina is committed to creating a safe, engaging, and positive learning environment where every child feels valued and supported. She looks forward to continuing her impact in early childhood education as part of The Goddard School community.

Alexis joined the Goddard team in 2026. She has been working with children for several years and is very passionate about early learning. She holds a master's degree in psychology since 2023. Alexis is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children. She supports children’s social, emotional, and developmental growth through positive guidance, structured routines, and learning through play. Alexis values open communication with families and strives to create a welcoming space where every child feels secure, supported, and encouraged to thrive. Her goal is to foster a loving environment where children feel safe to express themselves, develop independence, and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Lileana joined the Goddard team in 2025 and is excited to bring a diverse learning experience for children within her classroom. With fluency in Spanish and American Sign Language, she enjoys fostering various student learning experiences and encouraging bilingual learning for students within her class. Her passion in the classroom is to provide students with various forms of communication while also providing a nurturing and loving environment for children.

Allison began her journey at Goddard in 2025. She has been working with children for over four years and absolutely loves it! She found her passion by working as a Sunday school teacher. She loves building relationships and finding teaching moments. Allison values honesty and patience when working with children.

Paige is a senior at Millersville University studying Early Childhood Education with a strong passion for teaching and working with young learners. She enjoys creating positive, engaging environments that support children’s development. In her free time, Paige loves to exercise, spend time near the water, and enjoy time with my family and friends. She is excited to be a part of the Lancaster Goddard team!