Taruna is the on-site owner of The Goddard School in Alexandria, VA. She recognizes the importance of providing a consistent and strong curriculum in a safe and nurturing environment. Taruna holds a Master's Degree in Health Care Management from Marymount University. Taruna and her husband have two children of their own and she is very excited to be part of The Goddard School and is committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for children in the community.

Ms. Andrea was born and raised in Ottawa, Canada. In 1992, she married her husband, Dean, who retired from the U.S. Army in 2011. They have 3 children and 4 dogs. They are huge hockey fans and love to watch the Ottawa Senators play! Ms. Andrea’s experience with children dates to when she was 13 years old where she started with small babysitting jobs and was a live-out nanny. After moving to the U.S. Andrea quit her job and started an in-home childcare business. Throughout the years, she continued to service military families by running a Family Child Care home on base even earning her Child Development Associate Credential. In 2005, Andrea started her journey to getting her degree in Early Childhood Education. In May 2010, Andrea graduated from Northern Virginia Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. In August 2010, she was hired to be a Center Director in a corporately owned childcare center. That is where she has remained until joining our Goddard family. “Being a part of children’s growth and development is so rewarding. Building those lasting relationships with children and their families is immeasurable.”

Ms. Traleece holds the position of Operations Director at the Goddard School of Alexandria. With nearly three decades of experience in education, she has worked with students of all age groups, from infants to first graders. Her career in this field has been deeply fulfilling and rewarding, as she takes great pleasure in nurturing children's development and witnessing their excitement as they explore and learn. Among her cherished children's books is "I Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch.

Sarah Sykes is a dedicated education professional, a loving mother of three, and a passionate advocate for nurturing the growth and development of children in an educational setting. With over 12 years of experience in the field of education and a Bachelor's Degree in Education, Sarah has dedicated her career to creating meaningful and impactful learning experiences.

Ms. Maria is from the Philippines and holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Her journey as a Preschool and Elementary teacher commenced in 2013, marking nearly a decade of dedicated service in the field. Ms. Maria firmly believes in the untapped potential residing within each child, waiting to be discovered and nurtured. Her passion extends to various facets of education, including music, art, science, and sports, which she actively enjoys and incorporates into her teaching approach. As for her favorite children's book, "Corduroy" holds a special place in Ms. Maria's heart, reflecting her appreciation for literature that captures young readers’ imaginations and instills valuable lessons.

Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Ms. LaSasha boasts an impressive background in childcare, with a career spanning over 15 years. Her dedication to nurturing young minds is evident through her passion for fostering creativity and guiding children in exploring the world and self-expression. In her role, Ms. LaSasha brings a wealth of knowledge and innovative approaches to childcare, ensuring that each child under her care has the opportunity to learn and grow. Her favorite children's book, "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss, reflects her enthusiasm for engaging children in the wonder of storytelling and the joy of reading.

Ms. Maribel's passion for working with children and her dedication to Early Childhood Education is truly commendable. Her 18 years of experience in this field have given her a wealth of knowledge and skills to help nurture young minds. Ms. Maribel's motivation in this profession comes from her desire to teach children valuable life skills and leave a lasting, positive impact on their lives. Her favorite children's book, "Love You Forever," is a touching story that resonates with many parents and educators, emphasizing the enduring love between parents and children throughout their lives. Ms. Maribel's dedication to early childhood education is undoubtedly making a positive difference in the lives of the children she works with, and her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds is truly inspiring.

Ms. Michelle has an impressive tenure exceeding 30 years in the realm of Early Childhood Education, her journey began with babysitting, which ignited her passion for this field. What truly warms Ms. Michelle's heart is the radiant smiles and the unwavering gazes of children who look up to her daily. Her ability to bring joy and positivity to the lives of these young ones is undoubtedly a testament to her dedication. "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" holds a special place in Ms. Michelle's heart as her favorite children's book. This book mirrors her appreciation for the magic of storytelling and the joy it brings to children as they explore the world of literature.

Ms. Kassandra, originally from California but now residing in Virginia, brings a unique background to her teaching role. With a bachelor's degree in Social Work and a minor in Sociology, she possesses a strong foundation in understanding human behavior and social dynamics. This background enriches her ability to connect with and support children in their developmental journey. What sets Ms. Kassandra apart is her deep appreciation for witnessing children reach their milestones. She finds joy and fulfillment in being a part of their growth and achievements. Her favorite children's book is "Annie, the Doughnut." This book holds a special place in her heart because of its delightful story and its ability to resonate with her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds. Ms. Kassandra's blend of education, empathy, and a genuine love for children makes her a valuable asset to any educational setting, and her commitment to helping children achieve their potential is truly admirable.

Ms. Paula has a little more than 12 years of experience working with children. She comes from a family of teachers which is the primary reason why she began teaching. Working with children every day is what she looks forward to the most when working with children. Her favorite children's book is "Goodnight Moon."

With 16 years of dedicated experience in Early Childhood Education, Ms. Crystal finds great joy in the company of children. Her passion goes beyond mere teaching, as she takes immense pleasure in witnessing the growth, learning, and development of the children under her care while celebrating their achievements of developmental milestones along the way. "Harold and the Purple Crayon" holds a special place in Ms. Crystal's heart as her favorite children's book because it reflects her deep appreciation for literature that sparks creativity and imagination, values she undoubtedly nurtures in the children she works with.

Ms. Gabby, originally from Queens, New York, holds a Child Development Associate credential. Her teaching journey began in 2019, and she takes immense pride in being a trusted and secure space for the children she works with. Her primary goal is to provide an environment where children can freely express themselves, enabling them to flourish and reach their full potential.Ms. Gabby's own passion for discovery and creativity aligns perfectly with her role in nurturing young minds. She values the process of exploration and imagination, which she encourages in her students. Among her cherished children's books, "The Button Book" stands out as her favorite. This choice likely reflects her appreciation for literature that engages children's curiosity and fosters their creativity and love for learning.

Ms. Ronnique has been dedicated to her teaching journey since 2005. Her passion for early childhood education has been a lifelong calling since her youth. She holds a Child Development Associate qualification, showcasing her commitment to providing the best care and education for young learners. What truly brings Ms. Ronnique joy is witnessing the growth and development of young children under her guidance. She draws a beautiful analogy between children and plants, emphasizing how knowledge is like water that nourishes them, allowing them to flourish. Among her beloved children's books, Ms. Ronnique has a few all-time favorites, including "Pete the Cat," "Llama Llama," and "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" These choices likely reflect her appreciation for books that inspire imagination and impart valuable life lessons, aligning perfectly with her dedication to early childhood education.

Ms. Lindsey brings over a decade of expertise in Early Childhood Education, with 11 years of dedicated experience under her belt. Her journey in this field began with her inspiration from babysitting, which ignited her passion for nurturing and educating young minds. What excites Ms. Lindsey the most in her role as a teacher is witnessing the transformation that occurs when a child enters her classroom. She eagerly anticipates each child’s change and growth throughout their educational journey under her guidance. Her greatest joy stems from observing children as they grasp and master the curriculum, signifying their development and progress as learners.

Originating from Capital Heights, Maryland, Ms. Ke-Vonne brings three years of valuable experience working with children to her role. Her deep-seated passion lies in making a positive impact on children's lives in every possible way. One of Ms. Ke-Vonne's favorite quotes, attributed to Dr. Seuss, is, "You've got to be odd to be number one." This quote underscores the importance of embracing individuality and uniqueness in pursuing excellence. In addition to her dedication to children's well-being, Ms. Ke-Vonne also takes pleasure in preparing delicious and nutritious meals and snacks for them. This nurturing aspect of her work allows her to witness the growth and development of the children she cares for, both in body and mind.

Dezere is deeply passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young children and believes in the power of forming meaningful connections with each child. With a solid foundation of 5 years in the field of Early Childhood Education, she eagerly anticipates witnessing the incredible growth of children. She is consistently amazed by the rapid pace of their development and the vast amount of knowledge they absorb from their teachers every day.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Ms. Mary is a married mother with a daughter attending The Goddard School. With an impressive 18-year career in her field, Ms. Mary's wealth of experience is evident in her approach to nurturing young minds. One of the aspects she looks forward to the most is listening to the enchanting words and expressions of children, whether they are amusingly silly or filled with curiosity. Among her cherished children's books, "Giraffes Can't Dance" holds a special place in Ms. Mary's heart due to its message of embracing new experiences and dancing to one's unique rhythm. Additionally, "Love You to the Moon and Back" resonates with her deeply as a loving mother, capturing the boundless affection she holds for her beloved daughter.

With more than 15 years of experience working with children and holding a CDA in Preschool, Ms. Leslie is a seasoned professional in the field. In her leisure time, she enjoys activities such as shopping, reading, and indulging in delightful culinary experiences. However, what truly excites Ms. Leslie in her daily work is the opportunity to witness the growth and learning journey of the children she cares for. Each day brings new discoveries and achievements for these young minds, and she eagerly anticipates being a part of their developmental milestones.

Ms. Miche's journey into the world of Early Childhood Education commenced when she took on the role of babysitting her nephew and guiding him in his learning adventures. She is fueled by the enthusiasm of the children she works with and the joy she derives from observing their continuous development. One book that holds a special place in Ms. Miche's heart is "The Giving Tree." This cherished favorite resonates deeply with her because it beautifully illustrates the selfless act of giving without expecting anything in return, a sentiment that aligns with her approach to caring for and nurturing young minds.

Ms. Becky has been dedicated to her profession, working with children since 2005. Her deep affection for children and the profound satisfaction she derives from witnessing their growth and development inspired her to embark on her journey in Early Childhood Education. Among her favorite children's books, the Berenstain Bears series holds a special place in Ms. Becky's heart. She appreciates this series for its diverse range of subjects, each carrying valuable values and principles, making it a rich source of learning and enjoyment for young readers.

With a remarkable 14 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Ms. Shantel has honed her skills and expertise in nurturing young minds. Beyond her profession, she enjoys a variety of interests, including shopping, dancing, cooking, spending quality time with her family, and exploring different places through travel. Ms. Shantel's background is enriched by her role as an older sibling to four younger brothers and sisters, which has provided her with invaluable experience in observing and caring for children. Among her favorite children's books, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" holds a special place in Ms. Shantel's heart. This classic tale resonates with her for its timeless appeal and the way it captivates young minds, instilling a love for reading and discovery.

Asmaa, hailing from Morocco, holds a bachelor's degree in Chemistry and brings with her 2 years of invaluable experience in a preschool environment. Her passion lies in nurturing young minds, imparting knowledge that will serve them well in the years ahead. She eagerly anticipates working with children, as it allows her to witness their growth and the acquisition of skills that will shape their promising futures.

Charia, a loving mother and dedicated professional, brings a wealth of 20 years of experience to the field of Early Childhood Education. Her journey into this realm was sparked by her profound affection for children and a fervent passion for learning, laying the foundation for cherished memories that endure. Charia eagerly anticipates witnessing the young ones' discovery of new knowledge and their transformation into extraordinary, burgeoning individuals.

Helen hails from El Salvador and is fluent in both Spanish and English. With a robust background spanning 7 years in Early Childhood Education, she eagerly anticipates the opportunity to engage with young minds and witness their growth and development.

Jennifer boasts 13 years of dedicated experience in the realm of Early Childhood Education. Her journey towards this career path began during her high school years, where she discovered her passion while participating in immersive childhood education courses within a Pre-K setting. Jennifer's unique skill set includes bilingual proficiency in both Spanish and English, complemented by her certification as a Child Development Associate (CDA).

Nina, equipped with a degree in Early Childhood Education and boasting over 20 years of invaluable experience, embarked on her educational journey inspired by her role as a stay-at-home mom. Witnessing the joy and enthusiasm her own children found in reading and learning, she decided to channel that passion into a fulfilling career. Nina eagerly anticipates the gratifying moments when children light up with smiles upon discovering something new in the realm of knowledge.

Kaelyn initiated her teaching career at the remarkable age of 16, armed with a passion for education. With a solid 12 years of experience, she ventured into Early Childhood Education, ignited by her profound love for books and the impactful knowledge they impart to young minds. Kaelyn eagerly anticipates witnessing the transformative journey of children as she continues her work in guiding and nurturing young minds.

With over two decades of expertise in Early Childhood Education, Lizett's journey was sparked by the profound experience of motherhood, observing her own children's daily development and growth. Excited by children's boundless curiosity, confidence, imagination, and creativity, Lizett eagerly looks forward to contributing to their educational journey. Fluent in Spanish, she brings a rich cultural dimension to her work. Lizett is the proud mother of two beautiful children, further fueling her dedication to the field.

Jennifer is a seasoned professional with 9 years of valuable experience in Early Childhood Education. As a mother of two young girls, Jennifer was inspired to embark on her journey in Childhood Education after witnessing the remarkable growth and development of her own children's minds. She relishes the opportunity to work with children as she finds great joy in observing their growth and success in various aspects of their early years. Jennifer's dedication to fostering a nurturing environment for young minds reflects her passion for empowering children to excel and thrive.