Our Goddard School Teachers

Ms. Risa and Mr. Brad are the proud owners of both Goddard Schools in Chantilly; Chantilly (Westfields) opened in 2003, and Chantilly (South Riding) opened at the end of 2011. Risa has a Master's Degree in Elementary Education and serves as the Senior Education Director for the schools. Risa was previously a 4th and 5th grade teacher, so she knows well that an exceptional school depends on exceptional teachers. Risa oversees the hiring of every teacher we invite to join The Goddard School, and, as Senior Education Director, she makes sure that the environment we provide is caring, fun, safe, and educational. Brad is the business manager of both schools. Brad was trained as a lawyer, and he brings ten years of experience in the banking industry to the business side of running the school. Education is so important to us both that two of our children are educators, themselves (the third is, inexplicably, a geologist). Welcome to our School!

Ms. Michelle is the Administrative Director of the school. She joined us as a teacher shortly after we opened in 2003, and soon became one of our directors. Ms. Michelle has completed her Child Development Associate, and 90 hours of training in early childhood. She has a total of 23 years of early childhood/teaching experience. She is also a parent of two Goddard School graduates.

Ms. Jill is the Admissions Director of both The Goddard School (Westfields) and The Goddard School (South Riding). She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Ms. Jill joined us as a teacher in 2010 before joining our management team in 2015. She has a total of 18 years of early childhood/teaching experience. She is also a Goddard School parent, herself.

Ms. Stephanie is the Preschool Director of the school. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Mary Washington and has over fourteen years of early childhood and teaching experience in a preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten setting as well as previous experience as an Assistant Director. Ms. Stephanie joined us as a teacher in 2015, and was Teacher of the Year in 2018, and was promoted to the management team in 2023. She is also a proud Goddard parent.

Ms. Amanda graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Liberty University. She has over twelve years of experience in the early childhood education field. Ms. Amanda joined our faculty in 2015 and was honored as our Teacher of the Year in 2020. She is also our Infant Room Coordinator and an active member of our Social Committee. Ms. Amanda is the proud parent of two Goddard School graduates.

Ms. LeAnna joined The Goddard School in 2021 after a career in cosmetology. She has four years of experience working with infants. Ms. LeAnna was honored as our 2023 Teacher of the Year and is an active member of our Social Committee.

Ms. Asia joined our team in 2021 and has over nine years of experience working in early childhood education including her work as a nanny. Ms. Asia is a member of our Social Committee and sometimes helps as Kitchen Support.

Ms. Özge graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from Trakya University in Turkey. She joined our team in 2024 and has seven years experience working in early childhood education.

Ms. Ashley joined our faculty in 2024 and has previously worked as a tutor. She has six years of experience working in early childhood education. Ms. Ashley is also a proud Goddard parent.

Ms. Katherine has a Child Development Associate credential and joined our team in 2025. She has over one year experience working in the early childhood education field.

Ms. Jackie joined us in 2019 and has over nine years of experience in early childhood education. She is a member of our Social Committee and occasionally supports the office team.

Ms. Shania has a Child Development Associate credential. She joined our team in 2024 and has over six years experience in childcare settings in both Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Ms. Yomaira (Myra, for short) joined our team in 2024 and has over three years of teaching experience. She is currently pursuing a Child Development Associate certification.

Ms. Sofia has an Associates degree and is working towards a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. She joined us in 2022 and has seven years of experience working in early childhood education.

Ms. Mollie is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She joined our team in 2025 and has five years of experience working in early childhood education.

Ms. Efi has a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Arizona Global Campus and has over twenty-one years of experience working as a teacher and assistant director in an early education setting. She joined our team in 2022 and is also a member of our Social Committee.

Ms. Destiny joined our faculty in 2023 and has three years of experience in early childhood education. She has previously worked as a preschool teacher, a substitute teacher in Loudoun County Public Schools, and as a swim instructor and camp counselor.

Ms. Jayne has an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and also has a Child Development Associate credential. She joined The Goddard School in 2004 and was honored as our Teacher of the Year in 2005. Ms. Jayne has over twenty-five years experience in the early childhood education field. She is also a proud grandma to multiple Goddard School graduates.

Ms. Shifat graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology and has a Child Development Associate credential. She joined our team in 2014 and has over seventeen years of early childhood education and teaching experience. She is also the parent of a Goddard School graduate.

Ms. Dani earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Criminology with minors in Psychology and Intelligence Analysis. Ms. Dani has fourteen years of early childhood and teaching experience. She joined us in 2016 and was honored as our 2024 Teacher of the Year. She serves our school as a Curriculum Resource Specialist and is an active member of our Teacher Resource Team and Social Committee. Ms. Dani is also a proud Goddard parent.

Ms. Lisa earned a Bachelor's degree in History from George Mason University and holds a Provisional Licensure for teaching pre-kindergarten through third grade. She joined our school in 2013 and was honored as our Teacher of the Year in 2014. Ms. Lisa has over twenty-five years of experience working with children in early childhood education. She also serves our school as a Curriculum Resource Specialist.

Ms. Lael earned her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Salisbury University and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education. She joined our team in 2025 and has over two years experience in early childhood education.

Ms. Jackeline supports the teachers in our Hippos (Pre-K) classroom and in other classrooms, as needed. She joined us in 2024. While she is new to teaching, she does have several years of experience caring for the children in her family.

Ms. Shannon earned a Master's degree in Education from the University of Mary Washington. She joined our team in 2023 and has over seven years of teaching experience in early childhood education. She also serves our school as office support.

Ms. Katrina joined us in 2022 and has over twenty-five years of experience in the field of early childhood education.

Ms. Regan completed her Bachelor's degree in Communication and has a Child Development Associate certification. She joined us in 2020 and has over eight years of early childhood education experience

Ms. Emily-Grace earned her Bachelors of Art degree in Music Theatre and Dance from Christopher Newport University. She joined our team in 2023 and has over six years experience in early childhood education. Ms. Emily-Grace also serves our school as Kitchen Support.

Ms. Meseret has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Hawassa in Ethiopia. She joined our school in 2024 and has over nine years experience working in an early childhood education setting.

Ms. Lara joined The Goddard School in 2025 as a career change from the customer service industry. Her years of experience as a mom of two have helped make the transition into the classroom seamless.