Our Goddard School Teachers

Taruna is the on-site owner of The Goddard School of Kingstowne. After successfully leading The Goddard School of Alexandria West for the past five years, she and her husband are excited to bring their passion for early childhood education to the Kingstowne community with their second Goddard location. With a Master’s Degree in Health Care Management from Marymount University, Taruna is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where children can grow, explore, and thrive. As a parent of two, she understands the importance of trust and consistency in early education. In addition to The Goddard Schools, Taruna also owns SafeSplash Swim School next door, extending her dedication to children’s growth beyond the classroom and into the pool.

Ms. Andrea brings extensive experience in early childhood education and has been a part of our Goddard family for nearly five years as the Program Director at our Alexandria West location. She is excited to continue in this role as Program Director at our new school. Her journey in early childhood education began with babysitting and in-home childcare, followed by earning her CDA and an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Virginia Community College. Through her experience as a military spouse, Ms. Andrea developed a strong connection to the military community and brings that understanding into her work supporting children and families. She finds it most rewarding to be part of children’s growth and development and to build lasting relationships with families.

Ms. Gabby is from Queens, New York with over 6 years of early childhood experience, a CDA credential, and over 5 years with the company. She enjoys engaging with children’s questions and watching their curiosity and understanding grow throughout the year.

Ms. Joy J. from Alexandria, VA has 13 years of experience and a CDA, and she believes strong relationships help children enjoy learning. Her favorite book is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and her favorite quote is “Oh, the places you’ll go!”

Ms. Joy C. from Alexandria, VA has 11 years of experience and believes learning should be fun, joyful, and rooted in curiosity. Her favorite book is Junie B. Jones, and her favorite quote is “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

Ms. Courtney has 5 years of experience and believes every child should be seen as a unique individual, not a number in a system. Her favorite book is I Am Enough, and her favorite quote is “Don’t focus so much on the rough that you forget you are a diamond.”

Ms. Brittani from Gainesville, VA has 5 years of experience and believes each child is placed in her life for a reason to be loved, taught, and nurtured. Her favorite book is The Giving Tree, and her favorite quote is “I am the storm.”

Ms. Celina is originally from Honduras and has 4 years of experience working with young children. She is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and is passionate about creating a caring, inclusive classroom where every child feels valued.

Ms. Latrice has 20 years of experience and believes even if children don’t remember her, she will always remember them. Her favorite book is The Giving Tree, and her favorite quote is “Please and thank you.”

Ms. Nancy is from Honduras with 3 years of experience working with young children. She is passionate about creating a nurturing classroom where children build confidence, overcome challenges, and grow into their unique selves. Her favorite book is

Ms. LaSasha is passionate about creating a safe, supportive classroom where children can grow and discover the world around them, and she finds joy in their learning and progress. A fun fact is that she is an artist who enjoys creating, as well as spending time with her dogs and family.

Ms. Makayla is from Alexandria, Virginia with 9–10 years of experience and a CDA credential. She is passionate about nurturing each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth in a supportive and encouraging classroom.

Ms. Jennifer is a dedicated educator from Korea with 8–10 years of teaching experience and a bachelor’s degree. She believes strong relationships are the foundation of learning and creates a warm, supportive classroom where every child feels valued.

Ms. Norma is from Puerto Rico with 4.5 years of experience and a CDA, and she believes all interactions with students matter while we never stop learning. Her favorite book is The Dot, and her favorite quote is “To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.”

Ms. Dominque is from Washington, DC with 7 years of experience and believes teaching is a blend of chaos, magic, and responsibility, fueled by children’s smiles. Her favorite book is The Jungle Book, and her favorite quote is “Hakuna Matata.”

Ms. Isabella is from Chicago and has 4 years of teaching experience. She is passionate about creating a positive, nurturing classroom where all children can grow mentally, emotionally, and socially while embracing their individuality.

Ms. Selena is from Washington, DC with 30 years of experience and believes all students are capable of learning. Her favorite books include Broken Crayons Still Color and Hair Love, and her favorite quote is “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”