Our Goddard School Teachers

We are Lisa and Greg O’Brien, the on-site owners of The Goddard School in Gainesville–Haymarket, VA. Before joining Goddard, Lisa practiced law and later created and ran her own personal chef business. Greg worked in manufacturing as an engineer and later in sales and recruiting within the packaging industry. Lisa holds degrees from JMU and UVA, and Greg is a Lehigh University graduate. We have 1 beautiful daughter who is in high school. We love spending time with her, traveling, cooking & the outdoors. As parents, we recognize the importance of building confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning within young children and believe they will thrive when feeling heard, supported, and inspired. We are committed to creating a school environment where those values guide everything we do. We are honored to have served this community for 9+ years, partnered with 100's of families, and it is our privilege to continue providing outstanding early childhood education for many years to come.

Ms. Krishelle has a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science and a minor in Elementary Education, from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She has been working in childcare & teaching capacities since 2010. Starting as a Twos teacher at The Goddard School in Gainesville in December 2019, Ms. Krishelle then worked as a lead teacher in Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten. Ms. Krishelle joined the Leadership Team in May 2025 as Education Specialist, and in May 2026 became Director of Education.

Ms. Romy has an Associates degree in Business Administration. She has been working in early childhood education since 2012. Ms. Romy has been with The Goddard School since November 2020.

Ms. Jenifer has an Associates degree in Graphic Design, from ITT Technical Institute and is looking at going back to school for a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She has been working with children of all ages since 2003. Ms. Jenifer has been with The Goddard School since April 2023.

Ms. Melissa has a Health Information & Medical Coding Certificate from Everest College. Ms. Melissa has been working with young children in early childhood since 2002. Ms. Melissa has been with The Goddard School since August 2021.

Ms. Pamela is currently working on a nursing certification. She has been working with young children in early childhood environments since 2008. Ms. Pamela has been with The Goddard School since October 2023.

Mr. Joshua holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Messiah College. He has been working with children in a coaching capacity since 2015. Previously, Mr. Joshua served as an Operations Director at national fast food franchise and as an HR Manager for a company specializing in children's enrichment programs and camps. Beyond his work in business, Mr. Joshua has extensive experience in basketball as both a player and coach. He played at the collegiate level and has coached elementary, middle school, and varsity basketball teams in the United States, as well as internationally in Albania and South Korea. Mr. Joshua lives by the quote, “Live to serve others,” and is excited to bring that same heart, dedication, and mindset to the Goddard team.