Our Goddard School Teachers

Meet Brandon and Kendra! As proud owners of The Goddard School in the Richmond (Regency) area, they understand the importance of a strong educational foundation. With four children of their own who thrived at Goddard from infancy until school age, they have firsthand experience of the nurturing environment and excellent preparation our school offers. Kendra, our dedicated on-site owner, is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Her hands-on approach ensures that each child feels valued and inspired. With a strong emphasis on both academic and emotional development, Kendra crafts engaging experiences that spark a lifelong love for learning.

Meet Ms. Molly, our incredible Early Childhood Education expert! With a vibrant career that kicked off after her college graduation in 1999, she has a wealth of experience in Early Intervention and Special Education. Molly holds a Bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology, which adds an extra layer of expertise to her amazing work! She lives in Glen Allen with her husband of 20 fantastic years and their son Avery, who’s set to graduate this spring—what an exciting milestone! When she’s not inspiring little learners, you can find Molly cheering on Avery at the bowling alley, making family memories that last a lifetime. Molly’s vision is all about creating a warm and welcoming community where children, parents, and faculty come together. She believes in nurturing a love for learning in every child. With her passion and dedication, she’s on a mission to make education not just a process, but a joyous adventure! "

Meet Ms. Diana! Diana is one of our dedicated Directors, bringing over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in ECE and Elementary Education and has spent her career not only teaching children of all ages but also leading large teams with confidence and care. Diana wholeheartedly believes that “children bring her joy,” and that belief is reflected in the warmth and intention she brings to her work each day. Coming from a large family, she naturally understands the importance of connection, belonging, and creating a space where everyone feels valued and supported. She is deeply committed to fostering a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, seen, and encouraged. Diana treasures the magical “ah-ha” moments when children make discoveries and their confidence shines. Her mission is to help cultivate a school community where children are not only learning, but truly thriving every step of the way.

Meet Ms. Deysha! Ms. Deysha is a proud graduate of Virginia State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Community-Based Education. Her background in early childhood education is built on a strong foundation of hands-on experience — from babysitting and working in the Kids Zone at American Family Fitness to teaching Kindergarten for two years. She is thrilled to step into her new role as Assistant Director, where she brings a warm, nurturing presence to the children, staff, and families she serves. Ms. Deysha’s favorite part of working with children is witnessing their growth not just academically, but socially and emotionally. She finds it incredibly rewarding to watch their confidence blossom and their personalities shine. Her goal as an educator and leader is to create a safe, supportive environment where every child feels valued, heard, and empowered to express themselves.

Meet Connie! With over 30 years of experience as an Early Childhood Center Director, she is a seasoned leader in the field of early childhood education. Her dedication to fostering a nurturing and enriching environment for children shines through in every aspect of her work. Connie has proudly served on the ECE Advisory Board for John Tyler Community College, contributing her insights and expertise to the future of education. Her love for Goddard’s values and mission inspires her daily. One of her greatest joys in early childhood education is witnessing children grow and explore new experiences. She loves witnessing seeing the "light bulb" moments when they gain knowledge and understanding, and her main goal is to encourage children to have fun while learning. In addition to her work with children, Connie is passionate about coaching and training teachers in classroom management and curriculum. She believes that empowering educators is key to creating an effective learning environment.

Meet Ms. Brandy! Ms. Brandy is a proud graduate of Hermitage High School and has built a strong foundation in Early Childhood Education through her work at Lakeside Baptist and Noah’s Ark Child Development Center. She has experience with children of all ages, but quickly discovered a special passion for working with infants. Her dedication and leadership led her to serve as a Lead Infant Teacher before being promoted to Assistant Director. Ms. Brandy finds great joy in watching the infants in her care grow and reach important developmental milestones. Her goal is for every child in her classroom to feel loved, safe, and happy each day.

Meet Ms. Emily! Ms. Emily is a graduate of Radford University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies. Her journey in early childhood care began in her church’s nursery and continued as she worked as a nanny and volunteered as a court helper, always keeping her focus on supporting children and families. She has spent most of her career working with infants and brings a gentle, attentive approach to the classroom. Her favorite part of working with young children is hearing their laughter and witnessing the joy in their everyday discoveries. Ms. Emily’s goal is to truly get to know each child and celebrate what makes them unique.

Meet Ms. Morgan! Ms. Morgan has a genuine passion for getting to know each child as an individual and finding the best ways to support their unique needs. Her love for working with children began through her involvement in several church childcare programs and has only grown stronger over the years. She has experience caring for children from just a few weeks old to teenagers, and her background as a big sister and aunt in a large family has deepened her love and patience for little ones. Ms. Morgan also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from VCU. Her goal is to create a safe, comforting, and engaging environment where children feel protected, supported, and encouraged to learn and grow.

Meet Ms. Youngjoo! Ms. Youngjoo brings with her 6 years of experience in early childhood programs such as Primrose and Head Start, along with 15 years of teaching experience in Korea. She holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Manchester Community College and a Bachelor’s degree from Ewha Women’s University. Her favorite part of working with children is sharing in their love, passion, and joy—especially their smiles. Her goal at Goddard is to help each child feel truly loved and valued wherever they go.

Meet Ms. Mirta! Ms. Mirta brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her diverse background, which includes teaching art at The YMCA, serving as a Sunday School teacher, and educating 1st through 3rd graders at a Christian Academy. She attended Milliken University, where she explored studies in Biology and Religion. What Ms. Mirta loves most about working with children is witnessing their excitement as they discover new things and experience those “aha” moments when everything clicks. She believes every child has a unique path to success, and finds it deeply rewarding to help them develop a love for learning and the confidence to pursue their goals. Her main goal is to empower children to recognize their potential, believe in themselves, and build a strong sense of identity and purpose for their futures.

Meet Ms. Mia! Originally from Northern New York, Ms. Mia has called Virginia home for over 18 years. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication and brings 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education to The Goddard School. Ms. Mia is passionate about watching children grow and learn through hands-on discovery. She believes in creating a nurturing environment where curiosity is encouraged and every child feels valued. In her free time, she enjoys journaling, listening to music, and spending quality time with her family. Ms. Mia is excited to get to know your children and looks forward to a year full of learning, laughter, and meaningful connections.

Meet Ms. Keysha! Ms. Keysha has completed an Early Childhood certificate through Virginia Western Community College. She brings a wealth of experience working with children, including four years as a nanny, one year of babysitting, and time in the youth department at Hermitage Country Club. Ms. Keysha is passionate about inspiring children and helping them find their voice, fueling their curiosity, and encouraging them to learn something new every day. Her goal is to guide children through fun and engaging activities, creating a safe and welcoming environment where they feel comfortable sharing their feelings and being true to themselves.

Meet Ms. Kyndall! Ms. Kyndall is currently pursuing her degree in Special Education at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Her passion for working with children began early — in high school, she participated in a program called Teachers for Teachers, where she gained valuable classroom experience and discovered her love for education. She has also worked at Karter School in Loudoun as a floater and has spent many years babysitting in her neighborhood, building strong relationships with children and families alike. Ms. Kyndall’s favorite part of teaching is getting to know each child for who they are as an individual. She loves forming meaningful connections and strives to understand each child’s unique personality and developmental journey. Her goal is to support every child in growing, learning, and feeling truly seen.

Meet Ms. Isha! Ms. Isha brings over 20 years of experience in the Early Childhood field. Her journey began in high school as an after-school teacher, and her passion for working with young children has only grown since. She has completed numerous courses in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Ms. Isha is deeply dedicated to the children in her classroom and strives to create a nurturing and engaging environment for each one. Outside of school, she enjoys spending quality time with her son, cheering him on as a proud football mom. She also loves exploring new restaurants and making memories with her family.

Meet Ms. Bria! Ms. Bria has gained valuable experience working in Early Childhood Education, as well as nannying and babysitting for family and friends. Her favorite part of working with children is sharing the mutual excitement when a child accomplishes something for the first time. Ms. Bria’s biggest goal is to ensure every child feels seen, valued, and loved.

Meet Ms. Tashomi! Born and raised in Northern Virginia, I recently moved to Richmond to continue pursuing my degree. I’ve been working in childcare for nearly three years, and I’ve loved every minute of it. I truly believe that I learn just as much from the children as they learn from me. Watching them grow, explore, and discover the world around them is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy drawing—especially interior spaces—as a peaceful and creative outlet. I’m also a big fan of all things food; it’s probably the quickest way to make me smile! I’m so excited to be a part of The Goddard School family and can’t wait to see what this year has in store!

Meet Ms. Clara! Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Clara brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a vibrant cultural flair to the classroom. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and finds joy in blending her heritage—especially the festive spirit of Carnival—into fostering a love for learning among children of all ages. A seasoned traveler, Ms. Clara has explored Italy, Germany, Austria, France, and Vatican City. These enriching global experiences have deeply shaped her perspective and inspired her to return to the U.S. to pursue her passion for education. Ms. Clara believes in teaching through our surroundings, sparking curiosity, and nurturing creativity both in and out of the classroom. Her vision for each child at The Goddard School of Richmond is to support them as they reach developmental milestones and to help cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

Meet Ms. Nichelle Ms. Nichelle attended Radford University, where she studied Forensic Psychology. She has a strong background working with children, including a year with Boosterthon supporting elementary school fundraising. She also spent two summers as a school-age camp counselor and has three years of experience as a Preschool/Pre-K teacher. Nichelle enjoys watching children retain what they’ve learned in class and loves implementing Spanish curriculum to enrich their experience. Her goal is to help children grow, supporting them as they reach each new milestone with confidence and enthusiasm.

Meet Ms. JaVonne! Ms. JaVonne brings over 20 years of teaching experience and a passion for working with children of all ages—from infants to 6th grade. She is thrilled to be a part of The Goddard School and looks forward to making a positive impact within the school community. Her goal is to support both children and parents by fostering a nurturing environment where each child can grow, thrive, and achieve their age-appropriate developmental milestones. With her experience and dedication, Ms. JaVonne is committed to helping every child reach their full potential.

Meet Ms. Rose! Ms. Rose has several years of experience in the Early Childhood Education field. She studied Early Childhood Education at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and spent 5 years working in a Head Start program at MCV. She also served as a Program Coordinator for an afterschool program, further enriching her skills in child development and program management. Ms. Rose loves working with children and teaching them new things every day. She is excited to help the children at The Goddard School of Richmond learn, grow, and develop the skills they need to become future leaders.

Meet Ms. Tori! Ms. Tori brings over 10 years of preschool teaching experience from both Virginia and Washington. In 2020, she earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is currently working toward her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Her teaching philosophy centers around learning through play and exploration, creating a hands-on environment where children can thrive. For Ms. Tori, the most rewarding part of teaching is witnessing those "lightbulb moments"—when a child masters a new skill or grasps a new concept. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys crafting and spending quality time with her family.

Meet Mr. K (Kierston Janmal Jones)! Mr. K brings over 12 years of childcare experience through teaching and coaching sports. Born and raised in Northern Virginia, he remains close to his family, who still live nearby. Family and faith are the cornerstones of his life. He is a proud father of two wonderful children—his 8-year-old daughter Kapri and 1-year-old son Harlo—and soon-to-be fiancé. Mr. K’s hobbies include basketball and all things artistic, such as drawing, painting, and music. He is currently pursuing a certification in cybersecurity to expand his skills. At home, Mr. K shares his life with two dogs—and soon a third arriving after Christmas! He’s excited to be part of The Goddard School family and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

Meet Ms. Courtney! Ms. Courtney is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Counselor Education with a minor in Couples and Family Counseling. She holds an Associate’s degree in Social Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Her journey with children began at age 11 as a volunteer, and she has since gained over 4 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Courtney loves watching each child’s unique personality shine as they reach their developmental milestones. Her goal is to create a positive and nurturing environment where every child feels loved, appreciated, and supported every day.

Meet Ms. Fatihah! Ms. Fatihah brings several years of experience working in childcare. She spent a year and a half working in a loving home daycare while attending high school virtually. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in Health Sciences at Brightpoint Community College. Her favorite part of working with children is helping them expand their knowledge and intellectual abilities. Ms. Fatihah’s goal in this career path is to inspire a lifelong love of learning in every child she works with.

Meet Ms. Pam! Ms. Pam is a former preschool teacher with 15 years of experience in Danville’s elementary schools. She recently relocated to Richmond to be closer to her grandchildren and bring her passion for early childhood education to our community. Ms. Pam loves helping young children grow, explore, and discover more about themselves and the world around them. Her goal at Goddard is to create a warm, loving, and safe environment where each child feels valued, encouraged, and excited to learn. One of her favorite moments is hearing her name called down the hallway by smiling children—there’s nothing better than a joyful “Ms. Pam!”

Meet Ms. Ava Ms. Ava attended Christopher Newport University, where she majored in Pediatrics. She has also completed various professional development courses throughout her career. During high school, she cared for her Spanish teacher’s two children for two years, which sparked her passion for working with young learners. After graduating, she gained additional experience working with infants and school-age children during the summer. She then spent two years as an Assistant Two’s Teacher, further strengthening her classroom skills. Ava’s favorite aspect of working with children is being able to help them explore the world and supporting them as they progress through new experiences. Her goal is to build strong, trusting bonds with each child so they feel comfortable, safe, and confident—even when making mistakes. She believes that through trust and connection, she and the children can learn and grow together

Meet Ms. Maria Ms. Maria holds a Master’s Degree in Information Systems from De Montfort University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Atma Jaya University. She has experience teaching English to students and spent a year caring for a one-month-old infant as a babysitter. In addition, she has volunteered for several summers at Vacation Bible School, supporting children in a variety of activities. Maria believes that children are priceless. She shares that it brings her absolute joy to care for them—their curiosity is inspiring, and their smiles brighten her day. Her goal is to ensure that every child feels secure, safe, and supported in her care.

Meet Devine. Ms. Devine is currently studying at Purdue Global, where she is majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics. She brings five years of experience as an assistant dance teacher, where she worked closely with children of various ages. Her favorite part of working with children is learning alongside each child and playing an active role in making sure they feel supported and have a positive day. Ms. Devine strives to teach children at least one new thing every day while encouraging growth, confidence, and curiosity.

Meet Riley. Ms. Riley is currently enrolled at VCU, where she is pursuing her Master’s in Teaching after earning a degree in English. She has extensive experience working with children, including serving as a summer camp counselor for two summers, nannying for a year, babysitting for eight months, and working as an after-school tutor for one year. She also completed a semester-long practicum in a middle school setting and worked as a teacher helper for three months. Ms. Riley loves watching students’ personalities blossom and learning how each child’s unique learning style develops. Her goal is to ensure that every child feels safe, valued, and heard.

Meet Ms. Lindsey Ms. Lindsey graduated from Tulane University with a degree in English and a minor in Music. Her academic background reflects her love for creativity, language, and the arts — all of which she enjoys incorporating into her work with children. She has been caring for children since she was a teenager, beginning with babysitting and later becoming a full-time nanny for three years after college. Ms. Lindsey has experience working with children as young as two months old and has loved every minute of supporting their early development. Ms. Lindsey enjoys playing with children, hearing their laughter, and watching them fully enjoy themselves. Her goal is to create an environment where every child feels safe, comfortable, and free to be themselves.

Meet Ms. Taiyla Ms. Taiyla has been serving in her church nursery for the past 8 years and continues to do so today. She is also a proud big sister to two siblings—a baby brother and a younger sister—which has helped shape her natural love for caring for children. Ms. Taiyla previously worked as a toddler teacher at Sowing Seeds Academy, where she gained valuable experience supporting young children’s growth and development. She loves working with children because she sees them as the light of the world and says they bring joy and motivation to her life every day. Ms. Taiyla’s goal when working with children is to create a safe, welcoming space where they feel comfortable expressing themselves and know they are cared for and supported.

Meet Ms. Andreea Ms. Andreea completed her college studies at the University of Granada in Spain, specializing in Linguistics and Literary Arts. She later earned her Master’s degree in Montessori Education. She has hands-on experience working with children through babysitting and teaching. Ms. Andreea worked for five months at a Montessori school in Romania, where she supported a classroom of children aged three to six years old. She has also spent extensive time caring for her nephews, aged 7, 3, and 1. What Ms. Andreea enjoys most about working with children is how they continuously surprise her—with their curiosity, creativity, and unique ways of understanding the world. She finds great fulfillment in seeing how positive reinforcement and thoughtful teaching strategies help children grow and thrive. Her goal is to create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, understood, and valued. When children feel respected and supported, they are more confident to express thems

Meet Ms. Cheyenne! Ms. Cheyenne brings a warm and dedicated approach to working with children, focusing on building strong, trusting relationships that support their growth and development. Her experience includes teaching early preschool, preschool, and kindergarten for over a year, as well as three years as a behavioral therapist in both clinic and home settings. Through these roles, she has developed a deep appreciation for fostering children’s creativity, resilience, and personal development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Buffalo State College and an Associate’s degree in Science from Erie Community College. Her favorite aspects of working with children include building strong, trusting connections and supporting each child’s individual journey. Her goal is to foster social-emotional competence, encourage empathy, and help children develop early language, cognitive, and both fine and gross motor skills in a nurturing and engaging environment.

Meet Ms. Emily! Ms. Emily brings a caring and enthusiastic approach to working with young children, with over five years of experience teaching two- and three-year-olds. She completed a three-year child development program and recently comes to us from Florida, where she developed her skills in early childhood education. She especially enjoys seeing how much children grow, learn, and accomplish each day—along with the joy they bring through their sweet personalities. Her goal when working with children is to help them navigate big emotions while fostering a strong foundation and love for learning from an early age.

Meet (Shobnam) Ms. Ela! Ms. Ela brings several years of hands-on experience working with children and supporting their growth and development. She spent six years working as a dedicated nanny and has also served as an infant teacher in a local early childhood program, where she built strong relationships and supported children during their most important early milestones. She is passionate about creating a safe, happy, and nurturing environment where children feel loved, supported, and encouraged to explore, discover, and learn with confidence. Her goal is to support each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through thoughtful, age-appropriate activities that spark curiosity and growth. Ms. Ela is committed to building a classroom that is warm, welcoming, and supportive, where every child feels secure, valued, and excited to learn each day.

Meet Ms. Courtney H.! Ms. Courtney has over four years of childcare experience and has been babysitting for five years. She has also worked at summer camps with children ages 7–12, where she gained valuable experience supporting children in both learning and recreational environments. Ms. Courtney loves watching children learn and grow each day. She enjoys being part of their development and helping them build confidence as they explore the world around them. She finds joy in encouraging children to try new things, express themselves, and reach important milestones along the way. Her goal as an educator is to create a safe and supportive environment where every child feels comfortable learning, growing, and being themselves. She is dedicated to helping children feel confident, cared for, and excited to learn each day.