SHWETA: A Masters graduate from Teachers College, Columbia University and a dedicated mom of two Goddard Graduate children; I am a firm believer that quality education shapes not just the individuals but also a community. With over 15 years of experience in the Education industry, it is a dream come true for me to open a Goddard School in Kirkland WA. I am excited and happy to be able to provide a safe and nurturing learning experience to the children of our community. PENNY: I am endlessly inspired and uplifted by the presence of children and the curiosity and sense of wonder they have in the world around us. After working 15 years in business education and having my own children, I’m beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to work directly with families and contribute in shaping the early development journey of our youngest learners. I have a Bachelor's degree in International Business from the University of British Columbia and an MBA in Organizational Analysis from the University of California, Irvine. I live locally with my husband and our two young children, who are both proud Goddard graduates!

I love what I do because it is extremely rewarding to work with families and be a part of building a positive foundation to a child’s education. The smallest things can make a child's day and that makes me happy. I have worked with hundreds of children Infant through Fifth Grade over 3 decades. I specialized in Child Development at Chaffey College and I'm a Certified Child Development Associate. I have held various positions as Lead Teacher, including my role as a Special Education Teacher, working extensively with children who have emotional and behavioral disorders. My most recent positions include Site Supervisor with the Bellevue School District as well as Assistant Director with The Goddard School. I enjoy doing CrossFit, anything crafty and spending time with family and friends. I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for 15 years with my husband. We have two beautiful daughters, two great sons-in-law, a grandson, and a granddaughter.

I am Ms. Irma; for as long as I can remember, I've enjoyed working with children. It is my passion to provide a loving, nurturing and educational environment for all children. I have worked in the child development field for over twenty years and have held the titles of Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher, Program Supervisor and School Director. I have an Associate Degree in Child Development, an Infant and Toddler Master Teacher Certificate and a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Health Science. I love studying and learning new things. I am a single mom of three gorgeous children. In our free time, we play board games, watch tv or have quiet reading time; the four of us share the joy of reading. I also enjoy painting, knitting, crocheting and cooking. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to be part of your children’s development; thank you for trusting us with their care. Welcome to the Goddard School!

Hello, my name is Ritu and I am the Program Coordinator. Originally from India, I came to the US in 2001 to complete my PhD in Environmental Economics. I have two kids aged 9 & 7 and when they were younger, I was a stay-at-home mom and had time to reflect on my life goals and passion. I love children and decided to change gears from an economist to a preschool teacher. I enjoy my time at the Goddard School, working with the kids. The innocence of the children and their creativity never fail to amaze me. When I’m not working, I love showing houses as I also work as a part-time real estate agent. Additionally, I love to make different desserts for my kids, watch movies together as a family, and go for long walks with my dog.

Hello everyone! My name is Tan, and I am happy and grateful to be given the opportunity to work with all these bright minded and joyful students here at the Goddard School. I have always found joy in teaching others and learning from my teachers. I owe a great deal to all my teachers for making me the person I am today, through the education they have given me, both academically and socially. Since my senior year of high school, I aspire to become a teacher so I may give back to all the educators who have driven me to be my best while giving me some of the happiest moments in my life. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and have spent the last four years in college taking children’s education courses. I have been working with younger students for 5 years. Some of my favorite hobbies include hanging out with friends, craft making, and playing games. It feels like a dream working with all these students as they have fun and learn at the same time.

Hello, I’m Annika. I started in my first infant class in 6 years ago (in 2017), after working with various ages and realizing how much I loved babies. I grew up in the arts, performing music and theatre, and I believe creativity from a young age fosters lifelong confidence. I attended Bellevue College and embrace any opportunity to continue learning about Early Education. I am a volunteer costume designer at a local youth theater, enjoy putting on make up, watching movies, and spending time with my husband and our hairless cat. They say it takes a village and it means a lot to me to play a role in your babies life, a role I value greatly and take very seriously.

Aloha! I am Normie, a mom to 4 awesome boys and recently relocated from the island of Oahu. I have an Associate Degree in Business Management, but found myself wanting to try a new path and excited to being part of the Goddard Kirkland family and meeting and learning new things. I enjoy cooking, baking and photography during my spare time.

My name is Daisy, and I have been working with young children for as long as I can remember. I love the young toddler age group because it is when they really start to show their personalities and start to develop all their skills. I love seeing the children’s faces light up when they are learning something new and beginning to be more independent. I believe that children learn best through play and having interactions with each other. In my spare time, I enjoy watching anime, spending time with my family, and enjoying nature.

Hello, I'm Janelle. I was born in Tokyo, Japan, but Bremerton, WA is home. I am semi-fluent in American Sign Language and I'm currently learning Hindi and Mandarin. I'm also currently working on my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been working in childcare for 3 years. I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was in Kindergarten. I thought that was the age group for me until my first toddler class. (Now I'm a toddler whisperer!) I love working with kids and seeing their growth. My favorite activities to do with them are Circle Time and Art.

Hello! My name is Min and I am so excited to be the toddler teacher. I graduated from the 3rd Normal College in Beijing with a degree in Education. I have been teaching Chinese and math to kids (1st to 12th graders) for 29 years in China and in the USA. I also received an AAS degree in Accounting from Lake Washington Technical College and worked for a CPA firm. I have also earned my Child Development Associate credential. I like traveling (Cancun is my favorite place), learning new things, doing hand crafting, and tasting foods from all over the world. I am looking forward to meeting and knowing each and every new child in my class and their parents, too. I will do my best to help your child grow healthily and happily in a loving, caring, and safe environment.

My name is Malak and I am from Lebanon. I have a degree in Interior Design and love working on technical and artistic drawings. I always like to visualize how things can work out in a space and build connections on the experience one can get from an interior space. I have worked with kids for several years. I love working with kids because I can relate my previous experience with my present one such as, how kids can feel in a space. The environment gives them social, emotional, and cognitive development experiences to grow. I am glad to have the opportunity to work with kids at the Goddard school and see children become great leaders. In my free time I like exercising, drawing, and going on road trips.

Hello, I'm so happy and excited to be part of the Goddard Kirkland team. It brings me immense pleasure in seeing the children smile and it's my goal to provide a fun and interactive learning environment, to nurture and prepare the children for a challenging and wonderful future ahead. I'm originally from India and have been in the Pacific Northwest for a decade now and it has become my second home. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and am working towards early childhood learning certifications. My hobby is gardening, I have my own set up at the Marymoor Community Garden and a mini garden at my home. I have keen interest in arts and crafts and in my free time, like to spend quality family time with my husband and two handsome boys.

Hi, I’m Richa. I have a passion to work with kids to help them explore and learn new things. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Bachelors’ degree in Science. My practical experience in Education started with my teacher training as part of my Bachelor’s degree program. For the last several years, I have been working with elementary-aged students. I live in Kirkland with my family, including two kids. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, painting, and doing crafts. As a family, we love to explore the outdoors.

Hi, my name is Erica! I'm incredibly grateful and excited to be a teacher at the Goddard School, Kirkland. My professional experience working with children spans over 6 years. I've always had a passion for teaching and nurturing young minds. Witnessing and guiding children make new connections and explore the world around them is a very rewarding experience for me. A child’s boundless energy and laughter never fail to bring a smile to my face, and as someone who's naturally energetic, I love to sing, dance, and play alongside them! Currently, I'm pursuing my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Washington, Bothell. When I'm not teaching or studying, you can find me spending quality time with my loved ones, crocheting stuffed animals, or playing with my adorable shih tzu, Chewy! :)

Hello, I am Sarita. I have a Master’s degree in Microbiology, but since then I have been working in the education field. I have found that I really love and enjoy teaching. I’ve been working with different age groups for the last five years. I have been at the Goddard School since it first opened, working in different positions and with all ages. Working at Goddard is an amazing experience of my life - it taught me a lot in every aspect to be a better human being and a better teacher every day. I am still learning each day with my very supportive co-teachers. I try to give my best to the kids and my workplace every day. I live with my 9 year old son and my husband.

Hi everyone! My name is Padmapriya. You can call me Priya. I have a Masters Degree in Computer Applications and I'm currently pursuing Washington ECE State Certification from Bellevue College. Prior to joining this position, I had 2 years of experience as a Preschool Teacher teaching 3-5 year old kids and have been an instructor for elementary school kids. I am passionate about teaching and believe in the transformative power of education during the formative years of a child. With a warm and nurturing approach, I create an environment that encourages exploration, curiosity, and social development. I am excited to join the Goddard family and contribute towards inspiring the young minds and helping them learn with skills to be effective in school and beyond. In my spare time, I enjoy watching movies and cooking. Also, I love spending time with my husband and 3 year old kid.

Hi! My name is Sruthi. Originally from India, I currently live in Bothell with my husband and our daughter. I have a Bachelors in Science as well as a Masters in Finance. As parent of a young child myself, I recognize the importance of a safe, nurturing and positive learning environment. Children learn best through play, and I am thrilled to be able to provide a fun, play-based learning experience for the children around me. Outside of work, when I am not busy running behind my hyperactive preschooler, I love cooking for my family and friends. I am excited to be working at Goddard in nurturing young children.

Hello, my name is Nodira. I am delighted to join the Kirkland Goddard School. I come to my new position with seven years of experience working in daycare with children of all ages. I have been in the US for 14 years having moved here from Uzbekistan where I received my Bachelor's degree in Finance and Credit. I have also completed an Associates Degree in Business Technology from Shoreline Community College. I find working with children to be very fulfilling, and I especially enjoy fostering the development of each child with his or her unique interests and personalities. Encouraging these little ones to grow and blossom into young people provides me with a great deal of joy and satisfaction. I currently live in Kenmore with my husband, thirteen year old daughter, our cat, Max, and Cody, our Shiba Inu. In my spare time, I like to bake, enjoy watching movies, and love to travel!

Hi! My name is Jerrica, and I am very excited to be joining the Goddard School as your child's teacher, and I’m looking forward to a year of fun learning and adventures! I can’t wait to learn all about the students but first I’ll tell you a little about me. I graduated from Washington State University (Go Cougs!) in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development with a certificate in Adolescence. I have two dogs named Chiquis and Remi and I enjoy hiking and going camping with them. I love to read and write and I hope to inspire this in my students. I absolutely love school myself, and can’t wait to pass my passion for learning to you! I have 5 years of experience working with kids ranging from ages 3 to 18 as a tutor, mentor, and teacher helper. I was a former Certified Behavior Technician with a specialty in Behavioral Health with kids on the Autism Spectrum. My passion has always been to teach and my goal as a teacher is to help children become confident as a learner and inspire their curiosity for the world.

Hi, I'm Advaitha. I'm so happy to be part of the Goddard family. I always love being around kids! I am from India. I am a Law graduate and have been working as an advocate in issues concerning children's welfare and juvenile kids. This made me realize we have to nurture children from their early childhood. I love the children's laughter and curiosity. I'm grateful for this opportunity. I love dancing, cooking, and watching K-dramas.

I have worked as a para-educator in K-5 classrooms for 13 years in the Bellevue School District, working primarily with children who need emotional and behavioral support. I have also tutored children with special needs between the ages of 18 months and 3rd grade. I enjoy reading, being out in nature and spending time with friends and family. I am so excited to be here at the Goddard School and to be able to help your child learn and grow.

Hello, I am Nidhi. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher since a young age. I enjoy helping kids learn and grow. I love to teach toddlers. I speak Hindi and I love to learn about other cultures. I have two wonderful kids, 7 and 4 years old. I love to spend time with my family and friends.

I am originally from Afghanistan, where I graduated with a Law degree and worked at the Parliament of Afghanistan. I feel incredibly grateful to be working at the Goddard School, where I have the opportunity to nurture and educate children in their most formative years. Working with children has always been a joy for me, and I find it so rewarding to watch them grow and learn. I believe that it is our job as educators to help them realize their full potential. In my classroom, I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where children feel safe to explore, ask questions, and take risks. I am passionate about providing children with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. It brings me great joy to see their faces light up when they discover something new or master a new skill. In my spare time, I love spending time with my friends and family, traveling, and making delicious food.

Hello, my name is Meha and I am originally from India. I have my Bachelor’s in Computer Science, but always had passion for working with children. I am delighted to be part of Goddard school. I love and enjoy working with children. I especially find joy in engaging them in activities that promote social, emotional, and intellectual development. In my spare time, I love to go hiking, camping, traveling, and enjoy cooking.

Hello, my name is Jan. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree at UW Bothell. I have a major in Media and Communication Studies and a minor in Creative Writing. I hope to one day write a screenplay for children’s education. In my spare time, I love roller skating, baking sweets, and working with digital media.

Hi, my name is Swarnali. I live in Bellevue with my husband and daughter. I have a Master Degree in Arts and a Diploma in Nursery Teacher’s training. I worked as Lead Teacher in the Pre-K classroom for several years back in India. I am passionate about working with younger children. Helping a child to learn and grow is such a satisfying experience. I moved to the USA 7 years ago and started as a volunteer at a preschool. In my spare time, I enjoy painting and engaging in various arts and crafts. I also enjoy exploring new places with my family. I look forward to the opportunity to learn and grow along with my adorable students.

Hi! My name is Minyue and I am excited to continue my career in the field of education at the Goddard School of Kirkland. Having graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language and a Master's degree in Education from the University of Edinburgh, I have worked passionately with international college students as a teacher and with young children as an Exhibit Guide at children's museum before joining Goddard Kirkland. Alongside teaching, I am seeking to continuously consolidate my skills in providing quality interactions and meaningful feedback by currently pursuing another degree in Early Childhood Eduction at UW Seattle. In my spare time, I love hiking in the woods, refreshing through yoga infusion, reading books and articles on childhood development, and of course, being together with my dear husband and our energetic child!

Hi. My name is Jannat. I am so happy to be a part of Goddard School. I love working with kids and teaching them about new things and experiences. When I look at a child's smile, it brings me great joy. It's their inherent honesty that makes me want to care and nurture for them. I pursued my studies in Marketing and Finance from Lahore School of Economics and later I operated a home-based daycare in Pakistan which helped me explore my passion for child care. Outside of work, I love to spend time with my husband and son. As a family, we love exploring new restaurants and all different types of cuisines.

Hello everyone! My name is Ashley. I have been in the industry for 7 years now. During those 7 years, I have worked as an infant lead teacher, toddler assistant teacher and private nanny. I am licensed in cosmetology but realized how much I enjoy working with children. In my free time, I love spending time with my spouse and 2 dogs visiting family or cooking a new recipe! I am very excited and grateful to be part of the Goddard School Family.

Hi, I'm Vishni. Prior to joining the Goddard School, I completed my Bachelor of Business and worked as an Accountant. I really enjoy being around children and they brighten up the world. In my spare time, I love cooking, sketching, and playing Badminton.

My name is Dharshani Herath. I am really happy to be part of the Goddard Kirkland family. I am originally from Sri Lanka and immigrated to the United States in 2010. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and hold certifications in Accounting from the University of Washington and the Lake Washington technical college. I also completed a Child Development Associate Certificate at Ashworth college. I was drawn to early childhood education while raising my own children and navigating their education process during the pandemic. I love being around the kids and I'm excited to be a part of their learning process. In my spare time, I love travelling with my husband and two daughters.

Hello, my name is Swami. I am incredibly grateful to be a teacher here at the Goddard School of Kirkland. I have been in the USA for almost 6 years with my husband and our two children. I moved from India where I received my Master’s in Physics from Osmania University and, I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. I am so passionate about providing children with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to enjoy their environment and life. In my spare time, I love to travel with my husband and children. I also enjoy making crafts and cooking.

My name is Ranjana. I have been working as a childcare teacher for three years. I love being around children and I am very passionate about creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for children to learn, grow, and thrive. Originally from Nepal, I now call Kirkland my home, where I reside with my husband and our delightful 3.5-year-old daughter. I also enjoy exploring new places and cultures. I love spending quality time with my family and also indulge myself to listening to music of experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen whenever I can. I am incredibly excited to be a part of the Goddard School and look forward to the amazing opportunity to positively impact the lives of the children in my care.

I'm delighted to introduce myself as Sujatha. I hold a Graduate Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. My journey in the pharmaceutical industry has been rewarding and it was where I discovered my passion for teaching while doing research and development. As a part-time lecturer in college, I found immense joy and fulfillment in sharing my knowledge. I'm eager to continue nurturing young minds and instilling a love for learning. I'm looking forward to starting this new chapter of my career at Goddard and making a meaningful impact in the lives of my students.

Passionate about nurturing young minds, I bring years of diverse experience in childcare, from daycares to schools. As I work towards a social work degree, I'm committed to making a positive impact on children's lives. It's the joy of sparking curiosity and watching little moments of wonder as kids learn and grow that makes every day rewarding, no two days are ever the same when you're surrounded by such creative and energetic young minds. Outside of my professional goals, I find joy in the simple pleasures of a good cup of coffee and my cat.