Our Goddard School Teachers

Meet Maanu Muthu and Kalis Sathappan, the owners of The Goddard School in Lynnwood. With experience running successful businesses like The Goddard School in Redmond and The Dog Stop in Bothell, The Goddard School of Lynnwood's Onsite Owner, Maanu, is a responsible and dedicated person. As a mother of two boys and a dog, she understands the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment for children. Her goal is to build a school that focuses on the holistic development of children aged 2 months to 6 years. The Goddard School in Lynnwood will offer a child-focused STEAM education program that covers all aspects of a child's development - social, emotional, physical, and educational. Join Maanu on this exciting journey as she creates a place where children can thrive and grow.

Ms. Kat holds a Master's Degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum Design, and a dual B.A. in Philosophy and Psychology from Yale University. Kat has taught art, reading, and math to children of all ages, and has over a decade of experience as a Preschool and Elementary program director. As an instructional designer, Kat has contributed to educational products for companies including McGraw-Hill Education and Microsoft. Kat shares her home with her daughter Lexa, a talented baker and visual artist, and their two cats, Rose Tyler and Jonesy. In her spare time, Kat enjoys cooking, gardening, and reading mystery novels.

Ms. Samantha is the Center Director at The Goddard School of Lynnwood, bringing extensive experience in educational leadership and child development. Prior to this role, she served as Dean of Students at Bellevue Children’s Academy, supporting children from preschool through 4th grade. She holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology and has a strong background in school administration. Ms. Samantha is passionate about building nurturing, inclusive learning environments where children thrive. She believes in the power of school-family partnerships and has developed parent education programs that promote meaningful engagement. Supporting families through key transitions, especially into kindergarten, is a core focus of her work. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years and their four dogs. Ms. Samantha is a proud mother of two, Sophia and Max. She also loves to travel and spend time with her family.

Ms. Bailey is a dedicated professional with a passion for early childhood education and leadership. Born and raised in Washington, Ms. Bailey has immersed herself in the field for over five years. Bailey's journey in early childhood education began in 2018 when she embarked on her role as a lead Pre-K teacher, then was promoted to the role of Assistant Director within just two years with experience as an Acting Director as well. She holds an Associates Degree in Art and Science and an Associates in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Bailey finds joy spending time with her family and friends.

Mr. Josh is a committed educator with a passion for encouraging student success and promoting lifelong learning through questions and curiosity. With a B.A. in Philosophy and English from Hillsdale College, as well as an A.A. in History. With over six years of experience in the classroom and three years school administration, Josh believes that education is a student’s journey with the teacher as a guide and the classroom as a safe place to encourage and cultivate curiosity and a sense of wonder at the world. Outside of work, Josh enjoys reading and dabbles in writing essays, stories, and poetry. He enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, and their beloved cat named Science.

Ms. Jessica brings over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, with strong expertise in curriculum, classroom guidance, family partnerships, and school operations. Her background, including her recent role as School Director, prepares her to lead with confidence and care. A passionate advocate for play-based learning, she believes children learn best through hands-on exploration and meaningful experiences. She is dedicated to supporting teachers, strengthening classroom environments, and fostering a warm, collaborative school community. With both expertise and heart, she strives to create spaces where children feel safe, curious, and excited to learn each day.

Ms. Jasmyne has been sharing the joy of music for nearly a decade. A Midwest transplant, she has embraced her new home in the Pacific Northwest, where she has spent the past several years putting down roots. Jasmyne enjoys spending time with her husband, Spencer, and their son, Nolan. Her passions also extend to gardening, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors, especially by the water. Believing in the powerful connection that music brings, Jasmyne is dedicated to continuing to share the magic of music with others.

Ms. Alyse brings six years of experience as a Pre-K teacher to the Goddard School of Lynnwood and is thrilled to embark on this new journey. Her passion lies in teaching young children social-emotional skills alongside literacy and other academic foundations. When she's not in the classroom, you'll likely find her on the court, indulging in her newfound love for Pickleball!

Mr. Matt comes to Lynnwood with over thirteen years working in education, most recently from The Goddard School of Redmond Ridge. He has been a Lead Pre-K Teacher, Lead Preschool Teacher, Resource Teacher, and Staff Representative. He is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Samoa where he taught in their Rural English Literacy Program. Mr. Matt holds a Bachelor of Drama and Minor in Education, Learning, & Society as well as a Master of Education Policy, all from the University of Washington. Outside of work he loves most spending time with family and friends, writing children's books, following Seattle sports, SCUBA diving, and all things physical fitness.

Ms. Nidhi is excited to be part of the Goddard family, driven by her passion for early childhood education. With a B.Eds. in Early Childhood Education from Pune University and 2 years of diverse teaching experience, she's dedicated to fostering children's academic, social, and emotional growth. Outside the classroom, Nidhi finds inspiration in hiking and gym workouts, often incorporating elements of music, art, and nature into her lessons. She looks forward to embarking on this learning journey with your children and witnessing their progress throughout the school year.

Mr. Patrick is an enthusiastic educator at The Goddard School, bringing a unique blend of experiences to the classroom. Before transitioning to early childhood education, Patrick spent over a decade as a correctional officer. However, everything changed when he moved to Seattle and began coaching youth rock climbing. It was during this time that Patrick discovered his passion for working with children, which eventually led him to teaching preschool for the past two and a half years. Outside the classroom, Patrick enjoys rock climbing, playing video games, exploring new foods, and hiking with his wife and daughter, Ellie. His family also includes their playful puppy, Pepe, who joined them this summer. Patrick is dedicated to creating a fun, safe, and welcoming environment for all children and is excited to get to know each child’s unique personality. He looks forward to a wonderful journey of learning and growth with his students.

Ms. Monica is a lead teacher at the Goddard School in Lynnwood, bringing experience from a 12-year career at Disneyland. Originally from California, she completed her associate degree in early childhood development in 2010. Inspired by her nonverbal autistic grandson, Monica moved to Washington three years ago and completed her bachelor's in human resources. Now pursuing a master's in early childhood and special needs education, she believes in patience, education, and the power of creating magic to help every child thrive.

Ms. Christine is a seasoned educator with over a decade of experience in early childhood education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and is deeply passionate about cultivating a safe and engaging learning environment that sparks children's imaginations. Beyond the classroom, Christine finds joy in exploring the natural world through hiking and canoeing, activities that reflect her love for adventure and the outdoors. Her greatest fulfillment comes from the reciprocal love she shares with her students, cherishing the bonds formed through nurturing and supportive interactions. Christine's commitment to fostering a love for learning and exploration in young children defines her approach to education.

Ms. Kim is an educator with a deep passion for teaching and child development. Born in the Philippines and raised in Rancho Cucamonga, California, she graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education from Cypress College in 2023. She continued her studies at the University of La Verne, working toward her Bachelor's in Child Development. Having grown up caring for many children, Ms. Kim discovered her calling to teach at a young age, with her love for education igniting in third grade. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Kim enjoys exploring new food spots, attending farmers' markets, kayaking, and having beach picnics. Her life is also filled with joy thanks to her dog, Stefan, and her three bunnies—Clover, Poppy, and Iris. Ms. Kim is thankful to be a part of The Goddard School, where she continues to inspire and nurture young minds.

Ms. Marisol is a compassionate and dedicated childcare teacher with six years of hands-on experience. She prioritizes nurturing the growth and development of young minds, creating a loving and stimulating environment where children feel safe, valued, and supported. Marisol's teaching philosophy focuses on fostering social-emotional skills, encouraging curiosity, and promoting a love for learning through age-appropriate activities and play-based exploration. She values building strong relationships with families to ensure a holistic approach to each child’s development. Outside of work, Marisol enjoys spending time with family and exploring the outdoors.

Ms. Courtney has been working with infants and toddlers for eight years. Some of her favorite aspects of working with young children include witnessing their milestones, encouraging their exploration of art materials, nurturing their growing confidence, and forming strong relationships with their families. Outside of work, she cherishes spending time with her two boys, engaging in weekend sports and outdoor activities. She also finds joy in cuddling with her cat Loki and reading.

Ms. Rohini is an enthusiastic educator with over a year of experience as a Goddard teacher, where she has discovered a deep passion for teaching preschool and Pre-K children. With a bachelor's degree in commerce, she brings a unique perspective to her role, blending her educational background with her love for early childhood development. Rohini finds joy in watching children grow and learn, and her primary goal is to support parents in providing a stable and nurturing environment while striving towards educational objectives. Her commitment to fostering a positive and engaging learning atmosphere reflects her dedication to both her students and their families.

Ms. Alma comes to Goddard with two years of experience in childcare. Growing up in a large family with many nieces and nephews, she has learned valuable insights into the needs of various age groups. In her free time, Ms. Alma enjoys shopping and spending quality moments with her daughter, boyfriend, and dog. She is excited to get to know each family and looks forward to creating special, personalized experiences for them.

Mr. Aaron earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 2016, but soon discovered his true passion lay in education. With seven years of experience in the field, he has primarily worked in early childhood education, though he has also tutored elementary school-aged children. Mr. Aaron finds great fulfillment in helping children learn, grow, and achieve their full potential. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family, as well as painting and drawing.

Ms. Jenevah is an experienced early childhood development professional dedicated to creating safe and nurturing environments for children. With seven years of experience as a nanny and a large family background, she excels at building strong, meaningful relationships with both children and parents. Her attention to detail and positive spirit are reflected in the engaging developmental activities she creates. Jenevah attended The Art Institute in 2007 and 2008 and has volunteered with the Red Cross. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys outdoor concerts, boating, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Ms. Aleena comes from a family of educators and is deeply passionate about providing every child with a supportive and enriching learning environment. She believes that all children deserve to have teachers who are passionate about their work and committed to helping them grow socially, emotionally, and physically. Ms. Aleena discovered her love for working with children while volunteering at a nonprofit organization, tutoring kids, which led her to pursue a career in education. She gained further experience working at a daycare, where she had the opportunity to work with children of various ages. Currently, Ms. Aleena is pursuing an associate degree in Psychology with plans to continue her education at the bachelor’s level. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her sister, whether they're thrifting, exploring new cafes, or hiking.

Ms. Thushari has nearly eight years of experience in early childhood education and holds an Associate Degree in the field. Originally from Sri Lanka, she is passionate about nurturing young minds and creating a warm, engaging learning environment. Thushari believes in fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning in every child. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and biking with her husband and two sons. She looks forward to supporting the growth and development of young children.

Ms. Brianna has many years of experience working with children, including time at The Goddard School in both Kirkland and Issaquah. She is deeply passionate about early childhood growth and development and is dedicated to helping young children thrive and succeed. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her beloved dog, spending quality time with family, drawing, and listening to music.

Ms. Anu is an early childhood educator who has spent the past three years dedicated to nurturing and guiding toddlers. She finds great joy in witnessing their milestones and growth, and especially values the opportunity to support children as they form strong, trusting relationships with their families. Outside the classroom, Ms. Anu is a devoted mother of two boys. She enjoys spending quality time with them through activities like chess, soccer, and outdoor adventures. A passionate traveler and avid photographer, she delights in exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and discovering unique cuisines. Ms. Anu also has a deep love for storytelling, with Pete the Cat being a favorite character. She appreciates his easygoing, adventurous spirit—a reflection of her own approach to life: staying positive, embracing new experiences, and taking things one step at a time.

Ms. Odalia discovered a passion for working with children at a young age and has since gained valuable experience caring for kids of various ages and personalities. What she loves most about childcare is witnessing the joy, curiosity, and growth that children naturally bring to the world. She takes pride in creating a safe, loving, and positive environment where every child feels supported, comfortable, and free to express themselves. With a strong belief in the importance of patience, empathy, and kindness, Ms. Odalia brings these values into every aspect of her work. Her calm and understanding approach helps her navigate different situations with confidence, while her creativity ensures that time spent with children is always fun and engaging. For her, being part of a child’s development and helping them feel loved, secure, and confident is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.

Ms. Sokkea developed a passion for teaching while caring for younger siblings and relatives. She holds a BA in Early Childhood Education P-3 (Non-Certificate) and has gained hands-on experience through her practicum, internship, babysitting, and a previous role at a childcare center. These experiences have shaped her understanding of the importance of patience, consistency, and building trusting relationships with children and their families. Her goal is to create a nurturing learning environment where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to explore, ask questions, and express themselves. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing at home with a good book or comic, playing games, and watching random videos.

Ms. Jasmine is a creative enthusiast with a passion for all things art-related. Whether it's crocheting, drawing, or tackling intricate puzzles, she finds joy in exploring new creative outlets and sharing that joy with others. Teaching is one of her favorite ways to connect—she loves helping others discover their own artistic talents and learn new skills. At home, Jasmine is kept company by her two playful cats, Raisin and Sasha, who never turn down a toy or an extra meal.

Bio coming soon!

Ms. Talia is a dedicated professional in the field of childcare. She holds an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education. Talia’s commitment to excellence is also reflected in her impressive achievement of a 5th-degree Blackbelt in Taekwondo, highlighting her discipline and leadership skills. Passionate about fostering the growth and development of young minds, Talia believes that children are the future and is devoted to making a positive impact in their lives. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Talia treasures her family and her two beloved fur babies, who bring joy and love into her life. Her unique blend of expertise, dedication, and caring nature makes her a standout in her field.

Ms. Trinity is a dedicated lead toddler teacher with over a year and a half of experience working with children ages 1–3. She holds both an Initial and a Short Stackable Certificate and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Child Development. Trinity is passionate about creating nurturing, inclusive learning environments and values strong collaboration with families. Her approach incorporates nature-based learning, loose parts, and Conscious Discipline practices to support self-regulation and advocacy in young children. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys crafting, hiking, and spending time with her partner, pets, and nature.

Ms. Teresa is a caring and dependable childcare provider with years of hands-on experience. She began helping care for her younger siblings and cousins at the age of 12, which sparked her passion for working with children. Ms. Teresa is dedicated to creating a nurturing and safe environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive. She finds joy in supporting children through their developmental milestones and celebrating their progress. Ms. Teresa also understands the challenges parents face and aims to be a supportive presence for the whole family. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, going to the gym, exploring nature, and spending time with family and friends. Her balanced lifestyle helps her bring energy, focus, and positivity to her work every day.

Ms. Idah holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Gadjah Mada University and has over four years of experience working with children ages 3 to 5. She is passionate about fostering independence, confidence, and curiosity through hands-on, child-led learning. Ms. Idah creates a calm, engaging environment where each child is encouraged to explore at their own pace. Outside the classroom, she enjoys time with her three children, cooking, exploring nature, and traveling. She is also active in her community and loves sharing new experiences—especially food—with family and friends.

Ms. Harika is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator with over three years of teaching experience, specializing in nurturing young learners through engaging and supportive classroom environments. She is committed to fostering curiosity, creativity, and confidence in her students, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Harika's teaching philosophy centers on hands-on activities, positive reinforcement, and encouraging a love of exploration and growth. Beyond the classroom, Harika enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending quality time with her family, all of which inspire her holistic approach to education and child development.

Mr. Julio Salazar-Valentín was born and raised in Forks, Washington, and recently earned his B.A. in Spanish from the University of Washington. Inspired by his multicultural background and a long-standing passion for helping others, he is pursuing a career as a high school Spanish teacher. Julio is committed to supporting students, fostering cultural understanding, and creating an engaging learning environment where every learner can succeed.