Our Goddard School Teachers

I’m Maanu, Onsite Owner—a proud mom, entrepreneur, and community builder passionate about creating places where people feel they belong. My entrepreneurial journey has centered on businesses that serve children, families, and the community. Through my experience with The Goddard School of Redmond and The Dog Stop Bothell, I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams, build meaningful relationships, and create welcoming experiences for families. These experiences have taught me that great businesses are built on more than excellent service—they are built on trust, relationships, and genuinely caring for the people you serve. As a mother of two boys and a dog, family is at the heart of everything I do. That inspires my vision for The Goddard School of Lynnwood: a place where every child feels safe, valued, respected, and celebrated. I’m excited to bring my experience, heart, and entrepreneurial spirit to Lynnwood — and to build a school that feels like a true community.

Great schools don’t just educate children—they help shape who they become. That belief is at the heart of everything Mr. Kalis does. As an entrepreneur, father, and experienced Goddard School owner, he is passionate about creating places where children feel safe, supported, confident, and inspired to discover their potential. Seattle has been home for nearly 20 years, and as a father of two, he understands how important these early years are in a child’s development. With many years of experience as a Goddard School owner, he proudly owns and operates The Goddard School of Lynnwood, The Goddard School of Redmond, and The Dog Stop Bothell. His goal is simple: to create a school where every child feels they belong, has the confidence to explore, and is excited to learn every day. Mr. Kalis looks forward to partnering with families and teachers to build a joyful community where every child is welcomed, respected, celebrated, and inspired to shine.

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.

Ms. Jessica brings over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, with a strong background in curriculum, classroom guidance, family partnerships, and school operations. Her experience, including her recent role as a School Director, has helped shape her into a confident and compassionate leader. She is passionate about play-based learning and believes children learn best through hands-on exploration, creativity, and meaningful experiences. Ms. Jessica is dedicated to supporting teachers, strengthening classroom environments, and building positive partnerships with families. With both experience and heart, she strives to create a warm and welcoming school community where every child feels safe, supported, curious, and excited to learn each day.

Ms. Siddhi is a dedicated professional with a passion for early childhood education, leadership, and operations. She brings over 10 years of experience in operations, including over two years in early education administration. Her journey in education began during college in India, when she ran a street school for children from underserved communities. This experience ignited her passion for teaching and inspired her to build a career focused on supporting children and their development. Siddhi is also a proud mom of one, and being a mother is her utmost joy. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with her family, and being in nature. She is also a hardcore Potterhead and is always happy to talk about all things Harry Potter!

Ms. Raji has three years of experience in early childhood education. Before transitioning into this field, she worked as a software engineer, where she developed strong problem-solving and organizational skills. Over time, she discovered that working with young children brings her the most joy. She is passionate about creating a warm, safe, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and build confidence.

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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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. 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. Lexa has more than ten years of experience teaching and caring for children, beginning with art classes for students in grades K–5 and later transitioning into early childhood education. She especially enjoys supporting infants and toddlers as they learn new skills and reach developmental milestones. At home, Lexa loves to paint, draw, and crochet, and she spends a fair amount of time spoiling her two cats, Rosie and Jonesy. She is also an accomplished baker and is currently working toward opening her own bakery.

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. 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. Toni has been working with infants and toddlers for over seven years. She loves spending time in the classroom and creating meaningful interactions where children can learn through play and hands-on experiences. Ms. Toni believes that her role as a teacher is to guide and support each child while providing a safe, nurturing environment that encourages exploration and individual growth. Her favorite part of working with young children is witnessing their milestones and seeing their unique personalities shine as they develop. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Toni enjoys cooking, making music, and working on creative crafting projects.

Ms. Sarah is a Pacific Islander from American Samoa and the oldest of seven siblings. With three to four years of experience in childcare, she brings both personal insight and professional dedication to her work with children. Ms. Sarah is a passionate educator committed to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where every child can thrive. She strongly believes in the power of education to shape character and purpose, and she strives to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Her teaching approach is grounded in patience, creativity, and building meaningful connections. Ms. Sarah works to ensure that each child feels seen, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential in a nurturing and positive classroom setting.

Ms. Cierra is a passionate educator dedicated to creating a welcoming and engaging learning environment for every student. She believes that strong relationships, curiosity, and encouragement are key ingredients for meaningful learning. In her classroom, students are supported, challenged, and inspired to grow both academically and personally. Ms. Cierra focuses on helping students build confidence, think critically, and discover their unique strengths. She strives to create lessons that are interactive, inclusive, and relevant to students’ lives, encouraging them to ask questions and take an active role in their learning. Above all, Ms. Cierra is committed to making her classroom a safe and positive space where students feel valued, respected, and motivated to do their best each day.

Hello, I’m Tiffany! I hold an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and especially enjoy working with toddlers during this wonderfully curious stage of growing independence and discovery. I’m passionate about creating a warm, nurturing classroom where every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to explore, build independence, and express themselves. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my husband and four children. I also enjoy creative writing, puzzles, hiking, reading, and spending time outdoors. I’m an avid cat lover and coffee enthusiast so there’s usually a cup of coffee nearby and at least one cat underfoot! I’m excited to be part of each child’s learning journey and look forward to creating lots of wonderful memories together!

Ms. Sreeja is a passionate early childhood educator with over eight years of experience in international and Montessori school settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Science, a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and the Cambridge Certificate for Teaching and Learning. Sreeja believes early childhood is key to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Her approach focuses on creating a warm, inclusive classroom where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to explore at their own pace. As both an educator and a mother of two, she brings empathy, patience, and a genuine love for working with children into her teaching every day.

Ms. Linnea has over seven years of experience in teaching, babysitting, and nannying. She is passionate about creating a warm, calm, and engaging environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn and grow. She enjoys fostering curiosity through story time, creative art, and hands-on learning experiences. Outside the classroom, Linnea is a proud dog mom who loves hiking, reading, and spending time outdoors. Her patience, compassion, and enthusiasm for early childhood education help her build strong, meaningful relationships with children and their families.

Ms. Sam is a co-lead teacher at The Goddard School of Lynnwood. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Illustration from Seattle Pacific University. After graduating, she worked as an assistant teacher and later as a co-lead teacher in Seattle, where she discovered a passion for early childhood education. She especially enjoys teaching art and writing and helping children discover and cultivate their individual passions. In her free time, Ms. Sam enjoys spending time outdoors, playing video games, and collecting Pokémon cards.

My name is Gudiya, and I am passionate about working with children and supporting their growth and development. I enjoy creating a safe, caring, and positive environment where every child feels comfortable, valued, and encouraged to learn, explore, and grow. I am patient, responsible, and dedicated to building meaningful relationships with children and their families. I look forward to creating positive experiences, supporting each child’s individual needs, and being a part of their learning journey each day.

Ms. Sativa is a caring childcare provider with two years of experience working with children. Originally from the Bay Area, California, she began as a babysitter before joining International Montessori Academy in 2024. There, she worked with children ages 12 months to eight years old, later focusing on toddlers - her favorite age group. She believes every child deserves to enjoy being a child and values meeting children where they are developmentally. Outside of work, Sativa enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, and cooking new recipes. She holds a high school diploma and is currently enrolled at Edmonds Community College, and she looks forward to supporting each child’s learning journey.

Hello! My name is Rawlings, and I am an Assistant Teacher who is passionate about working with children and supporting their growth and development. I love creating opportunities for children to learn, explore, use their imaginations, and discover the world around them. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy playing games, taking walks, and spending time with my friends. One of my favorite hobbies is playing Dungeons & Dragons because I love the creativity, storytelling, and imagination that come with it. My favorite color is purple, and my favorite food is my best friend’s delicious butter chicken! I’m excited to be part of the Goddard community and look forward to creating wonderful memories with the children and families!

Ms. Archana enjoys working with people, supporting teams, and creating positive environments where individuals can grow and succeed. She is also a proud mother to her son and values spending quality time with her family. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, exploring new places, and learning new things. She is passionate about helping others, maintaining a positive outlook, and balancing both her personal and professional responsibilities.

When Ms. Abi is not in the classroom, she loves spending time with her family and cherishes every opportunity to create lasting memories together. Whether it's enjoying family outings, celebrating special occasions, or simply spending quality time at home, family is at the heart of everything she does. Her love for family inspires the nurturing, caring, and supportive environment she creates for the children in her classroom. She is passionate about building strong relationships with children and families and helping every child feel safe, valued, and loved each day.

Ms. Kristin is a compassionate teacher with five years of experience at Goddard schools. Before becoming a Goddard teacher, she worked at a craft store running demos and generally being creative. Eventually, the comments about how good she was with kids got through to her and a change of careers was in order, but she still loves being artsy both inside and outside the classroom. She believes that kids learn best through play and exploration, and loves to nurture their curiosity about the world around them.

My name is Madeline Lawyer, and I am an Assistant Teacher. I have been working with children since I was 15 years old through babysitting and working at a day camp. These experiences have helped me develop a genuine passion for creating a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment for children. I especially enjoy working with preschoolers because I love their curiosity, energy, and excitement as they learn and explore the world around them. I strive to be patient, caring, enthusiastic, and energetic while helping each child feel comfortable, supported, and encouraged. Some of my favorite activities to do with children are reading and spending time outdoors. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading and listening to music. I look forward to getting to know each child and being part of their learning and growth!

Hi, I'm Ashli, and I'm excited to be a part of the Goddard School family! I hope to help my students grow into creative young minds who celebrate what makes them unique. Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym, gaming, reading, and exploring new interests. I'm looking forward to getting to know all the children and families at Goddard.