Our 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. 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. 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.

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. 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. Anagha is a dedicated toddler teacher with a passion for igniting a love for science and creative learning in young minds. She believes every child has a unique voice and story to share, and she works tirelessly to create an environment that fosters exploration and self-expression. Anagha’s teaching approach is centered around interactive discussions, group projects, and relatable learning experiences designed to inspire curiosity about nature and the world around us. Outside the classroom, she enjoys listening to music, hiking, and spending quality time with her family, which enriches her teaching style and brings a vibrant, well-rounded perspective to her work.

Ms. Madison is a dedicated educator with nearly 8 years of teaching experience. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Sciences, specializing in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Psychology, as well as American Sign Language (ASL), Madison is passionate about nurturing young minds. Outside the classroom, Madison is a proud cat parent to four furry companions and enjoys reading and shopping for antiques. What she loves most about children is their infectious joy, whether it's reading books with silly voices or exploring nature to catch bugs.

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!

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. Megan is a seasoned educator with over 16 years of teaching experience, now joining The Goddard School team in Lynnwood, WA. Megan finds great joy in witnessing children's learning and growth, considering it a deeply rewarding experience. Her Chihuahua, Diplo, holds a special place in her heart as her pride and joy. Outside of work, Megan enjoys embarking on adventures and cozying up for movie nights with her boyfriend.

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. Cayli brings over five years of experience in early childhood education to Goddard of Lynnwood. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and is committed to continuous professional development. Passionate about fostering young minds, she ensures personalized attention for each child. Outside work, Cayli enjoys outdoor exploration and spending time with loved ones.

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. 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. 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.

Originally from India, Ms. Sumati has been residing in the USA for the past 10 years. As the mother of a vibrant 4-year-old, she brings a personal understanding of the joys and challenges of early childhood. Passionate about working with children, Sumati delights in watching them discover and explore new things. Her dedication and cheerful spirit are evident in her commitment to creating a supportive and stimulating environment for every child in the daycare.

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. Savannah is a dedicated early childhood education professional with a natural gift for working with infants and toddlers. With years of experience working with children and a deep passion for nurturing young minds, Savannah took on the rewarding role of a stay-at-home mom after welcoming her child in 2022. After a year and a half at home, she knew that her calling was to return to working with children. Savannah is currently pursuing an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education to further expand her knowledge and expertise. Her intuitive understanding of child development and her warm, caring approach make her an invaluable asset in any early learning environment. She is driven by a love for what she does and is committed to creating positive, enriching experiences for the children in her care.

Ms. Katie has been dedicated to working with children for over five years. She began her career as a lifeguard and later transitioned to teaching swimming lessons, where she discovered her passion for teaching kids. With a strong commitment to safety and creating a nurturing environment, Katie excels at fostering a space where children can explore and learn with confidence. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys swimming and baking, and she loves spending time with her three cats. Katie’s enthusiasm for her work and her ability to connect with children make her a valued and inspiring presence in their lives.

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.

Mr. Tim has been working in Early Learning for seven years and has developed a deep passion for working with children. He values the freedom children have to be themselves, unencumbered by fear of judgment, and enjoys fostering an environment where that authenticity can thrive. Tim’s days are often filled with dancing to the rhythm of his heart and listening to his intuition, allowing it to guide his approach to both life and work. With a commitment to making a positive impact, Tim is excited to join the Goddard team and is dedicated to always giving his best for everyone involved.

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. Akahana Shannon, an early childhood educator with over two decades of experience, shapes young minds with passion and care. Originating from Virginia, she's devoted to creating engaging learning environments for children. Recognized for her innovative teaching methods and dedication to each child's needs, her warm demeanor fosters a safe space where children thrive. Her love for education and ability to connect with young learners have earned her a respected place in the community, inspiring excellence in teaching and learning beyond the classroom.

Ms. Palak transitioned from a career in numbers at Genpact LLC to pursue her passion for working with children. As a teacher at Goddard, she values collaboration and open communication, believing they are essential for effective teaching. Palak is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and included in their learning journey.

Ms. Melissa is returning to her passion for childcare after dedicating many years to the healthcare field. Armed with a Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration and an Associates Degree in Marketing, she brings a diverse skill set to her role. Having relocated to Washington from Wisconsin eight years ago, Melissa has found her place in the community. Outside work, she indulges in crafting, gardening, fostering dogs, and contributing to her local dog rescue. Her varied interests and background make her a well-rounded addition to the childcare team.

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.