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, Rosie 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. 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. Claudine, “Dina” to friends and family, has a passion for early childhood education and has been immersed in it throughout her life. Starting as a babysitter for her nieces and nephews, she gained valuable experience that led her to work as an assistant teacher. Now, her daughter is her pride and joy, and they enjoy spending time together singing, dancing, and exploring the outdoors. Witnessing children's growth and development brings Claudine immense joy, and she's excited to begin her teaching journey at Goddard School, eager to help children reach their full potential. She's looking forward to the adventure ahead and can't wait to see where it leads her!

Ms. Kimberlyn brings a background in Human Services and over 5 years of dedicated service in early childhood education. Passionate about advocating for the growth and development of young minds, her teaching approach is rooted in empathy, creativity, and a firm belief in the unique potential of every child. She cultivates an inclusive and supportive atmosphere where children feel valued, empowered, and inspired to explore their curiosity through interactive activities and individualized attention.

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. 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.

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. 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. Shalena brings a wealth of experience to Lynnwood Goddard, with twelve years in childcare, including her experience at three other Goddard Schools. Being from Washington, she's deeply rooted in the community and understands the local landscape well. Starting as a floater teacher in Lynnwood in 2012, she climbed the ladder through dedication and hard work. With her young children at home, Shalena values family time and cherishes moments with loved ones. Specializing in toddler care, her passion for working with children shines through, and she's excited to continue growing alongside the children and families at Goddard.

Ms. Ahna, a passionate individual, embarked on her early childhood education career in late 2023. A Washington native, she's eager to serve the Lynnwood community at this school. Holding a Bachelor's of Art in Geology, Ahna's fascination with the processes and science shaping our world drives her. She's excited to share her love for science and art with the children she'll work with, embarking on this next chapter of her life's journey with enthusiasm.

Ms. Ariana has been passionate about working with children since she was 10. With two years of experience in early childcare and additional experience with special needs children, she's dedicated to creating a nurturing environment. Ariana integrates art into daily activities and loves sharing inspiring stories through reading. She also brings the children’s interests into the classroom to connect with her 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. 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. 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. Nidhi holds a Masters in HR from Madurai Kamaraj University and is passionate about working with children. She strives to nurture their academic, social, language, and motor skills in a positive environment. With three children of her own, Nidhi enjoys watching kids' sports and spending time with family. She looks forward to partnering with parents in their children's growth and development journey.

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. 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. 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. 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.

Bio coming soon.