Our Teachers

We're thrilled to offer our outstanding STEAM program to our community. With two children of my own, I deeply value a secure, high-quality, loving, and learning environment. With a background in Business Administration and over a decade of management experience, I've operated The Goddard School of Lake Forest since 2016 and am excited to open a new location in Tustin. My focus is on creating a nurturing atmosphere where children thrive socially and academically. Our curriculum integrates Yoga, Chess, Robotics, Spanish, Mandarin, Sign Language, and more. Seeing children's joy and receiving their hugs is the highlight of my day. I invite you to visit, meet our dedicated teachers, and learn about The Goddard approach. Let us show you how we support children's growth and development.

Jennifer has been the Director of Education at The Goddard School since 2019, where she leads the STEAM curriculum and oversees enrichment programs such as yoga, chess, and robotics. With a passion for early childhood education, she is dedicated to fostering the growth of young learners and mentoring her team to help them thrive every day. With over eight years of experience in Teaching, Administration, Event, and Marketing Management for ECE centers, Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. As a mother of two, Jennifer is deeply committed to supporting families and believes in nurturing each child's unique potential. She lives by the motto, "Children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded," and is honored to serve the families in her community.

Ms. Delmy joined The Goddard School as an Associate Director in January 2023, bringing with her a deep-rooted passion for supporting children's growth and development. Her journey in education began 12 years ago when she discovered her calling as a teacher. Over the years, she has worked with various age groups, from infants to pre-kindergarten, which reinforced her belief in the vital role of nurturing and inspired her to uplift and motivate fellow educators. Prior to joining Goddard, Ms. Delmy served as a Director at a preschool in Fullerton for over three years, where she honed her skills in administration and leadership. Her commitment to creating a positive educational environment continues to drive her in her current role, where she aims to support both children and teachers in reaching their fullest potential.

Ms. Lana joined The Goddard School in 2021 and has swiftly become a beloved member of the team, infusing joy and positivity into every interaction with children, families, and colleagues. As a devoted mother of two, she deeply understands the importance of laying a strong educational foundation in the early years. Ms. Lana is passionate about creating a nurturing and loving environment, believing that the first six years of a child’s life are critical for future success. Her commitment extends to building and supporting the Goddard community, where she plays a vital role in helping families understand the Goddard curriculum and programs. Ms. Lana’s enthusiasm for fostering a supportive and caring atmosphere shines through in all her endeavors.

Ms. Tanya brings over 10 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, working with children from infancy through school age. As a mother of two, she is dedicated to creating an environment where children can explore their world through play and reach their full potential. Having served as a Pre-K teacher at Goddard for over two years, Ms. Tanya is now transitioning to an administrative role, supporting all classrooms. She strives to be an exemplary teacher, role model, and administrative leader for children, families, and fellow educators. Her commitment to excellence has earned her two nominations for Goddard Systems' Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Teresa brings over 25 years of experience working with children, ranging from infants to 6-year-olds. Her passion and dedication to early childhood education shine through in everything she does. As a mother of four and a proud grandmother, she is excited to share her love for teaching, creating a warm and trusted environment where children feel safe and supported. Ms. Teresa is committed to leaving a positive impact on the children and families at The Goddard School. In addition to her work with children, she is a valued mentor to her peers and fellow teachers, earning the admiration and respect of all who know her.

Ms. Ana, a loving and nurturing infant teacher, joined The Goddard School in 2020. Originally from Perú, she is a native Spanish speaker and a proud mother of two children. Before coming to Goddard, Ms. Ana was both a teacher and the director of a bilingual Spanish-language daycare in Temecula, and she also taught Spanish to school-age children in Northern California. She is passionate about helping children develop essential skills that unlock their learning potential and instill the confidence they need to thrive as happy, successful students.

Ms. Debbie brings over 20 years of experience in teaching and working with children, from infants to Pre-K. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education in 2001 and is deeply committed to creating a nurturing and safe environment where children can thrive. Since joining The Goddard School in 2019, Ms. Debbie has supported all age groups, contributing her expertise and warmth to every classroom she works in. She is passionate about her role and believes that children learn best when they feel loved and secure. Ms. Debbie finds joy in the energy and curiosity children bring, saying, "They brighten my day, every day." As a dedicated and caring educator, she takes great pride in fostering positive, engaging learning experiences that help children grow, develop, and discover the world around them.

Originally from Turkey, Ms. Rana is deeply passionate about nurturing the development of our youngest learners across all areas, including academic, social, language, and motor skills. Her dedication to early childhood education is informed by her experience as a mother of two active children who are heavily involved in sports. Outside of her professional life, Ms. Rana enjoys reading, cooking, and unwinding at the beach. She is fluent in Mandarin, Turkish, and English, which enhances her ability to connect with a diverse range of families. Ms. Rana is enthusiastic about collaborating with parents to support and foster their child's growth and development, and she looks forward to working together as partners in this important journey.

Ms. Brenda has over 10 years of experience teaching and working with children across all age groups. She holds an Associate's degree in Human Development and a California Teacher Permit. As a mother of two, she understands the importance of providing a loving, nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported. Ms. Brenda believes that children learn best through play and exploration, and she is dedicated to fostering a space where they can grow and thrive. Since joining The Goddard School in 2018, she has become one of the most beloved teachers, known for her warmth, care, and commitment to her students.

Ms. Maria holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Education with a focus on teaching. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be a teacher and seized every opportunity to gain experience. In 2022, she joined The Goddard School's Infant and Toddler program, seeking experience with younger learners, and quickly fell in love with working with them. Her passion and dedication have already earned her two nominations for Goddard Systems' National Teacher of the Year. Ms. Maria believes in creating a loving, safe, and supportive environment where every child feels valued and receives personalized instruction. She says, "I believe every student is special and unique and should be provided with an environment where they feel supported and can grow at their own pace."

Ms. Rupika is a loving, caring, and nurturing teacher who is deeply passionate about early childhood education. A self-described "dedicated advocate for early learning," her background, including an MBA, has given her valuable strategic thinking and organizational skills that she seamlessly integrates into her teaching approach. As a parent, she has seen firsthand the profound impact early education has on a child's growth and development, which has further fueled her dedication to providing young learners with a strong foundation that goes beyond the classroom. Ms. Rupika’s exceptional work has earned her a nomination for Goddard Systems' National Teacher of the Year, reflecting her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of her students.

Ms. Lizet has been a dedicated teacher at The Goddard School since 2016, bringing warmth, care, and enthusiasm to her role. Over the years, she has worked with various age groups, from infants to preschoolers, but has focused on a co-lead role in the Infant and Toddler program since 2019. Ms. Lizet deeply enjoys guiding young children through their early developmental stages and is continually inspired by the joy and curiosity they bring to each day. As a mother of two young children herself, she has a personal understanding of the importance of nurturing and creating a supportive environment for early learning. Her compassion and dedication make her a beloved figure among students and colleagues alike, and she takes great pride in fostering a positive, engaging atmosphere for all the children in her care.

As a teacher with over years of experience teaching children from 2 to 5 years old, Ms. Patricia believes in integrating the magic of play when it comes to cultivating young minds. Her philosophy in early education is grounded in creating a fun and inclusive positive learning environment that recognizes and celebrates the unique strengths and talents of my students. Play-based curriculum does not only bring fun into the classroom, but it supports the holistic growth of a child across all domains as it promotes language, cognitive, physical, and social skills development. "I am looking forward to experiencing a new teaching opportunity at the Goddard School and make a difference in each child!"

Ms. Lindsay became interested in early childhood development as a college undergrad, discovering her passion for teaching little ones. She has been working with young learners for over 8 years, predominantly infants and toddlers. She believes that quality care and education starts with a nurturing environment in which the child feels free to explore, as they are so naturally curious! Ms. Lindsay enjoys planning and implementing age appropriate activities and watching the children reach their milestones. She is dedicated to facilitating each child’s overall development and helping them discover a love for learning!

Ms. Sara holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Special Education, focusing on learning styles and cognitive processes. With over 20 years of experience working with children, she discovered her passion for teaching and nurturing preschool-aged children in 2013. Since then, she has dedicated herself to understanding and supporting the learning styles of 3 and 4-year-olds. During her post-secondary studies, Ms. Sara participated in various research projects examining young children’s learning techniques in the classroom. She believes that teaching children about their feelings and emotions is as crucial as learning ABCs and numbers. Her goal is to create a safe and secure environment where children can navigate and manage their emotions effectively. Ms. Sara is excited to meet and support each student in their unique learning journey at Goddard.

Ms. Sonia holds an AA in Liberal Arts with a focus on Art, Humanities, and Communication, as well as an AS in Early Childhood Education. With over 10 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, she has worked with children ages 2 to 5 and has been a cherished member of The Goddard School team since 2019. Ms. Sonia has been nominated three times for Goddard Systems' National Teacher of the Year. She deeply believes in the power of creating a safe and nurturing learning environment. By building strong, loving relationships with her students, she effectively uses the STEAM curriculum to foster their growth and help them reach their full potential in preschool.

Ms. Rosa, who holds a BA in Child & Adolescent Development, joined The Goddard School in 2022. With over three years of experience working with children in both academic and psychological settings, spanning from infancy to TK, she is deeply committed to providing a safe and nurturing developmental learning experience. Ms. Rosa is passionate about fostering a growth mindset in every child and is thrilled to be part of a team dedicated to creating a loving and secure environment for learning and growth. She says, "I am honored to share my passion for early childhood education with the staff at The Goddard School and to have the opportunity to support the children and families in our community." Ms. Rosa has also been nominated for Goddard Systems' National Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Sandra holds a Bachelor of Arts and is a proud mother of two. Since 2019, she has been working with young children, fostering a loving and imaginative environment. Her passion for creativity began in college, where she designed children's party scenes and contributed to a cartoon movie. She loves incorporating arts, crafts, songs, and engaging storytelling into her teaching to captivate young learners. Ms. Sandra is dedicated to understanding each child’s emotional needs and building strong relationships with both children and their parents.

Ms. Shree holds a Master's in Microbiology, an Advanced Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research, and has completed post-secondary coursework in Early Childhood Education. Before becoming a mother, she worked in the pharmaceutical industry. With two beautiful children of her own, Ms. Shree discovered her passion for working with children through volunteering in a Kindergarten classroom. She found immense joy in supporting their growth and development, which led her to pursue a career in early childhood education. Ms. Shree says, "Witnessing children grow and helping them reach their full potential brings me great joy. I am honored to be a part of their academic, language, motor, and social development and am committed to creating a healthy and positive environment for their learning and growth."

Ms. Savannah holds a BA in Child Education and has over 7 years of experience working with children aged 3 to 14. Her passion lies in teaching and guiding children as they explore and discover the world. Ms. Savannah is dedicated to creating a warm and inviting environment where every child feels secure and valued. She emphasizes the importance of building meaningful relationships with her students, allowing her to understand their unique personalities and needs. This approach enables her to design educational experiences that highlight each child’s strengths and support their growth opportunities.

Ms. Isabel, who holds an AA Degree in Human Services, has been a dedicated preschool teacher since 2019 and has cherished every moment of her role. Inspired by her mother, a seasoned ECE professional with over 25 years of experience, Ms. Isabel brings a deep passion and creativity to her work. She is known for her hard work, creativity, and genuine care for every child she teaches. Ms. Isabel loves the opportunity to nurture and guide children as they explore and grow, fostering their development with enthusiasm and dedication. Her commitment to creating a supportive and enriching learning environment has earned her a nomination for Goddard School's National Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Alejandra, who holds a BA in Psychology with a Minor in Child and Adolescent Studies, has been dedicated to working with children since 2010. Her journey began with volunteering at a youth summer recreation program in her community and continued in an elementary school after-school program. Since joining The Goddard School in 2019, she has been teaching toddlers and has done so for over five years. Ms. Alejandra is passionate about building trusting relationships with her students, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable to ask questions and explore the world through engaging activities. She has been nominated for Goddard Systems' National Teacher of the Year.

Her journey in education began with developing a children's yoga program in 2016, where she created engaging classes that combined yoga poses, stories, and games. Afterward, she spent two years as a preschool teacher assistant while pursuing her Early Childhood Education courses. Since joining The Goddard School in 2021 as a preschool teacher, Ms. Carol has been dedicated to fostering a love of learning in her students. She finds immense joy in witnessing the moment a child grasps a new concept, noting how their faces light up with understanding. "Being part of these moments, where children become excited to learn and explore, has deepened my passion for teaching," she says. Her commitment to excellence has also earned her a nomination for Goddard School's National Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Vivian holds a BS in Child and Adolescent Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood. Since joining The Goddard School Preschool program in 2019, she has brought her expertise to nurturing young learners. A core focus for Ms. Vivian is teaching children essential social and life skills to prepare them for life's challenges. She values patience as a fundamental aspect of her teaching philosophy, recognizing its importance in working with young children. Ms. Vivian is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and high-quality environment that helps children thrive and reach their full potential. Her commitment to excellence has earned her a nomination for Goddard Systems' National Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Princeen brings over 30 years of experience in Child Development, having excelled both as a lead teacher and as the Director of a successful preschool. Her career is marked by a profound dedication to the social and emotional growth of children. Ms. Princeen finds immense joy in working with children, teachers, and parents, and is committed to ensuring that every child receives exceptional care and support. Her expertise lies in creating enriching, supportive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments that help children flourish. She strongly believes that all children deserve the very best in nurturing and guidance to reach their full potential.

Ms. Choco has a Master's in Education and has taught many children of varying ages, but has gravitated towards loving the Preschool and Pre-K age group the best. For Ms. Choco, teaching young children is a rewarding and fulfilling job that has also helped her to become a better person professionally and personally, knowing that every interaction she has had and everything she does for her students will eventually blossom into something bigger and better every day. As a teacher, and a mother herself, she believes every child has a huge potential to do whatever they want. She is proud to be an educator making an impact on the young minds. Ms. Choco is committed to creating a professional and nurturing environment for students to thrive.

Ms. Monika, who holds a Master’s in Sociology and an Early Childhood Education Teaching Certificate, has been dedicated to teaching Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten for over 8 years. As a mother of two children now in middle and high school, she brings a deep understanding of child development and a passion for fostering growth. Ms. Monika believes in the power of positive motivation to inspire both children and educators. She views each child as a unique individual with immense potential and strives to create a joyful and supportive learning environment where children feel safe to explore, initiate learning, and express themselves. Outside the classroom, Ms. Monika enjoys science, hiking, snowboarding, camping, and gardening.

Ms. Vanessa joined The Goddard School in 2021 and brings over three years of experience as a preschool teacher. She has a diverse teaching background, having worked in both STEAM-based developmental programs and child-led Montessori curriculums, giving her a well-rounded approach to early childhood education. Her passion for working with children began when she became an aunt, a role that inspired her to pursue teaching. Ms. Vanessa is dedicated to creating a nurturing, engaging, and enriching environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. She believes in fostering independence and curiosity in her students, helping them build a strong foundation for future success. As she puts it, "That's when I knew I wanted to become a teacher."

Ms. Maryam holds a BA in Psychology, a Certification in Child Development, and an M.A. in Psychology with a focus on Family Therapy. With over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, she joined The Goddard School in 2017. Throughout her career, Ms. Maryam has worked with various age groups, from infants to school-age children, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a genuine love for teaching. Known for her positive energy and warmth, she excels in creating a supportive and safe environment where children can thrive. Ms. Maryam is dedicated to ensuring that each child feels valued and loved, which she believes is crucial for their development and success.

Ms. Amy holds a BS in Educational Studies and discovered her passion for teaching early on, starting as a volunteer in children’s programs while in grade school. This experience ignited her desire to become a teacher, and since then, she has worked with children from infancy through 6th grade. Through her diverse experiences, Ms. Amy found a special joy in working with the youngest learners, drawn to their enthusiasm, warmth, and curiosity for the world around them. She has served as a teacher since 2021 in both The Goddard School's renowned Pre-K and Preschool programs, where she is dedicated to creating a nurturing and engaging environment that fosters a love for learning. Ms. Amy is passionate about helping each child grow and develop, setting a strong foundation for their future success.

Ms. Veronica, currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, brings over 8 years of experience working with children. Her background includes working closely with children with special needs, completing a university-guided internship with infants, leading a youth summer camp, and teaching in a preschool classroom. Ms. Veronica is passionate about understanding each child’s unique personality and tailoring her approach to meet their individual needs. She is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where every child feels seen and heard. Ms. Veronica finds great joy in connecting with children through reading and engaging in arts and crafts.

Ms. Gisell holds a BS in Child Development and joined The Goddard School in 2021 as a valued member of the preschool team. With over 7 years of teaching experience across various age groups, her passion for education began in her youth through classroom volunteering, leading her to a career in Child Development. Now, as a mother to a young boy, Ms. Gisell is more committed than ever to providing a nurturing, engaging, and safe environment where children look forward to learning each day. Her dedication to supporting each child's educational journey reflects her deep love for teaching and her desire to make a positive impact on their early development.

Ms. Chetana holds a BA in Psychology and a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit. Since joining The Goddard School in 2018, she has been a dedicated lead teacher with over 10 years of experience working with preschool and kindergarten children aged 3 to 7. As a motivated and enthusiastic educator, Ms. Chetana is committed to creating a safe, engaging, and enjoyable learning environment. Her focus is on maximizing learning opportunities through the implementation of age-appropriate curricula and encouraging play and exploration. She believes that young children thrive best when they are actively engaged in their learning process. Her exceptional dedication to teaching has earned her three nominations for Goddard School's National Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Abeer is an accomplished Child Development teacher with over 15 years of experience specializing in infant and toddler education. She has experience setting up new education-based classrooms, training educators, and creating engaging STEAM lesson plans. Fluent in English, Arabic, and Urdu, her strengths include a strong work ethic, dedication, and meticulous attention to detail. Recently, she was honored as "Teacher of the Year," a recognition earned through the commendations of parents, fellow teachers, and school administration, reflecting her impact and commitment to the field.

Ms. Maribel has over 20 years of experience as a preschool teacher and Spanish and folklore dance instructor for grade school children. A devoted mother, she is passionate about teaching through nature and integrates STEAM education by using recycled materials for creative projects. Ms. Maribel believes in instilling a love of learning in her students and approaches her teaching with enthusiasm and dedication to inspire lifelong curiosity. She incorporates gardening and cooking into her lesson plans and enjoys quality time with her family and her dog Max in Mexico.

Ms. Noor is a devoted teacher's assistant with over four years of experience in educational support, working with children from infants to pre-K. As a mother, she brings empathy and dedication to her role, helping to create engaging and supportive learning environments. Ms. Noor has been instrumental in assisting both teachers and students, and her passion for fostering academic growth and helping students succeed fuels her commitment to excellence. She is excited to continue making a positive impact in education and values the opportunity to nurture and inspire young learners every day.

Ms. Brenda has been a lead infant and toddler teacher since 2021 and early childhood education has quickly become a passion for her, after initially studying three years of psychology. She believes in the importance of building strong relationships with families and children and including many different types of cultures, languages, and rich traditions, such as teaching Spanish and Sign Language, and considering languages spoken at home such as Portuguese, Russian, and Mandarin. She shares, "I truly enjoy being a part of their first experiences. I am so happy to be a part of the team here at the Goddard School."

Ms. Camila has been working with children of many ages from 2 through 8 years since 2022, including children with many types of special needs. She has been an art teacher and has also specialized in Reggio Emilia philosophy, guiding 2 year-olds through different learning experiences by exploring their environment and this guides her own philosophy on what it means to be a preschool teacher. "I believe it is important that teachers create different learning experiences where children can face cognitive challenges and where, as a group, they can take creative risks to respond to them."