Our Teachers

Mrs. Eden has her Bachelors degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Salisbury University. She spent the first five years of her career with Montgomery County Public Schools as both a kindergarten and a second grade teacher. Mrs. Eden has another five years of experience with the Goddard School in Gaithersburg, both as a teacher and as an administrator, before opening the Goddard School in North Bethesda. She is committed to creating a educational program for students that instills an early love of learning. In her free time, Mrs. Eden enjoys musical theatre and spending time with her husband and their dog, Cooper.

Mr. Worley obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, from the University of Maryland and his Master's degree in Engineering from Stanford University. He has Business Administration training from both Georgia State University and The University of Maryland. Mr. Worley has over 25 years of professional experience in Engineering and Business Administration. Mr. Worley and his wife, Jill, have been with Goddard since 2003 and also operate the award-winning Goddard School located in Gaithersburg.

Mrs. Roebuck, our Executive Director, oversees all three of our Sister Schools: North Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and Silver Spring. She has her Elementary Education degree from East Carolina University and spent the first six years of her career teaching both in the public schools and then as a Pre-Kindergarten/ Kindergarten teacher in a private school setting. Before joining The Goddard School, she helped open and operate a number of smaller preschool locations in lower Montgomery County. Mrs. Roebuck lives in Rockville with her husband and sons Roland and Luke who are graduates of our program.

Mrs. Garcia received her Bachelor’s Degree from Towson University and a few years later went on to get her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland. Before coming to the Goddard School, Mrs. Garcia spent 3 years as a public school teacher for Montgomery County where she taught 1st and 2nd grade. Mrs. Garcia was born and raised in Germantown, Maryland. She currently resides in her hometown with her two fluffy dogs, Oliver and Mimi, her husband, Edward, and their daughter Angela, a proud Goddard baby! She enjoys going on hikes with her dogs and loves the beach and the sun!

Ms. Megan Dade has her Bachelor's degree from Wheeling Jesuit University in Elementary Education and a certification in Special Education, K-12. Prior to joining the Goddard School, Ms. Dade spent 8 years teaching in private schools as well as 4 years as an Assistant Director at another school in Montgomery County. She currently lives in Greenbelt with her husband.

Ms. Lizzie Drake has her Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. Prior to joining the Goddard School, Ms. Drake spent 6 years teaching preschool through elementary aged students in both Maryland and abroad. She spent 1 year as an Assistant Director at another preschool in Maryland, and 3 years in Public School.

Ms. Rita Akadia joined us in 2023 as a Lead Teacher. She has her Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus and experience with students aged 2 months through 12 years. In her free time, Ms. Akadia enjoys going to DC, eating in good restaurants, and watching cooking shows.

Ms. Dayana Beltran joined us in 2024 as a Lead Teacher. She joined us with six years of teaching experience, both in North Bethesda and in Columbia, working with all ages. Ms. Beltran holds her MSDE certifications in the Infant/Toddler age group, as well as coursework in special education. She believes that the best part about being a teacher is the privilege of leaving an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of her students, by helping them see that they are loved and capable.

Ms. Camacho joined our team in March 2020 as an Assistant teacher and now works as a Lead Infant/Toddler teacher! She is certified through the State of Maryland to teach both Infants/Toddlers and Preschool. Before coming to The Goddard School, she had 4 years of teaching experience working with students aged 6 weeks through 5 years and feels with confidence that her favorite age group is Infants and Toddlers!

Ms. Tabasum Fayaz joined us in 2023 as a Lead Teacher. She holds her Master's degree from Bundelkhand University and her Bachelor's degree from the University of Kashmir. She joined us with six years of experience teaching. Ms. Fayaz lives in Rockville with her husband, and in her spare time, enjoys doing artwork, taking walks, and shopping. She loves watching students grow and learn!

Ms. Gabrielle Gerard joined us in 2023 as a Lead Teacher. She has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland College Park and experience working with infants through elementary-aged students. In her spare time, Ms. Gerard enjoys reading, making beaded jewelry, and spending time outside.

Ms. Cindy Giang joined us in 2024 as a Lead Teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County as well as her MSDE Preschool certifications. She joined us with 10 years of experience working with students aged 2 through middle school. In her free time, Ms. Giang enjoys gaming and playing badminton and pickleball.

Ms. Serena Gordon joined us in 2024 as a FLEX teacher, before moving into a Lead Teacher role. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts, an Associates Degree in Education, and joined us with two years of experience working with children. Ms. Gordon believes the best part about being a teacher is having a positive impact on her students. In her spare time, Ms. Gordon enjoys dancing; she even danced competitively in college!

Ms. Greene joined our team in 2021 and is a Lead Infant/Toddler teacher. She has her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and her 90-hour certifications within the State of Maryland. Before coming to The Goddard School, Ms. Greene worked for over three years at a different preschool in the Infant/Toddler age group. She works hard to create a safe and nurturing environment for her students while prioritizing communication with her students’ families.

Ms. Hemnani joined us in 2022 as a FLEX teacher. She has her Bachelor's degree in Education from Seva Sadan College and her Master's degree from RKT College. Ms. Hemnani has 13 years of experience working with students aged Preschool through high school! She lives in North Bethesda with her family. In her free time, Ms. Hemnani enjoys cooking, yoga, listening to music, and spending time with family.

Ms. Judy Mak joined us in 2024 as a Lead Teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree and Master's degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and her 90-hour Preschool certifications through the Maryland State Department of Education. Ms. Mak joined us with over 6 years of classroom teaching experience. She lives in North Bethesda with her two children, both of whom are Goddard North Bethesda students! In her spare time, Ms. Mak enjoys reading, singing, and playing board games.

Ms. Lauren McNeal joined us in 2022 as a Lead Teacher. She has her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Towson University and is fully teacher-certified through the Maryland State Department of Education. Ms. McNeal has experience teaching students aged Preschool through first grade. She believes in creating an environment where students feel safe, so they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

Ms. Kelly Palmer joined us in 2023 as a Lead Teacher. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Coppin State University and joined us with two years of teaching experience. In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, and crafting. She says the best part about being a teacher is watching her students discover something they didn't know before.

Ms. Hymavathi Peddireddy joined us in 2023 as a FLEX Teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur and her 90-hour certifications through MSDE. Ms. Peddireddy has experience working with students aged 2 through 4 years. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, walking, watching movies, gardening, and spending time with her family. She lives in Rockville with her husband and daughter.

Ms. Addie Thomas joined us in 2024 as a Lead Teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from York College of Pennsylvania and joined us with two years of experience teaching Pre-K. Ms. Thomas has a Welsh Corgi named Winston, and in her spare time enjoys reading, watching scary movies, and going to the gym.

Ms. Leydis Torres joined us in 2024 as an Associate Teacher. She holds her Associate's degree in Teaching and her Infant/Toddler certificates with the Maryland State Department of Education. Ms. Torres joined us with four years of teaching experience. She lives in Washington DC with her husband and their dog, Ramon. In her free time, Ms. Torres enjoys spending time with her family, cooking fun, new dishes, and painting.

Ms. Ashley Xiloj joined us in 2021 as a Lead Toddler teacher. She has her full teacher credentials through the State of Maryland for both Infants/Toddlers and Preschoolers. Ms. Xiloj has two years teaching experience, coming to the Goddard School. In her free time, Ms. Xiloj enjoys spending her time with her dog, Lucy, and playing the piano. To her, the best part about being a teacher is knowing that you are one of the few people to help change and impact children’s lives.

Ms. Hasina Ahmad joined us in 2022 as a FLEX teacher and is now an Assistant Teacher. She is fully certified through the Maryland State Department of Education. In her free time, Ms. Ahmad enjoys reading and going on walks.

Ms. Bernisse Akimana joined us in 2023 as a FLEX teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree from Trinity Washing University and experience with children with diverse learning needs. Ms. Akimana lives in Silver Spring and believes that the best learning environment for children is one where they feel safe and free and explore learning at their own pace

Ms. Gabriella Balsa joined us in 2022 as an Assistant teacher. She has 25 years of experience working with infant through Pre-K students, is fully certified through the Maryland State Department of Education, and has her Associate's degree. Ms. Balsa lives in Rockville with her children and husband. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, spending time with family, and cooking different foods.

Ms. Rebecca Evans joined us in 2024 as a FLEX teacher, before moving into an Assistant teacher role. She holds her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and joined us with one year of teaching experience. Ms. Evans grew up on a farm and even helped to birth animals! In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, hiking, and being in nature.

Ms. Anne Gosse joined us in 2023 as an Assistant Teacher. She holds her Associate's degree from Montgomery College and has experience working with infants through 5 year-olds. Ms. Gosse lives in Gaithersburg with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, drawing, and spending time with her family.

Ms. Juliana Hernandez joined us in early 2024 as a FLEX teacher, before moving into an Assistant teacher position. She is currently pursuing her Maryland certifications. In her spare time, she enjoys working out and playing with her dog.

Ms. Julissa Hernandez joined us in 2023 as a FLEX teacher. She joined our Goddard family with experience working with students aged 4 months through 8 years. She has her Infant/Toddler certifications and is fully certified in the Maryland State Department of Education. In her free time, Ms. Hernandez enjoys going to the gym with her sister!

Ms. Kyra Howard joined us in January 2024 as a FLEX teacher. She holds her 90-hour certifications in the Preschool age group and joined us with 4 years of experience working with students aged 2-6 years. Ms. Howard lives with her family, including her dog Tulsie, in Bethesda. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing/painting, reading, writing, and exercising.

Ms. Macrae joined us in 2021 and is one of our Assistant teachers. She has a Bachelor’s degree, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree, both from the University of Maryland. She is teacher-qualified within the State of Maryland! Prior to coming to Goddard, Ms. Macrae tutored and mentored elementary through high school aged students. In her free time, Ms. Macrae enjoys painting scenes from nature, swimming, and hiking. Ms. Macrae lives in North Bethesda with her family, walking distance to our campus!

Ms. Maryam Mohammed joined us in 2022 as a FLEX teacher, before moving into an Assistant teacher role. She believes in differentiating instructional and learning experiences for each child. Ms. Mohammed lives in Rockville with her family.

Ms. Emma Orellana joined us in 2024 as an Assistant Teacher. She holds her Maryland State certifications in both Infant/Toddler and Preschool ages and joined us with four years of experience with infants through Preschoolers. In her spare time, Ms. Orellana enjoys spending time with her husband and her daughter.

Ms. Lesley Pierce joined us in 2024 as an Assistant Teacher. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and holds her 90-hour certifications in Preschool. Ms. Pierce lives in Silver Spring with her two cats and in her free time, enjoys taking pictures and making candles.

Mrs. Sravanthi Pitchala joined us in 2024 as an Assistant Teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree from Audi Sankhara Institute of Technology and joined us with two years of teaching experience working with students. Mrs. Pitchala lives in North Bethesda with her spouse and two children. In her spare time, she enjoys growing plants and watching TV.

Ms. Stephanie Sanchez joined us in 2023 as a FLEX teacher. She joined our team with 2 years of experience working with students aged 2-6 years. Ms. Sanchez believes the best part of being a teacher is building strong relationships with her students! In her free time, she plays league volleyball and creates pottery.

Ms. Aniya Smith joined us in 2024 as an Assistant teacher. She joined us with four years of teaching experience working with students of all ages, and is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. In her spare time, Ms. Smith enjoys math and roller skating.

Ms. Raia Butler joined us in 2024 as a FLEX teacher. She joined us with four years of teaching experience working in the field of early childhood education and holds her Maryland State certifications. In her spare time, Ms. Butler enjoys doing hair and art.

Ms. Chakravarty joined our team in 2021 and is an Assistant Teacher in our Early Preschool program. She has her 90-hour certifications through the State of Maryland and her Bachelor's degree from the University of Calcutta. Ms. Chakravarty believes in building lifelong relationships with her students. She lives in Gaithersburg with her husband and two daughters. In her spare time, Ms. Chakravarty enjoys to listen to music, cook new food, and practice sewing and crocheting.

Ms. Teresa Cruz joined us in 2022 as a FLEX teacher. She has her Bachelor's degree from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Mexico and is credentialed through the State of Maryland. Ms. Cruz loves painting and working with other modes of art. She loves integrating art into the classroom!

Ms. Corwell joined us in 2022, when we opened, as a FLEX teacher! She has almost 4 decades of experience working with students of all ages. In her free time, Ms. Corwell enjoys art, puppetry, and spending time with her son.

Ms. Anjali Finn joined us in 2024 as a FLEX teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree from McDaniel College and her 90-hour certifications in the Preschool age group. Ms. Finn joined us with over 5 years of experience working with students. She lives in Potomac with her family and in her spare time enjoys listening to and singing Indian music.

Ms. Ashley Hamm joined us in 2024 as a FLEX teacher. She joined us with 3 years of teaching experience, primarily with students aged 2-5 years. Ms. Hamm feels that the best part about being a teacher is watching students grow into themselves. In her spare time, she enjoys games, reading manga, and eating.

Ms. Sasha Ivanova joined us in 2023 as a FLEX teacher, with experience working with students aged infant through 5 years. She lives in Silver Spring and in her free time, enjoys going to the park and cooking.

Ms. Eileen Lara joined us in 2024 as a FLEX teacher. She holds her Associate's degree in Psychology from Montgomery College and joined us with 2 years of experience working with students. In her spare time, Ms. Lara enjoys drawing, painting, and singing.

Ms. J'Niyah Leary joined us in 2024 as a FLEX teacher. She joined us with 3 years of teaching experience, primarily with students aged 2-4 years. Ms. Leary feels that the best part about being a teacher is engaging with kids who each have their own, unique personality!

Ms. Anangelyz Mosquera joined us in 2024 as a FLEX teacher. She joined us with three years of teaching experience working with infants through Pre-K students, and holds her MSDE certifications in the Preschool age group. Ms. Mosquera lives in Rockville with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys working out and cooking.