Our Teachers

Hello, we are Sumara and Imran, proud owners of the Goddard School located in Stirling, New Jersey. We are thrilled to be able to provide The Goddard School’s outstanding program to the children and families of the surrounding communities. Before opening the Goddard School, we spent our careers in the financial industry working on Wall Street. As working parents, we struggled to find a high-quality program until the Goddard School opened in our area. Experiencing first-hand the value of a strong educational foundation and recognizing the need and demand for a high-quality alternative to childcare, we opened our school in May of 2019. Inspired by how our two children thrived at our local Goddard School, our mission is to provide a school that enriches a child’s emotional, social, intellectual and physical development while preparing them for success in the 21st Century, and providing the foundation for a lifelong love of learning in a safe and nurturing environment. We are also committed to providing an eco-friendly clean environment for our students and proud to be offering a choice of an organic food program. We invite your family to visit our brand-new state of the art school in Stirling. We are excited to introduce you to our incredible faculty, including our Education Director, and look forward to talking with you about the Goddard School’s play-based curriculum. Thank you for the opportunity to share in your child's growth!

Mrs. Lourdes is the Education Director at The Goddard School of Longhill Twp. Lourdes has been working with children for over 27 years. She worked at Primrose in SC, and at KinderCare in Connecticut for 22 years. Grew up in New Jersey and moved away 38 years ago and came back full circle. I have two sons and two beautiful granddaughters. With a passion for working with children and making a difference, she believes that the preschool years are a wonderful age to foster a life long love of learning and is committed to facilitating positive and enriching experience for all children and families during their time here! “While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” By Angela Schwindt

Education Coordinator Ms. Kimberly began her career with The Goddard School as an Assistant Director. She has been working with children for eight years previously at the Goddard School in Clinton, as an Assistant and the Lead Preschool Teacher. Ms. Kimberly had strived to work with parents to best prepare each child for kindergarten and beyond. She has become our Education Coordinator and is looking forward to working with all ages and families. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, and especially enjoys sharing her love of reading with her 2 nieces. She loves hanging out with her Fiancé and her puppy Maya on a big farm, being outdoors, and making decorations for parties. She is very excited to be part of the Goddard Family in Long Hill Township.

Shahreen Ahmad, Regional Director for Goddard Long Hill and Clinton, brings over a decade of experience in Early Childhood Education. With a Bachelor's in Finance and dual Masters in Early Childhood Education and School Building Leadership, she has successfully led educational programs across six sites. Shahreen’s student-centered approach, honed through her roles as a teacher and Assistant Principal in NYC, has driven significant improvements in social-emotional and academic outcomes. A dedicated educator and mother of two, she’s passionate about nurturing inclusive environments where every child’s voice is heard.

Ms. Erica is a dedicated and experienced lead teacher in our Pre-K 2 classroom. With over six years of experience in the child care field, she has taught children ranging from preschool to kindergarten, fostering their growth and development with passion and expertise. Ms. Erica holds an Associate's degree from Union County College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree to further her knowledge and skills. She is also looking forward to completing a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) program in the near future, aiming to work more closely with children on the spectrum. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Erica plays a crucial role in organizing our school events, ensuring they are engaging and memorable for both children and parents. She also serves as our social media coordinator, skillfully managing our online presence to keep our community informed and connected. She finds great joy working with children and is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment.

Ms. Celine brings a wealth of passion and expertise to our Preschool Classroom. With a B.A. in Art Therapy and currently pursuing her Master's at Caldwell University, she is also working towards her CDA certification. Ms. Celine has dedicated half her life to advocating for mental health, and she finds immense joy in nurturing and teaching young minds. Her dedication to children’s development is evident in her enthusiastic approach and her commitment to their growth. Beyond her academic pursuits, Ms. Celine takes pride in her leadership role, consistently training and mentoring her fellow teachers. She is thrilled and humbled to be part of the Goddard family, where she looks forward to inspiring and guiding the future leaders of tomorrow. Her passion for education and her nurturing spirit make her an invaluable addition to our team.

Ms. Celine is the dedicated Lead Teacher in our First Steps Classroom. Her passion for working with children began at a young age and has only grown stronger over the years. With extensive experience in childcare, ranging from infants to preschool, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a nurturing spirit to our team. Ms. Celine is currently pursuing her CDA certification, further enhancing her skills and commitment to early childhood education. She believes that being a part of a child's life is the most rewarding experience, and she takes great pride in helping young learners grow and thrive. In her free time, Ms. Celine enjoys listening to music, going to the gym, and spending quality time with her friends and family. Her enthusiasm and dedication make her an invaluable member of The Goddard School community.

Ms. Merly is the Lead Teacher in our Bridge Classroom and has been a cherished member of The Goddard School family for two years. With nearly nine years of experience working with children, her passion for teaching is evident in everything she does. Ms. Merly is the proud mother of two beautiful girls, Mia and Cianni, who keep her busy with their Taekwondo, swimming lessons, and basketball. Teaching has always been her passion, and she finds immense joy in nurturing young minds and watching them grow. She loves seeing the children's smiles in the morning and leaves each day with a smile on her face. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Merly enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places, and cooking with her daughters, trying out new recipes together. She truly enjoys working at The Goddard School, where she can witness the children learn and understand new things every day.

Ms. Karen is the Lead Teacher in our Infant Classroom and has found working with children to be a profound source of joy and inspiration in her life. She is absolutely delighted to see children grow, interact with the world, and form their own personalities and knowledge. Ms. Karen is currently pursuing her Associate degree in Child and Family Studies, along with an additional CDA certification, to further enhance her skills and dedication to early childhood education. As a fluent Spanish speaker, she loves incorporating her language into her communication to help build understanding of both English and Spanish for the children in her care. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Karen loves cooking and exploring cuisines from different cultures, which allows her to learn more about the world around her. When she’s not cooking, she enjoys reading novels or discovering new music to share with others. She considers herself an explorer of the world, enriching her life with new experiences.

Ms. Mileidy is the Co-Lead Teacher in our PreK Classroom, bringing over 10 years of experience in childcare. She  is  also currently pursuing her CDA certification, further enhancing her skills and commitment to early childhood education. She completed her studies in Venezuela and is trilingual, enhancing her ability to connect with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Ms. Mileidy takes great pride in creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive each day. She has a passion for teaching and excels at establishing routines and structures that help children feel secure and supported. In her free time, Ms. Mileidy enjoys drawing, reading, and dancing. Her commitment to fostering a positive and enriching atmosphere makes her an invaluable member of The Goddard School community.

Ms. Faline is a Co-Teacher in our Bridge Classroom and has been a dedicated member of The Goddard School for two years. She holds an Associate's degree in Early Education and is passionate about teaching and supporting children's growth and learning. In addition to her commitment to education, Ms. Faline enjoys cooking and traveling in her free time. She is always delighted to be part of The Goddard School, where she can contribute to the development, success, and education of your children.

Ms. Siera is an Assistant Teacher in our PreK 2 classroom. She graduated from Union County College with an Associate Degree in Education with dual certification of Students with Disabilities and Math. , she is also minoring in American Sign Language. She has worked in the child care field for almost five years and enjoys learning new programs and processes. What she loves most about working with children is that she is able to watch, experience, and help their imagination and knowledge grow to their fullest potential. Most importantly what she loves about education is that she learns from her students as much as they learn from her. During her free time she enjoys watching movies, traveling, and learning new abilities.

Ms. Jo is a valued Resource and Infant Assistant Teacher at The Goddard School, where she has been an integral part of our team for the past five years. With 25 years of experience working in a high school before joining us, Ms. Jo brings a wealth of knowledge and a nurturing spirit to our youngest learners. Retired from her high school career, Ms. Jo now enjoys spending quality time with her grandchildren, a role that complements her passion for working with infants. She takes great pride in organizing and participating in special parent events at The Goddard School, fostering a strong sense of community and connection among our families. Ms. Jo's dedication and warm presence make her an invaluable member of our Goddard family, where she continues to positively impact the lives of our children and their parents.

Ms. Darlin is an enthusiastic Assistant Teacher in the Infant Classroom at the Goddard School. She loves working with children and finds joy in seeing them grow and learn new things each day. As a mother of a 2-year-old boy, she is dedicated to loving and caring for the children in the classroom with the same devotion she has for her own child. Miss Darlin is a high school graduate and speaks Spanish, which she enjoys incorporating into her interactions with the children. She is super excited about her journey at the Goddard School and looks forward to making a positive impact.

Ms. Haleemah is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler Classroom and has been working in childcare for over four years. She has experience with children aged 2 to 5 years old and has been a dedicated member of The Goddard School team for the past two years. Her passion for working with children has been evident from a young age, and she plans to continue her education by pursuing her CDA certification. Ms. Haleemah has been a great asset to our team, bringing enthusiasm, dedication, and a nurturing spirit. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, listening to music, and dancing. She is eager to contribute to the growth and development of our young learners.

Ms. Maren has been a valued member of The Goddard School family for four years. She graduated from Loyola University with a degree in Biology and a minor in Business. With four years of experience in childcare, she excels as a Floater Teacher, welcoming and supporting all students throughout the school. In addition to her role at The Goddard School, Ms. Maren is a certified personal trainer and an indoor cycling instructor. Her diverse skill set and dedication to health and fitness bring a unique energy to our team. In her free time, Ms. Maren enjoys reading, writing, and participating in CrossFit. Her enthusiasm for both education and personal well-being makes her an invaluable resource for our students and a cherished member of our community.

Ms. Mel is one of our dedicated Floater Teachers at the school. She brings a wealth of experience, having worked with children of various age groups, from infants to 2.5 years old. Since joining our team in December 2020, Ms. Mel has proven to be a fantastic team player and a valued member of our staff. What Ms. Mel loves most about her job is watching the children grow, move up to new classes, and learn something new every day. She finds joy in seeing their happiness and progress. In addition to her passion for childcare, Ms. Mel is multilingual, fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish, which is a great asset to our school community. Currently, Ms. Mel is pursuing her studies to become an ultrasound technician, demonstrating her commitment to personal and professional growth. We’re thrilled to have her as part of our team!

Ms. Andrea brings four years of childcare experience to our Bridge Classroom, where her passion for teaching and nurturing children's growth truly shines. Known for her creativity, friendliness, and warmth, she creates a positive and engaging environment for every child in her care. In addition to her love for teaching, Ms. Andrea enjoys traveling and exploring new places, which enriches her understanding of different cultures. She is fluent in two languages and enjoys incorporating this skill into the classroom, offering children a unique and enriching learning experience.

Ms. Shelby holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and has been with The Goddard School for over three years. She finds The Goddard School to be a fun and rewarding place to work, where she can actively assist in guiding and teaching the next generation of future leaders and world changers. Shelby loves engaging with children and inspiring their curiosity and love for learning. She takes great joy in being part of their developmental journey, helping them reach their full potential. Additionally, Shelby helps run the taekwondo enrichment programs during the summer, sharing her passion and skills with the children. Outside of work, Shelby enjoys practicing taekwondo, listening to Kpop music, reading, walking, cooking, baking, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is thrilled to be part of The Goddard School community, where she contributes to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for young learners

Gia has been a valued member of The Goddard School team since February 2023, bringing over three years of experience working with children. Her passion for early childhood education shines through in her daily interactions with the kids, who she describes as "a constant ray of sunshine." Gia is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and is dedicated to growing her skills to provide the best possible care and learning experience for our students. As a floater teacher, Gia is known for her adaptability and enthusiasm, making her a wonderful asset to classrooms across our school.

Ms. Emma is an Assistant Teacher in our Infant Classroom. She joins our school with over four years of experience working with Infants. She is very passionate about working with this age group, it brings her such joy to leave a positive impact on such little minds. Currently she is continuing her education by pursuing her CDA certification for Infants. In her free time, she enjoys traveling back home to Puerto Rico to see family, cooking and spending time with friends. To be able to witness the growth and development in the Infant classroom and to be able to contribute to their success of young learners is her greatest joy.

Ms. Anllely is a Co-Teacher in our Get Set Classroom. With over eight years of experience working with children ranging from Toddlers to Pre-K, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our team. She is currently studying to earn her CDA certification. Ms. Anllely's favorite part about working at The Goddard School is leaving long-lasting impressions on her students. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the park with her son and watching movies. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing and enriching environment for our young learners.

Kamola Ishankhodjaeva is a dedicated Floater Teacher at Goddard, bringing flexibility and support to various classrooms. She has two years of experience teaching English at the GS Academy and a passion for early childhood education. Originally from Uzbekistan, Kamola holds a bachelor's degree in Economics. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband, teenage daughter, and two adorable dogs. She loves traveling and learning about new cultures, as well as cooking and practicing martial arts. Kamola finds great joy in seeing the bright smiles of the children each morning and is committed to creating a warm and nurturing environment wherever she is needed.

Ms. Jordyn is the Lead Teacher in our PreK 1 Classroom. She has been working with children since 2022. In her previous childcare roles, her classroom received multiple awards for "outstanding achievement" and "exceptional structure". Currently, she is furthering her education by pursuing her CDA (Child Development Associate) for Preschoolers. Ms. Jordyn has a Native American background and is skilled in playing the violin, dancing, and theater. She enjoys shopping, picnics, painting, and horseback riding. Ms. Jordyn is excited to be part of the Goddard Team and to contribute to the growth and development of our students.

Ms. Marlene is the Lead Teacher in our Get Set classroom and brings over 10 years of experience working with children of all ages. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art and is currently pursuing her Associate Degree in Child Development, demonstrating her passion for both creativity and education. Ms. Marlene is dedicated to creating a positive and nurturing environment where students feel safe to express their authentic selves. She designs learning experiences that are relatable and meaningful to the children’s lives, helping them build strong connections and confidence. Known for being fun-loving, organized, and accommodating, Ms. Marlene fosters a classroom that balances joy with structure. She is bilingual in Spanish, which she enjoys incorporating into her lessons to expose students to new languages and cultures. Ms. Marlene’s warmth, creativity, and dedication make her a cherished part of our team and a positive influence on the children she teaches!

Ms. Marlene is an Assistant Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. Since 2022, she has worked with children ranging from infants to 5 years old, helping them develop English language skills. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies and a Bachelor of Music from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Marlene is dedicated to fostering young children’s growth develop, socially, and emotionally. She is passionate about creating a warm and welcoming environment in the classroom where children can flourish. Her goal is to make a positive difference in their lives by providing quality education and nurturing their potential.

Ms. Shanique is our Lead Teacher in the Toddler classroom, bringing over 7 years of experience working with young children. She is passionate about fostering growth through play and creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive. Ms. Shanique’s goal is to help each child meet their developmental milestones while ensuring they feel happy, safe, and supported. Her dedication to providing a warm and engaging classroom experience makes her an invaluable part of our team and a positive influence on her students' growth and development.

Ms. Vanessa has been working with children for over four years in various roles, including floater, assistant teacher, and lead teacher. Her experience across different age groups has allowed her to develop a well-rounded approach to nurturing and educating young learners. She is a graduate of Kean University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. Fluent in Haitian Creole, she enjoys incorporating language and cultural diversity into the classroom. In her free time, she loves to read, always seeking new stories and knowledge to share with her students. Passionate about early childhood education, Ms. Vanessa strives to create a warm and engaging environment where children feel supported and encouraged to grow.

Ms. MaryGrace has been working with children for over 15 years, gaining experience with many different age groups, from infants to elementary children. She is passionate about early childhood education and is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. In addition to her love for teaching, Ms. MaryGrace is fluent in Arabic and is currently learning Spanish, which allows her to connect with children and families from diverse backgrounds. She is dedicated to creating a warm and nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive. We are excited to have Ms. MaryGrace as part of our team and look forward to the positive impact she will bring to the classroom!

Ms. Victoria is a Floater Teacher at our school and has been working with children since 2022. She is passionate about creating joyful and supportive experiences for the children in her care. One of Ms. Victoria’s favorite moments in her role is seeing the children's excitement and happiness, especially when they run up to her with big smiles. Her enthusiasm and love for working with children make her a wonderful addition to our team.

Ms. Gabby has been working with children for over five years, specializing in tutoring and teaching dance to children of all ages, including those with special needs. Her experience has allowed her to develop a patient, creative, and engaging approach to working with young learners. She is currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, further deepening her knowledge and skills in child development. Ms. Gabby is passionate about fostering a love for learning and movement in children, helping them build confidence and express themselves through education and dance. Her goal is to create a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to grow.

Ms. Kalaya has always had a passion for working with children. With five years of experience working with children of all ages, she has found that her greatest joy comes from working with infants. She loves creating a warm and nurturing environment where little ones can grow, develop, and reach important milestones. Ms. Kalaya is dedicated to providing a loving and engaging space for infants to learn and thrive. She looks forward to building strong connections with each child and their families!

Ms. Viviana began her early child development journey at the University of Illinois (Go Fighting Illini!). She graduated with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, concentrating in Early Childhood Education. Through her studies, she has developed a strong sensibility and flexibility in understanding children's experiences and the unique ways they learn and grow. Ms. Viviana has explored various human development theories, including those of Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget, Ivan Pavlov, and Sigmund Freud. She is excited to bring her knowledge and passion for early childhood education into the classrooms at Goddard.