Our Teachers

Hi, I am Ms. Maria, the Goddard School Franchisee. I am involved in the daily operations of the school and pride myself in providing quality care and education to your children. My own personal schooling background is in nutrition with MS from New York University. I was previously a health care professional: Administrator for Assisted Living. Early childhood education is a wonderful field and experience. Our commitment to you and your children is, first and foremost, their health and safety. We also focus on their enjoyment of learning. Our goal is to contribute to your child's pleasant experience and to create many precious memories.

Hello, My name is Nicole Mendell, I am the Director here at the Goddard School. I graduated from Kean University with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and English. I have a dual certification; to teach Pre-K through Grade 3 and Kindergarten through Grade 5. I also have more than 15 years of Goddard School experience from being a teacher to an Assistant Director. I love working with children and helping them grow through each stage of development. I am dedicated to ensure that every child and family's experience here is filled with lots of nurture and learning that will lead to success.

My name is Ann Michele Badau and I have over 20 years of experience working with children ages 6 weeks to 3 years old. Prior to being the assistant Director, I have worked as the Lead teacher in the infant room and First Steps room. I am CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration and Allergy Certified. I have always loved working with children watching them grow and learn. Coming to work everyday and seeing the look on a child’s face when they learn something new is so priceless and I’m so happy that I get to see that joy. I am a mother of two beautiful girls who keep me very busy!

Hi my name is Jen Smith and I am the lead teacher in the Infant room. I have been working here at the Goddard School for 17 years now. Currently I am working on getting my CDA. I am CPR and First Aid certified. I am a mom of two wonderful boys and l love spending as much time with them as I can.

Hello, my name is Giovanna Perez and I have been working with kids for over 10 years. I am a very outgoing, responsible loving person who loves to watch children grow and learn. My husband and I have 2 amazing boys that we love to spend time doing all different activities or just spending quality time with each other. When I have time for myself, I love to read books and do hair.

Hello, my name is Haley Crabtree. I am a recent graduate of Pompton Lakes High school. I have been working with kids for a few years now. Prior to working at the Goddard School, I worked as a waitress and babysit on the weekends. During my high school year, I was on the varsity cheer team and was a competitive cheerleader for many years with Cardinal Athletics. I am CPR and First aid certified and looking into obtaining my CDA.

Hi my name is Kayla Doecks. I have been working with children for the past few years. I started here in 2021 as the elementary support teacher and then became the Lead teacher in the First Steps room. I have a daughter who also attends The Goddard School. I look forward to the upcoming school year. I received my General Education Diploma in 2021 and began to purse a career in early childhood development.

Hello, my name is Maria Pabon and I have been working with kids for a few years. I worked previously as a bus aid and was responsible for getting the children on and off the bus safely. I love the position I work, watching the kids make big milestone steps which always puts a smile on my face. I am currently working towards getting my CDA to gain more education in leading these kids in the right direction. I am very easy going and believe strongly in open communication.

Hi my name is Desiree Rivera and this is the my first year working in a school setting. I have past experience working with kids. I have helped my mother babysit kids at home and I have been a personal baby sitter to family and friends. My accomplishments that I have done is graduated from Passaic High School, attended Valor Christian College and attend Capri Institute. I look forward to working here with all the different age groups and learning how different they all are.

Hello my name is Yolanda Mendez and I am the Lead teacher in the Toddler classroom. I have worked in childcare for over 10 years. Prior to working at the Goddard School I worked at The Lewis Chatman Academy for 8 years. My passion is teaching children. Currently I am working on my CDA. I am CPR & First Aid certified. I chose working with children as my career for as long as I could remember. I have four beautiful children and on my spare time I love to do things with my husband and kids.

Hello, my name is Ciara Wyzga and I have been babysitting children for a couple of years. I worked here at the Goddard School back in 2019 and left to have my daughter who also attends school here. I love helping and watching children grow and seeing them hit and achieve all their milestones.

Hello my name is Cathie Ressland. This is not my first time working with children. I did work for this Goddard school 12 years ago. I love working with children and this why I came back to work for the Goddard school again. I enjoy watching the children grow into beautiful young souls. I have a 5 year old son who is going to start kindergarten in the fall. He is my pride and joy. I look forward to see your children grow into great children!

Hi, my name is Megan Riley and I am the Lead Teacher in the Get Set 1 classroom. I have a few years’ experience working with children, in addition to raising my own daughter. I am also currently working towards getting my CDA certification. In the process I am learning new things each day. I am very happy to be working at the Goddard School and to be a part of helping children learn and grow.

Hello, my name is Susanna Rivera and I have more than 10 years of experience with kids. I worked at Just Us Kids daycare for 3 years. For 2 years I did 4c’s in my house and now I have been working here since March of 2021. One of my accomplishments that I’ve done that I’m super proud of is getting my GED at the age of 28. I never gave up (Always believe in yourself). I attended American Institute for Medical Assistant. I graduated from there in July of 2018 with a GPA of 4.8!

Hello, my name is Jesenia Caba and I have an associate degree in Early childhood education and a bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology. I’ve worked many years as a babysitter and also used to tutor my cousins with any subjects they were struggling with. One of the goals I accomplished was being the first in my family to graduate from college. It wasn’t easy but I did it!

Hi, I'm Diana Androvett and I go to Montclair State University for criminal Justice. I have been working with kids for over a year. I worked at Disney for a few months in Animal Kingdom but I missed working with kids so I came back! I love working with all kids, especially the older ones!

Hi, my name is Gina Ganci and I have been working with children for a few years now. I have completed and achieved my CDA training and became a lead teacher here at The Goddard School. I have accomplished getting my certificate in the CDA program with a lot of work that came with it in such a short time. I am very happy that I was able to accomplish this.

Hi, my name is Kristen and I started here at the Goddard school in 2022. I have over 15 years experience with children. I have 4 children of my own and I strive to make all children feel understood, comfortable and capable. I look forward to investing in your child's development as I will make it my priority.

Hi, my name is Jenny Govindani. I have been working here for 19 years. I have a college degree from India. I have lived in Montville for over 30 years. I love working with children very much. The children are my angels. I love to sing the ABC's to the children and read them books. I am CPR certified and have completed various child development courses.

Hello, my name is Amy Rodriguez and I am the Lead teacher in the Preschool classroom. I've worked with Preschool children and Infants for over 10 years. I have enjoyed every minute of it and it's been a pleasure to be a part of the children's academic achievements. I enjoy working with young children and watching their excitement to learn and grow. I am very grateful to be a part of the Goddard School.

Hi, my name is Auledena Hernandez and I am the assistant teacher in the pre-school 2 classroom. I have 5 years of experience working with children. I enjoy watching them grow up and hit all their milestones. I graduated from high school in 2022 with a 4.0 gpa.

Hello, my name is Brittany Ortiz and I have been working with children for over 6 years now. I started to work for the Goddard School back in 2016 as the Lead teacher in the Toddler classroom. I did move to Florida for a few years with my husband and two daughters but missed New Jersey so we moved back. I am happy to be back here working as the Lead teacher in the Pre-K1 classroom. Working with children has always been a passion of mine and looking forward to watching the children grow and learn.

Hello, my name is Maria Cruz and I am the lead teacher in the Prekindergarten classroom. I have a bachelor's degree in child family studies and many years’ experiences working with preschool and prekindergarten children. I love working with pre-k children watching them grow and learn throughout the year and getting them ready for kindergarten.

Hi my name is Tatiana Castro and I am the assistant teacher in the Pre-K2 classroom. This is my first year at the Goddard School. I have previously worked with kids and senior citizens. On days that I am not at the school I work as a hair stylist. Having these experiences has made me want to expand my educational career, so that one day I will be able to open my own salon with a daycare. I am CPR & First aid trained. I have two beautiful kids of my own.