Our Teachers

Hello my beautiful Goddard family and friends! I am the proud owner of The Goddard School Katy IV. I attained my Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. The combination of my degree, my love for children and heart for giving back to the community, inspired me to venture into the world of Early Childhood Education. My passion led me to build a school in the very community I’ve been a part of for over 25 years. My husband, Jawad and I together have raised three beautiful daughters, who are our pride and joy! I aspire to be the best role model for my daughters and to leave a lasting impression on the children’s lives I engage with every day. When I’m not working tirelessly at the school, I love to spend quality time with my family and friends. I am an avid reader who enjoys history and learning about other cultures through travel. “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela

“Tell me and I may forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I’ll learn.” (Ben Franklin) Hello parents and children of the Goddard School of Katy. I am so excited to be here as your Education Director! I have over ten years of experience as a director and accumulative twenty years of experience in the educational field. I took an early retirement from KISD to accept this adventure that was presented to me by Aiman and Jawad Rawra. My alma-mater is the University of Houston, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in History/English Language Arts. “Go Cougars!” Once I retire, my goal is to finish writing a children’s book I have started. I would also love to write and publish a mystery novel. My personal achievements are, with my husband Frank, together we raised three remarkable sons, Nathan, Matthew and Frank. At the age of forty, I returned to college to complete my university studies, while directing a Montessori school twelve hours a day and raising my family.

I am originally from Venezuela but I’ve been living in Katy, TX for the past 17 years with my husband and three kids. I have been part of The Goddard School family for over 5 years I have gained lots of experience in providing a safe and fun learning environment for every child I meet. Throughout my time in Early Childhood Education, I have mastered the ability to implement all necessary procedures while ensuring excellence in the education I provide. Now, I will be able to bring those skills to my role as the Assistant Director. I have attained my Bachelor’s degree in Business Law but once I moved to the United States, I discovered my passion for children, which initially led me to start working as a freelance childcare provider. My ability to speak both English and Spanish allows me to introduce both languages to enhance the learning experience and effectively communicate with parents and guardians.

Hello everyone! I am excited to be a part of the Goddard Family! I come with many years of business management experience, however, this is my first role in early childhood development. I am from Texas, but have lived in many different states due to being a military brat. Both my parents retired from the Air Force, my brother was enlisted in the Army, and my sister in the Air Force as well. My parents made sure I knew what hard work looked like and held me accountable at a young age to earn everything I have. I believe every experience has led me to Goddard and I can’t wait to see what is in store for this school! When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have two beautiful daughters, Kamilah and Karolina, whom I love dearly. I enjoy watching them experience life and turn into wonderful little girls everyone has come to love.

I am a Houston native; born and raised. My father’s side of the family is from upstate New York and my mother’s side is from all around the South, but a majority of us now live in Texas. I graduated from Morton Ranch High School in 2021 and I am currently attending the University of Houston, studying to attain my Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Sciences, with a minor in Business Administration. The Goddard School is my first professional endeavor in a Childcare Facility; however, I am the eldest child in my immediate family. I am also one of nine grandchildren. Needless to say, I’ve had lots of hands-on experience with children. My hobbies include listening to music and spending time with my friends and family. Outside of that, I love to try different restaurants, go shopping and take road trips. I have several life goals that I’d like to accomplish in the near and distant future. I plan to graduate with my Bachelor’s Degree, as well as a Masters Degree.

Maheen moved to the United States several years ago, from Pakistan. Prior to moving to the states, she worked in several schools, in various positions, but decided to begin teaching just two years ago. Maheen realized her passion for children exceeded her expectation and she wanted to venture into the classroom. Since she made that career move, she's worked with infants and toddlers. Being a part of their lives and watching them grow has been a fun and exciting adventure for her! Maheen has five children; three boys and two girls and one fur baby. Quality time with those she loves is extremely important to her and she gives each child in her care that same kind of compassion. She believes it is important that as we train up our children, we need to be kind, patient and love them; in and out of the classroom. Each day, Maheen aspires to be a better teacher than the day before. She uses every opportunity to learn more about Early Childhood Education and be the best teacher she can be!

Sangita graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Computer and Secretarial Studies, in the Fiji Islands, where she was born and raised. Although she attained her degree in a subject other than education, she followed her passion for children. Sangita has had the privilege of working with young children through Katy ISD and in other institutions. Sangita relocated to the United States over fifteen years ago and has enjoyed her new home. She has a beautiful family made up of four members; her husband and two children. Sangita believes every child's early learning experiences shape them for the rest of their lives and she altars her teaching style so her students can grasp the content she is trying to convey. Sangita meets each child where they are and strives to live by her philosophy each day!

Hello everyone! My name is Yelena Pajon and I am from Cuba. I live in Katy with my 2 little boys, husband, and dad. I bring over 4 years of child care experience to The Goddard School and my degree that I obtained in Ecuador. In my free time I enjoy going out with my family and exploring the outdoors. I love playing games with children because they are curious souls. My goal in life is to provide a beautiful childhood for my children and make sure they have a proper education. My philosophy is we must let children explore their emotions, and grow at their own pace. Each child is different, so we must become familiar with each child so that they feel safe, comfortable, and heard.

Hello all! I am originally from Afghanistan but have lived in the United States since 2019. Ever since then, my family and I have stayed in Katy, Texas. I am happily married to my sweet husband, and we have two kids together, one boy, Milad, and one girl, Rahi. I obtained a degree in Literature back in Afghanistan, as well as a degree in ESL, in the states. I have taught my whole life and cannot imagine a different career that could bring me as much joy as this one does. As for outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, travelling to new places, cooking different dishes, listening to music, and watching my favorite TV shows. In the future, I would love to pursue obtaining another degree. I have always enjoyed school and wish to always continue learning! I believe that all children should feel welcomed and safe in every classroom, and I strive to have my classroom reflect as such.

Miriam successfully graduated from high school, receiving her Diploma along with a Medical Assisting certificate. She has lots of experience, working with children, having the pleasure of teaching all ages; infants through school-age. She was born in Mexico, but grew up in California and is now settled down in Texas with her happy little family! Miriam is very close to her family, making time to see them as often as she possibly can. They enjoy any celebration, whether its big or small! She strives to be an amazing role model for her children and students. Miriam believes every child has their own creative way of learning and a teacher's example in the classroom is very important since children absorb everything they hear and see. As Miriam shapes and nurtures her students, she aspires to grow and be a better person each day!

Beatriz studied Early Childhood Education at Georgia Military College. She utilizes her degree everyday by implementing what she’s learned, in her classroom. There are several hobbies Beatriz enjoys participating in, outside of teaching. She loves listening to Taylor Swift, reading books, cooking different types of meals and spending time with her husband and daughter. Beatriz aspires to obtain a second degree in Early Childhood Education. Not only does she love to teach, but she also loves to learn! The educational philosophy that Beatriz lives by is that children must be taught in an environment where they feel safe and with a teacher that they feel comfortable with, in order to be able to learn to their best abilities.

Ms. Deanna was born in Roswell, New Mexico, but she moved to Texas when she was very young. She graduated from Katy High School, and has plans on furthering her education in order to one day become a Child Psychologist. Her mother is Cuban and her father is Mexican. She is the youngest sibling of three. She has one brother and one sister. When she isn’t working she loves to spend time with her friends and family, listen to music, and paint. She believes children deserve the same respect adults do, as we are all constantly learning how to navigate big feelings!

Anais is originally from Mexico city, Mexico, but decided that Texas was the place she wanted to build her life. She has a daughter that is her sassy little mini! She graduated from Thompkins High School and is continuing her education at Sam Houston State University, majoring in Education. Anais has acquired several years of Early Childhood Education experience, ranging from children 12 months to 5th grade. She has held positions, both as an assistant teacher and a lead teacher. It is during this time Anais discovered her passion for the two-year-old classroom. She is so excited to learn and grow with the students here at The Goddard School. Anais' hobbies include a love for reading, gymnastics and dancing. When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She enjoys supporting her loved ones in their endeavors and exploring the outdoors with her daughter. Her dream is to become a High School teacher and she will not stop until she achieves her goal!

Miceaha was born and raised in the great city of Houston, TX! Her experience in Early Childhood Education started many years ago, teaching children of all ages, from Pre-K to 3rd grade. In the Pre-K class, she worked primarily with special needs children. Miceaha then moved on to the younger ages and found her passion. She was fortunate to graduate from a magnet high school, with a focus on education and training careers, and is now furthering her education, majoring in Education and English. Miceaha is striving to advance in teaching and desires to have the chance to teach every grade level. She also plans to attain her Ph.D. in English and become a professor. As she navigates through life by using every opportunity to grow, she believes it is important that she instills that same attitude in her students!

Ghazala brings lots of culture and class to the classroom! She is a Pakistan native who is married with three wonderful children; two daughters and one son. She attained her Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy, Psychology and Social Sciences from St. Joseph’s College. She also received her Montessori Certification from Houston Montessori Centre. Ghazala's experience in education ranges from kindergarteners to high schoolers. She recently decided she'd love to get the little ones ready for kindergarten. Having the ability to nurture and shape them, in every area, to prepare them for the next level of education brings her great joy. She believes that great potential lies within each child and the process of education depends on how they are released to explore their curiosity. Ghazala's classroom management skills and experience are welcomed additions to The Goddard Pre-K program!