Our Teachers

Taruna is the on-site owner of The Goddard School in Alexandria, VA. She recognizes the importance of providing a consistent and strong curriculum in a safe and nurturing environment. Taruna holds a Master's Degree in Health Care Management from Marymount University. Taruna and her husband have two children of their own and she is very excited to be part of The Goddard School and is committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for children in the community.

Ms. Andrea was born and raised in Ottawa, Canada. In 1992, she married her husband, Dean, who retired from the U.S. Army in 2011. They have 3 children and 4 dogs. They are huge hockey fans and love to watch the Ottawa Senators play! Ms. Andrea’s experience with children dates to when she was 13 years old where she started with small babysitting jobs and was a live-out nanny. After moving to the U.S. Andrea quit her job and started an in-home childcare business. Throughout the years, she continued to service military families by running a Family Child Care home on base even earning her Child Development Associate Credential. In 2005, Andrea started her journey to getting her degree in Early Childhood Education. In May 2010, Andrea graduated from Northern Virginia Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. In August 2010, she was hired to be a Center Director in a corporately owned childcare center. That is where she has remained until joining our Goddard family. “Being a part of children’s growth and development is so rewarding. Building those lasting relationships with children and their families is immeasurable.”

Ms. Traleece holds the position of Operations Director at the Goddard School of Alexandria. With nearly three decades of experience in education, she has worked with students of all age groups, from infants to first graders. Her career in this field has been deeply fulfilling and rewarding, as she takes great pleasure in nurturing children's development and witnessing their excitement as they explore and learn. Among her cherished children's books is "I Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch.

Sarah Sykes is a dedicated education professional, a loving mother of three, and a passionate advocate for nurturing the growth and development of children in an educational setting. With over 12 years of experience in the field of education and a Bachelor's Degree in Education, Sarah has dedicated her career to creating meaningful and impactful learning experiences.

Ms. Keke is our Kitchen Manager, with over 7 years of experience in the field. She takes great pleasure in preparing delicious and nutritious meals and snacks for the children. She is also a parent of a former Goddard student.

Ms. Michelle is a lead teacher in the Infant 1 classroom, bringing over 37 years of experience in working with children. She holds a CDA in Infant/Toddlers and finds the smiles on infants' faces to be the most rewarding aspect of her teaching.

Ms. Keyanna is the lead teacher in the Infant 2 classroom, bringing over three years of experience in caring for infants. She holds a Bachelor's degree in administration and finds it deeply rewarding to support and witness the babies as they reach their developmental milestones.

Ms. Maribel is the lead teacher in the Infant 2 classroom, with over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She has completed some college coursework and finds that the most rewarding aspect of teaching is building strong connections with her students.

Ms. LaSasha is a lead teacher in the First Steps classroom, bringing over 10 years of experience. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree and finds it rewarding to see children grow and develop over the years.

Ms. Amanda is one of our lead teachers in the First Steps classroom, bringing a year of experience. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in foreign language, with a minor in teaching English as a second language.

Ms. Crystal is a lead teacher in the Young Toddlers classroom, with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a CDA and is MAT certified. She finds it incredibly rewarding to help children achieve their milestones.

Ms. Helen is the lead teacher in the Young Toddlers classroom, with over eight years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She is currently pursuing an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and takes great joy in making a positive impact on each child, appreciating their unique qualities.

Ms. Kassie is the lead teacher in the Preschool 1 classroom, with over three years of experience working with children. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, complemented by a minor in Sociology. She enjoys watching children outgrow her classroom and continues to take joy in seeing them thrive in their next learning environment.

Ms. Lizett is the lead teacher in the Toddler 1 classroom, with over 20 years of experience in the education field. She finds it most rewarding to contribute to her students' educational journeys and to inspire their curiosity, confidence, and imagination.

Ms. Rosa is a lead teacher in the Toddler 1 classroom, bringing over 22 years of experience. She holds a current CDA and is passionate about helping children grow and learn.

Ms. Kaelyn is a lead teacher in Toddler 1, with over 12 years of experience in early childhood education. She is currently pursuing a degree in business management, with a minor in early childhood education.

Ms. Lyeah is an assistant teacher in the Toddler 2 classroom, bringing over 6 years of experience in working with children. She is currently pursuing her CDA and enjoys fostering creativity with children in the classroom.

Ms. Jennifer is the lead teacher in the Get Set classroom, bringing over nine years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about working with children and finds it incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and learning.

Ms. Janelle is a lead teacher in the Get Set classroom, with over 5 years of experience working with children. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and takes great joy in watching children grow and thrive.

Ms. Chaimae is the lead teacher in the Preschool 1 classroom, bringing over five years of experience working with children. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology and is currently pursuing a second degree in Elementary Education. She finds it fulfilling when her students achieve their goals.

Ms. Lindsey is a lead teacher in the Preschool 2 classroom, with over 13 years of experience working with children. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in adapted special education and has a certificate in applied behavior analysis. She is also a proud Goddard parent.

Ms. Shantel is the lead teacher in the Preschool 2 classroom, bringing over 15 years of experience in education. She enjoys watching children grow over the years and loves seeing their bright smiles as they come to school each day.

Ms. Gabby is a lead teacher in the PreK 1 classroom, with over 5 years of experience in early childhood education. She is currently pursuing a degree in the field and previously served as the education director at our school. She is also a proud Goddard parent.

Ms. Jennifer is a lead teacher in the PreK 1 classroom, bringing over 14 years of experience working with children. She holds a current CDA and is also a proud Goddard parent.

Ms. Asmaa is one of our lead teachers who provides support across all classrooms, bringing over 5 years of experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and is currently pursuing a degree in cybersecurity.