Our Teachers

Mr. Brad and Ms. Risa are the proud owners of both Goddard Schools in Chantilly; Chantilly (Westfields) opened in 2003, and Chantilly (East Gate) opened at the end of 2011. Risa has a Master's Degree in Elementary Education and serves as the Senior Education Director for the schools. Risa was previously a 4th and 5th grade teacher, so she knows well that an exceptional school depends on exceptional teachers. Risa oversees the hiring of every teacher we invite to join The Goddard School, and, as Senior Education Director, she makes sure that the environment we provide is caring, fun, safe, and educational. Brad is the business manager of both schools. Brad was trained as a lawyer, and he brings ten years of experience in the banking industry to the business side of running the school. Welcome to our School!

Ms. Kareen is the Education Director of The Goddard School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from George Mason University and a VDSS Early Childhood Endorsement. Ms. Kareen has 24 years Early Childhood Administrative experience. Prior to joining The Goddard School, she was a Center Director for a licensed preschool and a Licensing Inspector for the Virginia Department of Social Services. The Goddard School has had a long relationship with Ms. Kareen, as she had been the Licensing Inspector for our Westfields location for four years before joining our management team in 2012.

Ms. Tina is the Administrative Director of The Goddard School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from State University of New York, College of Potsdam. Ms. Tina has 36 years of Early Childhood Teaching and Administrative experience. She began her career in early childhood education in Rochester, New York, as a Center Director. After ten years, she was promoted to Area Manager, where she supervised 11 early childhood facilities for four years. Tina moved to northern Virginia in 2005. Since that time, she worked as a Center Director for 3 schools. She joined our management team in 2012.

Ms. Allison is the Assistant Director of The Goddard School. She has 17 years of teaching experience and has completed coursework in early childhood education and child psychology. Ms. Allison was a lead teacher for 6 years in our toddler and preschool programs and was promoted to our management team in 2024. She was our 2022 Teacher of the Year and is a Goddard parent. Ms. Allison joined us in 2017.

Ms. Jill is the Admissions Director for The Goddard Schools of Chantilly. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She has 17 years of teaching and administrative experience in the Early Childhood field. Ms. Jill joined us in 2010.

Ms. Madhavi has 7 years of experience teaching and caring for young children.

Ms. Allison is the Assistant Teacher for our Chipmunks class.

Ms. Salwia assists in all classrooms. She has one year of experience teaching and caring for young children.

Ms. Sofia has 1 year of experience teaching and caring for young children. She also has training and years of experience as a lifeguard and youth swim coach.

Ms. Kylah has 4 years of experience teaching and caring for young children.

Ms. Taylor is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and has 2 years of experience teaching and caring for young children.

Ms. Skye is the Assistant Teacher of our Koalas Class. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and has 4 years of experience teaching and caring for young children.

Ms. LaWanda earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and has 21 years of experience teaching and caring for young children. She also serves as a Curriculum Resource Specialist. Ms. LaWanda was our 2023 Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Jenny has one year of experience teaching and caring for young children.

Ms. Claudia earned her Associates degree in Education and has 22 years of experience teaching and caring for young children. She is also a member of our Teacher Resource Team. Ms. Claudia joined us in 2020.

Ms. Mai earned her Bachelor's degree in Economics and Master's degree in Business Administration, and she has 2 years of experience teaching and caring for young children.

Ms. Heather has 3 years of experience teaching and caring for young children.

Ms. Traci earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Russian Language. She has 2 years of Early Childhood and Teaching experience.

Ms. Sara earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art History and has 15 years of experience teaching and caring for young children. Ms. Sara joined us in 2012. She was our 2019 Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Anjali earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Political Science. She has 35 years of experience teaching and caring for young children. Ms. Anjali joined us in 2012.

Ms. Zeynep earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and a Bachelor's degree in International Business. She has 15 years of experience teaching and caring for young children. Ms. Zeynep joined us in 2012.

Ms. Manju has 5 years of experience teaching and caring for young children.

Ms. Sam earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and has 10 years of experience teaching and caring for young children. She joined us in 2017. Ms. Sam was our 2020 Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Amina has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and 4 years of experience teaching and caring for young children.

Ms. Courtney earned her Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. She has 14 years of experience teaching and caring for young children. Ms. Courtney also serves as a Curriculum Resource Specialist. She joined us in 2014 and is also a Goddard School Parent. Ms. Courtney was our 2017 Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Sarah earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatrical Design and Technology.

Ms. Ryan has 4 years of experience teaching and caring for young children. She joined us in 2020.

Ms. Jasmine earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Sport Management and has 9 years of experience teaching and caring for young children. She also is a member of our Teacher Resource Team. Ms. Jasmine joined us in 2015.

Ms. Lexy assists in all classrooms and provides operational support for our school. She has 3 years of experience teaching and caring for young children.

Ms. Dajah assists in all classrooms. She has one year of teaching and caring for young children.

Ms. Kyesha assists in all classrooms. She has 1 year of experience teaching and caring for young children.

Ms. Lilly assists in all classrooms. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences and 10 years of experience teaching and caring for young children.

Ms. Lindsey assists in all classrooms.