The Goddard School of Millburn (Short Hills)

Bios

• Alexa

  Ms. Alexa proudly serves as the Director of Operations at The Goddard School of Millburn, bringing over 17 years of passion and experience in Early Childhood Education. After more than a decade as an infant teacher, she moved into leadership as Head of Community Engagement, where she strengthened connections between families, staff, and the school community. Ms. Alexa holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and is known for her warm, approachable leadership style. She was drawn to The Goddard School’s innovative trilingual program and believes deeply in the power of early multilingual learning. As the Director of Operations, she is dedicated to creating a nurturing, high-quality environment where children thrive, teachers feel empowered, and families feel a true sense of belonging.

• Laura

  Laura is a mother of five young daughters, a former educator, and a passionate advocate for early childhood education. A graduate of The Pingry School—where she also taught for ten years—and Columbia University’s Teachers College, she brings both experience and purpose to her work. She has earned the National Rookie of the Year and Circle of Excellence Awards, two of the highest honors in the Goddard system. When expecting her first daughter, Laura couldn’t find child care that met her standards—so she created it herself. She partnered with Goddard for its strong focus on health and safety and its inspiring Reggio Emilia-based Wonder of Learning curriculum. Just as important, each Goddard School is locally owned and rooted in community—something Laura deeply values. At her schools, she introduced trilingual immersion, where every child learns English, Spanish, and Mandarin, reflecting her belief that early childhood is the ideal time to raise confident, culturally aware communicators.

• Susan

  Dr. Susan has dedicated over 30 years to the field of education, spending 13 years in the classroom before transitioning into various administrative roles. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education, an M.A. in School Business Administration, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Driven by her desire to make a positive impact on children’s lives, Dr. Susan finds her work deeply rewarding. She is a passionate educator, proud mother of three wonderful sons, and is inspired by the belief: “If we’re not growing, we’re decaying.” As the Executive Director, she is looking forward to growing and learning with the families, children, and faculty!

• Rebecca

  .Ms. Rebecca is our School Assistant and brings over 15 years of experience in child care. She has worked in a variety of settings, including daycares, preschools, and private homes, which has given her a well-rounded perspective on child development and education. Most recently, she served as a paraprofessional in a special education pre-K classroom, where she collaborated with teachers and specialists to support children with diverse learning needs. In this role, she gained valuable experience adapting materials, implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), and fostering an inclusive classroom environment. Ms. Rebecca’s career has helped her develop strong skills in communication, patience, and creative problem-solving. She is passionate about creating a nurturing, supportive space where every child feels valued and celebrated for their unique progress. She looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of children and their families.

• Victoria

  Ms. Victoria brings over 11 years of teaching experience and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Psychology. Her passion for Early Childhood Education began with a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young children while building strong, supportive relationships with both them and their families. She is especially inspired by our Trilingual program, where children are immersed in multiple languages during their most receptive years for language acquisition. Ms. Victoria believes this not only enhances communication skills but also nurtures cultural awareness and global understanding. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending quality time with her son and has a deep love for theatre. She lives by the quote, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all,” which reflects her philosophy of teaching with both intellect and compassion.

• Ana

  Ms. Ana primarily working with toddlers and is fluent in Spanish. She finds immense joy in teaching, as children serve as a daily reminder of hope are a key to a brighter future. Her favorite aspect of the Wonder of Learning approach is the opportunity to explore different fields of learning each week, witnessing the remarkable progress children make in each area. She finds it incredibly rewarding to help them discover a world full of wonder and knowledge. One of her favorite moments in the classroom is when children engage with new materials during Small Group sessions, sparking their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. She also values the trilingual curriculum, as it plays a significant role in developing children's language skills and expanding their ability to communicate. Ms. Ana aligns with the school’s mission and vision, as she strongly believes that communication is the foundation of meaningful learning.

• Astry

  Ms. Astry has been teaching for two years and has experience working with infants and toddlers. She is fluent in Spanish and became a teacher after discovering a deep connection with children. She finds great joy in observing children develop at their own pace, which aligns with her passion for the Wonder of Learning Curriculum, as it is inquiry-based and encourages individualized learning. Her favorite part of the day is Small Group time, where she can focus on meeting the unique needs of a smaller group of students. Ms. Astry is also passionate about the trilingual curriculum, as it provides children with valuable exposure to new languages and cultures. She is committed to upholding the school's mission and vision, ensuring that each child is well-prepared for the world ahead. As she believes, "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself."

• Dennise

  Ms. Dennise is currently earning her B.A. in Chemical Engineering and is fluent in both Spanish and English. While her academic focus is in science, she has always had a deep love for working with babies and young children. She is continually inspired by their natural curiosity, imaginative thinking, and the creative ways they approach the world around them. For Ms. Dennise, teaching is an opportunity to guide children as they explore, discover, and solve problems with openness and creativity. She is especially inspired by our school’s mission to help students become excellent communicators, as she believes strong communication skills are essential in every aspect of life. Her goal is to nurture this ability in her students while supporting their growth and development. One of her favorite quotes is, “That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you’ve understood all of your life, but in a new way.”

• Edwina

  Ms. Edwina is a Lead English Teacher in our Toddlers program, and she comes to Goddard with a passion for Early Childhood Education. With a Masters of Economics, Ms. Edwina returned to teaching because she is passionate about child development and has the desire to make a positive impact on the world. As a native English and French speaker, she is particularly interested in Goddard Millburn’s multilingual approach and its focus on global and cultural education. In her classroom, Ms. Edwina focuses on communicating clearly with her students and setting a warm and nurturing atmosphere in which all students feel safe and loved. In lesson planning, Ms. Edwina is creative and detail orientated. She collaborates with her colleagues to create intentional, play-based learning experiences for her children, so that they are having fun while learning all-day long.

• Emily

  Ms. Emily has been a dedicated educator for eight years and holds a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University. Fluent in English, she became a teacher with the goal of being a positive influence in the lives of children. Ms. Emily particularly values the Wonder of Learning curriculum for its emphasis on self-discovery and curiosity. Unlike traditional methods focused on memorization, the curriculum encourages children to explore topics of interest and adapt lessons to their unique needs. She believes that the trilingual curriculum not only fosters an appreciation for diverse cultures but also enhances children's learning abilities. The vision and mission of our school inspire Ms. Emily to continually strive for personal excellence while motivating young learners to become caring, curious, and responsible members of their communities. She says, "The Goddard School is an extremely tight-knit community that supports each other with unwavering empathy and compassion."

• Evelyn

  Ms. Evelyn has been an educator for two years, specializing in children aged 12 months to 2 years. Fluent in Spanish, she became a teacher out of a deep passion for working with young learners and finds great fulfillment in guiding their growth and development. Her favorite moments in the classroom occur during Spanish lessons, where she takes joy in seeing children understand and engage with the language. She finds it incredibly rewarding to share her native language and culture with her students. Ms. Evelyn appreciates the school’s trilingual curriculum, as it provides children with valuable exposure to multiple languages and cultures while fostering their language development. Inspired by the school’s mission and vision, Ms. Evelyn is dedicated to giving her best every day, ensuring that her students receive the necessary tools to learn and thrive. She strongly believes in the power of education and lives by the motto, "Children are the future of tomorrow".

• Glorimar

  Ms. Glorimar, originally from Puerto Rico, is a dedicated Lead Spanish Teacher with over 26 years of experience working with children. She is deeply passionate about education and committed to helping each child grow into an independent, brave, and honest individual who knows the importance of kindness and love for others. Her teaching philosophy is centered on nurturing not only academic growth but also social and emotional development, ensuring her students feel supported, valued, and empowered every day. In addition to her work with children, Ms. Glorimar places a strong emphasis on building open and trusting communication with parents, recognizing that collaboration is essential to the well-being and success of her students. She takes great pride in fostering a classroom environment filled with respect, encouragement, and joy, where children are inspired to learn, explore, and build meaningful connections with one another.

• Jeanine

  Ms. Jeanine has been a dedicated educator for three years. A native English speaker, she holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology. Ms. Jeanine's passion for teaching stems from her desire to be an integral part of a child's developmental journey, shaping their growth and becoming a positive influence during these formative years. Her enthusiasm for the Wonder of Learning Curriculum is rooted in its focus on inquiry and self-exploration. She values how it encourages curiosity and empowers students to learn through their own ideas. One of Ms. Jeanine's favorite aspects of her work is Small Group time, where she has the opportunity to engage more closely with each child. Her classroom’s Art Wall is a space that allows her students to take pride in their creations, sharing them with peers, parents, and teachers. She is deeply inspired and is committed to fostering essential skills, like communication, during these crucial early years to ensure her students' success.

• Jian

  Ms. Jian is the Lead Mandarin Teacher in our Pre-Kindergarten classroom, bringing over a decade of teaching experience to The Goddard School of Millburn. She believes that a strong, loving bond between teacher and child is the foundation for helping young learners thrive. Ms. Jian places great emphasis on nurturing social-emotional development while fostering imagination and creativity through engaging activities like theatrical performance, singing, and games. Her joyful, student-centered approach helps children build confidence, language skills, and a love of learning. Ms. Jian is proud to be part of The Goddard School community, where she feels her work truly makes a meaningful impact each day.

• Lake

  Mr. Lake has been an educator for two years, specializing in early childhood education with preschool-aged children. They hold a bachelor's degree from Stockton University and are fluent in English. Their passion for teaching stems from the profound impact their own teachers had on their life. Mr. Lake values the Wonder of Learning approach, as it provides children with hands-on experiences that foster skill development, curiosity, and growth. They particularly appreciate the Wonder of Learning walls in the classroom, as these displays not only showcase students' work to families but also serve as a constant reminder to the children of their own capabilities and achievements. What sets the Goddard School apart, in Mr. Lake’s eyes, is its team of hardworking, resilient, and compassionate educators who inspire them daily. They find the school’s mission and vision deeply motivating, as they emphasize the importance of prioritizing both the education and well-being of every student.

• Marilyn

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• Muriel

  Ms. Muriel is the Lead Spanish Teacher in our Preschool program. She holds a Master’s degree in Teaching and brings over a decade of experience working with young children. Ms. Muriel believes that children learn best when they are active participants in their own learning, and that when activities are joyful and engaging, children naturally develop a lifelong love for learning. She appreciates how our Wonder of Learning™ curriculum empowers students to take the lead, using their innate curiosity and imagination to guide exploration. With thoughtfully designed, high-quality materials, Ms. Muriel creates opportunities for meaningful learning every day. She loves being part of the Goddard Millburn community, where both students and faculty inspire her to continue growing as an educator. “I am always learning something new, which keeps my experience as a teacher exciting and rewarding,” she shares.

• Nicolle

  Ms. Nicolle, a Lead Spanish Teacher in our Pre-Kindergarten Program, has experience working with children from birth through school-age. Earning her Associates Degree in Education, Ms. Nicolle says, “I always wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl." When asked about her favorite area of the classroom, Ms. Nicolle identifies the Sight Word Wall because it makes students feel proud of their emerging reading skills. She believes the role of a teacher is to "help every child believe in themselves and their capacity to overcome challenges." She wants her students to feel comfortable making mistakes, "Making mistakes is part of the learning process, and we cannot learn as long as we are afraid to make mistakes." "I want my students to have confidence in themselves as they learn new things (including Spanish!), so they can share their light with the world!"

• Qing

  Ms. Sara is the Lead Mandarin Teacher in our Infant and Toddler program at The Goddard School of Millburn. A native Mandarin speaker, she brings nearly a decade of teaching experience and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree. Ms. Sara’s natural warmth, patience, and joyful spirit allow her to connect effortlessly with children across all early childhood stages—from infants to preschoolers. She believes that young children learn best when they feel safe, loved, and encouraged to explore their world. Through songs, stories, and interactive play, she fosters both language development and emotional growth. Ms. Sara is thrilled to be part of the Goddard Millburn community, where she can nurture a lifelong love of learning from the very start.

• Sara

  Ms. Sara has been an educator for five years, working with children ranging from infancy to middle school. She holds a bachelor's degree in early education, a CDA credential, and is a licensed substitute teacher in New Jersey. Fluent in English, she chose to pursue teaching to build meaningful relationships with her students, create a space for her creativity to thrive, and witness the daily growth of the children she teaches. Ms. Sara admires the three pillars of the Wonder of Learning approach, as it provides structured yet flexible lesson planning. Unlike traditional curriculums that require strict adherence, WOL empowers educators to design engaging, customized lessons that align with students’ needs. While searching for a new teaching opportunity, The Goddard School’s mission stood out to her, particularly its commitment to helping children thrive in diverse environments and she was also drawn to the warmth and kindness of the team!

• Stephanie

  Ms. Stephanie brings over 15 years of teaching experience to our school. She holds a B.A. in English, an Associate in Science, and an Infant/Toddler CDA. Her passion for education began with a strong desire to help young children learn and grow, which led her to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education. She believes these early years are the most critical and foundational in a child’s life, shaping their future development and love for learning. Ms. Stephanie finds great joy in guiding children through new experiences and watching their natural curiosity, creativity, and energy shine. For her, every day in the classroom is an opportunity to inspire children, support their growth, and nurture their love of discovery. She is committed to creating a warm and engaging environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

• Tatiana

  Ms. Tatiana, a Lead Spanish Teacher in the Preschool Program is a member of our Founding Faculty. A teacher for nearly 20 years, Ms. Tatiana has her CDA credentials in Toddlers and Preschool education, and she has taught nearly every age group - infants, toddlers, preschool, and prekindergarten. When asked about why she loves our Wonder of Learning Curriculum, she says “it is inquiry-based, student-driven, and play-based which are three of the most important elements in an intentional and high-quality early-childhood education program. Her favorite time of day is both Large Group Gathering Time and Small Group Centers because both provide students with the perfect blend of structure and freedom. When asking Ms. Tatiana what excites her most about the trilingual curriculum at Goddard Millburn, she says, “I see the children developing important skills such mental flexibility and critical thinking which improves their ability to learn anything.”

• Viviana

  Ms. Viviana is our dedicated Lead Spanish Teacher in the Builder’s classroom. She believes that all children are intelligent, capable, and kind human beings who deserve to be valued and nurtured. With a passion for fostering growth, she finds joy in watching children learn, especially in those special moments when the “lightbulb” turns on and a concept finally clicks. Ms. Viviana treasures the opportunity to witness children’s creativity, curiosity, and eagerness to explore new projects. She is committed to creating a learning environment where students feel empowered to take chances, express themselves, and grow as individuals. To her, teaching is a two-way experience: while children learn from their teachers, teachers also learn just as much—if not more—from their students. Ms. Viviana feels privileged to be part of each child’s journey, guiding them while also being inspired daily by their unique perspectives and enthusiasm for life.

• Xiaoning

  Ms. Jojo, a passionate and experienced teacher, is a Mandarin teacher in our Pre-School program. Ms. Jojo is an extremely warm and empathetic person, who easily builds trust and strong relationships. Smart, engaged, hard-working, collaborative and active, Ms. Jojo crafts hands-on learning experiences through which students learn while having fun. A mother herself, Ms. Jojo balances all aspects of teaching young children with grace and ease. She focuses on supporting students through their social-emotional development, while challenging them with new and interesting tasks that build important school-ready and life-ready skills.

• Yu-Tsui

  Ms. Maggie brings over a decade of experience and holds a Master’s degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language. As the World Language Coordinator at The Goddard School of Millburn, she designs curriculum, coaches teachers, and supports dynamic language instruction from infancy through Pre-K. Inspired by her mother, a math teacher in Taiwan, Ms. Maggie views early education as a calling rooted in care and connection. She loves how The Goddard School’s Wonder of Learning™ curriculum encourages children to build knowledge through exploration and reflection. Known for her warmth, thoughtfulness, and dedication, Ms. Maggie helps spark a love of language and global awareness in every child. Under her guidance, children find joy in expression and confidence in their unique voices, making our school a place where every learner is celebrated.

• Celia

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• Jaida

  Ms. Jaida is fluent in English and has a Spanish level 2 skillset. Jaida has always liked working with children because you are able to shape who they are in a positive way. Her favorite time of day is large group time because you are able to help foster a child's ability to use their language skills, social emotion skills and develop their cognitive development at the same time! Ms. Jaida loves that we have a trilingual program, because she believes when introduced at such an early age, it will increase their knowledge of other cultures! When asked what inspires her about our vision and mission, she candidly responded, " I am inspired by the goal to support social emotional intelligence as well as cultural awareness and understanding"!

• Josselin

  Ms. Josselin has been working with children for two years and is fluent in Spanish. When asked why she likes working in Early Childhood Education, she said, "So I am able to show my affection and admiration for the children while also teaching them". Ms. Josselin's favorite part of the day is when the children are playing together but also developing their social emotional skills by interacting with a friend or the class as a whole! She lives by the quote," Do good without looking at whom you are doing it for"!

• Katia

  Ms. Katia has worked with children varying from ages 2-5 for the past 11 years and speaks fluent Spanish. When asked why she became a teacher, she replied, " The love I have for children and the desire to help them develop and grow for a brighter future is what inspired me to become a teacher". What she loves most about teaching is that feeling of pure love you receive from them every day, forming bonds with the children and their families, and making a difference in their day every day. Her favorite part of the day is when the children have outdoor time. This is where they are building bonds with each other by playing interactive games and developing new skills. The favorite part of the classroom set-up is the Library Area. In the library area, this helps the children develop linguistic, cognitive, emotional and social skills as well as helps strengthen their concentration and memory!

• Melanis

  Ms. Melanis is bilingual in Spanish and English and brings warmth, energy, and dedication to her role as a teacher. She was inspired to enter the field of education by the nurturing learning environment she experienced during her own schooling. Feeling safe, supported, and encouraged to explore left a lasting impression on her, and she now strives to replicate that same experience for her students. One of her favorite times of the day is on the playground, where children can freely run, explore, and engage with the world around them in ways that support both physical growth and social development. Ms. Melanis chose to join The Goddard School of Millburn because of its outstanding reputation for excellence and its commitment to providing a well-rounded education for every child. She is proud to be part of a community that values curiosity, creativity, and the joy of learning.

• Niyired

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• Olga

  Ms. Olga has been working with children for over 10 years, teaching students from as young as 3 years old up to 17 years old. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and brings both knowledge and passion to her work in the classroom. Fluent in Spanish and intermediate in English, Ms. Olga values the importance of language in connecting with children and helping them grow. She loves teaching because it allows her to contribute to each child’s development and to witness their progress firsthand. She believes that play is one of the most important and enriching parts of a child’s day, providing opportunities for exploration, creativity, and learning. Ms. Olga is inspired by our school’s vision and mission, which embrace children from diverse cultures and languages. She especially values the way multilingual learning helps children build confidence, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen their self-esteem.

• Ruth

  Ms. Ruth has been an educator for two years and is a native Spanish speaker. She became a teacher with the goal of bringing joy to children’s lives and witnessing their developmental progress. Ms. Ruth particularly appreciates the Wonder of Learning curriculum for its creative approach, which not only inspires children’s imaginations but also challenges her own creativity as an educator. She believes the trilingual curriculum is crucial as it broadens children's minds, exposing them to different languages and cultures. Ms. Ruth is motivated by the goal of fostering better communication, both within the team and with the children she serves. She strives to achieve this by teaching children the importance of listening and communicating with respect. Her favorite quote is, “Al que madruga, Dios le ayuda,” which translates to, “The early bird (and the prepared one) gets the worm.”

• Nicole

  Ms. Nicole, our Assistant Director of Operations, has more than a decade of experience as a School Administrator and Teacher, both at the elementary and preschool levels. With a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education she holds several teaching certifications. At our School, Ms. Nicole serves a key leadership role in supporting the daily operations of our school which can include supporting teachers in the classroom, conducting Health & Safety checks, organizing fun faculty events, and communicating with families.

• William

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