The Goddard School of Hastings on Hudson

Bios

• Ms Jaynne

  With a passion for nurturing children’s growth and development, Jaynne brings a wealth of experience to The Goddard School. After earning her BA in Dance from Point Park University, Jaynne dedicated nearly 10 years to teaching dance and gymnastics, fostering creativity and physical development in children of all ages. Though she has spent the past 29 years as a flight attendant, Jaynne’s true excitement lies in being back in a community-focused, child-centered environment. As a mother herself, Jaynne understands the importance of providing a warm, welcoming, and safe place for children to learn, explore, and have fun. Her commitment to creating a nurturing atmosphere where every child feels supported and valued is at the heart of The Goddard School’s philosophy. Jaynne and her husband, John, are dedicated to ensuring their school offers a high-quality, educational curriculum and care.

• Ms Frances

  Hello, my name is Ms. Frances, and I’ve had the joy of working in the field of Early Childhood Education for the past seventeen years.I hold an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Mercy College and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in both Infant/Toddler and Preschool/Pre-K education. I’ve been a proud member of The Goddard School – Hastings-on-Hudson for the last nine years. I began my journey here as an Assistant Toddler Teacher, was promoted to Lead Toddler Teacher, and later became the Lead Pre-K Teacher. Most recently, I was honored to be promoted to the role of Operations Director. My passion for early childhood education continues to grow each year. Now, as Operations Director, I am grateful for the opportunity to support our program, families, and students in meaningful ways — helping ensure every child thrives in a nurturing and engaging environment. My personal philosophy is: “Children will be children; encourage them, and they will reach greatness."

• Mrs Kristy

  Ms. Kristy is a dedicated educational leader with a passion for early childhood development. She holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Development and is currently working toward her Director's Credential and a Bachelor's in Psychology. With over 17 years of experience as a preschool teacher, Kristy has expertise in Creative Curriculum, childhood assessment, and play-based learning. She has taught children ages 3 to 6, fostering growth and development through hands-on, engaging experiences. Kristy believes that children learn best in a playful, nurturing environment. As a mother of two, she understands the importance of patience, care, and attention in a child’s development. Families love her for her kind and patient nature, ensuring every child feels valued and supported at The Goddard School.

• Andrea

  Hello, my name is Ms. Andrea, and I am the Lead Preschool 2 Teacher. I hold an Associate's degree in Business Administration and have been working in the early childhood education field for the past 20 years. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to teach children ages two to five in a variety of settings—including daycare centers, residential programs, and behavioral health environments. I am passionate about creating small, memorable moments in each child’s day—moments that help shape them into the amazing individuals they are meant to become. Supporting their growth and development during these formative years brings me great joy and purpose.

• Ms Ashley

  Hello, my name is Ms. Ashley, and I am the Lead Pre-K 2 Teacher. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Benedict College in South Carolina, and I have also earned my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. I’ve had the pleasure of working at The Goddard School for the past eleven years, and throughout that time, I’ve remained passionate about creating a warm, engaging, and enriching environment for young learners. I strongly believe that play is a vital component of learning. My energetic and enthusiastic approach to teaching allows me to connect with children in meaningful ways as they explore, discover, and grow. Watching them learn through play is truly one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

• Hillary

  Hello, my name is Ms. Hillary, and I’m the Lead Teacher in the First Steps classroom. I hold a Child Development Associates (CDA) with a focus on Infants and Toddlers, and I bring over 15 years of experience working with children of all ages, including those with special needs. What I love most about teaching is the joy of watching infants and toddlers learn and grow every day through play, exploration, and sign language. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of their developmental journey from such an early age. One of the quotes that inspires my teaching philosophy is: "Preschool is where learning feels like play, and love is the first lesson taught."

• Jayla

  Hello, my name is Ms. Jayla, and I am the Lead Infant Teacher. I hold a Technical Diploma in (ECE) as well as a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. I bring eight years of experience in the field, providing direct care and developmental support to young children. I love teaching because I enjoy watching children gain confidence, reach meaningful milestones, and discover new skills. Every day is a new opportunity to connect with them and witness their growth—physically, emotionally, and developmentally. A quote that inspires my teaching is: "Teaching tiny hearts, shaping big futures."

• Joselyn

  Hello, my name is Joselyn, and I am the Lead Pre-K 1 Teacher. I am a dedicated Early Childhood Educator with over 10 years of experience nurturing and guiding young learners. For the past six years, I’ve been proud to call The Goddard School my home. I began my journey in the Young Toddler classroom, spent two wonderful years teaching in Preschool 3, and am now excited to begin this new chapter with Pre-K. I recently earned my CDA (Child Development Associate) certification and continue to grow through professional development, coaching, and the invaluable mentorship of Ms. Caroline Dotty. These experiences have strengthened my teaching practice and deepened my commitment to creating a positive, engaging, and supportive classroom where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Working with children has always been my greatest passion. I love watching each child discover the world, master new skills, and shine in their own unique way. I believe in meeting children where

• Kate

  Hello, my name is Ms. Kate, and I am the Lead Get Set 1 Teacher. I hold a high school diploma from Sacred Heart High School and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Preschool. I bring fourteen years of experience working with children in various educational and care settings. My goal as a teacher is to foster a nurturing and stimulating learning environment where children can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. I love helping children grow and watching them have fun while learning. A quote that inspires my teaching is: “It takes a big heart to shape little minds.”

• Ashely

  Hello, my name is Ms. Ashley, and I am the Lead Teacher in the Young Toddler classroom. I hold a high school diploma and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. My passion for working with children began early—at age sixteen, I volunteered at the Coachman Shelter, where I helped care for children by reading and playing with them. For the past three years, I’ve had the pleasure of working at The Goddard School, and it has been a truly rewarding journey. I love teaching because I enjoy witnessing every milestone my students reach. Seeing their eyes light up when they discover something new is the most fulfilling part of my day. A quote that inspires my teaching is: “To be loved is to be seen.” I strive to create a classroom where every child feels noticed, valued, and deeply cared for.

• Ashley

  Hello, my name is Ms. Ashley, and I am the Lead Toddler Teacher. I have my high school diploma and am currently working toward completing my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. I have experience babysitting children of all ages, and for the past year and a half, I’ve had the pleasure of working at The Goddard School. I love teaching because I get to turn small moments into big memories filled with learning and joy. Watching toddlers grow, explore, and discover the world around them brings me so much happiness, and I’m grateful to be part of their early learning journey.

• Ms Bonnie

  Hello, my name is Ms. Bonnie, and I am a Substitute Teacher at The Goddard School. I hold a Master’s Degree in Special Education and am a New York State certified teacher. I have many years of experience both as a classroom teacher and as a Director of Special Education programs. More recently, I’ve had the pleasure of working in preschools throughout lower Westchester, where I’ve enjoyed supporting young learners during their early developmental years. What I love most about my role is the opportunity to work with all age groups—each stage of early childhood brings its own unique joys and learning moments!

• Cassandra

  Hello, my name is Ms. Cassandra, and I’m the assistant teacher in the infant room. I’m currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Pace University’s Lubin School of Business. My experience in early childhood education began in my teenage years, when I worked at a daycare and babysat regularly. Since then, I’ve continued to build my skills and deepen my passion for working with young children. Over time, I’ve developed a strong commitment to creating a nurturing, engaging, and supportive environment where every child can learn and grow at their own pace. I especially love working with infants because I get to be part of their earliest stages of growth and development. Watching them discover new skills, form bonds, and reach important milestones is incredibly rewarding. Being able to help create a warm, comforting space where they feel safe and loved is what makes my work so meaningful.

• Cecely

  Hello, my name is Ms. Cecely, and I am an Infant Floater Teacher. I have my high school diploma and am certified in CPR and First Aid. I bring several years of experience working with children through volunteer work with ages 3 to 11, as well as time spent as an aftercare counselor and babysitter for children ages 4 to 6. What I love most about working with children is experiencing their "firsts"—whether it's a first smile, first word, or first step. I’m passionate about guiding children in a positive way and helping them learn and grow. Children are unapologetically innocent, and being part of their learning journey reminds me that every moment is a new opportunity for discovery.

• Cynthia

  Hello, my name is Ms. Cynthia, and I’m a Floater Teacher at The Goddard School. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts, and I’m currently continuing my education in the field of nursing. I’ve been working with children since 2021 and have been a part of the Goddard School family for over three and a half years. Working with young children brings me so much joy. I love watching them grow and develop each day — it’s incredibly fulfilling to see their faces light up as they reach milestones, gain independence, and discover new things. One of my favorite quotes is “Live, laugh, love”, and I truly see that reflected every day in early childhood education.

• Daniela

  Hello, my name is Ms. Daniela, and I am the Assistant Teacher in Pre-K 2. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a minor in Childhood Education. I was a student teacher from 2021 to 2023 and have been working as an assistant teacher since 2024. I love working in early childhood education because I get to witness incredible growth and development every day. Watching three- to five-year-olds go from saying simple words to holding full conversations is truly amazing. I also enjoy guiding them as they begin to recognize letters and print—an important step in understanding phonics and preparing to read as they get older. Supporting children as they develop fine motor skills, like holding pencils, cutting with scissors, and manipulating small objects, is one of my favorite parts of the job. Being a part of these special milestones reminds me why early childhood education is so important.

• Fatima

  Hello, my name is Ms. Fatima, and I am a Floater Teacher. I have three years of babysitting experience and have had the pleasure of working at The Goddard School for the past year. I’ve also worked as a summer camp counselor, supporting children of various ages. I love teaching because I believe early childhood development is so important. I want to inspire children to grow, believe in themselves, and reach their full potential in a nurturing and supportive environment.A quote that inspires my teaching is: “Little hands, big hearts.” Every day, I feel grateful to be part of their learning journey and to help shape their bright futures.

• Isabelle

  Hello, my name is Isabelle, and I’m one of the Assistant Teachers in the Pre-K 1 classroom. I’m currently attending college and am on track to graduate in December 2027. I am CPR and First Aid certified. I bring with me five years of babysitting experience with children of all ages, as well as eight months of experience working in daycare and early learning center settings. Teaching has always been a dream of mine. I love being part of enriching the minds of young children, and it brings me immense joy to watch them grow, learn, and discover new things each day. I strive to create a fun, creative, and supportive environment where every child feels safe and loved. A quote that inspires my teaching philosophy is: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi I’m excited to be part of your child’s learning journey!

• Janiya

  Hello! My name is Ms. Janiya, and I’m the Assistant Teacher in the Get Set 2 classroom. I hold an Associate Degree in Human Services and have experience working as both a school aide and a direct support professional. I love teaching because it’s not just about imparting knowledge—it’s about inspiring curiosity, creativity, and growth in my students. Seeing them grasp new concepts and grow into confident, independent thinkers is incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to be part of their learning journey and to help create a supportive, engaging classroom where every child can thrive.

• Jayla

  Hello, my name is Ms. Jayla, and I am the Assistant Teacher in the Pre-K 1 classroom. I hold a high school diploma and college credits, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with children ranging from infants to ten years old. I’ve been part of The Goddard School family for four years, previously supporting the Preschool classroom and now proudly serving as the Assistant Teacher in Pre-K. I love teaching because it allows me to make a meaningful impact on children’s early development and learning. It’s incredibly rewarding to foster curiosity, support growth, and help young learners build the foundation for future success. One quote that truly inspires my work is: “A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops.”

• Jessica

  Hello! My name is Ms. Jessica, and I’m a Floater Teacher for the Toddler classrooms. I’m a high school graduate currently pursuing a degree in Liberal Arts, with plans to continue on and earn my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I’ve been caring for and working with children since I was 13 years old. Over the years, I’ve gained experience through babysitting and volunteering at YMCA after-school programs. These experiences have helped me develop patience, creativity, and a true joy for helping children learn and grow. I love teaching because it’s an amazing feeling to help shape young minds and be a part of their learning journey. Every day brings something new and exciting—there’s never a dull moment when you’re surrounded by children who are curious, funny, and full of energy. It’s truly an honor to play a role in their early development. One quote that inspires me is: “To teach is to touch a life forever.”

• Karina

  Hello, my name is Ms. Karina, and I’m the Lead Teacher in the Preschool 1 classroom. I’m currently working toward my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. My passion for working with children began when I was just fifteen years old, and that early experience inspired me to pursue a career in the field of Early Childhood Education. Two quotes that guide and inspire my teaching philosophy are: "Children are not to be molded, but are people to be unfolded." "To feel a toddler’s love is to understand the true essence of being cherished." I believe in nurturing each child’s individuality and helping them grow into confident, kind, and curious learners.

• Kathryn

  Hello, my name is Ms. Kathryn, and I am a Floater Teacher. I hold an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Early Childhood Education from Westchester Community College and have been working with children for ten years. I love being a floater teacher because it allows me to work with children of various age groups and support teachers across multiple classrooms. Building strong relationships with both the children and my fellow educators brings me great joy. Teaching is especially meaningful to me because it gives me the opportunity to build lasting connections with children and families while serving as a positive role model in their lives. A quote that inspires my teaching is: “A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart.”

• Kelsey

  Hello, my name is Ms. Kelsey, and I am the Assistant Teacher in Preschool 3. I’ve been caring for young children for over seven years, working with a wide range of ages—from newborns to early elementary students. My experience in Pre-K, especially alongside Ms. Ashley in Pre-K 2, has deepened my ability to support children’s growth and help them succeed in meaningful, developmentally appropriate ways. I am passionate about helping children learn and grow during these important early years. I especially enjoy bringing creativity into the classroom through hands-on art activities and supporting early language development. I also love incorporating Spanish words and phrases in fun, natural ways, giving children the opportunity to explore new sounds and cultures while they play and learn.

• Lisa

  Hello, my name is Ms. Lisa, and I am the Assistant Teacher in the Young Toddler classroom. I hold a high school diploma along with early childhood education credits, and I have been working in the field of Early Childhood Education for nearly 20 years. My passion for working with children began when I was just sixteen years old. Since then, it has brought me great joy to support young learners and witness their development. I especially love watching children reach important milestones and grow more each day — socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Being part of their journey is truly rewarding, and I am grateful to play a role in helping them thrive.

• Madelyn

  Hello, my name is Ms. Maddy, and I’m a Floater Teacher here at The Goddard School. I hold a high school diploma and have earned some college credits, with a focus on psychology. I bring two years of experience as an assistant teacher and one year of experience working specifically with preschoolers. I love teaching because my passion for psychology deeply influences how I approach the classroom. I believe childhood experiences have a powerful impact on the way we see the world and the choices we make throughout life. Teaching gives me the opportunity to support children as they begin to develop essential life skills—emotional safety, resilience, creativity, and a positive self-image. These qualities are not something we’re simply born with—they are nurtured and learned over time. I find it incredibly rewarding to be part of that process, guiding and encouraging children as they grow and discover who they are.

• Ms Molly

  Hi, my name is Ms. Molly, and I’m a floater teacher for Preschool and Pre-K. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Geography and bring over ten years of experience working with children. My background includes roles such as Lifeguard, Waterfront Director, and Preschool Teacher. I have a genuine love for working with children and strive to bring a gentle, nurturing approach to every interaction. My goal is to help create a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where all children feel safe and valued.

• Omyra

  Hello, my name is Ms. Omyra, and I am the Assistant Teacher in the Toddler classroom. I have five years of experience working in the early childhood education field. I love teaching because I truly enjoy watching children learn, grow, and explore the world around them. Every day brings something new, and I feel lucky to be part of each child's journey during these important early years. A quote that inspires my teaching is: “Always be yourself.” I believe in creating a classroom environment where children feel safe, valued, and confident to be exactly who they are.

• Sherly

  Ms. Sherly – Part-Time Floater Teacher Hello! My name is Ms. Sherly, and I’m a part-time Floater Teacher, working with children across different age groups. I have three years of experience in education and daycare centers. I love teaching because it allows me to witness how each generation grows and changes over time. I truly enjoy engaging with the children and making a positive impact, sharing my knowledge in meaningful and memorable ways. A quote that inspires my teaching is: "Every child you teach is in your life for a reason—sometimes to learn from you and sometimes to teach you."

• Skaila

  Hello, my name is Ms. Skaila, and I am a part-time Floater Teacher for the Infant and Toddler classrooms here at The Goddard School. I’m currently working part-time while pursuing my Bachelor’s degree at Lehman College. I have experience nannying for children of various age groups, which has helped me develop a strong understanding of early childhood development. I truly love working with children and watching how they grow, learn, and thrive through each milestone. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of those small but meaningful moments in their development. I’m excited to expand my skills and gain hands-on experience in a classroom setting, and I look forward to contributing to a nurturing and engaging environment for every child I work with.

• Taylor

  Hello! My name is Ms. Taylor, and I am the Assistant Teacher in the Get Set 2 classroom. I hold a high school diploma and have six years of experience in the Early Childhood Education field. In addition to my professional background, I’ve spent several years babysitting children of all ages since I was thirteen. I love teaching because watching my students learn, grow, and discover new things brings me so much joy. Their curiosity and playful energy make each day fun and fulfilling, and I’m grateful to be part of their early learning journey. One quote that inspires my teaching is: "Start each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart." – Roy T. Bennett

• Valerie

  Hello, my name is Ms. Valerie, and I am the Assistant Teacher in Preschool 2. I hold a high school diploma from Saunders Trades & Technical High School and am also a licensed cosmetologist. I have experience tutoring for two years and have cared for children of various ages through babysitting. I love teaching because it brings healing and hope into my life. Coming from a difficult background, I see in every child’s innocence and curiosity an opportunity to create the kind of safe, loving environment I once longed for. Through patience and care, I strive to help build the strong emotional foundation that I know is so vital to a child’s development. By giving children what I didn’t have growing up, I find purpose and peace in my own journey—and that’s what makes teaching so meaningful to me.

• Veaney

  Hello, my name is Ms. Veaney, but the children lovingly call me Ms. V. I am thrilled to be the Lead Teacher in the Preschool 3 classroom! I am bilingual and fluent in both Spanish and English, and I’m excited to introduce Spanish vocabulary into our daily learning to help enrich your child’s language development and cultural awareness. My journey working with children began with babysitting and grew into a passion that led me to spend over a year and a half working in Pre-K alongside Mrs. Frances. That experience helped me develop valuable skills that I now bring into the Preschool 3 classroom to support your child’s growth and success. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, which has deepened my understanding of child development and strengthened my ability to create a nurturing, responsive, and inclusive learning environment. I strive to accommodate various learning styles and believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in their own unique way.

• Zoriana

  Hello, my name is Ms. Zoriana, and I am the Assistant Teacher in Preschool 1. I recently moved to the United States from Ukraine. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Social Welfare. I am currently studying English at Westchester Community College, where I completed the ESL program and am now continuing with TOEFL courses. During my studies, I was honored to receive several Special Recognition Awards for my progress in English as a Second Language. In addition to the formal experience I gained working with young children during my master’s program, I’ve also had the rewarding experience of regularly caring for my nephew and niece. These experiences have deepened my passion for early childhood education. I love teaching young children because I know I have the opportunity to make a long-term, positive impact on a child's early development and future success. A quote that inspires my teaching is: "It takes a big heart to help shape little minds." The rol

• Antonietta

  Hello, my name is Ms. Toni, and I am the Pre-K Floater Teacher. Many years ago, I attended Westchester Community College, where I studied Human Services. My background includes working within the Connecticut school system as a Transition Specialist for high school students in Special Education. I’ve also served as an Employment Specialist for a nonprofit organization, helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment. I’ve always had a deep love for children, which is what drew me to early childhood education. It is truly a privilege to watch children learn, grow, and discover the world around them. I have two adult daughters, and while I’m not a grandmother yet, spending time with the children every day is a very close second! A quote that inspires my work is: “It takes a big heart to shape little minds.”