The Goddard School of West Orange

Bios

• Nicole

  Nicole Harrison is the On-Site Owner of The Goddard School of West Orange and of Livingston. As a mother of 4 children, she has always understood the importance of early childhood education. Nicole has a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health as well as a teaching degree in Physical Education and Health. She has many years of experience working in business prior to her teaching path. Nicole and her team are committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for the children in the community. Our unique nurturing approach will give your child the opportunity to develop into a joyful, confident learner who is prepared for success in school and in life.

• Kelly

  My name is Kelly Gonzalez, and I am very happy to be joining the West Orange Goddard as the Center Director. My career in Early Childhood Education began in 2005 as an infant teacher. Since then, I have received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development and have been working as a Center Director for the last 10 years. As a mom of 3 and an educator I have always loved working with children, keeping them safe and watching them learn and grow every day.

• Donna

  Hi families! My name is Donna, and I am excited to be the Assistant Director at The Goddard School of West Orange. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Montclair State University. I have leadership, teaching and case management experience. I decided to pursue a career in childcare because I genuinely enjoy being around all children. The innocence of children really warms my heart. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, baking, hosting fun get togethers with family and friends, and watching all things Bravo channel related (my guilty pleasure!). I am certified in CPR/First Aid, Severe Allergy Response, Including Children with Special Needs, Safe Sleep Practices, and Medication Administration.

• Anayyah

  Hello Goddard families, my name is Ms Anayyah and I am a graduate of Cicely L. Tyson, where I studied performing and fine arts. I also majored in animation! I love bringing my creative side and imagination to my classroom. I feel one can teach basic skills without love, but to truly make a difference in a student's life, there needs to be love. Love sees teaching as an art where we explore different ways of connecting to subject matter and to students. Love brings patience and understanding, which are so important in teaching. In my spare time, I am event coordinator for my business where I have created a platform to help black creators in my community share their art, music , talent and skills. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

• Jahonna

  Hi, my name is Jahonna. I am a proud aunt and love working with all children. I attended the Essex County Adult Education Program. I love all things orange. In my spare time I enjoy doing party planning. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

• Leandra

  I graduated high school in 2008. I obtained my CDA in preschool and completed my child development training. During my years working with children, I have cared for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and assisted aftercare with elementary students. I started out as an aftercare teacher. I have also been an assistant and a lead teacher. Working with children ensures each day will be a unique adventure. Children are exciting and very unpredictable. Nothing matches the energy of a child’s enthusiasm for life and eagerness to learn. Engaging in different tasks and activities every day, ensuring the children grow and learn to their best potential. When I am not at work, I love reading books, riding my exercise bike, art, dance, and singing.

• Marlissa

  Marlissa Field here, and it makes me extremely happy to be a part of the West Orange Goddard. I have been working with children since 2006. Since then, I've earned my Child Development Associate in Infant and Toddler and Associate of Arts in Education, and I'm currently enrolled at the University of Phoenix to complete my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Working with kids of all ages is enjoyable, and fostering an environment that is secure, enjoyable, and instructive for all kids is rewarding. I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, reading, and going on adventures. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained

• Monaysha

  My name is Monaysha Peele. I attended Kean University with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in English writing. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was in the third grade. Growing up, many of my teachers have inspired me and instilled great things within me. I want to do the same with the children I am working with because I do believe our children are the future. With the right amount of guidance, love, and care they will lead the way. I have worked with children of all different ages and in different areas of development. My motto is “All students can learn if you’re willing to teach them,” which I learned within my 5-year teaching journey thus far. One fun fact about me is that I also went to school for massage therapy and focused on prenatal and infant massages. I am CPR Certified/First Aid, severe allergy response, and safe sleep practices.

• Nezida

  Hello Goddard Families! My name is Ms. Nezi and I love working with children because it has numerous advantages. It's an opportunity to watch children grow and develop into confident, self-sufficient learners! I have been working with children for over 7 years in previous roles as a lead teacher as well. I am currently studying for my CDA. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

• Onya

  Hi families, I'm Ms. Onya! I have my Master's Degree from Ashford University for Early Childhood Education and my Bachelor's Degree from Montclair State University. I have been working with children in the preschool setting since 2017. I love working with children because I love to be a part of their growth and development. In my spare time, I enjoy drawing, coloring, and skating. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

• Sydney

  I graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a bachelor's degree in psychology. I have worked for the Goddard franchise for 3 years. I started as an assistant teacher and then moved up to head teacher. I am CPR certified, and first aid certified. I love watching the growth of every child and watching them succeed in every milestone. I love reading and watching TV.

• Amina

  Hello Goddard families, I am very excited to be apart of The Goddard West Orange team. I myself am a mom of two amazing kids. I love spending quality time with my friends and family. Working with children has numerous advantages. It's an opportunity to watch children grow and develop into confident, self-sufficient learners. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained

• Bella

  I am a very friendly/outgoing person. I love to mentor and work with children to ensure their development and future. I have my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in English and Psychology I love to sing and dance. I also love to spend time with my friends and family on my spare time. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained

• Courtney

  I went to college for child development. I have been working with kids since I was 14 years old. The children make my day. I love knowing that I play a role in each of my students lives. When I am not working, I enjoy skiing, rafting, and listening to music.

• Diamond

  Hi families, I’m Ms. Diamond! I graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and minor in Human services. I have since then worked in various positions such as Lead teacher in early education to English teacher for 4th graders. I choose to work with children because I love being able to impact the lives of others, especially children! It brings me joy helping them in their early development stages and allowing them to explore their creativity by cultivating a world full of endless ideas.

• Donna

  I went to school for early education and cosmetology. I have been teaching early childhood education for over seven years. I love to put smiles on little angels faces. Remember, learning is better than silver and gold, but a good education will never decay. When I am not at work, I love communicating with my family in Jamaica. Watching movies, reading, and encouraging my friends and family to be nice because life is a gift. I am also very interested in learning about other cultures and ethnic groups.

• Eliza

  Hi, I’m Ms. Eliza! I live in West Orange with my parents and my two dogs. I graduated from Centenary University where I received my Bachelor’s degree in communication. I love working with kids of all ages, they make every day so exciting! In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, and being in nature. I am so excited to get to work with your children and help them grow.

• Jacqueline

  Hello I am Ms. Jackie and have been working in childcare for many years. I also worked in cosmetology, in accounting, and am a certified Zumba teacher. I love working with all ages of children they are so valuable and smart. I love making them happy , comfortable, and feel important. In my spare time I enjoy acting, dancing, and singing. I have acted and appeared in my first gospel movie on the big screen at the CityPex Theater in Newark last year. I enjoy Basketball, Skating, cooking, and enjoying life. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained

• Jaylin

  Hello Goddard families, my name is Jaylin Gary, and I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. I am currently enrolled at Saint Peter’s University studying Early Childhood Education. I love working with children and teaching them. My all-time favorite thing to do is teach, but outside of teaching I love to go on runs with my puppy, read mystery books, and cook. Some fun facts about me are that I am an Aries, I love anything pink, and pizza is my most favorite food. I love being on the Goddard school team! I have over 20 training hours under my belt, I am CPR/First Aid certified, severe allergy response, and safe sleep practices.

• Ke'edra

  Hello Goddard Families, I have been working in childcare since 2014. I love working with children because I love to watch them blossom and see where their minds take them. In my free time I enjoy spending quality time with my family. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

• Milani

  I am a high school graduate, and I also attended the Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts in East Orange. I started working with kids at the age of 14. I worked for a daycare in the city as a summer job, and ever since then I have wanted to continue a career working with children. I also worked for the YMCA for about two years. I love working with children because I want to have a positive impact on their lives. I enjoy building relationships with children as a fellow caregiver. I have been very happy to have the opportunity to learn and grow. Children have a special place in my heart. I love every kid that I come across. When I am not working, I love cooking, cleaning, sports, and music.

• Neissa

  I am currently attending Rutgers University. I am majoring in social services. I have been babysitting and tutoring for many years, as well as working with Get Set programs. I find great satisfaction in creating connections and understanding each child that I have worked with. When I am not working, I love to explore different restaurants, museums, fitness, listen to music, and doing community service for my church.

• Omiana

  I graduated high school and am currently enrolled in school. I worked for a daycare for almost two years as well as foundation prep schools for some time. I was also an after-school teacher for four years during high school. By nature, children are active, imaginative, and creative. The activities, lessons, and experiences of working with children also help me to increase my own imagination and creativity. Working with children involves love, laughter, caring, and some tears, but there is never a dull moment. I enjoy reading books in my free time, and I am also a mom. Taking care of my daughter, spending time with her, and taking her to dance classes.

• Quaasia

  I graduated high school in 2019. I have been babysitting for 7 years and have worked in childcare over the summers. I grew up in a big family. Once I turned 16, I knew I wanted to work with children. I love playing with children and teaching them. When I am not working, I enjoy watching shows, coloring, taking walks around parks, and sleep overs with my siblings and cousins.

• Savanna

  Hello Goddard families, my name is Ms. Savanna! I decided to pursue a career in childcare because I truly enjoy the experience of watching children grow and to see them excel along the way. I have worked with different age groups for the last couple of years, and I have treasured every moment I've had in the childcare field so far. I am currently attending New Jersey City University, majoring in media relations. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family and friends, along with traveling and making new memories! I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

• Teresa

  Hello Goddard Families, my name is Ms. Teresa and I love working with children because it allows me to make an impact in a positive way in a child's life. Previously I worked at Marshal Elementary in South Oranges with Pre-K through second grade students. I am a proud mother of six and in my spare time I enjoy roller skating, bowling, baking cookies and binge watching forensic files. I am CPR/First Aid certified, safe sleep certified, allergy response trained, and child abuse trained.

• Vineece

  Hello Goddard families! My name is Ms. Vineece and I love working with children because everyday I am making an impact in their future! I have been working with children for the last 7 years and could not be happier. In my spare time, I love to cook and sing! I am also CPR/First Aid certified!

• Sandra

  Sandra is a part of our resource team! She is a proud resident of Essex county and has lived here her entire life. Sandra has worked with children for over 20 years as a childcare provider and knew from a young age that working with kids was what she wanted to do in life. She is a proud mother of 5 and grandmother of 3!

• Susan

  Ms. Sue is a loving and caring mom of 5 and grandmother of 6! She is our afternoon "Grandma" assistant and helps in each classroom - she truly enjoys working with every single age group!