The Goddard School of Manhattan (93rd and Broadway)

Bios

• Bill

  The Goddard School of Manhattan has locations on both the Upper West Side and Upper East Side. We are a school, not a daycare center. We are committed to providing the highest level of stimulating development and warm nurturant care for Infants, and an age-appropriate curriculum for One Year-Olds and up in our Toddler, Preschool, and Pre-Kindergarten classrooms. Our schools are state-of-the-art facilities with many large sun-filled rooms. Our degreed teachers utilize our unique curriculum to teach your child in a fun and loving environment. As a parent, you stay connected with daily activity reports emailed to you, with photos and videos! Contact us for a tour of our Infant/Toddler Center and our Preschool Center. Bill Swan Ph.D., Onsite Owner

• Alexandra

  Alexandra earned her degree in Travel and Hospitality. Previously, she worked as the Office Manager for an Infant/Toddler school in Gramercy Park, where she managed the day to day of the school. She also has seven years’ experience as a dance teacher in the Bronx, where she taught toddlers and preteens. Working in early childhood education has helped her grow as a professional and has allowed her to see life through the eyes of a child. She has a passion for creating a fun environment that children want to come back to and values the importance of building children’s confidence and giving them a community in which they feel safe.

• Annie

  Ms. Annie is the Education Director of the Upper West Side Goddard School. She has a Master of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. Ms. Annie joined the Goddard Team in 2018 after teaching for over 20 years in a preschool classroom. At The Goddard School, Ms. Annie enjoys working closely with our families and teachers. She believes in having a warm nurturing environment where children can use their natural curiosity to learn through play and conversation.

• Sandra

  Sandra Sa has a Master's Degree from Teachers College, Columbia University and has NYS Teaching Certification. She started her tenure at The Goddard School in January 2012 as Education Director after working 8 years in leadership in another successful preschool. She has supported the growth of The Goddard Schools over the years, and she heads the Kindergarten Exmissions Program for the schools. Sandra's passion lies in supporting the education of young children while being a resource for families and teachers during this important time in a child's life.

• Candi

  Ms. Candi is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool program. She has her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Borough of Manhattan College. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education/ Special Education. She has been working with children from ages infant to preschool since 2020. Ms. Candi enjoys working with children, seeing them grow and achieving all of their milestones. She is a mother of three children and takes care of each child in her classroom as her own. The activity she enjoys the most is creative arts where the children can express themselves freely.

• Claire

  Ms. Claire is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Program. She is currently a school psychology doctoral student, specializing in preschool psychology at Fordham University. Ms. Claire has her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Educational Studies. She has worked with children since 2020, most recently, at another Goddard School in South Carolina, as a preschool teacher. Ms. Claire loves to travel and has visited eight countries. She also loves to cook and go on walks through Riverside Park. She is looking forward to being a part of this amazing school.

• Mecca

  Ms. Mecca is a Lead Teacher in our Toddler Program. She holds an Associate in Science Degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Care from Kingsborough Community College. She has worked with children and adults of all ages since 2015. She came to The Goddard School with a strong belief that every child and adult brings unique strengths to the table, and the school's philosophy mirrors her teaching philosophy. Ms. Mecca is passionate about creating a space where all learners feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. She feels honored to work alongside such committed educators and to partner with families who care so deeply about their children’s growth and development. She is looking forward to collaborating with families and teachers to make every child shine.

• Ms Naretha

  Ms. Naretha is a Lead Teacher in our Infant/Toddler Prgram. She has been working with children from the ages of 3 months to 5 years old since 2014. She also has experience working with children with special needs as a teacher's assistant, in her previous role. Ms. Naretha has a 15-year-old daughter of her own and takes pride in caring for the babies in her classroom, as if they were one of her own kids. A fun fact about Ms. Naretha is that she has an idential sister, who is also a teacher! She enjoys doing art with the infants and taking them for walks to the park for music or morning meetings. Her teacher approach is to create a loving environment for the children to feel safe and grow every day.

• Valene

  Ms. Valene is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Program. She has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Grand Canyon University. She has been working with children since 2009, most recently as a Special Education teaching assistant. Ms. Valene is a mother of one and is passionate about teaching. She believes that children have great minds and imagination. She likes to create a safe and comfortable environment where children can explore and accomplish tasks, allowing them to grow.

• Denise

  Ms. Denise is an Assistant Teacher in our Preschool Program. She holds dual Bachelor Degrees in Psychology and Children and Youth Studies from Brooklyn College, as well as an Associate’s Degree in Education Studies from Kingsborough Community College. Ms. Denise has worked with preschool age children since 2001. She believes in child advocacy and is devoted to ensuring that all children receive a comprehensive and inclusive early education. Ms. Denise is honored and excited to bring experience, passion, and dedication, and joyful energy to The Goddard School community and looks forward to contributing to its mission of fostering a nurturing and enriching environment through play for every child.

• Emma

  Ms. Emma is a Music Teacher at multiple Goddard locations. With over a decade of experience in the world of performing and a BFA in Musical Theatre from Pace University, Emma is eager to share her love of music with the next generation of bright students. She believes that music can be used as an integral tool in early childhood development. Whether singing, dancing, or taking turns strumming the guitar, class with Ms. Emma is sure to be a day of fun songs and warm energy. Emma is happiest when she is singing and smiling with the kids and looks forward to cultivating a nurturing learning environment.

• Florentina

  Ms. Florentina is an Assistant Teacher in our Infant/Toddler Program. She holds an Associate's Degree in Applied Science from LaGuardia Community College, equipping her with a strong foundation in education and child development. She has been working with children since 1998 and brings warmth and creativity to the classroom. She has a deep passion for teaching and strives to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity, find motor skills, and mindfulness. Her patient and positive approach allows children to explore, grow, and develop confidence in their abilities. Ms. Florentina loves singing, dancing, and having fun with the children, making the classroom a lively and joyful place.

• Griselda

  Ms. Griselda is an Assistant Teacher in our Preschool Program. She is currently pursuing her degree in Psychology from Lehman College. Ms. Griselda is looking forward to continuing her education with a Master’s Degree in Education. She has been working with children since 2017. She believes that working in early childhood education is a rewarding path that offers unique opportunities that impact children’s development and well-being. Ms. Griselda enjoys working with children because of the curiosity, the learning experience, and offering support and guidance is something that brings joy to her

• Karinel

  Ms. Karinel is an Assistant Teacher in our Infant/Toddler Program. She has worked with children ages from six weeks to 2 years old since 2018. Ms. Karinel has a deep passion for early childhood development. She specializes in creating a nurturing and engaging environment where infants can grow, explore, and thrive. She believes in supporting children's cognitive, emotional, and physical development through age-appropriate activities and responsive caregiving.

• Katherine

  Ms. Katherine is an assistant teacher in our Toddler program. She has her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hunter College. She has always loved working with children but her experience as a Paraprofessional is where she fell in love with teaching. She has decided to pursue her Masters in Early Childhood Special Education. She enjoys helping children express themselves through art, music, and play.

• Lianally

  Lianially is a dedicated supporting assistant teacher with 8 years of teaching experience. She worked as an Assistant Teacher in many educational settings giving her the opportunity to learn from other educators and institutions. Lia has worked with children ranging from infant to 6 years old and she brings her experiance in working with early childhood to The Goddard School.

• Linneice

  Ms. Linneice is an Assistant Teacher who supports all of our programs. She has been working as an assistant teacher since 2020. She was most recently an Associate Teacher in the Chole Day School working with preschool age children. Ms. Linneice is thrilled to join the Goddard School where she can nurture young minds and support their growth. She is very excited to be returning to school to pursue her Child Development Associate credential.

• Maritza

  Ms. Maritza is the Executive Assistant for the Broadway location. Maritza had been a Lead Teacher in our Infant classrooms since the program opened in 2013. She has a National Child Development Associates. Maritza has extensive experience working with children, and particularly enjoys working with infants. She finds the teaching profession very rewarding. She feels her greatest accomplishment has been helping children to become confident individuals. She especially enjoys helping children to feel safe and loved. Her favorite children’s song is ‘If You’re Happy & You Know It’