The Goddard School of Manhattan (StuyTown)

Bios

• Rami

  Mr. Singh is a proud husband and father of three young children, Asees (7), Japna (5) and Kirpa (2). Inspired by his own children and the lack of quality care available, Mr. Singh developed a passion for Early Childhood Education which led him to open The Goddard School in Murray Hill. Prior to this, Mr. Singh worked in Finance and has a dual major in Finance and Accounting. Mr. Singh spends most of his time playing with his children and providing them every opportunity to develop a love of learning.

• Allison

  Ms. Allison holds a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education from Cortland University and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Brooklyn College and is currently finishing a Childhood Program Administration Credential. She started working in the childcare field after having her first child and quickly discovered a passion for helping families feel comfortable and confident in their child’s care. With two children currently enrolled at Goddard, this is more than just a job for her. Her favorite children’s book is “The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend.” By Dan Santat

• Emily

  Ms. Emily holds a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Washington University in St. Louis and a Masters degree in Special Education from The College of New Rochelle. Emily has been working in Early Childhood Education for over ten years. She began her career as a classroom teacher before spending five years working in New York State's Early Intervention Program. More recently, Emily served as an Education Director at an Early Childhood center before joining us at The Goddard School. Emily has a passion for working with children and her favorite children's book is "Angelina Ballerina" by Katherine Holabird and Helen Craig.

• Jillian

  Ms. Jillian has an Associate's degree in Liberal Arts from Orange County Community College. Part of the original staff, Ms. Jillian has been with Goddard since our Stuytown location opened in 2022. Her favorite part about working in early childhood is the hugs she gets after handing out stickers at the end of the day and fostering positive and meaningful relationships with families and children alike. Her favorite children’s book series is "Frog & Toad."

• Yolanda

  Ms. Yolanda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art and Sciences from Ashford University. Having worked in childcare centers for over 25 years, her passion is bringing organization and order to our front office. You can often find her in classrooms engaging in read alouds and singing along to the children’s favorite songs. Her favorite children’s book is “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss.

• Candace

  Ms. Candace is a Lead Teacher in our 2s Program. She has an Associate's degree in Liberal Arts from SUNY Delhi, a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Studies from SUNY Oneonta and is finishing her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Utica University. Her favorite part about working with two-year olds is watching them learn and grow. She enjoys teaching them new things every day and seeing the smiles on their faces. Her favorite children’s book is “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr.

• Carmen

  Ms. Carmen is a Lead Teacher in our 1s Program and currently holds a High School Diploma. She has worked in Early Childcare since 1997 and her favorite part of working with young children is watching them grow and reach their milestones. Ms. Carmen also enjoys offering Arts & Crafts opportunities for children to engage in self expression. Her favorite children's book is "Cuddle, Cuddle Little Koala" by Danielle McLean.

• Evelyse

  Ms. Evie is a Lead Teacher in the 2s Program, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Hunter College and is currently working on her Master’s degree from City College in Early Childhood. Her favorite part about working with three-year-olds is the fact that you can start to see the early foundations of academics such as pre-writing skills and early literacy skills. Her favorite children’s book is “Mixed- A Colorful Story” by Arree Chung.

• Jancys

  Ms. Jancys, known to everyone as Ms. Des, is an Assistant Teacher in our 2s Program with a Bachelor's degree in Forensics Psychology. She has been working in Early Childcare since 2023. Her favorite part about working with young children is the lifelong memories of making an impact on her students' development. Her favorite children’s books is "Good Night Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown.

• Julia

  Ms. Julia is a Lead Teacher in our 3s Program, and she holds a Bachelor's degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education. She has been working with children since 2014 starting out as a coach and camp counselor which sparked her love of teaching. Ms. Julia's favorite activities with her students are reading books and doing art projects, and she finds it fascinating how each child has such a unique take on the world around them. Her favorite children's book series are the Berenstain Bears and Shel Silverstein's collection of poems.

• Kadeen

  Ms. Kadeen is a Lead Teacher in our 2s Program, and she holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Development and is continuing her studies towards a Bachelor's degree in the same field. Ms. Kadeen has worked with children since 2013. She enjoys developmentally appropriate activities like reading books, painting, coloring, and most of all, having a bubbly, full-on conversation, whether baby babbling or spoken words. Kadeen's favorite book is "Snowy Day" by Ezra Jacks Keat.

• Lora

  Ms. Lora is a Lead Teacher in our 1s Program and holds a High School Diploma. She has been working with children since 2013 ranging from infants all the way up to middle school. Ms. Lora's favorite part of working in childcare is witnessing her students take their first steps and then work their way up to achieving a level of self-sufficiency. Her favorite children's books are the "Strega Nona" series by Tomie dePaola.

• Marie

  Ms. Marie is a Lead Teacher in our 4's Program, and she holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University. Her favorite thing to do with children is sharing her love of music and singing. You can always find her classroom engaged in a dance party. Her favorite children’s book is “Pete the Cat- I Love my White Shoes” by Eric Litwin.

• Sandy

  Ms. Sandy is a Lead Teacher in our Infant Program, and she holds a High School Diploma. She has been in early childcare since 2016, and her favorite part about working with infants is watching them grow and develop into independent explorers. Her favorite children's fairytale is: The Three Little Pigs."

• Sonia

  Ms. Sonia is a Lead Infant teacher who holds a High School diploma. Ms. Sonia has been working with children since 2009, she enjoys watching the babies discover things for the first time, and she loves to make them laugh because she believes a baby's laugh can cure anything. Her favorite children's book is "I Love Myself" by Karen Beaumont.

• Sydney

  Ms. Sydney is a Lead Teacher in our 1s Program who holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, with a minor in Spanish, and a focus on Childhood Study. Ms. Sydney has been working with children since 2013, and she truly values witnessing the growth and development her students experience on a daily basis. Her favorite children's book is "The Runaway Bunny" by Margaret Wise Brown.

• Taylor

  Ms. Taylor is a Lead Teacher in our Infant Program. She holds an Associate's degree in Liberal Arts and is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Art History. Ms. Taylor has been working with young children since 2022. Her favorite part about working in Early Childcare is seeing the children's faces light up as they enter class as it shows that they feel safe and loved. Ms. Taylor's favorite children's book is "Green Eggs & Ham" by Dr. Seuss.

• Christina

  Ms. Christina is a member of our Resource Team. She holds a High School Diploma, and has been working with children since 2007. Her favorite part of working in childcare is watching young minds grow. Ms. Christina has a passion for inspiring and educating young learners. She shares that every child is different and she enjoys learning from them. Her favorite children's book is "Time for Bed Fred" by Yasmeen Ismail.

• Dante

  Mr. Dante is our center's Food Handler. He has worked as a Food Handler since 2011 and joined us in August of 2025. His favorite part about working in childcare is serving our future scholars. Mr. Dante strongly believes that if we instill in children the drive to follow their dreams, they will be in control of their success. His favorite book series is Where's Waldo?

• Elizabeth

  Elizabeth is an Infant Assistant Teacher and currently holds a Child Development Associate certification. While she has been working with children since 2008, she loves working with infants the most. Caring for younger children is her passion and she enjoys watching them develop new skills each day. Her favorite children's books are "Good Night Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle.

• Kayla

  Ms. Kayla is an Assistant Teacher in our 3s Program and is currently getting her CDA with a concentration in Preschool. Her favorite part about working with three-year olds is learning with them; as each day offers opportunities for growth. Her favorite children’s book is “Curious George” by H.A. Rey.

• Marcella

  Ms. Marcey is an Assistant Teacher in our Infant program, and she holds a High School Diploma. She has been working in childcare since 2018, and she values building bonds with each individual child, reading books, and making them laugh. Ms. Marcey's favorite children's book "Flat Stanley" by Jeff Brown.

• Mary Kate

  Ms. Mary Kate, known to everyone as MK, is an Assistant Teacher in our 2s Program with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Providence College. She has a strong passion for childhood development and has worked in Early Childcare since 2020. Her favorite part of the day is when she can run around and play with her students. MK loves watching young children explore and grow in their abilities and self-confidence. One of her favorite children’s books is "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle because the kids’ faces light up every time she reads it!

• Michelle

  Ms. Michelle is an Assistant Teacher in our Pre K Program and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. She has been working in childcare since 2023. Ms. Michelle’s favorite part of working with children is being a part of the fundamental learning experiences that help each child grow. and her favorite book is "A Chair for My Mother" by Vera Williams.

• Rachelle

  Ms. Rachelle is a Lead Teacher in our 1s Program, and she is working on earning an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been in childcare since 2020 with a wide range of age groups. Ms. Rachelle finds the rewards of working with children through witnessing the joy they experience when they acquire a new life skill. Her favorite children's book is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Eric Carle.

• Sophie

  Ms. Sophie is a Lead Teacher in our 2s Program, and she holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications. She has been working with children since 2018 and she loves having dance parties with the kids and seeing the joy and excitement it brings them! Sophie's favorite children's book is "Adele and Simon" by Barbara McClintock.

• Vanessa

  Ms. Vanessa is an Assistant Teacher in our Infant Program and currently holds a High School Diploma. She has been working with young children since 2000 and while she loves working with all ages, she finds that the impact on children's development and building relationships is best experienced with infants. Ms. Vanessa's favorite children's book is "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss.

• Victoria

  Ms. Victoria is an Assistant Teacher in our 1s Program, and she holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. She has been working with children since 2015, and she loves seeing her students learn new important life skills every day. Victoria's favorite children's book is "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll.

• Wislady

  Ms. Wislady is an Assistant Teacher in our 1's Program, and she holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication. She has been working with children since 2023, and she enjoys working with children because every day brings new discoveries. She loves being able to support their growth, celebrate their milestones and create a safe, nurturing space where they feel confident to explore and learn. Ms. Wislady's favorite children's book is "Junie B. Jones and The Stupid Smelly Bus" by Barbara Park.

• Aileen

  Ms. Aileen is a member of our Resource Team, she holds a High School Diploma and has been working in Early Childcare since 2000. Her favorite part about working in Early Childcare is having the ability to engage with children and share stories of their daily experiences with families at pick up. Her favorite children's literature series is "Pete the Cat."

• Angelina

  Ms. Angelina is an Assistant Teacher in our 2s program and has a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been working with children since 2021, and she enjoys connecting with children and making a positive impact on their lives. Her favorite children's book is "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown.

• Cheikh

  Mr. Cheikh is a member of our Resource Team, and he currently holds a Bachelor's degree in Business, with a Focus in Accounting. He has worked in Early Childcare since 2015. Mr. Chiekh's favorite part about working in Early Childcare is Playing in the playground or gym with the children. As a former athlete and currently a basketball coach, he finds a lot of joy in running and playing with the kids. His favorite children's book is "Pete the Cat: Groovy Guide to Life" by James Dean.

• Chelsea

  Ms. Chelsea is a member of our Resource Team, and she holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She has been working with children ranging from infants up to 10 years old since 2022. Ms. Chelsea's favorite part of working with children is reading to them, and her favorite book is "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown.

• Danielle

  Ms. Danielle is a member of our Resource Team. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Princeton University. She has worked in education since 2014, and her favorite part of working in childcare is enabling children of all ages to develop a profound love of learning. Her favorite nursery rhyme is "Old Mother Hubbard."

• Jacqueline

  Ms. Jackie is an Assistant Teacher in our 2s program, and she is currently pursuing a BA in Speech Pathology & Audiology with a double minor in Early Childhood Education & Spanish. She has been working in Childcare since 2022. Ms. Jackie's favorite part of working with children is supporting their growth and celebrating the little milestones that make a big difference. Her favorite book is "The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister.

• Jennifer

  Ms. Jennifer is a member of our Resource Team, and currently holds a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and an Associate's degree in Multimedia Programming with a Publishing Certificate. She has been working in Early Childcare since 2019 and thoroughly enjoys engaging in art activities with her children. Her favorite children’s book is "Mixed- A Colorful Story" by Arree Chung.

• Maria Belen

  Ms. Belen is an Assistant Teacher in our 1's Program. She currently has a HS Diploma and has been working in Early Child Care since 2020. Her favorite part about working with young children is laying the foundation for children to achieve developmental milestones that include first steps and learning numbers, among many other skills. Ms. Belen's favorite children's book is "A Mother for Choco" by Keiko Kasza.

• Syeda

  Ms. Syeda is an Assistant Teacher in our 1s program. She holds a Master's degree in English and has been in childcare since 2005. Her favorite part about working in Early Childcare is the ability to teach children and witness how they apply what they've learned to their everyday experiences. Ms. Syeda's favorite children's books are the Peter and Jane series by Ladybird.

• Yoseilis

  Ms. Yoseilis is a member of our Resource Team. She holds a High School Diploma, and has been working with children since 2015. Her favorite part of working in childcare is the long-term relationships she builds with the children and families in her care. Her favorite children's book is "Llama Llama Red Pajama" by Anna Dewdney.