The Goddard School of West Long Branch

Bios

• Mr Jeffrey

  We're Michele and Jeff, and we couldn't be prouder to be the owners of The Goddard School of West Long Branch. As hands-on owners, you'll find us at the school every single day, ensuring that your child receives nothing but the best in academics and care. With four kids of our own (plus two amazing son-in-laws) and the joy of being grandparents to Ezra Jude and Logan Sadie, family is at the heart of everything we do. Before joining the Goddard family, we both had successful careers in sales management, bringing with us a wealth of experience and a passion for excellence. Now, we're channeling that same drive into creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where your child can learn, grow, and thrive. We can't wait to get to know each and every one of you and to embark on this incredible journey together. Above all, we treat every child who comes through our door as one of our own. We would love to show you our school!

• Ms Christine

  Since we opened our school in 1997, Christine has been the heart and soul as our Director. With a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Syracuse University and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Arcadia University, she's got the smarts and the passion for what she does. But before she landed here at Goddard, she was out there in the trenches, working with Head Start, corporate childcare, and teaching parents the ropes. Christine's not just a leader in our school; she's a beacon of knowledge in the wider educational community. She's led workshops, sharing her wisdom with fellow educators on everything from child development to how to support parents better. And she's even made her mark in the academic world, with her work published in the International Journal of Play. But when she's not busy shaping minds and sharing insights, Christine's all about the simple joys. She enjoys reading, walking and spending time with her family.

• Ms Amanda

  Amanda has been an integral part of our organization since 1998, bringing over two decades of expertise in early childhood education. With a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Reading from Fordham University, Amanda has continuously demonstrated her commitment to fostering a nurturing and enriching learning environment for young children. Throughout her tenure, Amanda has held various roles, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her profession. She has served as Assistant Director, Kindergarten Teacher, and most recently as the Lead Teacher for Pre-K. In these roles, Amanda has not only imparted academic knowledge but has also instilled a love for learning in her students, ensuring they are well-prepared for their educational journey ahead.

• Ms Joan

  Joan has been the Assistant Director of our school since September of 2015. An educator for over 26 years, she holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Rutgers University and her Master’s Degree in Special Education from William Patterson University. Her philosophy: "Every child is an individual and needs individual plans and goals, and parents need to know their child is safe and in a caring environment." She encourages parents to keep the school informed by making parents feel comfortable with open communication about the home and school. She makes herself available to the staff, the children, and the parents and over the years has developed many meaningful relationships. Joanie enjoys working hard to maintain the high-quality learning experience that our school is known for.

• Miss Angalina

  Miss Angie joined our team in the summer of 2024 and is now a Lead Teacher in our Pre-K classroom. She is working on her Bachelor's degree at Rutgers University while teaching with us at Goddard. Angie's smile and kind ways show in all she does with the children. Her philosophy is that a happy classroom starts with the teacher!

• Ms Frosty

  Ms. Frosty has been a dedicated and passionate Infant Room lead teacher at the Goddard School of WLB for an impressive 27 years, bringing with her extensive experience in early childhood education. Holding a Child Development Associate's Degree (CDA) in Infant/Toddler Education, she is well-equipped to nurture the minds and hearts of young learners. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Frosty enjoys spending quality time with her family, including her son, daughter-in-law, and two delightful grandsons. This speaks to her nurturing nature and love for fostering relationships, both within and outside the school environment. In her teaching approach, Ms. Frosty firmly believes that children learn best through play, exploration, language activities, and music. By incorporating hands-on activities and encouraging curiosity, she creates a dynamic learning environment where the little ones in her care can thrive, make new discoveries, and grow.

• Ms Kecia

  Kecia is the Lead Teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten Daisies 2 classroom. Having attended Brookdale Community College, she has been with Goddard since November of 2014. Currently Kecia is completing her Child Development Associate ( CDA) for Preschool. She uses her enthusiasm and energy to encourage the children to learn and explore. Her classroom is a safe place where the children learn about feelings, friendships, sharing, while still developing academically! She strives to be a patient and kind teacher willing to listen to both children and their parents and respond effectively to both.

• Ms Lauren

  Ms. Lauren is an Lead Teacher in our Toddler Room. She joined our team in 2023 graduated in May 2024 with her Bachelor's Degree from Rider University in Developmental Psychology. With 3 years of teaching experience at a neighboring Goddard School, Ms. Lauren brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. Ms. Lauren has a deep love for the babies in her care and firmly believes that "children are little seeds that can flourish into something amazing." Her teaching philosophy centers around providing children with the opportunity to grow and develop in a nurturing and supportive environment. Ms. Lauren's dedication to early childhood education and her commitment tto helping children reach their full potential make her a valuable member of our team.

• Ms Theresa

  Ms. Terry is a seasoned educator with over 22 years of experience working with children, 20 of which have been spent nurturing young minds in our program. With a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from William Paterson University, she is deeply committed to laying a strong foundation for her students as they prepare for the transition to Pre-K. Ms. Terry's approach to early childhood education centers around play-based learning, hands-on activities, and thoughtful teacher observation and planning. She understands the importance of preparing children for the structured environment of Pre-K while ensuring that they develop a love for learning that will carry them through their educational journey. In Ms. Terry's classroom, spontaneity and seizing teachable moments are prioritized to make learning fun and engaging for her students. Her patient, and respectful demeanor fosters a supportive learning environment where children feel empowered to explore, discover and grow.

• Ms Tina

  Ms. Tina holds a special place in our school's history, being the first teacher hired back in 1997. With her extensive tenure, she has become an integral part of our team, currently serving as the Lead Teacher in the Get Set classroom. Tina's educational background is impressive, with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, a Master's Degree in Special Ed, and a Preschool-Grade 3 Certification. Her diverse expertise equips her with a deep understanding of child development and the ability to meet the individual needs of each student. Tina is an advocate for making learning enjoyable and engaging. She believes in the power of music, movement, and hands-on activities to foster a dynamic learning environment where children thrive. One of Tina's most notable qualities is her unwavering dedication to providing positive reinforcement to her students. Every effort made by a child is met with praise, stickers, and happy notes home, instilling a sense of confidence and accomplishment.

• Ms Yazmin

  Yaz has been with Goddard WLB since 2016 and is our Toddler 2 Lead Teacher. She holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Brookdale Community College. She enjoys working with her class and finds that children are generally happy, curious, and anxious to learn. A favorite and important part of Yaz's program includes introducing the children to the many cultures within and outside the classroom. Her class is active with music, movement and dancing, and exploration! It is exciting to see how the children's individual personalities come out as Yaz encourages them to use their imaginations.

• Miss Denisse

  Introducing Ms. Denisse, the newest addition to our Goddard family! While she may be new to our school, she brings a wealth of experience from her time in various childcare centers. With her warm smile and unwavering dedication, Denise embodies the spirit of early childhood education. In the bustling TWOS classroom, Denisse serves as our dedicated assistant, she thrives on creating a welcoming atmosphere where children feel safe to explore, play, and learn. Despite being new to Goddard, Denisse's passion for her work shines through in everything she does. Whether she's comforting a tearful toddler or encouraging a curious mind, she approaches each day with enthusiasm and compassion.

• Miss Emily

  Emily joined our Goddard WLB family September 2024 with 5 years experience working in an early childhood setting. Emily jumped right in, getting to know all our families and children and currently is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler classroom. You will see her engaged with the children, playing on the floor and involved in many games. She brings love and happiness into each room! We are excited as Emily will be pursuing her Child Development Associate (CDA) with an the infant and toddler specialty this year.

• Miss Jazmyn

  Miss Jazmyn comes to us at Goddard with several years of experience with young children in a local after school program. You will see her amazing art talents on display in the toddler room and through out the school. She is always thinking and creating to enhance the toddlers experience here at Goddard. her kind, respectful and patient ways are perfect for the toddlers! She loves to be on the floor and play in centers with the children to enhance their learning.

• Ms Julia

  Ms. Julia joined Goddard West Long Branch in 2023. Julia earned her Associate's Degree in Early Education from Brookdale College. She comes to us with over 10 years experience caring for and teaching children. She believes that children can achieve anything if they're shown love and kindness. You can find Ms. Julia smiling and singing to the children in her classroom. She is warm, kind and loving. Julia is a devoted mother to Lorenzo, who also attends our school.

• Ms Krystal

  Ms. Krystal is a dedicated assistant teacher in the infant room at the Goddard school of WLB. She recently joined our school and comes to us with nearly 10 years of experience gained at another Goddard School, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Ms. Krystal firmly believes that children thrive in a positive and safe environment where they can play, explore and grow. Her commitment to providing a nurturing and stimulating atmosphere for the infants in her care make her a valuable addition to our team.

• Miss Mary

  Meet Ms. Mary B, our dedicated assistant teacher in the Get Set classroom. With an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Brookdale College, Mary has been an integral part of our team since 2017. For Mary, teaching isn't just a job—it's a passion. She firmly believes that children are born with an innate curiosity about the world around them and an eagerness to learn. It's this belief that drives her every day as she works alongside our young learners. In the Get Set classroom, Mary's nurturing presence helps create an environment where children can thrive. She delights in watching them discover new things, grow, and develop their unique personalities.

• Miss Mayuli

  Tenure 3 years (11/14/2018). Mayuli is presently working towards her Child Development Associate ( CDA) in In/Toddlers. She has worked with children for many years before joining Goddard of WLB. Infant room is where you will find Mayuli. She believes in "stimulating-teaching"--using all the senses actively. The babies may not be dancing but they are feeling the beat. They may not be using words, but they are smiling and cooing while she reads, sings, and speaks. They know love and trust as Mayuli cuddles, feeds, and changes them. It is important to remain calm whenever possible because your emotions are so easily felt and responded to by a child. As children grow and develop, Mayuli believes it is important that they learn the value of learning, and the value of life.

• Ms Mindy

  Teaching at the Goddard School of WLB marks a fulfilling second career for Mindy Horowitz. With a BA in Accounting from Monmouth University and a background in the accounting sector, Mindy brings a unique perspective to her role. Having recently transitioned from another local childcare center, she now finds joy in working with children of all age groups at our school. Mindy finds children to be inherently playful and happy, which makes her work incredibly rewarding. Her diverse professional background, coupled with her genuine love for nurturing young minds, enriches the educational experience for both her students and colleagues alike at the Goddard School of WLB.

• Miss Rosalyn

  Ms. Rosalyn is currently pursuing her Child Development Associate. She is a great addition to our staff as a floater. Rosalyn enjoys visiting all our classrooms and getting to know all the children. At Goddard, she finds joy in working alongside great colleagues and caring for all the children! With her dedication and passion for nurturing young minds, Rosalyn is a valuable member of our faculty.

• Ms Sara

  Sara brings over 2 decades of childcare experience to her role, having joined Goddard of WLB in 2003. Firmly rooted in the belief that "Children are our future, we need to teach them well and let them lead the way," Sara embodies a nurturing and supportive approach to early childhood education. She actively engages with the children, often seen getting down to their level on the floor, where she gently guides and assists them in discovering their own path to success. Sara understands the importance of encouragement and recognition in a child's journey, always emphasizing the value of perseverance and celebrating every step of progress. While Sara cherishes the moments she spends holding and cuddling the babies, her love and care extend to all the children throughout the day. She takes great joy in providing them with the care, attention, and affection they need to thrive, ensuring that each child feels cherished and valued.

• Mrs Sara

  Sara joined our Goddard WLB in May 2024. Her caring ways and love for the babies shows through in all her interactions. A mom of two, former private child care provider and senior facilities HHA, Sara brings a wealth of experience working with families. Sara loves to sing and is bi-lingual. Sara embraces Goddard's "learning through play" philosophy in all she does with her babies!

• Ms Suheil

  Miss Suheil joined us in 2017. Her motto is "Do as I do. Be caring, loveable, patient, a good listener, be kind, share, speak softly, be still." She sounds like a mom as well as a teacher and has many years to her credit being around children. Children learn by example and love to mimic so always be aware of your surroundings, your actions, and facial expressions, and your words. Suheil practices what she preaches...you just need to peek into her class and see her surrounded by children and giving lots of hugs and cuddles.

• Ms Susan

  You will know Sue by her loving and caring smile, and find her as Teacher in the Butterflies II classroom. She has been with Goddard since September 2004. She successfully demonstrates her deep understanding of child development by observing her fun activities as the children explore and discover and laugh! Sue loves to see the children's faces light up with smiles as she sings and gives lots of love, hugs, and comfort.

• Mrs Toni

  Toni joined our staff in June 2024 and came to us with years of experience working in the early education. Toni believes the secret to teaching is to spend time with each child, discovering how they learn and adjusting the curriculum to meet their individual needs. You will often see Toni singing with puppets, feeding, reading stories or strolling outside with the younger infants!