The Goddard School of North Bethesda (White Flint)

Bios

• Ms Katherine Eden (Worley)

  Mrs. Eden has her Bachelors degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Salisbury University. She spent the first five years of her career with Montgomery County Public Schools as both a kindergarten and a second grade teacher. Mrs. Eden has another five years of experience with the Goddard School in Gaithersburg, both as a teacher and as an administrator. She is committed to creating a educational program for students that instills an early love of learning. In her free time, Mrs. Eden enjoys musical theatre and spending time with her husband and their dog, Cooper.

• Mr Worley

  Mr. Worley obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, from the University of Maryland and his Master's degree in Engineering from Stanford University. He has Business Administration training from both Georgia State University and The University of Maryland. Mr. Worley has over 25 years of professional experience in Engineering and Business Administration. Mr. Worley and his wife, Jill, have been with Goddard since 2003 and also operate the award-winning Goddard School located in Gaithersburg.

• Mrs Garcia

  Mrs. Garcia received her Bachelor’s Degree from Towson University and a few years later went on to get her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland. Before coming to the Goddard School, Mrs. Garcia spent 3 years as a public school teacher for Montgomery County where she taught 1st and 2nd grade. Mrs. Garcia was born and raised in Germantown, Maryland. She currently resides in her hometown with her two fluffy dogs, Oliver and Mimi, her husband, Edward, and their daughter Angela, a proud Goddard baby! She enjoys going on hikes with her dogs and loves the beach and the sun!

• Mrs Roebuck

  Mrs. Roebuck, our Executive Director, oversees all three of our Sister Schools: North Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and Silver Spring. She has her Elementary Education degree from East Carolina University and spent the first six years of her career teaching both in the public schools and then as a Pre-Kindergarten/ Kindergarten teacher in a private school setting. Before joining The Goddard School, she helped open and operate a number of smaller preschool locations in lower Montgomery County. Mrs. Roebuck lives in Rockville with her husband and sons Roland and Luke who are graduates of our program.

• Ms Dade

  Ms. Megan Dade has her Bachelor's degree from Wheeling Jesuit University in Elementary Education and a certification in Special Education, K-12. Prior to joining the Goddard School, Ms. Dade spent 8 years teaching in private schools as well as 4 years as an Assistant Director at another school in Montgomery County. She currently lives in Greenbelt with her husband.

• Ms Drake

  Ms. Elizabeth Drake has her Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. Prior to joining the Goddard School, Ms. Drake spent 6 years teaching preschool through elementary aged students and ~1 year as an Assistant Director at another preschool in Maryland. She currently lives in Montgomery Village with her family.

• Ms Akadia

  Ms. Rita Akadia joined us in 2023 as a Lead Teacher. She has her Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus and experience with students aged 2 months through 12 years. In her free time, Ms. Akadia enjoys going to DC, eating in good restaurants, and watching cooking shows.

• Ms Braun

  Ms. Rebecca Braun joined us in 2023 as a Lead Teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park and has experience working with Preschoolers. Ms. Braun lives in Poolesville with her daughter, and in her free time enjoys gardening and taking care of her plant collection.

• Ms Camacho

  Ms. Camacho joined our team in March 2020 as an Assistant teacher and now works as a Lead Infant/Toddler teacher! She is certified through the State of Maryland to teach both Infants/Toddlers and Preschool. Before coming to The Goddard School, she had 4 years of teaching experience working with students aged 6 weeks through 5 years and feels with confidence that her favorite age group is Infants and Toddlers!

• Ms Castellanos

  Ms. Leila Castellanos joined our team in June 2022 as a Lead Teacher. She has her Bachelor's degree from the Higher Institute of Humanities of Tunis and is fully teacher-certified within the Maryland State Department of Education. She came to us with 4 years experience teaching Preschool through middle schoolers, both in Tunisia and Maryland! Ms. Castellanos lives in Silver Spring and is fluent in both English and French.

• Ms Gates

  Ms. Lily Gates joined us in 2023 as a Lead Teacher. She has her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland, College Park and experience working with Preschool students and in both Montgomery County and Prince George's County Public Schools. She is fully certified in the Preschool age group. Ms. Gates lives in North Bethesda and in her free time, enjoys creating art and exercising.

• Ms Gerard

  Ms. Gabrielle Gerard joined us in 2023 as a Lead Teacher. She has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland College Park and experience working with infants through elementary-aged students. In her spare time, Ms. Gerard enjoys reading, making beaded jewelry, and spending time outside.

• Ms Gordon

  Ms. Serena Gordon joined us in 2024 as a FLEX teacher. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts, an Associates Degree in Education, and joined us with two years of experience working with children. Ms. Gordon believes the best part about being a teacher is having a positive impact on her students. In her spare time, Ms. Gordon enjoys dancing; she even danced competitively in college!

• Ms Greene

  Ms. Greene joined our team in 2021 and is a Lead Infant/Toddler teacher. She has her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and her 90-hour certifications within the State of Maryland. Before coming to The Goddard School, Ms. Greene worked for over three years at a different preschool in the Infant/Toddler age group. She works hard to create a safe and nurturing environment for her students while prioritizing communication with her students’ families.

• Ms Hemnani

  Ms. Hemnani joined us in 2022 as a FLEX teacher. She has her Bachelor's degree in Education from Seva Sadan College and her Master's degree from RKT College. Ms. Hemnani has 13 years of experience working with students aged Preschool through high school! She lives in North Bethesda with her family. In her free time, Ms. Hemnani enjoys cooking, yoga, listening to music, and spending time with family.

• Ms Magtibay

  Ms. Mabelle Magtibay joined us in 2023 as a Lead Teacher. She holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education and joined us with eight years of experience teaching Preschoolers. In her free time, Ms. Magtibay enjoys cooking plant-based meals and reading novels. She believes the best part about being a teacher is witnessing her students' growth and development while collaborating with families.

• Ms McNeal

  Ms. Lauren McNeal joined us in 2022 as a Lead Teacher. She has her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Towson University and is fully teacher-certified through the Maryland State Department of Education. Ms. McNeal has experience teaching students aged Preschool through first grade. She believes in creating an environment where students feel safe, so they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

• Ms Palmer

  Ms. Kelly Palmer joined us in 2023 as a Lead Teacher. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Coppin State University and joined us with two years of teaching experience. In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, and crafting. She says the best part about being a teacher is watching her students discover something they didn't know before.

• Ms Shepp

  Ms. Maria Shepp joined us in 2023 as a Lead Teacher. She graduated from Elon University with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and is fully certified through the Maryland State Department of Education in the Preschool age group. She joined us with two years of experience working with students aged 2-7. Ms. Shepp lives in Silver Spring with her family and believes that the most important thing a teacher can do is help children learn the words to express themselves.

• Mrs Shriwastawa

  Ms. Sweta Shriwastawa joined us in 2023 as a Lead Teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree from India and has her 90-hour certifications in the Preschool age group. Ms. Shriwastawa joined us with two years teaching experience with students aged 2-4 years. Ms. Shriwastawa lives in North Bethesda with her husband and two daughters, one of whom is a Goddard student!

• Mr Spitler

  Mr. Ian Spitler joined us in 2023 as a Lead Teacher. He has a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from the University of Georgia and joined us with two years of experience working with students aged 3-5 years. In his spare time, he enjoys playing video games, reading poetry, and creative writing.

• Ms Taylor

  Ms. Rena Taylor joined us in 2022 as a FLEX teacher before transitioning into a Lead Teacher role. Ms. Taylor graduates in 2022 with her Bachelor's degree in Deaf Studies from Towson University and is also our ASL teacher! She has her 90-hour certifications from the Maryland State Department of Education and came to us with three years of experience working with students of all ages. Ms. Taylor loves being a teacher because she enjoys seeing student "breakthroughs!"

• Ms Xiloj

  Ms. Xiloj joined us in 2021 as a Lead Toddler teacher. She has her full teacher credentials through the State of Maryland for both Infants/Toddlers and Preschoolers. Ms. Xiloj has two years teaching experience, coming to the Goddard School. In her free time, Ms. Xiloj enjoys spending her time with her dog, Lucy, and playing the piano. To her, the best part about being a teacher is knowing that you are one of the few people to help change and impact children’s lives.

• Ms Ahmad

  Ms. Hasina Ahmad joined us in 2022 as a FLEX teacher and is now an Assistant Teacher. She is fully certified through the Maryland State Department of Education. In her free time, Ms. Ahmad enjoys reading and going on walks.

• Ms Akimana

  Ms. Bernisse Akimana joined us in 2023 as a FLEX teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree from Trinity Washing University and experience with children with diverse learning needs. Ms. Akimana lives in Silver Spring and believes that the best learning environment for children is one where they feel safe and free and explore learning at their own pace

• Ms Balsa

  Ms. Gabriella Balsa joined us in 2022 as an Assistant teacher. She has 25 years of experience working with infant through Pre-K students, is fully certified through the Maryland State Department of Education, and has her Associate's degree. Ms. Balsa lives in Rockville with her children and husband. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, spending time with family, and cooking different foods.

• Ms Gosse

  Ms. Anne Gosse joined us in 2023 as an Assistant Teacher. She holds her Associate's degree from Montgomery College and has experience working with infants through 5 year-olds. Ms. Gosse lives in Gaithersburg with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, drawing, and spending time with her family.

• Ms Hernandez

  Ms. Julissa Hernandez joined us in 2023 as a FLEX teacher. She joined our Goddard family with experience working with students aged 4 months through 8 years. She has her Infant/Toddler certifications and is fully certified in the Maryland State Department of Education. In her free time, Ms. Hernandez enjoys going to the gym with her sister!

• Ms Ivanova

  Ms. Sasha Ivanova joined us in 2023 as a FLEX teacher, with experience working with students aged 4-5 years. She lives in Silver Spring and in her free time, enjoys going to the park and cooking.

• Ms Jackson

  Ms. Tiffany Jackson joined us in 2023 as a FLEX teacher. She joined us with a year of experience working with students aged 3-5 and has her certifications through the State of Maryland. Ms. Jackson lives in Rockville with her son! In her free time, they enjoy having dance battles and going to the park.

• Ms Macrae

  Ms. Macrae joined us in 2021 and is one of our Assistant teachers. She has a Bachelor’s degree, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree, both from the University of Maryland. She is teacher-qualified within the State of Maryland! Prior to coming to Goddard, Ms. Macrae tutored and mentored elementary through high school aged students. In her free time, Ms. Macrae enjoys painting scenes from nature, swimming, and hiking. Ms. Macrae lives in North Bethesda with her family, walking distance to our campus!

• Ms Mohammad

  Ms. Maryam Mohammed joined us in 2022 as a FLEX teacher. She believes in differentiating instructional and learning experiences for each child. Ms. Mohammed lives in Rockville with her family.

• Ms Sanchez

  Ms. Stephanie Sanchez joined us in 2023 as a FLEX teacher. She joined our team with 2 years of experience working with students aged 2-6 years. Ms. Sanchez believes the best part of being a teacher is building strong relationships with her students! In her free time, she plays league volleyball and creates pottery.

• Ms Sierra

  Ms. Jaymely Sierra joined us in 2023 as a FLEX teacher. She has her 90-hour certifications and came to us with 3 years of experience working with infants through Pre-Kindergarten students. In her free time, Ms. Sierra enjoys painting and listening to music.

• Ms Ward

  Ms. Michelle Ward joined us in 2023 as a FLEX teacher. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and holds her 90-hour certifications in the Preschool age group. She joined us with 3+ years working with infants and toddlers. In her free time, Ms. Ward enjoys shopping and spending time with her baby daughter.

• Mrs Chakravarty

  Ms. Chakravarty joined our team in 2021 and is an Assistant Teacher in our Early Preschool program. She has her 90-hour certifications through the State of Maryland and her Bachelor's degree from the University of Calcutta. Ms. Chakravarty believes in building lifelong relationships with her students. She lives in Gaithersburg with her husband and two daughters. In her spare time, Ms. Chakravarty enjoys to listen to music, cook new food, and practice sewing and crocheting.

• Ms Corwell

  Ms. Corwell joined us in 2022, when we opened, as a FLEX teacher! She has almost 4 decades of experience working with students of all ages. In her free time, Ms. Corwell enjoys art, puppetry, and spending time with her son.

• Ms Cruz

  Ms. Teresa Cruz joined us in 2022 as a FLEX teacher. She has her Bachelor's degree from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Mexico and is credentialed through the State of Maryland. Ms. Cruz loves painting and working with other modes of art. She loves integrating art into the classroom!

• Ms Diop

  Ms. Khady Diop joined us in 2022 as a FLEX teacher. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree from Montgomery College. Ms. Diop lives in North Bethesda with her twin sister, another Goddard North Bethesda teacher! She believes that being a good listener and observer are key components to being a good teacher.

• Ms Diop

  Ms. Oumy Diop joined us in 2022 as a FLEX teacher. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree from Montgomery College. Ms. Diop lives in North Bethesda with her twin sister, another Goddard North Bethesda teacher! She is passionate about architecture, mathematics, and geometry, and loves to incorporate STEM in the classroom.

• Ms Howard

  Ms. Kyra Howard joined us in January 2024 as a FLEX teacher. She holds her 90-hour certifications in the Preschool age group and joined us with 4 years of experience working with students aged 2-6 years. Ms. Howard lives with her family, including her dog Tulsie, in Bethesda. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing/painting, reading, writing, and exercising.

• Ms Peddireddy

  Ms. Hymavathi Peddireddy joined us in 2023 as a FLEX Teacher. She holds her Bachelor's degree from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur and her 90-hour certifications through MSDE. Ms. Peddireddy has experience working with students aged 2 through 4 years. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, walking, watching movies, gardening, and spending time with her family. She lives in Rockville with her husband and daughter.