The Goddard School of Lake Forest (Baker Ranch)

Bios

• Ms Parina

  We're thrilled to offer our outstanding STEAM program to our community. With two children of my own, I deeply value a secure, high-quality, loving, and learning environment. With a background in Business Administration and over a decade of management experience, I've operated The Goddard School of Lake Forest since 2016 and am excited to open a new location in Tustin. My focus is on creating a nurturing atmosphere where children thrive socially and academically. Our curriculum integrates Yoga, Chess, Robotics, Spanish, Mandarin, Sign Language, and more. Seeing children's joy and receiving their hugs is the highlight of my day. I invite you to visit, meet our dedicated teachers, and learn about The Goddard approach. Let us show you how we support children's growth and development.

• Ms Jennifer

  Ms. Jennifer Irving joined The Goddard School in 2017 and brings over 15 years of experience as a Preschool and Infant Center Director. Her educational philosophy aligns closely with Goddard’s belief that children learn best when they are having fun — a principle she’s also seen firsthand while raising her three wonderful children. Jennifer is passionate about creating a loving, nurturing environment where children can thrive. She believes in building strong partnerships with families and teachers, recognizing that it truly takes a village to raise a child. She warmly welcomes everyone to stop by her office to say hello — her door is always open!

• Ms Jennifer

  Jennifer has been the Director of Education at The Goddard School since 2019, where she leads the STEAM curriculum and oversees enrichment programs such as yoga, chess, and robotics. With a passion for early childhood education, she is dedicated to fostering the growth of young learners and mentoring her team to help them thrive every day. With over eight years of experience in Teaching, Administration, Event, and Marketing Management for ECE centers, Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. As a mother of two, Jennifer is deeply committed to supporting families and believes in nurturing each child's unique potential. She lives by the motto, "Children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded," and is honored to serve the families in her community.

• Ms Mary

  A mother of two, Ms. Mary joined the Goddard School in 2024 after 10+ years in various early childhood roles and responsibilities. "I have been very fortunate to have discovered what I believe in my core to be my truest purpose and it happens to connect with my truest passion which is, working with children. For over the last decade, I have built my career in Early Childhood Education, working with children in ages ranging from 6 weeks to 6 years, fulfilling positions across each classroom and gaining experience all along the way to have shaped me into a well-rounded administrator. It is my goal to create a safe and loving environment for children as they create lasting memories while they learn and grow. I am honored to become a part of this community and will work hard each day to be a support and resource to families and the wonderful team of educators."

• Ms Alondra

  Ms. Alondra joined the Goddard School in 2024, but has worked as a lead teacher in Early Childhood Education since 2021, guiding children from infants through 3 years. She believes that as teachers, "we are here to help children figure out who they are and who they want to be by helping children to build and use their imagination."

• Ms Amy

  Ms. Amy holds a BS in Educational Studies and discovered her passion for teaching early on, starting as a volunteer in children’s programs while in grade school. This experience ignited her desire to become a teacher, and since then, she has worked with children from infancy through 6th grade. Through her diverse experiences, Ms. Amy found a special joy in working with the youngest learners, drawn to their enthusiasm, warmth, and curiosity for the world around them. She has served as a teacher since 2021 in both The Goddard School's renowned Pre-K and Preschool programs, where she is dedicated to creating a nurturing and engaging environment that fosters a love for learning. Ms. Amy is passionate about helping each child grow and develop, setting a strong foundation for their future success.

• Ms Ana

  Ms. Ana, a loving and nurturing infant teacher, joined The Goddard School in 2020. Originally from Perú, she is a native Spanish speaker and a proud mother of two children. Before coming to Goddard, Ms. Ana was both a teacher and the director of a bilingual Spanish-language daycare in Temecula, and she also taught Spanish to school-age children in Northern California. She is passionate about helping children develop essential skills that unlock their learning potential and instill the confidence they need to thrive as happy, successful students.

• Ms Brenda

  Ms. Brenda has over 10 years of experience teaching and working with children across all age groups. She holds an Associate's degree in Human Development and a California Teacher Permit. As a mother of two, she understands the importance of providing a loving, nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported. Ms. Brenda believes that children learn best through play and exploration, and she is dedicated to fostering a space where they can grow and thrive. Since joining The Goddard School in 2018, she has become one of the most beloved teachers, known for her warmth, care, and commitment to her students.

• Ms Camila

  Ms. Camila has been working with children of many ages from 2 through 8 years since 2022, including children with many types of special needs. She has been an art teacher and has also specialized in Reggio Emilia philosophy, guiding 2 year-olds through different learning experiences by exploring their environment and this guides her own philosophy on what it means to be a preschool teacher. "I believe it is important that teachers create different learning experiences where children can face cognitive challenges and where, as a group, they can take creative risks to respond to them."

• Ms Chetana

  Ms. Chetana holds a BA in Psychology and a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit. Since joining The Goddard School in 2018, she has been a dedicated lead teacher with over 10 years of experience working with preschool and kindergarten children aged 3 to 7. As a motivated and enthusiastic educator, Ms. Chetana is committed to creating a safe, engaging, and enjoyable learning environment. Her focus is on maximizing learning opportunities through the implementation of age-appropriate curricula and encouraging play and exploration. She believes that young children thrive best when they are actively engaged in their learning process. Her exceptional dedication to teaching has earned her three nominations for Goddard School's National Teacher of the Year.

• Elise

  Ms. Elise began her career as a lead preschool teacher in 2016 and has worked with children of many ages along the way, including newborn through 10 years. She has earned her associate’s degree in Liberal Arts with a focus on early childhood education. She is committed to creating a nurturing, supportive environment where children feel encouraged to learn and grow. "My greatest joy comes from helping children discover their unique strengths and celebrating their progress, no matter how small. I am truly honored to be a part of the Goddard School team and to contribute to creating a nurturing, positive environment where every child can thrive."

• Ms Isabel

  Ms. Isabel, who holds an AA Degree in Human Services, has been a dedicated preschool teacher since 2019 and has cherished every moment of her role. Inspired by her mother, a seasoned ECE professional with over 25 years of experience, Ms. Isabel brings a deep passion and creativity to her work. She is known for her hard work, creativity, and genuine care for every child she teaches. Ms. Isabel loves the opportunity to nurture and guide children as they explore and grow, fostering their development with enthusiasm and dedication. Her commitment to creating a supportive and enriching learning environment has earned her a nomination for Goddard School's National Teacher of the Year.

• Ms Karen (Hui Lee)

  Ms. Karen is a credentialed elementary school teacher and a proud mother of two. After more than 20 years in the corporate world, she followed her passion for education and has been teaching students from preschool through 5th grade ever since. She has a special love for working with young children, particularly in Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten, where she focuses on building strong foundations in literacy, phonics, and social-emotional skills. Ms. Karen believes in a whole-child approach, creating a safe and engaging environment where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to explore their world.

• Ms Lindsey

  Ms. Lindsay is a mother of two and started with the Goddard School of Lake Forest in 2019. Throughout her experience as a teacher, she has worked for with children from the age of 4 months to 7 years. She has witnessed how capable children can be when they are given the freedom to explore the world around them. Her goal is to provide the most loving, creative, and fun environment for students to discover their own talents and capabilities. She loves teaching curriculum through STEAM projects and getting them ready for Kindergarten and beyond!

• Ms Maria

  Ms. Maria holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Education with a focus on teaching. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be a teacher and seized every opportunity to gain experience. In 2022, she joined The Goddard School's Infant and Toddler program, seeking experience with younger learners, and quickly fell in love with working with them. Her passion and dedication have already earned her two nominations for Goddard Systems' National Teacher of the Year. Ms. Maria believes in creating a loving, safe, and supportive environment where every child feels valued and receives personalized instruction. She says, "I believe every student is special and unique and should be provided with an environment where they feel supported and can grow at their own pace."

• Ms Monika

  Ms. Monika, who holds a Master’s in Sociology and an Early Childhood Education Teaching Certificate, has been dedicated to teaching Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten for over 8 years. As a mother of two children now in middle and high school, she brings a deep understanding of child development and a passion for fostering growth. Ms. Monika believes in the power of positive motivation to inspire both children and educators. She views each child as a unique individual with immense potential and strives to create a joyful and supportive learning environment where children feel safe to explore, initiate learning, and express themselves. Outside the classroom, Ms. Monika enjoys science, hiking, snowboarding, camping, and gardening.

• Ms Prachi

  Since originally joining The Goddard School in 2016, Ms. Prachi has worked both as a teacher to many age groups (including Pre-Kindergarten, 2nd & 4th grades) and is also a parent of two children who have attended The Goddard School. "My journey to becoming a teacher began with a deep appreciation for the foundational years of a child's education, a value instilled in me by my family of educators. I pursued my passion by earning two Master's Degrees, however, it was my studies in early childhood care and education that truly transformed my perspective. My goal is to use my unique background to positively influence young minds and shape their futures."

• Ms Rana

  Originally from Turkey, Ms. Rana is deeply passionate about nurturing the development of our youngest learners across all areas, including academic, social, language, and motor skills. Her dedication to early childhood education is informed by her experience as a mother of two active children who are heavily involved in sports. Outside of her professional life, Ms. Rana enjoys reading, cooking, and unwinding at the beach. She is fluent in Mandarin, Turkish, and English, which enhances her ability to connect with a diverse range of families. Ms. Rana is enthusiastic about collaborating with parents to support and foster their child's growth and development, and she looks forward to working together as partners in this important journey.

• Ms Srilakshmi

  Ms. Shree holds a Master's in Microbiology, an Advanced Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research, and has completed post-secondary coursework in Early Childhood Education. Before becoming a mother, she worked in the pharmaceutical industry. With two beautiful children of her own, Ms. Shree discovered her passion for working with children through volunteering in a Kindergarten classroom. She found immense joy in supporting their growth and development, which led her to pursue a career in early childhood education. Ms. Shree says, "Witnessing children grow and helping them reach their full potential brings me great joy. I am honored to be a part of their academic, language, motor, and social development and am committed to creating a healthy and positive environment for their learning and growth."

• Ms Tanya

  Ms. Tanya brings over 10 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, working with children from infancy through school age. As a mother of two, she is dedicated to creating an environment where children can explore their world through play and reach their full potential. Having served as a Pre-K teacher at Goddard for over two years, Ms. Tanya is now transitioning to an administrative role, supporting all classrooms. She strives to be an exemplary teacher, role model, and administrative leader for children, families, and fellow educators. Her commitment to excellence has earned her two nominations for Goddard Systems' Teacher of the Year.

• Ms Teresa

  Ms. Teresa brings over 25 years of experience working with children, ranging from infants to 6-year-olds. Her passion and dedication to early childhood education shine through in everything she does. As a mother of four and a proud grandmother, she is excited to share her love for teaching, creating a warm and trusted environment where children feel safe and supported. Ms. Teresa is committed to leaving a positive impact on the children and families at The Goddard School. In addition to her work with children, she is a valued mentor to her peers and fellow teachers, earning the admiration and respect of all who know her.

• Ms Vivian

  Ms. Vivian holds a BS in Child and Adolescent Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood. Since joining The Goddard School Preschool program in 2019, she has brought her expertise to nurturing young learners. A core focus for Ms. Vivian is teaching children essential social and life skills to prepare them for life's challenges. She values patience as a fundamental aspect of her teaching philosophy, recognizing its importance in working with young children. Ms. Vivian is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and high-quality environment that helps children thrive and reach their full potential. Her commitment to excellence has earned her a nomination for Goddard Systems' National Teacher of the Year.

• Ms Lizet

  Ms. Lizet has been a dedicated teacher at The Goddard School since 2016, bringing warmth, care, and enthusiasm to her role. Over the years, she has worked with various age groups, from infants to preschoolers, but has focused on a co-lead role in the Infant and Toddler program since 2019. Ms. Lizet deeply enjoys guiding young children through their early developmental stages and is continually inspired by the joy and curiosity they bring to each day. As a mother of two young children herself, she has a personal understanding of the importance of nurturing and creating a supportive environment for early learning. Her compassion and dedication make her a beloved figure among students and colleagues alike, and she takes great pride in fostering a positive, engaging atmosphere for all the children in her care.

• Ms Maryam

  Ms. Maryam holds a BA in Psychology, a Certification in Child Development, and an M.A. in Psychology with a focus on Family Therapy. With over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, she joined The Goddard School in 2017. Throughout her career, Ms. Maryam has worked with various age groups, from infants to school-age children, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a genuine love for teaching. Known for her positive energy and warmth, she excels in creating a supportive and safe environment where children can thrive. Ms. Maryam is dedicated to ensuring that each child feels valued and loved, which she believes is crucial for their development and success.

• Ms Patricia

  As a teacher with over years of experience teaching children from 2 to 5 years old, Ms. Patricia believes in integrating the magic of play when it comes to cultivating young minds. Her philosophy in early education is grounded in creating a fun and inclusive positive learning environment that recognizes and celebrates the unique strengths and talents of my students. Play-based curriculum does not only bring fun into the classroom, but it supports the holistic growth of a child across all domains as it promotes language, cognitive, physical, and social skills development. "I am looking forward to experiencing a new teaching opportunity at the Goddard School and make a difference in each child!"

• Ms Rupika

  Ms. Rupika is a loving, caring, and nurturing teacher who is deeply passionate about early childhood education. A self-described "dedicated advocate for early learning," her background, including an MBA, has given her valuable strategic thinking and organizational skills that she seamlessly integrates into her teaching approach. As a parent, she has seen firsthand the profound impact early education has on a child's growth and development, which has further fueled her dedication to providing young learners with a strong foundation that goes beyond the classroom. Ms. Rupika’s exceptional work has earned her a nomination for Goddard Systems' National Teacher of the Year, reflecting her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of her students.

• Ms Saralyn

  Ms. Sara holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Special Education, focusing on learning styles and cognitive processes. With over 20 years of experience working with children, she discovered her passion for teaching and nurturing preschool-aged children in 2013. Since then, she has dedicated herself to understanding and supporting the learning styles of 3 and 4-year-olds. During her post-secondary studies, Ms. Sara participated in various research projects examining young children’s learning techniques in the classroom. She believes that teaching children about their feelings and emotions is as crucial as learning ABCs and numbers. Her goal is to create a safe and secure environment where children can navigate and manage their emotions effectively. Ms. Sara is excited to meet and support each student in their unique learning journey at Goddard.

• Ms Abeer

  Ms. Abeer is an accomplished Child Development teacher with over 15 years of experience specializing in infant and toddler education. She has experience setting up new education-based classrooms, training educators, and creating engaging STEAM lesson plans. Fluent in English, Arabic, and Urdu, her strengths include a strong work ethic, dedication, and meticulous attention to detail. Recently, she was honored as "Teacher of the Year," a recognition earned through the commendations of parents, fellow teachers, and school administration, reflecting her impact and commitment to the field.

• Ms Anela

  With 7 years of experience working with children from newborn through elementary ages, Ms. Anela believes that children flourish in nurturing and stimulating environments. "My strongest belief is that each unique child loves to explore and learn and will be more eager to do so in a fostering environment. My approach to teaching emphasizes the importance of building a strong sense of trust with both children and their families. By establishing these strong relationships, I can ensure that each individuals’ needs are met. It is truly an honor to be a teacher at The Goddard School and to make a positive impact in each child’s life."

• Ms Caitlin

  Ms. Caitlin's passion for working with children started early in her life, growing through her experiences in at-home care and nannying children of various ages. While pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Education Sciences, she began working with preschool-aged children in a classroom setting, where she supported and led both individual and group enrichment programs. "I believe in creating an environment which encourages children to explore, and implementing a curriculum that is focused on their interests. I also believe in fostering a classroom environment that encourages their social, emotional, and cognitive development."

• Ms Chloe

  Ms. Chloe has many years of experience working with children from infancy through school-age. After graduation, she started working as an assistant teacher and began college with one goal: to obtain a Masters in Early Childhood Education. "My main goal in teaching is to create an environment where all children are given an equal opportunity to succeed. My classroom environment will be able to meet basic needs of all children so that they can feel safe and comfortable. I am grateful for the opportunity to work here at The Goddard School and excited to provide for and support the children of this school."

• Eloisa

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• Ms Gabrielle

  My desire to break into the Early Childhood Education sector actually stemmed from my previous experience as a full-time nanny while in school. My experience includes working in several schools. The passion for learning exemplified in young children drove me to seek further education in this field by working towards obtaining a certificate in Early Childhood Education and to pursue teaching in an Early Childhood Education center.

• Ms Gisell

  Ms. Gisell holds a BS in Child Development and joined The Goddard School in 2021 as a valued member of the preschool team. With over 7 years of teaching experience across various age groups, her passion for education began in her youth through classroom volunteering, leading her to a career in Child Development. Now, as a mother to a young boy, Ms. Gisell is more committed than ever to providing a nurturing, engaging, and safe environment where children look forward to learning each day. Her dedication to supporting each child's educational journey reflects her deep love for teaching and her desire to make a positive impact on their early development.

• Ms Gwenyth

  Ms. Gwenyth has worked with young children for several years, both as a lead and assistant teacher as well as a camp counselor. "I'm passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that encourage children to explore, grow, and build confidence in a nurturing environment."

• Ms Kirsten

  Ms. Kirsten has worked with children of many age groups including preschool and elementary school-age. She has spent the last two years working directly in a Kindergarten classroom and quickly realized how foundational early childhood education can be. "My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child is different and grows at their own pace. I believe in building strong partnerships with parents. By working together as a team, we can set meaningful goals and create the best possible support system for each child. For me, teaching preschool is about more than preparing children for Kindergarten - it's about helping them build confidence, resilience, and a love of learning that will carry them through life."

• Ms Lana

  "I have been in the field of education for over a decade, and it's a field that I have so much passion for. I received my BA and MA in Education, and I am currently attending school to receive my doctorate in Educational Psychology. My journey in this field started as a preschool teacher, then a researcher, and now I’m back to serving in the classroom again. My philosophy for early childhood education is to nurture each child's natural curiosity, foster emotional growth, and create a joyful and inclusive environment where learning happens through play and meaningful experiences. I am very much interested in educational psychology, specifically, motivational learning, and I hope to instill a love for learning and a curiosity to explore in the children here at The Goddard School."

• Ms Maribel

  Ms. Maribel has over 20 years of experience as a preschool teacher and Spanish and folklore dance instructor for grade school children. A devoted mother, she is passionate about teaching through nature and integrates STEAM education by using recycled materials for creative projects. Ms. Maribel believes in instilling a love of learning in her students and approaches her teaching with enthusiasm and dedication to inspire lifelong curiosity. She incorporates gardening and cooking into her lesson plans and enjoys quality time with her family and her dog Max in Mexico.

• Ms Noor

  Ms. Noor is a devoted teacher's assistant with over four years of experience in educational support, working with children from infants to pre-K. As a mother, she brings empathy and dedication to her role, helping to create engaging and supportive learning environments. Ms. Noor has been instrumental in assisting both teachers and students, and her passion for fostering academic growth and helping students succeed fuels her commitment to excellence. She is excited to continue making a positive impact in education and values the opportunity to nurture and inspire young learners every day.

• Ms Shahla

  Ms. Shahla has more than 25 years of experience in teaching and the field of education with children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years. She graduated (with honors) with a BS degree in Political and Economic Sciences and completed her AA degree specializing in Child Development. She enjoys creating opportunities for children to learn and grow in their lifelong journey of education.

• Ms Vernica

  Ms. Vernica has 3+ years of experience teaching children and developing engaging lessons for Pre-K through 8th grade, specializing in English, Math, and using technology to enhance instruction. She also has two beautiful children of her own. "I am passionate about teaching students, and it always makes me happy to serve with whatever I can at my best."