The Goddard School of New Market

Bios

• Marisha

  My name is Marisha Leber. I am the Onsite -Owner at The New Market Goddard School. I graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies and Masters in School Counseling. I have a personal connection to Goddard as it has been a part of my life for over 10 years. In 2009, I was a Preschool Teacher at the Goddard School in Urbana and overtime all 3 of my children attended the Goddard School. I am grateful to all our families for allowing The Goddard School of New Market to be a part of their children lives and experience a fun learning environments.

• Kristin

  My name is Kristin Knezel and I am the New Market Goddard School Executive Director. For the last 12 years, I have worked at the Goddard School of Urbana, MD. From 2009-2015 I worked in various classrooms from toddlers to Pre-K and from 2015-2022 I was the Director of Operations. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education from Shippensburg University. I am very excited for the opportunity to open a brand-new school while bringing my extensive knowledge from both teaching and directing to the New Market Goddard School.

• Stephanie

  My name is Stephanie Jones and I am the new Assistant Director at the New Market Goddard location. An Ijamsville native, I graduated from University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Studies and have been working with children for as long as I can remember. Over the past year I have been at our partner location, The Goddard School of Urbana as a pre-k teacher for the 2021-2022 school year and prior, spent 3 years teaching in the preschool program. In between I was the Director at Kidville, a children’s enrichment facility in Rockville, where I did everything from teaching to operations and management. Now residing in Lake Linganore, with my husband and 2 boys, I am looking forward to bringing my love for children and passion for early childhood curriculum to our community.

• Alexis

  Hi, my name is Ms. Alexis. I graduated high school in 2022 and I am currently pursuing my associates degree at HCC. I have been working with The Goddard School since February of 2024. I started as a Floater and I am now being presented with the amazing opportunity to be a Lead Infant Teacher. I love coming to work every day and getting to watch and assist the children in completing their milestones. I also love creating special bonds with the children and their families.

• Caitlyn

  Hi, my name is Caitlyn and I’m excited to be part of the Goddard family. I have been working with children since 2010. I graduated from Frederick Community College in 2016 with an associate degree in early childhood education and Frostburg State University in 2018 with a bachelor’s in liberal arts with a focus in education. I enjoy reading and experimenting with art and love to bring these hobbies into the classroom. Outside of work, I am a baton twirler and enjoy playing video games online with my friends.

• Christin

  Hi, my name is Christin and I have been in the childcare industry for over 16 years. I began my career working in my family-owned childcare. In 2005 I earned my Pre-School lead Teacher certification specializing in Pre-School and Pre-K age groups. In the past year I earned my certification specializing in Infant and Toddler Age groups. I am currently in the process of going back to school to pursue my degree in early childhood education. I was born and raised in the New Market and graduated from Linganore High School. I married my high school sweetheart, and we have two amazing daughters, Kayleigh and Payton. I love working with children and helping them to reach their milestones. Teaching children is my passion, and I am so excited to watch your children grow and succeed!

• Elizabeth

  My name is Ms. Elizabeth. I am a Maryland lead certified teacher and I’ve been working with children since 2019. I’ve spent most of my career so far working with preschool and pre-k. My favorite part of working with children is seeing them grow and be independent in their own way. I’m so excited see them reach their milestones and to learn with them as we move through the school year. I enjoy reading and building Legos. I also love going to amusement parks and off roading with family and friends. I am excited to be part of the Goddard team and I can’t wait to see your children achieve their goals.

• Emily

  Hello, my name is Emily. I was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, but my my family is originally from Puerto Rico. I have been with Goddard since 2021. I live in Damascus with my husband and my son Lucas. I have two dogs, Bella and Bandit. We love to go hiking and swimming. I graduated from UMBC in 2020 with my bachelor’s degree in psychology, and am currently working on my Master’s. My childcare career started shortly after high school around 2011, babysitting around my neighborhood and family members. On Sundays I taught Sunday School in my church which started my love for teaching. I became a teacher to help future generations grow. I love watching them get excited to learn, and I love being a part of that excitement. I still babysit as well as dog-sit from time to time. I am super excited to continue my career here at New Market and help form the minds of children.

• Emma

  My name is Emma. I’ve been working with children since 2019. I have experience teaching toddlers to school age. I enjoy getting to know each child’s individual personality and love how much joy they bring to me on a daily basis. I live in Mount Airy and graduated from Urbana High School. Something you may not know about me is I love animals and I pet sit part time! I’m excited to get to know your children and watch them grow each and every day.

• Erykah

  Hello Goddard family, I’m Erykah. I have been working in childcare since 2021. I earned my preschool certification when I was in high school and participated in child development for all 4 years. I am a infant/toddler and preschool certified Maryland lead teacher. Currently I love working with the children in my preschool classroom. A little fun fact about me is that I played lacrosse for 10 years and love being outside. My favorite thing to do is visit the beach with my family. I can’t wait to help create an amazing learning environment for each and every student.

• Hailee

  Hi, my name is Hailee R and I am excited to be a new lead teacher! I have been a part of the Goddard Family as a floater since 2022, but took time off to pursue my education. I have an AA in Criminal Justice and recently received a B.S in Environmental Sustainability from Coastal Carolina University. I love to help children learn about themselves and their world. Seeing them learn and thrive is worth every second of our hard work.

• Jamie

  Hi! My name is Jamie. I am new to Goddard but have been in childcare for 6 years. I have worked with children of all different ages from infants up to preschool. I love teaching and watching the children learn and grow. Seeing them accomplish and reach milestones is the best! When I am not at school I am hanging with my own little man or staying active in sports. My son is currently enrolled in Goddard and we absolutely love it here. I am so excited for my future at The Goddard School of New Market and to work with your children and help them learn and grow!

• Jessica

  Hi, my name is Jess and have my bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland. I have worked with children on and off since 2018. I love working with children and helping them experience new and exciting things in the classroom. I look forward to working with all of the children in my class and their families.

• Kalyn

  Hi! My name is Ms. Kalyn. I recently graduated from Frostburg State University with my bachelor’s degree in early childhood/ Elementary Education. I did four internships during my college experience in different aged classrooms. I chose to become a teacher because I love working with children and watching their growth in the classroom. My favorite part is connecting with the children and building relationships with them. Outside of school, I love traveling and going on adventures!

• Karley

  Hi! My name is Karley Thompson and I am Toddler Teacher here at the New Market Goddard school. I love being a Fox Teacher. I am currently working on my general studies major at Frederick Community College where I have plans to transfer to a four year university after finishing my first two years. I have always been interested in working with children, and when I first started helping my sister babysit I knew I loved making deep connections with the children, and watching them grow their own beautiful personalities. I am so excited to help in each classroom that I am needed and guide your children on the pathway for success.

• Katharine

  Hello, my name is Katherine, but everyone calls me Kate. I was born and raised in Frederick County and graduated from Tuscarora High School in 2016. I have my bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMBC and have been working in childcare since 2023. I started out as an aide and am now a lead certified preschool teacher. I have 4 cats and a dog. I love playing video games and spending time with my friends playing board games and going to escape rooms. Fun fact: I took dance for 14 years when I was younger and was a member of the color guard in high school.

• Kayla

  Hi, my name is Kayla. I am currently studying Early Childhood Education at Carroll Community College. I also currently have my Preschool CDA and I am qualified to teach all age groups from infant/toddler through school age. I have been working with children since 2013. I love working with Pre-K because they are eager to learn, explore, and make new memories!

• Kayla

  Hi, my name is Kayla, and have been part of the Goddard family since 2022. I love that I get to come to work each day and watch the children in my class learn and grow. I am engaged and getting married later this year. I am so excited to be a part of the Goddard family.

• Makayla

  My name is Ms. Makayla. I have been working with children since 2019. I pursued my education through online college courses and am now a Maryland Certified Lead Teacher for Preschool and Infant/Toddler. I decided to join the education field because I love to create a bond with children, be able to make a change in their lives, and they never fail to put a smile on your face even on your worst days. I am so excited to watch your children grow and succeed!

• Melody

  Hi, my name is Melody. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University in 2021. I have been working at the Goddard School since March 2024 and have loved every minute of it. I enjoy learning how to understand small children and feeding their curiosity in healthy and positive ways. I am also fluent in Spanish and I have been learning to utilize my Spanish speaking in my career for about 6 years. Outside of work, I am a high school color guard instructor and a passionate advocate for music and performing arts. I also love to travel and explore the world.

• Michelle

  Hello, my name is Ms. Michelle. I was born in Texas, but I have lived in Maryland since I was five. I have my associate degree in general studies from Howard Community College. I have my 90- hours Certification in Infant and Toddlers and my 90 hours in Preschool. Although I have only been at Goddard since 2023, I am not new to childcare. I have been working with children for over 20 years. I love seeing them reach milestones and surpass set goals.

• Michelle

  Hi, my name is Michelle and I’ve been working with children for over 20 years. I have worked with every age group in a center. I am a Maryland Certified Lead Teacher and am qualified to work with every age group. I currently hold an Infant/Toddler CDA and am in the process of going back to school to pursue my degree in early childhood education. I’ve been married for over 16 years to my amazing husband. We have no children but love spoiling our nieces and nephews. I love working with children and teaching them to reach milestones as they grow.

• Natalie

  Hello, Goddard Families! My name is Ms. Natalie. I have been working in childcare as a Maryland Certified lead teacher with all ages over the last five years and have loved every minute. My favorite part of teaching is watching a student have that “lightbulb” moment and feel proud of their accomplishment. I am proud to be a part of the Goddard community and look forward to helping your children grow!

• Teagan

  Hi Goddard family! My name is Teagan. I have been working with children of all ages for as long as I can remember. My favorites are the little ones which is why I was ready to take the next step and teach Preschool. I love watching children grow and learn. I graduated from Urbana High School and took classes at Towson University and East Carolina University. I have my Associate's Degree in Social Science and am working toward my Bachelor's Degree while teaching. Two fun facts about me are I’m also a competitive cheerleading coach and I had the amazing experience of being a part of the Disney College Program in Orlando, Florida! I am beyond excited to meet your children and be able to watch them grow, thrive, and most importantly succeed.

• Abigail

  Hi! My name is Abby Brustad and I am excited to be part of the Goddard family. I will graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree from Towson University. I love working with children and love seeing their personalities come out more and more as i get to know them. I look forward to meeting the families and children at Goddard as I help out in each classroom.

• Tazreen

  Hello Goddard families! I have my Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA) with majors in Finance and Accounting. Earlier, I did my Advance (A) level education on Edexcel curriculum under the University of London, UK, which is equivalent to US High School degree. I thoroughly enjoy working with kids. As a spouse of a diplomat, I mingled with the international community and observed their culture and education system. I fell in love with early childhood education when my daughter first started school at the age of 18 months at a Canadian International School (CIS) in Beijing, where we lived on my husband’s diplomatic assignment. I did voluntary work at the CIS on different occasions. We moved to the US (Bethesda) in 2016 on a diplomatic assignment. I was a volunteer on various occasions as a PTA member at Burning Tree Elementary School in Bethesda where my daughter attended. Now I am resident of Ijamsville with my family. I am glad to be a member of the Goddard family.

• Kailana

  Hi, my name is Kailana. I am a Goddard graduate and am so excited to start my career journey working in a Goddard School. I grew up helping to take care of children. My mother has worked for Goddard for over 14 years and some of my best memories were of going to school with her and helping in her classroom. I am currently in high school and am taking child development classes this semester. I look forward to meeting all of the wonderful Goddard families and children.

• Tamesha

  Hello, my name is Tamesha and started my journey with the Goddard School of New Market in February 2025. I have been working with children since I graduated high school in 2022 and I am so excited to have been given the opportunity to further my passion at Goddard! I look forward to working with all of the different age groups and watching the children grow and learn each day!