Melissa has been part of Sunshine since 1998 and has served as a Minnow teacher, Angelfish teacher, Whale teacher, assistant director, and now director. A fully qualified master teacher, she has more than 30 ECE units and decades of experience in curriculum development, leadership, and classroom practice. Melissa is passionate about providing an enriching, nurturing environment for every child and feels honored to lead the Sunshine community while supporting the Angelfish classroom.

Jason wears many hats at Sunshine, including payroll, invoicing, financial management, and supporting the admissions process for new families. He especially values building relationships with the families who make up the Sunshine community. A longtime Sonoma resident, Jason attended local Sonoma schools and went on to study Liberal Arts and Business at Santa Rosa Junior College and California State University, Sacramento. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, the beach, Tahoe, local sporting events, music, and spending time with family and friends throughout Sonoma, Napa, and the Bay Area.

Adriana is entering her third year at Sunshine and loves guiding the 3–4-year-olds of the Starfish class. She brings experience as a recreation leader and youth tutor, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in School Counseling. Adriana enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her dog Lo. She is excited for another year of growth and discovery with her students.

Ashley is a third-year Early Childhood Studies major at Sonoma State with experience as a teacher’s aide at the SSU preschool. She believes deeply in play-based learning and values supporting each child’s individual strengths. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling, concerts, and trying new foods. Ashley looks forward to building strong connections with the students and their families.

Brisa brings three years of experience as an early childhood educator and is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment that supports children’s natural curiosity and love of learning. A Sonoma native, Brisa attended Woodland Star Charter School and now enjoys raising her two young children. In her free time, she loves outdoor, hands-on activities like horseback riding, hiking, painting, and swimming.

Dakota has nearly five years of experience working with young children and brings joy, warmth, and creativity to the Starfish class. She values the honesty and enthusiasm children bring into the classroom and believes deeply in living in the present moment. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, caring for her two dogs and horse, painting, traveling, and driving her ’62 Chevy truck. She brings energy and heart to every school day.

Daniel has been teaching for over three years and is passionate about the powerful role that early childhood experiences play in lifelong development. He loves observing how each Whale classroom community forms its own unique culture and identity. Daniel is fascinated by the curiosity and growing self-awareness of 4–5-year-olds and strives to teach in a way that honors each child’s learning style. He believes working with children is a privilege and a joy.

Deborah founded Sunshine School in 1978 and dedicated 48 years to teaching and leading before retiring. She now returns as a substitute teacher, loving her time in the classroom with young learners. Her deep experience and warm presence continue to enrich the Sunshine community.

Denton supports the Angelfish classroom with kindness, enthusiasm, and a commitment to helping every child feel confident and cared for. With six completed ECE units, he brings curiosity and dedication to his work while continuing to grow in the field.

Diane has been teaching at Sunshine since 1993 and has loved working with young children since she was 19. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and extensive ECE coursework. Diane values children’s honesty, imagination, and unconditional love, and she enjoys partnering with families to support their development. She looks forward to another joyful year with the Angelfish classroom.

Erandi has been part of the Sunshine community since 2022 and enjoys every moment in the Sunfish classroom. She holds an associate degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences, a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Spanish, and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a bilingual teaching credential. Outside of school, she loves hiking, swimming, reading, and spending time with loved ones. She looks forward to another year filled with learning and laughter.

Jeanie has supported Sunshine for many years as both a music teacher and substitute teacher. She brings joy, rhythm, and creativity to every classroom she enters and loves fostering musical expression in young children.

Julianna joined Sunshine in 2025 and loves working with two-year-olds in the Guppies classroom. She enjoys painting, DIY projects, family time, and peaceful walks. She is expecting her first child and is excited for a creative, joyful year of learning.

Kayden is an 11th-grade student at Sonoma Valley High School who grew up in Sonoma with her parents and younger sister, Bailey. A former Sunshine Preschool student, she now gives back as a volunteer, inspired by the nurturing community that shaped her early years. Sunshine Preschool holds special family significance—her grandmother founded the school in 1978 and has taught there for the past 48 years.

Kenny has been part of Sunshine since his early teaching days at 18. He earned his Early Childhood Education units through SRJC and has taught in several classrooms over the years. Sunshine holds a special place in his heart—his oldest daughter is an alum, and two of his younger children are currently enrolled. Kenny enjoys the honesty, humor, and enthusiasm of young children and is excited to support each Whale classroom student’s learning journey.

Makayla joined Sunshine in 2023 and brings a calm, nurturing presence to the Sunfish classroom. She finds inspiration in nature and values the strong sense of community among Sunshine’s teaching team. She loves peaceful walks, sunsets, and encouraging children as they overcome new challenges. Her favorite quote is, “Keep your face toward the sunshine and you can’t see a shadow.”

Megan taught full-time at Sunshine for three years and now works at the Napa Valley Wine Train while continuing to substitute. She loves watching children experience “lightbulb moments” and embraces the idea that every child grows at their own pace. As a substitute teacher, she enjoys supporting classrooms across the school.

Nancy is a first-year intern studying to become an elementary school teacher at Sonoma State University. She loves supporting children through “lightbulb moments” and enjoys hiking, reading, and exploring new places. As an intern, she supports classrooms across the school and is excited to be part of the Sunshine community.

Noemi has spent the past three years supporting children ages 2–5 and brings strong developmental knowledge to the Angelfish classroom. She loves creating a warm, inclusive classroom where every child feels seen and supported. Her favorite time of day is arts and crafts, where she loves watching creativity unfold. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, baking, and family time.

Robin grew up in a preschool environment and has been teaching at Sunshine for three years. Her teaching style centers on warmth, inclusion, and play-based learning that allows children to explore at their own pace. A former pastry chef, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time outdoors, often bringing her creative passions into the Minnow classroom. She is honored to be part of each child’s first school experience.

Rosa joined Sunshine in her first year while studying Early Childhood Education at Santa Rosa Junior College. She is passionate about bilingual education and has experience supporting young learners as a bilingual aide and club staff member. In her free time, she enjoys live theater, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Rosa is excited to support the Starfish classroom and help students flourish.

Simona supports Sunshine as a substitute teacher, bringing patience, warmth, and a love of early learning. She is committed to creating positive, nurturing experiences for every child.