Anita Jones- Administrator
Education:

• Associate of Science Degree, Early Childhood Education Administration

Experience:

• 21 years as Sonshine School Administrator
• 10 years teaching preschool

What I want parents to know:
"Preschool education is important. It is the foundation of learning and the foundation of anything is very important. The Sonshine School program is designed to meet the developmental needs of young children (3-5 years). It provides experiences that enrich and enhance each child’s cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical and creative development. Within our daily schedule, each child has opportunities to create, explore the environment, learn problem solving and personal interaction skills and learn concepts through first-hand experiences. Children develop a positive self-concept through a balance of self- and teacher-directed activities. We strive to have a warm and inviting environment which is responsive to each child’s needs. We respect parents as the primary and most important provider of care and nurturing, and we believe parents and teachers are partners in children’s care and education.”

Suzanne McMillan- Assistant Administrator
Education:

• BSBA, in Marketing from The Ohio State University

Experience:

• 4 years as Assistant Adminstrator at Sonshine Preschool
• 7 years’ experience in corporate marketing jobs
• 2 years’ experience as a substitute teacher for Sonshine Preschool & Granville Christian Academy

 What I want parents to know:
“At Sonshine Preschool your child will receive a strong academic education while learning strong Christian principles.  We have a bright, sunny, and safe facility and offer an inviting atmosphere to start your child’s academic foundation and help them to develop love learning.  Our staff and teachers all truly love teaching and educating young children.”

Kelly Rosinski- Lead Teacher
Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, The Ohio State University
• Licensed State of Ohio Long Term Substitute Teacher

Experience:

• 3 years teaching preschool at Sonshine Preschool
• 3 years teaching 4th grade 
• 2 years working as a substitute teacher, currently subbing grades for grades K-6

What I want parents to know:
"I love teaching!  It brings me great happiness to introduce a classroom setting to three year olds.  I want my students to love school and develop a love for learning that will last them a lifetime!  I use a variety of teaching methods in my classroom, but I place a big emphasis on play- based learning for the three year olds.  We will learn through games, music, art, and play.  Preschool students are eager to learn and I love to provide a challenging curriculum which includes science experiments, pre-reading activities, and memorizing Bible verses.  I believe a parent is a child's best teacher, and it is a great privilege to work with the family as their child starts their educational journey.”

Shawn Schmittgen - Lead Teacher
Education:

• Bachelor of Arts, English, The Ohio State University
• Master of Art Teaching Degree (M.A.T.), Early Childhood Education, Muskingum University
• Licensed State of Ohio teacher PreK-3rd grade (w/ Reading Endorsement)

Experience:

• 7 years teaching preschool (Newark, Zanesville)
• 8+ years substitute teaching in several area school districts (Franklin, Licking, Muskingum, and Perry Counties)
• 3 years teaching 1st and 4th grade(s) at area charter schools
• 3 years tutoring Reading (Clintonville After-school Kids’ Club); still employed
• 6+ years private academic tutoring

What I want parents to know:
“I wrote this haiku poem which succinctly expresses my beliefs:  

Children grow up fast.
We guide them as they progress;
Minds fill; knowledge lasts.

You have heard it said that children are like sponges, absorbing knowledge every day.  This is certainly true.  Young children want to learn and I try to make academics fun for them.  It is my duty and privilege to be able to educate your young child.  As the bible says, “train up a child in the way he/she should go and he will not depart from it.”  This is true in every aspect of a child’s education:  academic, physical and spiritual.  Learning is a dynamic process, always evolving and enlarging.  I hope to engage your child in interesting activities and develop in them a love of learning.  I love young children and I am grateful for the chance to be your child’s Preschool teacher!”

Robin Guinsler- Lead Teacher
Education: 

• Bachelor of Science in Education, Ohio University 
• Licking County Preschool Teacher of the year 2000

Experience:

• 12 years teaching preschool at Sonshine Preschool
• Has worked with children for the past 22 years
• 12 years teaching physical education and health

What I want parents to know:
“My main goal is to provide a safe, comfortable learning environment for children. I emphasize teaching my students the knowledge and skills they will need to begin their Kindergarten class.”

Michelle Chetnik- Assistant Teacher
Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Early childhood Education, Ohio State University

Experience:

• 2nd year teaching at Sonshine Preschool
• 6 years teaching toddlers and preschoolers
• 5 years as childcare coordinator of MOPS (Mothers Of Preschoolers)
• 10 years VBS and Sunday School Teacher

What I want parents to know:

“In the past I always felt blessed to send my children here to Sonshine and now I feel especially blessed to be working HERE and with staff that puts God first!  I LOVE working with young children and daily I am amazed at how God has made their minds work!  What an opportunity I have to share Christ with them as well as work with you, the parents, in enjoying the stage they are in and help you see the ways they are learning every day.”

JoAnn Heichel-Lead & Assistant Teacher
Education:

• BA from Ohio Dominican University
• Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio

Experience:

• 2 years teaching as lead toddler teacher at another preschool
• 1 year teaching VBS
• 17 years working with young children; volunteer work at various agencies and churches, career experience, preschool and elementary classroom involvement
• 11 years providing counseling, support services, and case management with children and families as an Licensed Social Worker

What I want parents to know:
“As a mother of a 7 and 5 year old, and a coming from a background in social services, I feel that there are certain needs a child should have met by their teacher while attending preschool. These are a feeling of being loved by God and their teacher, the understanding that they are in a safe place and that they are smart little people. I want the children in my class to walk out feeling an increased sense of confidence, cared about and secure. I also want them to know that fun and learning go hand-in-hand. I am a child of two educators, which has given me a love of learning and a passion for teaching. I truly feel that teaching is a calling and I feel very blessed to be able to share my faith, enthusiasm and knowledge with your child.”

Nancy Deaver- Assistant Teacher
Education:

• 3 years of college education at various universities during 4 ½ years in the United States Air Force

Experience:

• 3 years teaching preschool at Sonshine Preschool
• 12 years of homeschooling
• 4 years on leadership team of Spring Hills Home School Group
• 18 years as stay-at-home mother
• Conducted kindergarten evaluations for public school

What I want parents to know:
"The earlier you can capture a child’s delight to learn, the greater the probability of their love for a lifetime of learning.  God’s plan for each child is ultimately for them to delight in who Jesus is and who they are designed to be in Him.  My goal is to help them discover learning for God’s ultimate glory."

Donna Haas- Assistant Teacher
Education:

• State of Ohio, Bureau of Jobs & Family Services Certificate of Training in Early Childhood Ed.

Experience:

• 20 years teaching preschool with Sonshine Preschool
• 5 years teaching preschool at Heath First Baptist Preschool
• 16 years teaching summer camp at Seneca Lake Christian Camp
• Over the past 20 years has taught Sunday School, Children's Choir, and various other children classes

What I want parents to know:
“I enjoy nurturing children's creativity and education while preparing them for kindergarten in a Christ-centered environment.”

Sarah Harper – Assistant Teacher
Education:

• B.A. in Music Education from Mount Vernon Nazarene University
• Ohio Music Education Teaching License (Pre-K -12)
• MVNU Multi-Age Student Teacher of the Year 2010

Experience:

• 6 years assisting with preschool gymnastics classes and special events
• 1.5 years as youth ministries director2 years Pride of Newark Marching Band Assistant Instructor
• 2 years Full-time Nanny
• Previous substitute teacher for Newark City Schools (Pre-K -12)

What I want parents to know:
“I am very excited to share the love of God with the children of this community! I strongly believe in the difference God makes in our lives on a daily basis and it is very important that we work together to teach our children about Jesus Christ at a very early age. The wonderful environment and curriculum at Sonshine School provides the children with a great foundation for Kindergarten while also encouraging each child to develop a true love for the Lord. I am very blessed and excited to be a part of Sonshine School!”   

Dee Diller- Assistant Teacher
Education:

• State of Ohio bureau of Jobs and Family Services Certificate of Training in Early Education.

Experience:

• 7 years teaching as Lead Teacher for 3 yr. olds at another preschool.
• 7 years as a youth sponsor at H.H.C,
•  1 year Teaching pre-k at the Y.M.C.A
• 1 year working as a sub for C-TEC
• 3 years teaching as Lead Teacher for 3 yr. olds at Sonshine

What I want parents to know:
“There is nothing more rewarding than having the pleasure in teaching children.  Not only is it important for them to learn social skills but also to learn the word of God. Children's minds  are like sponges and they love to soak up any knowledge that comes there way. It is so exciting to see them learn.”

Mala Humphrey- Office Assistant
Education:

• State of Ohio, Bureau of Jobs & Family Services Certificate of Training in Early Childhood Ed.

Experience:

• 5 years working as an office assistant with Sonshine Preschool
• 6 years teaching preschool at Sonshine Preschool

What I want parents to know:
“I love working with the children at Sonshine School. I want to make sure when they leave here, they carry with them, the knowledge that Jesus loves them and created each of them very special.”