Staff

Anita Jones

Director

Education:

  • Associate of Science Degree, Early Childhood Education Administration

Experience:

  • Founder and Administrator of Sonshine Preschool starting in 1991
  • 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

Co-Administrator

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science and Business Administration, in Marketing from The Ohio State University

Experience:

  •  Administrator at Sonshine Preschool starting in 2007
  • 7 years in corporate marketing jobs
  • 2 years 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 the love of learning.  Our staff and teachers all truly love teaching and educating young children.”

Cindy

Lead Teacher & Co-Administrator

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Winthrop University
  • Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from The University of South Carolina
  • Licensed State of Ohio Early Childhood Teacher – Grades PK-3
  • Licensed State of Ohio Principal – Grades PK-9

Experience:

  • Teacher at Sonshine starting in 2014, started as an Administrator in 2017
  • 7 years teaching in elementary schools (Grades 1-4), has worked with children for the past 22 years

What I want parents to know:

I want every child in my classroom to know that God loves them. I want my classroom to be a fun and safe place for every child to learn. My goal is to help each child reach his full potential and to get started on the path to being a lifelong learner.

Nicki

Lead Teacher

Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts, in Psychology from Boston College

Experience:

  • Lead Teacher at Sonshine Preschool from 2008-2010, 2012- 2019, and came back in 2020
  • 5 years teaching preschool in Columbus

What I want parents to know:
“I value the opportunity to share the good news of God’s love with the Sonshine School students and to start them on their path to academic success.”

Ashley

Lead Teacher

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science, Psychology from Liberty University

Experience:

  • Teacher starting at Sonshine in 2017
  • Awana Preschool Director, 2 years, at Spring Hills
  • Vacation Bible School Preschool Director 2 years, at Spring Hills
  • Parent volunteer at Granville Schools, 5 years
  • Granville K-6 PTO board member, 2 years

What I want parents to know:

“I have a passion for educating preschoolers. They have such an active and curious nature given to them, by God that fosters an appetite for information.  They are completely interested in the world around them. This makes it extremely fun to teach Bible truths and the awesome world our God has created.”

Denise

Head Teacher & Lunch Bunch Teacher

Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts from Kent State University

Experience:

  • Teacher starting at Sonshine in 2019
  • Sunday school preschool teacher at Spring Hills Baptist Church for over 10 years
  • Spring Hills ministry volunteer in AWANA ministries for 8yrs. Roles held include: Cubbies Leader, Sparks Leader, Sparks Secretary, Sparks Director
  • VBS volunteer at Spring Hills Baptist Church 9 years. Roles held include Preschool Director – 3 years, crew leader, preschool missions’ leader
  • Parent volunteer at Granville Schools – 9 years
  • Granville PTO Board Member – 2 years
  • Ohio Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood Education – 7 years

What I want parents to know:

“It’s an honor to teach these precious children. I am so very excited and passionate about teaching Jesus’s love for each and every child! I believe, at this age, it’s important for children to learn through play and hands-on activities/experiences which engage all of their senses as they soak in the world around them. I will do my best to ensure they soak in God’s love for them as well. One of my favorite parts of Vacation Bible School is teaching the children about God sightings and then hearing how each child encounters in God in their own way.”

 

Dee

Lead Teacher

Education:

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

Experience:

  • Teacher at Sonshine Preschool from 2006-2008, 2010-2020, came back in 2021
  • 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

What I want parents to know:

“It’s my privilege to teach your child. I want your child to learn about God and the amazing love he has for all of us. For twenty-plus years, I have taught preschoolers and have loved every minute of it! Through my years of experience, I have seen how social and emotional experiences have played an important role in their growth. Although academics are important, learning through play is just as important.”

Carmen

Lead Teacher

Education:

  • Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Mount Vernon Nazarene University
  • Bachelor’s in Social Work from Mount Vernon Nazarene University
  • Licensed State of Ohio Early Childhood Teacher

Experience:

  • Teacher at Sonshine Preschool starting in 2021
  • 5 years substitute teaching
  • Volunteer in children’s church

What I want parents to know:

“Hello! My daughter was a student at Sonshine and it is amazing how much she grew in just two years. I am so blessed to join the Sonshine Preschool staff and get to teach your little ones.  Each child is a gift from God, and I love how Sonshine not only helps them to grow academically but also helps them to grow spiritually. Each child has their own talents and abilities given to them by God. My goal is to help them learn and grow while also helping to nurture those gifts. Every day is an adventure, there is so much to explore and see. I am just truly blessed to get to be a part of it.”

Rhonda

Office Coordinator

Education:

  • Associate degree in Business Administration from Ohio Valley University

Experience:

  • Office staff starting at Sonshine in 2022
  • 15 years Admin Asst. at Granville Christian Academy
  • 5 years Thursday School Teacher, Southgate Church of Christ
  • Several years teaching preschool and elementary students through various Church programs.

What I want Parents to know:

“I have enjoyed many years of watching children grow and learn at Granville Christian Academy and I am thankful to be at Sonshine School to be a part of the first steps of academic learning for these precious little people.  It is such a blessing to see the curiosity, excitement, and joy they bring every day.

I’m excited to be a small part of each of your children’s life and to show them God’s love by making them each feel loved and special.”

Meghan

Assistant Teacher & Co Head Teacher

Education:

  • Associates of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development
  • Studying for Bachelor of Arts in Ministry

Experience:

  • Teacher starting at Sonshine in 2018
  • Two years substitute teacher for Sonshine Preschool
  • Intern teacher at Sonshine Preschool for the 2015-2016 school year
  • 9 years of volunteering at Spring Hill’s in Children’s Ministries – AWANA, Vacation Bible School, Children’s Church, and Nursery

What I want parents to know:
“It is an honor and a privilege to teach preschoolers. I love seeing them grow and become more and more excited about school and learning. I love seeing them interact with their friends, and their teachers. My goal is to give children a safe and fun place to learn, to form friendships, and to learn about how much Jesus loves them.”

 

Leslie

Assistant Teacher

Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Counseling from Cedarville University.
  • Masters Of Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology from Tiffin University

Experience:

  • Assistant teacher, starting at Sonshine in 2022
  • 3 years substitute teaching, preschool-12th grade
  • 8 years teaching children’s church
  • 3 years as the Awana Director at Northside Baptist.

What I want Parents to know:

“My two oldest children have attended preschool at Sonshine.  We love Sonshine and I am excited to be working here!  I am looking forward to teaching children about God’s love for them, and about His beautiful creation. I want to share the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ, with our Sonshine students, that they may spread the good news with those around them!”

Lisa

Assistant Teacher & Lunch Bunch Teacher

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science & Business Administration, from Capital University

Experience:

  • Teacher starting at Sonshine in 2017-2020, came back in 2022
  • 1 year local area substitute teacher
  • AWANA Sparks Leader 2018 at Spring Hills

What I want Parents to know:

“I’m excited to work at Sonshine Preschool, where I can share my love of Christ with the students.  I look forward to watching your children explore and learn while being in a loving environment. My goal as a teacher is to help your child reach their potential in their journey towards developmental milestones”.

Ashley

Assistant Teacher

Education:

  • Certified in Principles of Health & Fitness

Experience:

  • Teacher at Sonshine starting in 2013-2018, returned in 2022
  • 15 years working w/children as a dance instructor
  • Currently a fitness Instructor at Licking County YMCA
  • Past YMCA Youth Camp Counselor

What I want Parents to know:

“I am pleased to be joining the staff at Sonshine Preschool! I know first-hand that it is a wonderful Christian learning environment because my son attended for his preschool years! I look forward to helping your children gain the knowledge, confidence, and social skills for academic success.”

Jenn

Assistant Teacher

Education:

  • Bachelor’s in Organizational Management Human Resources from Colorado Christian University

Experience:

  • Assistant teacher, starting at Sonshine in 2022
  • Two years substitute teaching experience in New Richmond Schools
  • Three Years as the children’s Leader for Bible Study Fellowship International (BSF)

What I want parents to know:

“Getting to teach your children about Jesus is one of my greatest passions.  I’m grateful for the chance to get to share the greatest stories ever written with our students and help them learn to hide God’s word in their hearts.”

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6