About Sonshine Preschool
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
Administrator
Education:
- Bachelor of Science and Business Administration, in Marketing from The Ohio State University
Experience:
- Administrator at Sonshine Preschool starting in 2007
- Corporate marketing jobs, 7 years
- Substitute teacher for Sonshine Preschool & Granville Christian Academy, 2 years
- Sunday School teacher at Spring Hills, 8 years
- VBS preschool crew leader at Spring Hills, 4 years
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
- Elementary school teacher (Grades 1-4), 7 years
- Worked with children for over 22 years
- Awana leader at Spring Hills, 16 years
- Sunday School teacher and curriculum writer 10 year
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.”
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.”
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
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 & Assistant Teacher
Education:
- State of Ohio bureau of Jobs and Family Services Certificate of Training in Early Education.
Experience:
- Sonshine Preschool teacher from 2006-2008, 2010-2020, came back in 2021
- Lead Teacher for 3 yr. olds at another preschool, 7 years
- Youth sponsor at Heath Church of Christ, 7 years
- Preschool teacher at the Y.M.C.A, 1 year
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.”
Taylor
Lead Teacher
Taylor- Lead Teacher
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from West Liberty University
Experience:
- Teacher starting at Sonshine in 2023
- Lead preschool teacher at the Gardner School of Dublin 2022-2023
- Missionary at Sheltering Wings Orphanage in Africa 2016-2017
What I want parents to know:
“I love this age! I’m so excited to be a part of your child’s life. It’s such a fun age where they learn and grow so much! I’m glad I can help teach them in fun creative ways where they can explore and play and try new things. I’m excited to be able to teach them about God and help them learn the gifts He gave to them and encourage the growth and development of those gifts.”
Lincoln
Assistant Teacher & Lunch Bunch Teacher
Education:
- Attending Ohio University for Middle Childhood Education
Experience:
- Teacher at Sonshine Preschool starting in 2024
- Teaching 4th and 5th Grade Bible at Cornerstone church, starting in 2018
What I want parents to know:
“Teaching young children about God’s love and His Word is one of my greatest joys, and I feel blessed to help them grow in faith by sharing the stories of the Bible and guiding them to treasure God’s truth in their hearts.”
Jenn
Assistant Teacher & Lunch Bunch Teacher
Education:
- Bachelor’s in Organizational Management Human Resources from Colorado Christian University
Experience:
- Assistant teacher, starting at Sonshine in 2021
- Substitute teaching experience in New Richmond Schools, 2 years
- Children’s Leader for Bible Study Fellowship International (BSF), 3 years
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.”
Rebakah
Assistant Teacher & Lunch Bunch
Education:
- Associates degree in Business Real Estate from
- Attending Zane State for Marketing degree Zane State
Experience:
- Assistant teacher, starting at Sonshine in 2024
- 2 years’ experience in pre-k/ toddler at My Place Daycare
- Volunteer in children’s ministry with my church Legacy Community Church
What I want Parents to know:
“I’m grateful to be in the position to teach your children about the word of God. It’s fascinating to see how well they hold onto the stories that are read to them. I love being able to bond with them and create an uplifting environment to surround them with learning experiences.”
Faith
Assistant Teacher
Education:
- Attending Central Ohio Technical College in Social Work
Experience:
- Assistant teacher, starting at Sonshine in 2024
- Camp O’Bannon Camp Counselor 2013-2017
- Big Brothers Big Sisters, Big Sister 2015
- Activities Director at The Inn at Chapel Grove 2018
- Babysitter 2022-2024
What I want Parents to know:
“Hello! This is my first-year teaching in a formal setting. My daughter is a student at Sonshine and it is amazing how much she has learned this year. I am so blessed to join the Sonshine Preschool staff and get to teach your little ones about God. Each child is a gift, and I love how Sonshine not only helps them to grow academically but also helps them to grow spiritually. I have a passion for helping others and I am excited to watch your children learn and grow”.
Andrea
Assistant Teacher
Education:
- Granville Christian Academy Graduate
- Attended Columbus Culinary Institute
Experience:
- Assistant teacher, starting at Sonshine in 2023
- Pre-k Children’s Ministry volunteer at church from 2017-present
- Mission trip to Honduras three times as a volunteer in an Orphanage with children from birth to high school age.
- Student Ministries Intern for 2 years at Orphanage Emmanuel
What I want parents to know:
As a mom of two young children, I know how important it is for children to have a happy and loving first school experience that will lay a foundation for the rest of their academic journey. I am honored to be a part of that journey for our students at Sonshine! I believe the love of Christ is what all people need, and I am blessed to get to share that with each and every one of these children.
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6