January Newsletter: Staff Corner

Miss Grace

Infant Room Teacher

"I like working the closing shift because that's when the Infant and Wobbler Rooms combine for the night, and that allows me to still have a relationship with all my former babies that have moved up to Wobblers. It's fun seeing them at that age after knowing and caring for them when they were just tiny babies."

Grace has worked in the Sunshine School Infant Room for 2 1/2 years. Before that, she worked as a nanny, babysitter, and tutor for many years and also participated in children's ministries at her church. She has her degree in Biblical Counseling and her elementary teaching credential from The Master's College in her home state of California.

"I love working at a place where the staff all gets along so well and I can honestly count on everyone as a friend... Oh, and I love my cowkrer, Erika Banke!" Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, sports (especially hockey), and going to the beach.

Miss Amanda Ford

Preschool Floater

Miss Amanda has been at Sunshine School since September 2010. Last year, she worked in the Wobler Room, and now she works in Preschool as the Floater and Afternoon Art Teacher. Before coming to Sunshine School, Amanda worked as an in-home tutor for children with special needs, as well as working as a babysitter and volunteering as a Sunday School teacher. She is planning to start on a Masters degree in Art Therapy next fall and will begin her pre-requisites very soon. During her time at Sunshine School, she has come to enjoy the memorable quotes from the kids, as well as the good work environment and friendly staff.

Mrs. Carolyn

Office Administrator

Carolyn started working at Sunshine School about 5 years ago. Originally, she was hired as a Preschool Assistant, but she also worked as a Preschool Teacher for 3's and 4's and as the Preschool Floater. Now, she works in the office and substitutes in the classrooms when teachers are out. This month, she also begins working in the After School program. She has her Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Trinity Western University in British Columbia, but Portland has always been her home. Outside of work, Carolyn enjoys scrapbooking, reading, and spending time with her family. What's the best part about working with kids? "The kids are delightful! Even on the challenging days, they never fail to do or say something to make me smile!"