February Newsletter: Staff Corner

Miss Ruth, Preschool Afternoon Assistant

Ruth is a native Portland resident, and she has been at Sunshine School for about three years as an Afternoon Assistant in Preschool and as a full-time Preschool Teacher in the summer. She is currently working on her Elementary Education degree at Warner Pacific College with plans to graduate in winter 2013. Outside of Sunshine School, Ruth has spent many years working with kids at her church and doing summer Backyard Bible Clubs. For her, the best part about working with children is "the cute things preschoolers say and do. I always can count on getting a hug, picture, or smile."

Outside of work and school, Ruth enjoys spending time with family and friends, pursuing photography, and even has spent time playing flute in a Bossa Nova band.

Mrs. Tracy Gibbs, Pre-K Teacher

Tracy has taught at Sunshine School for five years, but has 15 years of teaching experience. She has taught 5th and 6th grade for three years, Kindergarten for 10 years, and Preschool for two years. She has her Liberal Arts degree from San Diego State University and a Masters in Education from National University in San Diego. She lives in Portland with her husband and two sons, James and Zechariah, but she still thinks of San Diego as her home. Tracy is a huge sci-fi fan, and she also enjoys camping, hiking, and watching and playing basketball. For Tracy, the best part about working in Preschool is that "no two days are ever the same when you teach, and kids really do say the funniest things."

Miss Jen, Director

Before coming to Sunshine School 2 1/2 years ago, Jen taught middle school Health and PE for two years and worked at Hume Lake Christian Camps in California for three years. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Public Health from Oregon State University and her Master's in Teaching from Concordia Univeristy. At Sunshine School, Jen most enjoys getting to know kids and their families and developing new programs, like Camp Sprout, as well as just hearing the funny conversations kids have outside of her office. In her free tim, Jen loves "cooking, spending time with family, and spending time outside, especially summers in Portland. I love trying newe restaurants and a Stumptown latte." Although Jen spent many years teaching and working in California, she still considers Portland her home.