Lead Teachers

Ms. Lori, Sweet Pea Lead Teacher
Full and Half Day Pre-Primary, 12 to 20 month olds

Keeping Everyone on their Toes since 2013

In addition to having a BA in Psychology with over 36 hours in Child Development, I have over 20 years of experience as an Early Childhood Educator/Lead Teacher (Infant/Toddler Master Teacher) and nanny. I was also a preschool music teacher (owner/instructor of Born Musicians) for several years which I very much enjoyed. Over the many years of teaching I have studied several methods and philosophies of Child Development and teaching. The Montessori Method best matches my own philosophy of teaching - children learn best through play, having large uninterrupted blocks of time to explore and discover on their own, with windows of opportunity for specialized learning unique to each child, just to name a few. My long term goal is to eventually obtain Montessori certification in infants and toddlers. In the meantime I am actively studying anything and everything I can find regarding Montessori for infants and toddlers. There is an amazing network of educators and parents that share fabulous ideas for practical life and cognitive experiences among other activities. I am truly excited to try many of these ideas with the children as they express an interest and are developmentally ready. I feel very blessed to be a part of such a wonderful school with such talented teachers and supportive parents.

Ms. Lara, Snapdragon Lead Teacher
Full and Half Day Pre-Primary, 20 to 36 month olds

Toilet Training the Restless since 2007

I came to Sunrise Montessori in May of 2007, and it is a genuine pleasure to work with such caring and professional educators every day. The core of Montessori philosophy for me is the respect it shows for children and the amazing efforts they make as they work toward the full development of their minds and bodies. I have held multiple positions in the field, as an Assistant Teacher, a Lead Teacher, and, here at Sunrise, as Assistant Director. I returned to the classroom as the Doodlebugs Lead Teacher in September of 2010 and could not be more pleased to have done so. I have worked with all ages of young children, from infants to 6-year olds, although I have a special fondness for working with children between the ages of 18 and 36 months. I am certified in Montessori (Early Childhood) and regularly attend conferences to keep my skills honed. It is my goal to help your family have a wonderful first year here at Sunrise!

Ms. Tracy, Doodlebug Lead Teacher
Full and Half Day Pre-Primary, 20 to 36 month olds

Singing a Happy Tune since 2011

I am originally from the Midwest, but I have lived all over the United States and I moved to Texas in 2011. I have been teaching for over 10 years and primarily with 2 year olds. I have acquired my CDA (Child Development Associate). I love the light in a child’s’ eyes when they figure something out for the first time. It is a pleasure to see that every day. My favorite quote is by Dr. Seuss, “A person is a person, no matter how small.” I began working at Sunrise Montessori in 2011 as an assistant to Ms. Lara in the Doodlebug room. I have learned so much about Montessori and the philosophy from her and am continuing my education. I love the warm, inviting atmosphere of the families and the staff here at Sunrise! I have a great family and wonderful friends. I love to travel, watch movies, read books and spend time with my dog, Stewart. I strive every day to make sure that each child in my classroom feels special, safe and happy!

Ms. Whitney, Dandelion Lead Teacher
Half Day Primary, 3 to 5 year olds

Infusing Learning with Curiosity since 2011

Originally born in Alabama and growing up in Florida meant that after I graduated from Rollins College in 2008, I wanted to find a place that felt like a big friendly city. I’m so glad I stumbled upon Austin, and can’t imagine living anywhere else! I have worked with children of all ages-- infants to preteens-- for more than five years and feel like I continue to learn more from them every day. I have held different positions in early childhood including Assistant Director at a facility specializing in infant care, but was lured to Sunrise by its welcoming culture, the wonderfully enriching Montessori curriculum, and the focus on independence for children. I started at Sunrise in 2011 as an Assistant Teacher in the Dragonfly classroom and learned from Ms. Jessica how to create a warm Montessori learning environment and earned my Montessori certification from NAMC for the Montessori curriculum. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my menagerie (I have two dogs and four cats!), game nights, cupcakes, road trips, watching documentaries, and spending time with friends.

Ms. Jessica, Butterfly Lead Teacher
Full Day Primary, 3 to 5 year olds

Building Tomorrow's Movers and Shakers One Letter at a Time since 2008

I was born in Laredo, TX and have lived in Austin for the past seven years. I graduated from Texas State University in 2004 with a BA in Psychology. Soon after graduation I began working as a teacher assistant at a local charter school and have been working with children ever since. I began working at Sunrise in July of 2008 and received my Montessori teacher certification in March of 2009. I have worked as an assistant in both the Firefly and Butterfly classrooms and became the lead teacher in the Dragonfly room in October of 2009. I have truly enjoyed working in this room and hope that you and your children enjoy your time here as well. As of 2012, I was offered the opportunity to become the new Lead Teacher in the Butterfly classroom.

Ms. Karima, Firefly Lead Teacher
Full Day Primary, 3 to 5 year olds

One Stop Shop for Hugs and Active Minds since 2010

I was born and raised on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. I moved to the USA in 1988 and lived in NY for some years and then moved to London and lived there for three years before moving to Austin in 1999. Austin is now home for me, my daughter, and our dog, Jessie. My daughter, whom I am very proud of, is now a lawyer. She was the main reason for my passion to teach and be with children. Before coming to Sunrise I worked with a childcare center for ten years where I wore many hats. I was the Pre-K teacher and also trained the teachers on curriculum and classroom management. I have my CDA credentials and also my Montessori Teaching Diploma. I joined Sunrise in August 2010, and I look forward to being a positive role model for your child and making a difference in their lives. In the words of Dostoyevski, “The soul is healed by being with children.”

Ms. Becca, Tigerlily Lead Teacher
Full Day Primary, 3 to 5 year olds

Guiding Students towards Self-Discovery since 2013

I have lived in Scotland and Arizona, but moved to Austin to be closer to my sister and her family and is a wonderful place to call home. I have been teaching preschoolers for over four years, primarily with 3 and 4 year olds. I like to find the humor and joy in life and enjoy what each day brings, especially working with young children. They love to discover new things and are naturally excited and awed by what they learn, a good fit for the Montessori curriculum model. I am fortunate to have found a career that encompasses so much energy and enthusiasm and even luckier to be working at Sunrise Montessori with their warm culture and fantastic families. In my spare time, I enjoy scrapbooking, reading, traveling when funds permit, and spending time with my loved ones. I look forward to forging partnerships with my students and their parents so that everyone is receiving what they need to excel and thrive. Welcome to the Tigerlily classroom. I look forward to meeting you!

Administration

Ms. Sarah, Executive Director

Multiple Hat Wearer and Administrator Extraordinaire since 2008

I have worked in the early childhood field for seventeen years. I have been a Director for the past ten years. Throughout my experience in the early childhood field I have focused on the Montessori teaching method. I hold a Primary Montessori teaching certificate and have had the pleasure of teaching in one of our Primary classrooms. As the Director, I have the pleasure of getting to know each of the children and families enrolled at Sunrise. I am your resource and happy to answer any of your questions! My life outside of work is dedicated to my family. My husband and I have been married since June of 2000. We moved to the Austin area from Denton, Texas where we met at college. We are the proud parents of two boys! One is a primary-aged child enrolled here at Sunrise Montessori and our oldest is in elementary school. We enjoy spending time walking, bike riding, and attending local sporting events. I have known from a young age that I wanted to work with children. It is so rewarding to learn something new every day from a child!

Ms. Lauren, Director of Building 2

Supporting Families and Coworkers with Aplomb since 2010

Growing up in New Jersey as the oldest of five, I knew from a young age that I wanted to work with children. My family moved to Texas just before I entered high school and it didn't take long for me to love the Austin area. I started teaching at a local preschool while attending school and loved it! I spent many years working as a lead teacher before transitioning into Administration. I started at Sunrise in October of 2010 and I love getting to spend my days observing the children in an environment that encourages them to do their best. Currently I am Director certified and I am in the process of completing my Child Development Associate credential. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband Patrick and our daughter Hadley. We enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors and visiting with friends. I look forward to getting to know your child and family and I am always here to help!

Owner

Ms. Shannon, Owner

Working on the Details since 2006

Born in Southern California, I didn’t move to the Austin area until I was 32 years old with my husband, Rob, and 3 month old son, John, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. We LOVE living here! The people are refreshingly friendly and go out of their way to help one another, plus all the trees (beautiful) and seasons (it’s cold in the winter…woo hoo!) are a bonus. Sunrise was born when I couldn’t find a great Montessori school for my muse, John. Rob has also been influential in the success of Sunrise as well. In addition to his emotional support and laid-back nature, he is talented at fixing things (he used to help his father and grandfather make furniture and build houses) as well as designing/programming websites (the perfect spouse for a small business owner!). Although I loved being a math teacher once upon a time, I love being a business owner even more. Providing the kind of school I would want my son to attend, where I would like to work as a staff member, or learn as a student is an indescribable and addictive joy. My sincerest wish is that all of us here at Sunrise create exactly what you want for your child, so please let us know how we can improve your experience.

Parent Testimonial