Administration
Ms. Sarah, 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, Assistant Director
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!
Lead Teachers
Ms. Jessica, Dragonfly Lead Teacher/Half Day Primary
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.
Ms. Karima, Firefly Lead Teacher/Full Day Primary
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. Kelly, Butterfly Lead Teacher/Full Day Primary
Quietly Mastering the Art of Communication since 2007
I was born in Georgetown, Texas. In August of 1990, I moved to Mojave, California where I graduated from Mojave High School with an art scholarship from the California City Woman's Society. I also at this time volunteered at the Mojave Elementary School during the summers. After my husband finished his active duty in the Marine Corp and after eight years of living in California, we decided to make Texas our home along with our two spoiled dogs Elway and Winston. I was an Assistant Teacher working with children from ages six months to six years for several years. I have taken many courses and workshops that have helped me to become a better teacher. I started working here at Sunrise in October of 2007 as an assistant teacher in the Firefly classroom. Within a year of my start date, I completed my Montessori Credential with NAMC and the learning continues. I consider myself very fortunate to be among such a professional faculty.
Ms. Lara, Doodlebug Lead Teacher/Full and Half Day Pre-Primary
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!
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.