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Our Staff

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Ms. Joanne Castillo

Ms. Joanne Castillo

Director and Ladybugs Teacher

I've been busy enjoying Sonshine Preschool since 1998! I have a degree from Texas Tech University and have taken early childhood classes through Pima. I began teaching in 2000, became Assistant Director in 2004, and Director in 2023. With all my heart I can say I love working with the children here at Sonshine. I look forward to getting to know them and their families each year.

 

Ms. Amanda Banwart

Ms. Amanda Banwart

Assistant Director

I joined Sonshine Preschool in 2011 as a two-year old teaching assistant. In 2015 I became Assistant Director, handling all office duties. I can honestly say I truly enjoy coming to work every day. Building relationships with our preschoolers and their families is one of the greatest parts of my job.

Ms. Mary Montes

Ms. Mary Montes

Butterflies Teacher

Sonshine has been a big part of my life since 2014. Both my daughters attended Sonshine and I started working in the three year old classroom in 2017. Before my girls were born, I was a teacher in the Vail School District for 15 years, mostly teaching Kindergarten. My husband and I have been married for 15 years. I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, being with my family and coffee:)

Ms. Julie Moten

Ms. Julie Moten

Ladybugs Teacher

I joined the Sonshine staff in 1998, and has been teaching the 3-4 Year Olds ever since. I graduated from UofA and was born and raised in Tucson. I am married and have 4 girls.

Ms. Nilza Pesqueira

Ms. Nilza Pesqueira

Butterflies Teacher

I have degree in Educational Sciences and I really like my profession. Being able to teach and learn from children at the same time is very satisfying for me.  My husband and I have two young children who also attend Sonshine.

Ms. Fatima Pesqueira

Ms. Fatima Pesqueira

Fireflies Teacher

I have a bachelor's degree in education and 14 years of experience in teaching in preschool and elementary school, I love my profession. I am constantly learning so I can be the best teacher possible to children. I'm happy to be part of the Sonshine team.

Ms. Cassie Grove

Ms. Cassie Grove

Busy Bees Teacher

I’ve been working in the early childhood education field for over 7 years and nannied for 2 years previous to working in a professional setting. I’m so excited to be   the Busy Bees teacher and watch all our kiddos learn and flourish!

Ms. Prairie Romero

Ms. Prairie Romero

Afternoon Lead Teacher & Fireflies Teaching Assistant

I have been a part of Sonshine Preschool since 2001! I absolutely love working and spending my day with the toddlers. All 3 of my boys attended Sonshine. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Ms. Cheryl AKA “Mrs. K”

Ms. Cheryl AKA “Mrs. K”

Properties Manager-All Around Helper-Keeps our campus beautiful

After a 37 year career in Dental Hygiene, I am blessed to have a “retirement job” at Sonshine Preschool. Both of my daughters are Sonshine Alumni. My husband and I will celebrate our 42nd anniversary this year. We enjoy travel and working on home improvement projects.

Ms. Madi Banwart- Butterflies Teaching Assistant

This is my 6th year as a Teaching Assistant at Sonshine and I am currently studying Elementary Education through NAU. I am also a Sonshine alumni! I am so blessed to be a part of the Sonshine Preschool family. I am recently engaged and will be getting married in the spring. Some of the kids know my fiancé as “Mr. Sam, the firefighter” I’m looking forward to another great year at Sonshine.

Ms. Kathy Corbin- Ladybugs Teaching Assistant

This is my 27th year at Sonshine! I love working at Sonshine and I know I will love working with your child. My husband and I have 3 sons and 6 grandchildren. 5 of my grandchildren have attended Sonshine. My youngest grandchild will be attending Sonshine this year. I have been in a wide array of positions here, including as a Pre-K teacher and a teaching assistant in various classrooms. This year I am really excited to be on the Ladybug team.

Ms. Kim Viche- Fireflies and Busy Bees Teaching Assistant

This is my fourth year working at Sonshine, but I have been a part of the Sonshine family as a parent and volunteer for almost 11 years now. I moved to Tucson from Spokane Washington to attend the University of Arizona where I met my husband, a Tucson native.  We have 4 children. 2 Sonshine alumni and 2 Butterflies. I enjoy all that the outdoors have to offer, cooking, gardening, and Family Time. Sonshine Preschool is dear to my heart, and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of your children’s lives. 

Ms. Malory Smith- Teaching Assistant

This is my 6th year here at Sonshine. I feel privileged to get to laugh and play all day with your children. I love to learn; my favorite subjects are nutrition and physics. I also enjoy board games, reading, hiking, and traveling.

Ms. Mikayla Bray-Teaching Assistant

This is my 3rd year at Sonshine. I am currently studying Pre-Med at the U of A. I enjoy watching the children grow and I am blessed to be a part of the Sonshine family.

Ms. Bethany Seal- Teaching Assistant

I am a senior in the Early Childhood Education program at the U of A. I am currently student teaching in third grade at Davidson Elementary. This is my second year working at Sonshine and I am so proud to be a part of this amazing staff!

Ms. Danielle Herbert- Busy Bees Teaching Assistant

This is my second year at Sonshine. I have always had a passion and wanted to teach little kids. Before finding Sonshine I would babysit on the side and loved it. I am so excited to be the Busy Bee Assistant and watch these little humans grow and turn into something amazing.

Ms. Taylor Murray-Teaching Assistant

This is my first official year at Sonshine. I enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews. My biggest goal in life is to be a mother, but until then, being able to work with children is the second-best thing.

Mrs. Sarah Huber- Teaching Assistant

I previously worked at Sonshine Preschool for 6 years, left for 2 years and am excited to be back. I am also a Sonshine alumni so I can’t imagine working anywhere else. I recently got married so some of you may remember me as Ms. Sarah Haynes.