Our Staff
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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.
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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.
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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:)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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
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Ms. Kathy Corbin- Ladybugs Teaching Assistant
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Ms. Kim Viche- Fireflies and Busy Bees Teaching Assistant
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Ms. Malory Smith- Teaching Assistant
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Ms. Mikayla Bray-Teaching Assistant
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Ms. Danielle Herbert- Busy Bees Teaching Assistant
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Ms. Taylor Murray-Teaching Assistant
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Mrs. Sarah Huber- Teaching Assistant
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