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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. Emily Fernandez

Ms. Emily Fernandez

Fireflies Teacher

I grew up in Tucson and after living all over the country from 2010-2017, I’m so happy to be back in beautiful Tucson. I am a former elementary school teacher in the Vail school district. I began teaching in the Fireflies classroom in 2018. Sonshine holds a special place in my heart because I attended Sonshine Preschool as a child and  my mom is also a former Sonshine Preschool teacher.

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. Nicole Ryan- Staff Support Associate

I am blessed to be a part of the Sonshine team! This marks my 9th year teaching in Early Education. Working in Early Education brings so much joy to my heart and I can’t wait to work with each class and get to know every little kiddo. I am a Tucson native; my husband is my high school sweetheart, and we have two daughters; one in high school and one in middle school. We love to travel, find new restaurants, watch movies and play games!  

Ms. Madi Banwart- Butterflies Teaching Assistant

This is my 5th year as a Teaching Assistant at Sonshine and I’m also a proud Sonshine alumni! I am currently in school studying Education and plan to become an elementary school teacher. I am so blessed to be a part of the Sonshine Preschool family.

Ms. Kathy Corbin- Ladybug and Butterflies Teaching Assistant

I have been part of the Sonshine family since 1996! I have worked in a wide array of positions here, including as a Pre-K teacher and a teaching assistant in various classrooms. I really enjoy working at Sonshine! My husband and I have 3 sons and 6 grandchildren. 5 of my grandchildren have attended Sonshine.

Ms. Kim Viche- Teaching Assistant

This is my 3rd year working at Sonshine, but I have been a part of the Sonshine family as a parent and volunteer for almost 10 years now. I have 4 children. 2 Sonshine alumni, and 2 Ladybugs. 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 5th 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

Ms. Bethany Seal- Teaching Assistant

Ms. Danielle Herbert- Teaching Assistant