If you are interested in joining us for the 2023-2024 school year, please complete our online registration form or contact our Director.
Our Staff
Michele Saunders
Lead Teacher
2018 MIPA Exceptional Educator
Michele attended Western Washington University where she acquired a BA in Interdisciplinary Child Development with a minor in Psychology as well as her teaching certification.
Michele has taught at Sunnybeam since 2014. Additionally she has taught age groups varying from Pre-K through 2nd grade for over 20 years. Upon first visiting Sunnybeam and seeing the beauty in the space, the warmth of the families, the community of the teachers and the passion in the children she was delighted to have found her new home.
David Weston
Lead Science Room Teacher
2012 MIPA Exceptional Educator
David studied Geology at the University of Washington.
He has taught at Sunnybeam since 2001. His compassion and love for children is well known in the Sunnybeam community.
David recognizes what a special time preschool is in a child's life and enjoys seeing and fostering new challenges and discoveries for them each day. He loves sharing in their accomplishments and helping them problem solve and experience successes on their own.
Julie Fontenot
Teacher
Julie has called the Pacific Northwest home for the past 15 years. She is a dedicated mother of two grown children and has been happily married for 29 years.
Julie earned a degree in Early Childhood Education from Texas Woman’s University. Her favorite class was Children's Literature, reflecting her love for introducing young minds to the magic and wonder of books. She finds fulfillment in watching her students develop social, emotional and academic skills through play.
Julie fills her spare time reading, traveling and discovering hidden treasures while antique shopping.
Nichole Snyder
Teacher
Nichole is currently studying English, Literature, and Writing with the hopes of one day teaching in France or being a librarian.
She has spent the last three years balancing her time between being a mom, substituting at the French American School and serving on the leadership team of a local climate organization.
Nichole loves watching students in preschool grow in a school setting. She loves reading books with children and listening to how they view the world.
In her free time, Nichole loves reading, traveling and spending time outdoors.
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Jessica Moch
Enrichment Teacher
Jessica is a Midwest native with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from DePauw University. After relocating to Seattle and teaching 5 years at Childhaven, Jessica returned to school at the University of Washington for a master's degree in Social Work. Following her master's degree, she spent two years working as a child and family therapist.
Jessica loves the joy and creativity of a preschool classroom. She enjoys watching children express themselves and grow through art, building, and imaginative play.
Jessica is also a former Sunnybeam board member and mom to two very active boys. In her free time, she enjoys baking, painting, gardening, and travelling.
Liz Carson
Director
Liz joined Sunnybeam in a new position as Director in 2016.
Liz's three children all went through Sunnybeam and she was on the Board for four years as Registrar, Vice President and President. Sunnybeam is much a part of her life and she loves being in the schoolhouse. She graduated from Bucknell University with a BA in English & Art History and from University of Washington with an MBA.
She loves visiting the classroom to see all the wonderful Sunnybeam students and their families.
President: Taylor Beeninga
Secretary: Whitney Farsai
Treasurer: Carolyn Robbs Bilanko
Communications: Lyndsey Gillis
Special Events, Caterpillars: Emily Vavrichek
Special Events, Butterflies: Katrina Spaunhurst
Fundraising: Courtney Anders & Kaylee Prior
Capital Improvements: Bryn Morse
Co-Grounds/Building Maintenance: Emily Kroshus & Matt Hawrilenko
Registrars: OPEN
Webmaster: Lili Barbour
Board Member at Large: Samantha Noonan
Please contact the President if you are interested in a volunteer or board position.
Parent Board
A volunteer Parent Board of Directors help run Sunnybeam in conjunction with the Director. The Board's purpose is to hire the teachers and oversee the operation of the school while preserving the building in its historic state. Fundraising activities and continued community involvement provide the financial and moral support for this ongoing effort.
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