mEET OUR
tEACHERS
The community and enthusiasm at Sunshine are fostered by the teachers who respect each child and their family, and who know that a cooperative environment is truly a partnership for the benefit of our future.
Portia Fischer
Working with children is my passion! As a child, I always knew that I would grow up to be a teacher. I never wavered and have been teaching for over 20 years. And every day I feel like I have the best job in the world!
I received my Elementary/Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from UC Irvine and have taught grades 2-6 in Irvine Unified School District and Fullerton School District. I have also been a substitute for many years in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. I never really considered teaching little ones until my children attended preschool, and I realized that three and four year olds are so amazingly bright and capable! My four children all attended Sunshine Preschool... it was the perfect fit for a teacher mama! And after my youngest graduated from 3-Day, I was blessed to have the opportunity to become the Director and 3-Day teacher in 2009.
My journey at Sunshine has been very special. The families and staff members with whom I am honored to work, and their precious children, enrich my life every day. And nothing warms my heart more than the continued connections we all share. Sunshine is truly a loving and kind community.
Crystal Delle
I have been passionate about working with children for as long as I can remember. With over 15 years of experience in early childhood, I have wisdom in Montessori (certified from the University of Irvine), Reggio-Emilia, and cooperative philosophies. I have dual bachelor’s degrees. One in Human Development with an emphasis on Early Childhood and the other in Psychology from Cal State San Bernardino. The heart of Sunshine is safety and kindness, both of which resonate with my core values as a teacher and a momma. Being the 2-Day teacher has brought so much love and light into my life.
Sunshine was such a perfect fit for our oldest son; structure, play, and kindness. I knew I had to be apart of it not just as a parent but as a teacher. I was overjoyed to begin teaching 2-Day in 2015 and it is my honor to be the Assistant Director at Sunshine Enrichment Cooperative. My love for Sunshine continues to grow with the attendance of our youngest son. Being a parent, teacher, and member of this one of a kind community is something that I am so gratfeul for.
My dream is to cultivate life long learners by providing them with opportunities to love learning. I believe each and every child possesses unique qualities and individual strengths and it is my desire to help to develop these skills.
I have been an educator for over 17 years. I have always loved working with children and fell in love with teaching during my first semester at Fullerton College when volunteering in a kinder class. I went on to finish my undergrad with a Bachelor of Arts from Cal State Fullerton in 1997 and then continued at Azusa Pacific University where I completed my Master's Degree in Education and my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in 2000. I have teaching experience in preschool and all elementary grades with special emphasis on literacy.
I'm a mama of two amazing children! After my daughter was born I took 6 years off to spend time with my family. I began teaching 4-day at Sunshine in 2018 and have loved every minute of it! Sunshine has been such a blessing to me and I am truly grateful for the intimate, nurturing community that makes Sunshine such a special place. I look forward to starting a new adventure with teaching Sunshine's first kinder class. I look forward to continuing to being part of Sunshine where friends become family and the outpouring love creates cherished memories and lifetime bonds.
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Rachelle Nevois
Brittany Adnoff
My journey at Sunshine began as a Sunshine School House parent. Our family took a risk and
pulled our daughters out of public school so we could explore our options. Luckily for us, we
heard there were openings at Sunshine and decided to give it a shot. It didn’t take long for my daughters and I to fall in love with the teachers and their philosophies. To our surprise, we plan on never returning to public school and remaining at Sunshine indefinitely. Sunshine stays true to their name and exuberates a special kind of radiant light of genuine love and support. This is something that we have never experienced at any other school before. Sunshine has been more than a school for us. It is our village and I don’t know where we would be without them.
During my experience as a substitute preschool teacher at Child Care Careers, I observed a
variety of different philosophies and teaching styles, all of which are special in their own way
but none have ever felt right for me or like home the way that Sunshine does. When I found out that Sunshine also taught preschool I was determined to be a part of their admirable crew. I’ve never wanted a job so much before in my life. During my volunteer shifts I would chirp in Miss Portia’s ear. “Psst. Um, I don’t know if I’ve told you, but I have a Child Development Master Teacher Permit. If you ever need anyone, even just to substitute, please let me know.” I guess the chirping worked and I am so ecstatic to announce that I am now a part of the Sunshine team!
I am very passionate about the well-being of children. I understand that the first few years of a child’s life are the most impressionable and is crucial for them to be surrounded by positive role models. I have a genuine appreciation for exploration and creation, and eager to share that passion with children. I strive to help children grow not only cognitively but physically, and social-emotionally all while making sure we have fun while doing it!
Grace Fischer
As a former Sunshine student Grace is thrilled to come full circle and contribute to the community as the School House Assistant Teacher. Grace holds a Bachelor Degree in Recreation and Tourism with an emphasis in Hospitality. She has always had a love for working with children and a natural ability to guide and nurture.
