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 25 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. School House is such a unique program that I am so passionate about and grateful to teach.
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.
I have been passionate about working with children for as long as I can remember. With over 25 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, 3-Day teacher and Preschool Director 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. 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.
Crystal Delle
Miss Jenny is the sweetest ray of sunshine! She is such a joy to be around! Miss Jenny found Sunshine first as a momma, her daughter joined our program in 2022. She became the preschool aide in 2023. Miss Jenny is also a youth soccer coach. We are lucky to have her as apart of our team!
Jenny Novakoff
As a former Sunshine student Grace is thrilled to come full circle and contribute to the community as a School House Prep teacher. Grace has been the School House Assistant as well as 4-day /TK teacher and is an excellent teacher for letter formation, writing, reading, and overall readiness for our School House program/ Elementary.
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.
Grace Fischer
Claire Wilburn
Claire has been a parent at Sunshine for almost a decade and was a natural choice for the role of School House Assistant. She is a beautiful mother, role model, and caregiver to our Sunshine Community.
