Where a child's first school experience is sunny and warm!
OUR
MISSION
At Sunny Hill our mission consists of providing a warm and nurturing environment where children feel safe. Our Preschool offers various activities that are designed to promote creativity and make learning fun! Through cooperative play and creative activities, kids reach their social, emotional and physical milestones naturally and with ease and look forward to learning.
History of Sunny Hill
The First United Methodist Church has housed a nursery school since 1960, when Virginia Evans started Mrs. Evan's Nursery School. In 1975, Mary Harcey became director and the name was changed to Sunny Hill Nursery School.
In 1979, Mary Beth Leifeld joined the staff as co-director and in 1986, became owner and director of Sunny Hill Preschool. During 2005, Janna Meline and Mary Morelli took positions as directors along with their teaching responsibilities.
Meet the Directors
Director
Janna Sanderson
A.A.S Early Childhood Education, MNAEYC Director's Certification, Childcare Administration, MNAEYC
"There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the children grow each year and watching their personalities flourish."
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Janna Sanderson has been teaching at Sunny Hill since 1992 and lives in Stillwater with her husband and four kids. Her niche as a director and caretaker includes making children feel valuable, competent, and secure and empowering them to be self-reliant and develop healthy self-esteem. "I truly have the best job in the world by helping children discover their capabilities and helping them forge into their futures."
Director
Mary Morelli
B.A.S. Business Administration and Accounting
Univ. of Wisconsin-River Falls
Director's Credential Certification, MNAEYCC
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Mary Morelli has been an employee at Sunny Hill since 1998 and was first introduced to Sunny Hill when her own children attended Sunny Hill. Mary's niche as a director includes fostering patience and providing children with a gentle, safe, and joyful learning experience.
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"I love working with the children and watching them grow throughout the school year. They are so imaginative, and it is amazing to see them blossom. I can't imagine a better way to spend my work day than with all of the wonderful children and parents in our program."