The Montessori approach offers a broad vision of education as an aid to life. It is designed to help children with their task of inner construction as they grow from childhood to maturity. It succeeds because it draws its principles from the natural development of the child. Its flexibility provides a matrix within which each individual child's inner directives freely guide the child toward wholesome growth.
Montessori classrooms provide a prepared environment where children are free to respond to their natural tendency to work. The children's innate passion for learning is encouraged by giving them opportunities to engage in spontaneous, purposeful activities with the guidance of a trained adult. Through their work, the children develop concentration and joyful self-discipline. Within a framework of order, the children progress at their own pace and rhythm, according to their individual capabilities.
Director & Owner
Ms. Danon North received her American Montessori Society Certificate in 1995 and taught and served as assistant director in a dual language program in Seattle.
In 2002, she joined the Sunrise staff as a teacher, and purchased the school and began her tenure as the Director in 2007. Felicia brings a deep love and creative
Director & Owner
Ms. Danon North received her American Montessori Society Certificate in 1995 and taught and served as assistant director in a dual language program in Seattle.
In 2002, she joined the Sunrise staff as a teacher, and purchased the school and began her tenure as the Director in 2007. Felicia brings a deep love and creative appreciation for young children into the classroom, augmenting the program through her abilities in gardening, music, and languages.
Her extensive international travel and experience growing up and living overseas has deepened the geography, languages, and culture programs at the school. The Sunrise Staff and Families love how Felicia runs her school with passion and heart.
Toddler Teacher
Cynthia graduated from Santa Barbara City College with her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education in the Spring of 2016. During her completion of the program she had the opportunity to work as a student teacher in the Orfalea Early Learning Center for a year where she was able to apply her classroom knowledge and a
Toddler Teacher
Cynthia graduated from Santa Barbara City College with her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education in the Spring of 2016. During her completion of the program she had the opportunity to work as a student teacher in the Orfalea Early Learning Center for a year where she was able to apply her classroom knowledge and allow her skills as a teacher to flourish. Growing up Cynthia always knew she wanted to be a teacher, however it wasn’t until she had her son when she knew she wanted to work with pre-school aged children.
Cynthia joined the Sunrise staff in the Fall of 2016 as a primary teacher in the Suns Group. She believes in giving the children the time and space to explore and engage in their environment. Cynthia see’s herself as a guide to the children and teaches with a kind and gentle approach. One of Cynthia’s favorite parts about teaching is having fun with the children and watching the small joys in life bring them such happiness! She feels they are a good reminder in today's day in age to enjoy ones life.
When Cynthia isn’t teaching she loves spending time with her family going to the beach and trying new restaurants. She also enjoys getting outside and going on hikes with friends. The Sunrise staff and families love Cynthia’s creative and fun personality that blends perfectly with the children’s creative nature.
Toddler Teacher
More to come...
Montessori Lead Primary Teacher
Margarita came to Sunrise in the Fall of 2010, after seven years at Montessori Center School and 5 years in traditional preschool. In addition to earning her Associates in Early Childhood Education with Honors, from Santa Barbara City College, and specialized training for children with Autism and Sensory P
Montessori Lead Primary Teacher
Margarita came to Sunrise in the Fall of 2010, after seven years at Montessori Center School and 5 years in traditional preschool. In addition to earning her Associates in Early Childhood Education with Honors, from Santa Barbara City College, and specialized training for children with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorders in 2011, she received her Associate Montessori Teacher Credential, from the American Montessori Society in 2013.
Margarita fell in love with the Montessori Philosophy 14 years ago. She fully believes Maria Montessori's idea that children have an absorbent mind and that they learn best using their senses and having hands on experiences. With her knowledge of Montessori philosophy she follows the child, and through careful observation she provides an environment that stimulates their interest.
She believes that children are not just our future they are also our present and as teachers we have the honor of being part of their daily lives. She wants to instill in the students a curiosity and natural desire to learn about the world and its people. Margarita wants to encourage them to practice the fundamental values of sharing, caring, listening, trusting, and honesty.
Margarita has been married for 26 years to her best friend. They are blessed with two wonderful children and a small dog. Besides spending time with her family, she loves to cook and is passionate about continuing her education. The Sunrise staff and families love Margaritas motherly love and her ability to make every child and family feel welcomed into our sweet community.
Primary Teacher
In 2010 Kimberly decided to become a teacher and immediately began her formal training in Early Childhood Education receiving her certificate from Santa Barbara City College. Just after her daughter Sullivan graduated from preschool she began playground set up/supervision at Sunrise. In 2011 she started helping in the Star
Primary Teacher
In 2010 Kimberly decided to become a teacher and immediately began her formal training in Early Childhood Education receiving her certificate from Santa Barbara City College. Just after her daughter Sullivan graduated from preschool she began playground set up/supervision at Sunrise. In 2011 she started helping in the Stars Group classroom.
Kimberly had no idea she wanted to be a teacher until she came across Sunrise. She was immediately attracted by the love and guidance they provided her daughter. Her mood always lifted the minute she walked through the blue gate to pick up her daughter. Kimberly adores connecting with children. She loves finding out what makes them laugh, what gets them excited, and how they learn. For her, there is no better profession than helping a young child grow into their awareness.
Aside from teaching, one of Kimberly’s other passions is dancing. She has been dancing since she was 6 years old and her love for it has never ceased. Now Yoga has become a passion as well for Kimberly. She loves all animals, except spiders. She says taking her little rescue Chihuahua for long walks is much more fun for her than it is for him. One of her favorite things is grabbing a picnic basket and finding a beautiful spot to enjoy with her family. Finally, becoming a "volleyball mom" has ignited a new found love of sports that she never knew she had. The Sunrise staff and families love Kimberly’s nurturing and attentiveness to each child’s unique and wonderful personality.
Primary Teacher
Daisy’s love for teaching came from watching her mother Margarita, who is the Montessori lead primary teacher here at sunrise. The work and dedication that her mother had for the children inspired Daisy and she knew she wanted to be a teacher from that moment on, and since then has been pursuing her love for education. Sh
Primary Teacher
Daisy’s love for teaching came from watching her mother Margarita, who is the Montessori lead primary teacher here at sunrise. The work and dedication that her mother had for the children inspired Daisy and she knew she wanted to be a teacher from that moment on, and since then has been pursuing her love for education. She has done over 200 hours of volunteer work at Montessori Center School in addition to two semesters of student teaching at Orfalea Early Learning Center, which is part of Santa Barbara City College.
Daisy first started here at Sunrise as a substitute teacher in 2016, and is now a full time teacher. She finished her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education at Santa Barbara City College in 2017, and is currently working towards her BA in Early Childhood Studies at California State University Channel Islands.
What Daisy loves most about teaching is being able to be a part of the children's lives, to watch the children progress, and to see the sparkle in their eyes when they achieve something new.
Aside from teaching Daisy enjoys taking walks to the beach, either with company or on her own while she listens to music. She also enjoys spending her free time either reading, writing, or drawing. The Sunrise staff and families love Daisy’s gentle presence and her wonderful sense of creativity when creating activities for the children.
Playground Activities & Afternoon Teacher
More information about Edvin on its way!
Playground Activities
More information about Alexis on its way!
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