Meet our staff
We believe in providing not only exceptional education for your child, but exceptional leadership. We are blessed with an incredible team of educators, assistants, and other professionals to provide your child with countless opportunities to grow, love, and show grace.
Daisy Chell
Director
Hello! I am delighted to be serving at Sonshine Patch Preschool. I earned a degree in Early Childhood Education in 2007 and have enjoyed such a rewarding career in early learning over the years. Some of my roles have been preschool teacher, Sunday School teacher, Infant/Toddler Supervisor, and administrator.
I was blessed with an opportunity to work as a missionary in the Philippines for 10 years. While overseas, I served in an orphanage, school, and pregnancy clinic.
I absolutely love my work with the children, their families and teachers in this community.
When I'm not at work, I enjoy time with family and friends, watching movies, eating good food, and traveling to new places.
Teacher
Hi everyone! Being a teacher has always been a dream of mine. I have been working with children since I was 12.
I received my BA at Azusa Pacific University in California where I met and married my husband, Dan. We now have two wonderful grown children and four grandchildren.
I've taught kindergarten at a Christian school in Sedona, Arizona, worked as a Children's Ministry Coordinator, substituted, taught classes at the University of Phoenix, and worked as a swim instructor. Teaching JK here at the Sonshine Patch is a complete joy to me, incorporating my many years of teaching experience with fresh new ideas is such a fun challenge!
Nancy Lamar
Shelia Ballard
Teacher
Hi! I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was little girl. I’ve been working at Sonshine Patch Preschool for 12 years. It’s such a blessing to be able to teach the love of Jesus to our children.
I have three children; one sone and two daughters. My oldest daughter attended SPP in 2002. I also have 2 grandsons ages 2.5 and 1 years old.
I graduated with a teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education from Mesa State in Grand Junction, Colorado. I've also enjoyed teaching Sunday School, and substituted previously at a preschool in Delta.
I absolutely love to teach and work with young children. It is so exciting to watch them developmentally grow throughout the school year!
Daisy Chell
Director
Ginny Archer
Teacher
Hi! I'm Miss Ginny. I love working with children. Over the past 40 years I have worked with children from infancy to age 5. My experiences include teaching Sundy School, working in daycare, and teaching preschool. Watching children explore and learn brings joy to my heart. I’m excited to be working with your little ones this year.
Hello! I have been working in the Early Childhood Education field for over 6 years. Prior to preschool teaching I was the Kids Club Manager at Golds Gym Montrose and spent three years as a substitute teacher in the Montrose County School District. This is my 3rd year with Sonshine Patch Preschool and I love it here!
I learned about my love for working with children while volunteering in the classrooms of my own two children. I love developing relationships with children and their families. Each child has their own unique and special qualities. I can’t wait to work with your child and see them
blossom!
When I am not working with preschoolers I’m spending time with my family hiking, camping, traveling, attending church, and skiing. I also enjoy walking my sweet dog, gardening, watching movies and reading
Kim Landford
Teacher
Karla Fulton
Teacher
Hi everyone, I’m Karla. I am incredibly excited to be working with your preschooler!
I'm a retired elementary teacher with over 25 years of experience which includes kindergarten through fourth grade.
I was a first-grade teacher for 18 years and went on to be certified as a Reading Specialist. Prior to teaching elementary, I worked as a lead teacher in the daycare and preschool at my local YWCA.
When I'm not working, you'll find in the great Colorado outdoors enjoying the sunshine.
Hannah Wieder
Teacher
Hi! I am thrilled to be the lead for Apple class this year! This is my 3rd year at SPP, and the
community here between staff and families is so incredible. I’m so passionate about sharing the
love of Jesus with little ones, and have a passion for guiding them as they grow.
I play the violin, and in the local symphony. I love music and the arts, including painting
and crocheting. I absolutely love living near the mountains, as I love to hike, paddleboard, and
spend time in creation. Reading is also a big passion of mine, and I love to share my love of the
written word with kiddos!
This job is so fulfilling, and I’m looking forward to serving and working with these
wonderful families and community.
Katrina Maksimowski
Teacher
Hello families! I started working as a preschool teacher in January 2023 and I absolutely fell in love with it. I enjoy teaching children the Word of God and watching them grow in their faith. I believe children are God’s blessing to this world. I am happy to share that I am also a mom of two wonderful kids.
In my free time I enjoy exercising, cooking, reading, taking care of my house plants, and exploring the great outdoors of Colorado with my family. I’m really looking forward to my first year here at Sonshine patch and watching your sweet kids grow!
Hello everyone! I am so thankful to be chosen to work at Sonshine Patch. Here is a little bit of information about myself. I have lived in Montrose my whole life. I love God, my family, and working with children. I have been working with children on a professional level for 24 years. My first adventure was working as a Special Education Paraprofessional for 16 years. Then, I went to school and became a certified Montessori teacher. For the next 8 years, I worked as prekindergarten/ kindergarten teacher in a local private school. I will strive to spread God’s love while providing a loving, safe learning environment, where everyone can grow and learn. God bless.
Shelley O'Brien
Teacher
Emma d'Ablaing
Teacher
Hello everyone, I hope you this message finds you well! My name is Emma d’Ablaing, and I am delighted to have been chosen to work here at Sonshine Patch. I began my journey with children ten years ago and have been blessed to of had multiple chances to work with them. I will be attending CMU in the spring to further my education journey to pursue my undergraduate degree in education. I just recently moved here to Montrose, Colorado from Dallas, Texas with my husband of 6.5 years and our wonderful son, James. In my free time I love to hike, draw, explore new places, make new friends, and spend time with my family. I am so excited to get this school year started. I know this will be a great year!
Wil Ferrell
Teacher
I am a senior in high school at Peak Academy and concurrently taking courses at CMU Montrose. I have lived in Montrose for three years but I am originally from Oregon. I enjoy art, music, crocheting, and volunteering with Magic Circle Players. I plan on attending Montana State in the fall. Can’t wait to get to know you!
Volunteer
Kara Brown
Hello! I have been working at Sonshine Patch Preschool for over 30 years. I started as a junior in high school in 1992.
I enjoy tie-dye, kids, being with family, taking care of my puppy, going shopping, flying on an airplane, making cards, and playing card games.
I also enjoy the Rockies. I like making blankets - fleece tied. I like learning about gems and texting my family. I learned how to work my tablet. I like working in my flower garden. I like Flo painting. I like doing activities. I really enjoy working at the preschool and coloring.
I live with my mom and dad. I have one brother and one sister. I love spending time with my sister but she lives 6 hours away. We have 6 grandkids and one great grand kid on the way!
School Nurse
Sarah Morales RN
Hey everyone!
I'm Sarah, and I'm your school nurse at Sonshine Patch Preschool. My other job is working as an RN in the Emergency Department here in Montrose, and in my previous life I was an elementary music school teacher! I continue my love of music by volunteering with the Valley Symphony Association chorus and occasionally singing or playing piano for church functions. Both of my kids attended Sonshine Patch, and as a matter of fact, I did too - in the inaugural class 30-odd years ago! This is a super place for your kids to learn and grow, and we're thrilled to have you here!