STAFF | Early Childhood Education Center
(2-6 years)
Jody Connor, Director
Jody Connor is the Early Childhood Center Director, overseeing the care and education of the Sonshine Center’s 2-year-olds through 5-year-olds. She’s been with the Sonshine Center for nearly 25 years. Prior to her return in 2005 as Assistant Director, she was a Group Leader in the Sonbeams classroom for three years and worked as an office administrator for both the Infant Center and Early Childhood Center. Jody received her Early Childhood Education certification through Red Rocks Community College. The passion of her heart is teaching kids, building relationships and empowering staff and parents to grow and thrive. Jody and her husband have two wonderful children who both attended the Sonshine Center for many years and before continuing their education at Faith Christian Academy.
Deborah Babin, Head Teacher for Rainbows (2–2½ years)
Deborah Babin is the Head Teacher in the Rainbows classroom. She joined the Sonshine Center in 2010. She taught preschool-aged children for five years prior to joining our staff. Deb received her Early Childhood Education certification through Red Rocks Community College. Deb is a life-long learner who loves exploring and also gives lots of love to the children. She’s been married to her husband, Robin, for nearly 30 years and they have three children. Her daughter also works at the Sonshine Center.
Heather Bilyou, Head Teacher for Sonbeams (2½-3½ years)
Heather Bilyou is Head Teacher in the Sonbeams classroom. She joined the Sonshine Center in 2000. She received her Early Childhood Education certification through Red Rocks Community College. Heather also completed her Associates in Biblical Studies from Rocky Mountain Bible Institute. Heather enjoys working with this age group because everything is fun and exciting as they discover the world around them. She loves helping them learn and grow. Heather also volunteers with the Thornton Police Department Citizens Academy for various events and enjoys supporting our police officers.
Chandra Regan, Head Teacher for Shining Lights (3–4 years)
Chandra Regan is the Head Teacher in the Shining Lights classroom. She joined the Sonshine Center in 2017. She taught preschool for more than eight years prior to joining our staff. She also taught English and Bible as a missionary in Japan for six years. She was a mission’s coordinator and front desk receptionist for Arvada Covenant Church. Chandra is married and has one child who also works at the Sonshine Center.
Maryann Glasco, Head Teacher for Sonshine Express (4 years)
Maryann Glasco is the Head Teacher in the Sonshine Express classroom. She joined the Sonshine Center in 2009. Maryann is a Colorado native born in Denver. She received her Early Childhood Education and Guidance Strategies certifications through Red Rocks Community College. Maryann enjoys the mountains and exploring the outdoors. She is married and has two adult children and seven grandchildren.
Rhonda Orstead, Head Teacher for Sonshine Kids (5 years)
Rhonda Orstead is the Head Teacher in the Sonshine Kids classroom. She joined the Sonshine Center in 2017. Rhonda has worked with children of all ages since high school. She loves working with kids. She earned her Group Leader Certification through Vanguard University and has a Computerized Accounting Certification through Barnes Business College. She currently volunteers on the Coal Creek Canyon Fire Protection District support team. Rhonda is married and has two children who attended Faith Christian Academy.
Lesley Huffman, Head Teacher for Jr. Kindergarten (4–5 years)
Lesley Huffman is the Head Teacher for the Jr. Kindergarten classroom. Raised in Colorado, she’s been working with children since she started babysitting at 12 years of age. During church camp in high school, Lesley felt God was calling her to work with children long-term, and she hasn’t looked back since. Lesley’s been teaching for more than 20 years in both Kindergarten and K-4 programs. She’s also been an assistant director, worked in before- and after-school programs, and helped run summer camp programs. Lesley has a Colorado Director’s Certification in Early Childhood Education. Her passion is to provide a safe and caring environment for her students to learn and grown toward their goals!
STAFF | Infant Center
(8 weeks - 24 months)
Julie Bird, Director
Julie Bird is the Early Childhood Center Director, overseeing the care and nurturing of the Sonshine Center’s youngest children. She’s been with the Sonshine Center for more than five years and has spent significant time with every age group in each class, as well as served as an aid in our After-School Care program. Although her educational background is in finance, she’s found her passion in serving Jesus by loving Sonshine Center families and can’t imagine being anywhere else. She loves building strong and rewarding relationships and considers all the Sonshine kids her family. Julie has one grown son, Jeremiah, with whom she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and snowboarding. Her sister, mom and dad all love working at Faith.
Carol Prevost, Infant Center Supervisor & Head Teacher for Little Blessings (6 weeks - 6 months)
Carol Prevost is our Infant Center Supervisor and Head Teacher for the Little Blessings room. She joined the Sonshine Center in 2005. She has many years of experience working with children, including running her own in-home daycare for more than 20 years. Her educational background is in nursing and she worked as a nurse for four years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She and her husband, Dick, have six children and six grandchildren. She loves caring for our little ones and helping them grow and develop.
Patti McKinney, Head Teacher for Cherubs (6-12 months)
Patti McKinney is the Head Teacher for the Cherubs class. Patti has been working in childcare field for more than 35 years, and she counts it an honor and privilege to work with Sonshine Center parents and children. Her passion is serving God by serving families. Patti has also been Head Teacher in the Lions & Lambs and Little Blessings classes over the years, so she also intimately knows the development and milestones prior to, within and just after the age range of the babies she loves and cares for. Patti and her husband have been married for 40 years. They have two sons, two daughters and eight grandchildren (six boys and two girls).
Lions & Lambs
Vicky Bizu, Head Teachers for Lions & Lambs (12 – 24 months)
Vicky Bizu is the Head Teacher in our Lions section of the Lions & Lambs classroom. She joined the Sonshine Center in 2013 and has been working in the field of childcare for more than 11 years. She earned her Director Certification from Arapahoe Community College. Vicky is the mother of five grown children. She likes to read, spend time with family and help those in need.
Lions & Lambs
Marie Medina, Head Teachers for Lions & Lambs (12 – 24 months)
Marie Medina is the Head Teacher in the Lambs section of the Lions & Lambs classroom. Marie joined the Sonshine Center in 2019. She’s worked in childcare for more than five years, having previously taught 3rd grade before feeling the call to transition to childcare. Her primary goal is to pour God’s love into children and establish in them a firm foundation in God. She enjoys spending time with her 10-year-old son Anthony in her free time. They enjoy hiking, running, reading books, sports and the great outdoors.