Sunrise Montessori

Parent Support Group

Board Member Autobiographies

  Jenna Haggard, President

Hello!  My name is Jenna Haggard and our three boys have been coming to Sunrise since they each were 18 months - now 6, 5, and 3.  We were so lucky to have found this oasis, all the awesome teachers and loving families.  I am now on the Board, trying to contribute back all the greatness that has been bestowed upon our three boys!

  Kimberly Thompson, Executive Vice-President

My name is Kimberly Thompson.  I am originally from Northern California, but came here fifteen years ago to attend Arizona State University.  I have been married to my husband Mark for thirteen years, and together we have two children.  Our son Chase will be starting his third year at Sunrise Montessori – South Campus in the AM Preschool Class and our two year old daughter Kayla will continue working behind the scenes on PSG activities at home with me.  As part of the PSG Executive Board, I hope that each parent will be as involved as they can be.  Each parent’s talents, skills, input, and feedback are welcomed and desired.  There are so many amazing parents and children at Sunrise that I know anything is possible.

  Shannon Beebe, Vice-President of Administration

My name is Shannon Beebe. I am an RN in L&D, which I love doing. My husband David and I have been married for 8 years in January. Madison our first started here when she was 18 months old. She is now starting Kindergarten. Ryan who will be 4 in September is in the preschool, and Colin will start toddler class in January when he turns 18 months old. I have been helping out with the different events for the last 4 1/2 years and decided that I wanted to be more involved so I joined the PSG.

  Open Position, Vice-President of Finance

  Kim Cafarelli, Board Member

My name is Kim Cafarelli and I am a stay-at-home mom.  I have been married for 11 years to my awesome husband, Bruno, and together we have 3 wonderful kids.  My children have been part of the Sunrise Montessori family for 5 years now.  Vinnie will be in the second grade and Alyssa will be in kindergarten.  I also have a one year old daughter, Nicolette, who is waiting in the wings for her big debut in the Toddler program.  As a member of the PSG, I hope to get all parents involved with the school by helping out with the different events throughout the school year.  Everyone has a special talent that they can bring to the PSG!  Hope to see you all at the meetings and around campus!

  Ami Davidson, Board Member

My name is Ami Davidson.  I am originally from Kansas City, but have been in Arizona for 25 years.  I have a wonderful husband named Todd and our two wonderful children, Jeremey and Tyler.  Jeremey is now in his third year attending Sunrise and Tyler is starting his second year, attending the preschool classroom.  I am looking forward to our upcoming events that we have planned and working with this year's PSG Executive Board Members!! 

  Dawn Marie Goldberg, Board Member

Hi, I'm Dawn Marie and my family has just moved to Peoria from Long Island this past July. Our daughter will be attending AM Pre-school at the North Campus this year and can't wait to meet all her new friends. Prior to our daughter being born I was a Creative Director in Advertising but now am a stay-at-home-mom and also run a personalized gift business. My husband has also been in Advertising in Manhattan for the past 12 years and he is now running SoccerTots here in the Valley. Everyone here has been so extremely friendly, the landscape is so beautiful and we're so excited to call Arizona our new home. Can't wait to meet everyone this year! Go Yankees! (...I mean,

Diamondbacks!)

  Heather Karsten, Board Member

My name is Heather Karsten.  I am the Elementary teacher.  I have three children, Adam, in the elementary class, Alec in the elementary class, and Aaron, in the AM preschool class.  This is my fourth year at Sunrise.  I would like to see a cooperative network between the Parent Support Group and Sunrise Community.  I would like every parent, child, and staff member to feel that they are an essential part of the Parent Support Group. 

  Tiela Norris, Board Member

My name is Tiela Norris.  My husband, Tony and I have been married for eleven years.  We moved to Arizona eight years ago, from Illinois and since have had two wonderful children.  Our son, Connor will be starting his 5^th year at Sunrise and he is so excited to be in the elementary class.  Our daughter Chloe will be in the preschool class this year.  We are continually amazed and excited at all that our children are learning and growing from Sunrise and we are looking forward to another wonderful year.  There are a lot of great events planned this year and as a Board Member of the PSG, I truly hope to encourage everyone to get involved and share their unique talents and ideas.  I look forward to contributing, along with all the other parents and staff to making this one of the best and most memorable school years for our children.

  Marjorie Tague, Board Member

My name is Marjorie Tague-Souder.  I have two children, both enrolled at Sunrise.  My daughter began in the toddler program and is now entering 2^nd grade and my son is now attending the preschool program.  I have so much enjoyed watching my children learn and grow within the environment of Montessori.  During my time at Sunrise, I have been involved with many of the social and educational events that Sunrise offers.  It is very gratifying to see all the parents and children enjoy themselves and build lasting friendships.  I am looking forward to meeting as well as working with you over the 2005-2006 school year.