Dedicated to Nurturing Care

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 Co-founder & Executive Director  

Cary is an accomplished Early Childhood Administrator and Co-Founder of Rise and Shine with over 35 years of experience in early childhood education. She is dedicated to building high-quality early learning environments that support the healthy development of infants and toddlers through relationship-based, developmentally appropriate care. As a passionate advocate of the PITC approach and Continuity of Care model, Cary has shaped Rise & Shine into a trusted leader in infant and toddler education throughout Sonoma County. She is a PITC Certified Trainer and ECE Program Director Certified, bringing both strategic leadership and deep pedagogical expertise to every aspect of program development and staff training. 

 Co-founder & Health and Safety Director 

 Josiah is Co-Founder of Rise and Shine with over 35 years of experience in early childhood education. He serves as Director of the JC District facility, where he supports the day-to-day implementation of teacher-facilitated routines and helps ensure excellence in the daily care experience provided to infants and toddlers. Josiah also leads the health and safety component of the program as Rise & Shine's Certified Health & Safety Instructor and Certified Training Instructor in First Aid/CPR/AED, providing staff training and oversight to maintain safe, responsive, and nurturing learning environments. His practical leadership and commitment to operational excellence help uphold the high standards that define the Rise and Shine program. 

  Executive Assistant 

Amanda has served Rise and Shine for over three years in a variety of leadership and developmental support roles. Beginning her journey as a teacher, she was promoted to Assistant Director and went on to serve as the program's Early Intervention and Child Development Specialist, supporting developmental insight and individualized child-centered practices across the centers. Amanda currently serves as Executive Assistant, where she wears many hats in supporting daily operations, organizational systems, team coordination, and executive leadership initiatives. Her versatility, dedication, and broad understanding of child development make her an invaluable part of the Rise and Shine leadership team.

  HR Coordinator 

Lorielle has served as Rise and Shine's HR Coordinator since 2023. In this role, she supports the organization's recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and personnel systems, helping ensure strong internal operations across the Rise & Shine team. Her attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to supporting staff and organizational excellence make her an essential part of the administrative foundation behind Rise and Shine's continued growth and success. 

   Lead Teacher — JC District 

Maia has been an invaluable member of the Rise and Shine team since 2022. Serving as Lead Teacher at the JC District facility, she plays a key role in implementing high-quality daily care routines and fostering nurturing, developmentally responsive classroom environments for infants and toddlers. Maia has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and professional growth throughout her time with Rise and Shine and is currently training toward future advancement into a director role. Her commitment to excellence and passion for early childhood education make her a vital part of the organization's future leadership. 

  Co-Teacher — JC District 

Amy has been a valued member of the Rise and Shine team for over three years. As a dedicated teacher at the JC District facility, she has provided a steady, nurturing, and dependable presence for the children, families, and staff she serves each day. Amy's consistency, professionalism, and commitment to high-quality infant and toddler care have made her an integral part of the Rise and Shine team and a trusted presence within the Humboldt Street community. 

  HSI Certified Instructor — Lead Teacher Montgomery Village 

Ian has been a valued member of the Rise and Shine team since 2022 and is a wonderful addition to the Montgomery Village facility. His exceptional presence brings a warm, "big brother" influence to the environment, and children are naturally drawn to the positive energy, engagement, and enthusiasm he brings each day. In addition to his classroom contributions, Ian serves as a Certified Health & Safety Instructor and facilitates Rise and Shine's First Aid/CPR/AED community trainings, helping extend the organization's commitment to safety and education beyond the classroom. His dynamic leadership and natural connection with children make him an important part of the Rise and Shine team. 

    Aide — All Facilities 

Rachelle Sanchez recently joined the Rise and Shine team and serves across both Santa Rosa facilities. Currently working as an Aide, she supports classroom operations and daily care routines while continuing her professional development and earning her Early Childhood Education units. Rachelle's eagerness to learn, positive attitude, and commitment to growing within the field of early childhood education make her a promising and valued addition to the Rise and Shine team. 

    Lead Teacher — Rohnert Park 

Kinza Khan began her journey with Rise and Shine as a volunteer while earning her observation credits at the JC District facility. Since then, she has grown within the organization and now serves as an Associate Teacher at the Rohnert Park facility while continuing her education in early childhood development. Kinza's dedication to professional growth, hands-on learning, and commitment to high-quality infant care reflect the values of growth and excellence embraced throughout the Rise and Shine team. 

    Associate Teacher — Rohnert Park 

 Fryda recently joined the Rise and Shine team and is currently training at our JC District location as she begins her journey in early childhood education. As our newest team member, she is developing her skills through hands-on experience and guided learning, with plans to transition to our Rohnert Park center in the near future.

Her eagerness to learn, gentle presence, and commitment to quality care reflect the nurturing and growth-focused values we uphold across all of our centers.

    Substitute Teacher — All Facilities 

  Melinda is a seasoned early childhood professional who brings a wealth of experience to the Rise and Shine team. With many years as both a teacher and director—primarily in preschool environments—she offers a depth of knowledge, leadership, and adaptability that strengthens our program as a whole.

As a trusted substitute teacher, Melinda steps in seamlessly when needed, ensuring continuity of care and helping us maintain the consistent, high-quality environment and strict ratios that are essential to our infant program. Her reliability, professionalism, and dedication make her an invaluable part of our extended team, and a reassuring presence for both children and staff alike.