Our Staff

Our teachers at Sunny Hills are carefully selected based on their passion, expertise, and commitment to working with children. Each of our teachers brings special gifts to the classroom, helping to create balance and harmony. Our teachers specialize in providing individualized attention and engaging children in a variety of developmentally appropriate activities.

All staff members have college degrees and/or years of experience working with young children. They stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in early childhood education. They are CPR, First Aid, and Health and Safety certified by the American Red Cross. In addition, we conduct thorough background checks on all teachers to ensure the safety and security of our students.

In their spare time, our teachers enjoy a variety of hobbies and interests, including hiking, gardening, reading, writing, photography, collaging, drawing/sketching, traveling, and learning about different cultures. They bring their diverse experiences and perspectives into the classroom, creating a rich and dynamic learning environment for our students.

Millie Alvarez is the owner and director of Sunny Hills Preschool. Her experience and expertise in early childhood education have helped her successfully run the school while teaching and directing for almost 20 years. She has overcome adversity on many levels, including as a female business owner, during the crash of the housing market, difficulties finding a suitable location for the preschool, and during a global pandemic. Throughout it all, Millie remained committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and loving environment for children to thrive. Her ability to navigate these challenges with resilience and determination is a testament to her leadership and problem-solving skills.

One of Millie's proudest accomplishments is adding the whole art literacy component to the school's program. The annual art show showcases the hard work of the children and teachers throughout the year and is a time when parents come together to see a main focus of their work.

Millie is warm, loving, and genuinely wants to help people. She recognizes the difficulties in being a parent and the challenges within different types of family structures. She enjoys being an understanding ear and providing resources when possible, all while encouraging children to use their voice to advocate for themselves in social settings and beyond. Millie wants to encourage their independence and challenge their skills. One of her favorite things is to see the growth in each individual child.

Millie believes that collaboration with community workers is an important aspect of a well-rounded education. She has worked with female firefighters, dentists, and musicians, as well as male visual artists and even a motorcycle police officer to bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the school. This program has evolved throughout the past 20 years and continues to be a highlight of the Sunny Hills curriculum.

Millie is also grateful for the collaboration she has had with the teachers she has worked with in the past. They have all contributed to her personal and professional growth, and she has learned a lot from them. She values their input and experiences, and she believes that working together as a team is crucial to providing the best education for children.

As an owner and director, it's important to Millie to have the same long-lasting staff and not a revolving door. She feels it not only creates a sense of community and collaboration but bond and security for the children. Millie is committed to providing a comprehensive education and takes pride in her ability to recommend resources and referrals to families who need additional support, particularly for children with special needs. By working collaboratively with families, Millie strives to ensure that all children at Sunny Hills Preschool receive the care and attention they need to 

thrive.

In her spare time, Millie enjoys being outdoors and spending quality time with family and friends. She enjoys photography, reading, hiking, camping, traveling, dancing, and listening to local music. She is excited about the future of Sunny Hills Preschool and is passionate about continuing to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for children to learn and grow.