LITTLE SPROUTS STAFF
Our staff consists of trained and qualified teachers who have knowledge and experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. They value diversity and accept each child as the unique individual that God created.
Our teachers focus on mirroring the teachings and attitude of Christ in all their job responsibilities.
SHANNON UNGER
Program Director
Shannon is a fun-loving, outgoing leader with a commitment to excellence. She and her husband live in Enumclaw, and she is blessed with three sons, two bonus children, and two grandchildren. As a family, they enjoy time at the lake or going on adventures, with joy and laughter especially during the holidays when everyone gathers.
Shannon’s faith is central to her life, and she loves spending time in nature, hiking, biking, and RVing. Her journey in early childhood education began in 2002, and over the years, she has worked as a teacher, director, and mentor. She pursued higher education in Early Childhood Development to provide the best care and support to families and fellow educators. In 2024, Shannon felt the Lord guiding her to join Little Sprouts, leading the program's exciting expansion.What she loves most about Little Sprouts is leading a Christ-centered program that shares the love of the Lord with children and families in a trusted, supportive environment.
CARI BURDETTE
Preschool Teacher
Cari is a dedicated and creative addition to the Little Sprouts team. She is a wife and mother to her son, Aiden, who attended Little Sprouts, where she volunteered weekly as a Handwriting Assistant. Impressed by the quality of education he received, she knew she wanted to be part of the team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Youth Leadership and a master’s degree in Education. Her teaching experience includes a year in Moscow, Russia, teaching English to children, and a year as a Kindergarten Teacher’s Assistant at a private elementary school. After earning her master’s degree, she spent 14 years in teaching and administration at the college level. She lives in Sumner with her husband and son and feels blessed to be part of Little Sprouts.
MICHELLE WOOD
Preschool Teacher
Michelle joined Little Sprouts in 2015 as an assistant to our PreK class and has since become a teacher in our 3- & 4-year old class. You can find her enjoying time with her Husband, Rick and their two children, Mallory & Rune. Michelle’s sweet spirit and calm manner make her a wonderful addition to our Little Sprouts team.
SARAH HEATH
Kindergarten Teacher & Program Supervisor
Sarah is a dedicated and warm-hearted educator. She has been married to her husband, Ian since 2012, and they enjoy spending weekends cheering on their two sons, Mark and Christian, in football and lacrosse. Sarah has been with Little Sprouts for 4 years and is currently completing her degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Western Governors University. She loves that Little Sprouts feels like a family, with her own children having gone through the program, and she is honored to be part of the team helping other children thrive.
JESSICA CAUDLE
Preschool Teacher
Jessica is a passionate, creative, and bubbly educator who brings energy and imagination into her classroom. She comes from a big family, with four brothers and two sisters, and shares her home with a 13-year-old pomapoo named Drama and a 6-year-old Siamese cat named Jack. Jessica has a love for musical theatre, singing, art, and sci-fi, and she also enjoys makeup and hair design.
With three years of experience in education, this is Jessica’s first year at Little Sprouts. She has on-the-job training with a focus in pediatric psychology, which enhances her approach to early childhood development. What she loves most about Little Sprouts is the Christ-filled environment and the openness of the staff to new ideas. Jessica is excited to create a fun, decorative classroom where kids can grow and develop essential “big kid” skills.
BRITTANY GAINS
Preschool Teacher
Brittany brings nearly 15 years of early childhood education experience, including 8 years in a Montessori setting. Describing herself as a mix of extrovert and introvert, she loves spending time with her close-knit family, especially during Seahawks games and holidays. Brittany enjoys reading, music, and dancing with friends, and she cherishes moments with her husband and kids. This is her first year at Little Sprouts, and she is thrilled to contribute to an environment grounded in faith. Brittany believes that the Christ-centered foundation at Little Sprouts is essential for nurturing children’s hearts and minds.
MEGAN TURLEY
Preschool Teacher
Megan is a kind and compassionate educator with a background in Montessori education. In her second year of teaching, she passionately embraces early childhood education and working with youth in sports. A graduate of Grand Canyon University with a degree in Sports Management and a minor in Sport Psychology, Megan enjoys spending her free time with family and engaging in community activities that reflect her faith. She appreciates the supportive environment at Little Sprouts, where the sense of teamwork and dedication among staff and parents aligns with her values. Megan is excited to be part of a community that fosters both educational growth and spiritual development.
MARTHA GARCIA
Preschool Teacher
Martha is known for her dependability, hardworking nature, and genuine spirit. She brings warmth and positivity to her role, finding joy in connecting with both children and colleagues. She’s committed to self-growth, grateful for her experiences, and motivated to learn in every opportunity life presents. Family is at the heart of everything she does, and she values the support of her loved ones through life’s challenges. Martha enjoys spending time in nature, whether it’s exploring new places, walking in the forest, or watching the stars. Recently joining Little Sprouts, Martha is thankful for the supportive environment and dedicated team, appreciating the opportunity to work alongside them each day. She also loves that her daughter attends Little Sprouts, making the community here feel like an extension of her own family.
KATHARINA BEATTIE
Toddler Teacher
Katharina is described as passionate, intentional, and patient. She is a devoted wife and mother of four girls, ranging from 14 to 2 years old, and has been married to her husband Paul for 15 years. When not attending her daughters’ ballroom dance or soccer practices, Katharina enjoys gardening and caring for her indoor plants. This is her first year at LSELC, and she has also served for three years as the Early Childhood Ministry Coordinator at Faith Covenant Church. With a background in midwifery, she is completing her Early Childhood Education Certificate at Green River College. Katharina values the supportive, prayerful environment at LSELC and its focus on growth and personal development.
VANESSA CROSE
Administrative Assistant
Vanessa is an outgoing, family-oriented person who loves connecting with others. Married to her husband, Ben, for nearly 18 years, she has three children—Melody, Gwen, and Max—and a full house with pets, including their dog Remi Lu and cat Sherlock Holmes. Her favorite family activity is camping, especially their annual trip to Sun Lakes with friends. She also loves thrifting, reading, and cheering her kids on in their hobbies. With degrees in accounting and business administration, Vanessa brings her expertise to Little Sprouts as the school’s bookkeeper. She finds joy in seeing the kids’ happy faces and values being part of a faith-based center that supports local families.
1915 Washington St, Sumner, WA 98390
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