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.
GRACIE LOPOTOSKY
Kindergarten Teacher
Gracie describes herself as fun, hardworking, and compassionate, with a love for new opportunities. She comes from a close family and enjoys spending time with her two younger siblings whenever she can. Her hobbies include traveling, crafting jewelry, and enjoying all things Disney, sports, and music. A fun fact about Gracie is that she has played the trumpet for over eight years, including in her college marching band. This is her first year at Little Sprouts, though she has gained experience through classroom observations in kindergarten and second grade. Gracie is completing her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Liberty University and is eager to get to know her class and grow together this year.
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.
KATHARINA BEATTIE
Toddler Teacher
Katharina is described as passionate, intentional, and patient. She is a devoted wife and mother of four girls, and has been married to her husband Paul since 2010. 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.
SOFIA NEWCOMB
Waddler Teacher
Sofia is an optimistic, observant, and curious teacher who loves helping children learn new words and reach milestones. She and her husband have a blended family with her bonus son, Harley, their toddler, Wylde, and their blue heeler pup, Rocky. She enjoys a variety of hobbies- sewing, painting, fitness, and outdoor adventures with her family. With a background in Communication, Sofia brings insight into how people learn and connect. What she loves most about Little Sprouts is that Jesus is at the center, and she is excited to teach the next generation with grace and humility alongside a faith-filled team.
JADEN ZETTERBERG
Preschool Teacher
Jaden is a fun, kind, and tenderhearted teacher who brings joy and positivity to the classroom. She comes from a close-knit family and recently married her husband, Griffin, joining his wonderful and welcoming family as well. With over four years of experience in early childhood education and a passion for helping children grow, Jaden finds joy in seeing kids light up when they learn something new. She loves being outdoors, drawing, reading, and spending time with loved ones. What she appreciates most about Little Sprouts is the love and encouragement shared by staff, families, and students—it truly feels like one big, happy family.
RACHEL KURILLA
Preschool Teacher
Rachel is a caring and compassionate teacher who loves supporting children in a Christ-centered environment. She comes from a close-knit family and recently got engaged to her fiancé, Ethan. At home, she enjoys time with her pets - two cats and a pug puppy named Stanley. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oregon State University and is pursuing a certificate in Speech, Language, and Hearing at the University of Washington. She enjoys arts and crafts, baking, and collecting Legos. What she loves most about Little Sprouts is working alongside a supportive staff to help children grow and discover God’s creation.
JODIE MOORE
Preschool Teacher
Jodie is an outgoing and fun educator who is passionate about helping children learn and grow. She loves seeing the joy on their faces when they master something new and proudly share what they have learned. She has been married to her husband, Rion, for many years, and they have an adult son, Kodi, and two young grandchildren. Jodie enjoys decorating for the seasons and sharing home interior ideas. With over 30 years of experience in early learning, she has worked with children from infants through school-age and has completed college coursework and many hours toward her CDA, continuing her education each year. Jodie is excited to build strong, supportive relationships with the children and families in her care.
CHELSEA TREMPER
Preschool Teacher
Bio coming soon...
JOANNA NEUERT
Preschool Teacher
Creative and caring, Joanna is passionate about building connections with children and fostering their growth. She comes from a close, church-centered family with four younger brothers and enjoys adventures together, along with time spent with her pets- a dog, two cats, and a rabbit.
She has a love for the arts, especially painting, sculpting, and working with mixed media and textiles. Joanna brings three years of experience as a para-professional supporting K-5 students in special education and English language learning and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in education. After serving as a substitute at Little Sprouts last year, Joanna is excited to begin with a class of her own. She loves watching children learn and discover the wonder of the world and values being part of a team with diverse experience and perspectives.
MARTHA GARCIA
Substitute 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. Martha is thankful for the supportive environment and dedicated Little Sprouts team, appreciating the opportunity to work alongside them whenever she's needed.
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.
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