Meet our Staff
Our staff brings their passion and creativity to Sunrise Children’s School everyday!
Lisa
I am honored to say I am the Director of Sunrise Children’s School. My education and career began in Ohio where I worked with the Children’s Services Board and Juvenile Court as an investigator and liaison for children and families impacted by abuse. From there, I moved to Boston and worked with Wellesley Community Children’s Center directing programs throughout the community. In 2004 I made my way south to beautiful Charleston. I continue to embrace my passion for working with children and families through my private practice, Mt Pleasant Psychiatry, as a Licensed Clinical Therapist Supervisor and as the Clinical Director with My Sister’s House; Domestic Violence Program. Being a part of this school brings great joy to my life and I look forward to our continued growth and success. Please know that providing quality care and education for your children are my utmost concern and desire. I am so happy to be a part of Sunrise Children’s School.
Kristen
Hi, my name is Kristen and I am excited to be working at Sunrise Children’s School. I am originally from New York but moved here last year from Vermont. I have two grown daughters Mackenzie and Madison, a fantastic husband, Les and a fur baby named Rosie. I am a graduate of the University of Vermont with degrees in elementary and special education and have spent my career working with children from infants to fifth grade in New York, New Jersey, and Vermont. The bulk of my career as been focused on the early years as both a teacher and director of Early Childhood Programs. I love working with young children and watching them thrive as they explore the world around them. When I am not working with children I love to cook, read, walk on the beach, and spend time outside. I have a passion for health and wellness, and I am a recent graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in NYC and run a holistic health coaching business.
Charissa
Hi, My name is Charissa and I have loved every minute of my time at Sunrise Children’s School. I graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in accounting. Before Sunrise, I spent my time as an owner/teacher of My Gym Children’s Fitness Center and it taught me just how creative and inspiring children are. Teaching our kiddos has brought so much joy…and TONS of laughter to my life. My husband, Sean and I have a son named Connor with non-verbal autism. Being a mom of a special needs child and three energetic pups has taught me love, patience, kindness, and the ability to manage challenging situations. I am so excited to begin my 4th year as a part of Sunrise Children’s School and continuing helping children! You can always catch me gardening or at the dog park with my three pups Freya, Tater, and Hodor! I am so thankful to be a part of this wonderful school by the sea.
Paula
Hello Friends, my name is Paula and I am proud to say that I am part of the Sunrise team. I’ve enjoyed teaching as a teacher’s assistant for over five years here on this beautiful island. I spent the last four years as an ABA therapist, working with children on the Autism spectrum. I am currently pursuing a degree in psychology with hopes to work in the mental health field. Working at this little school by the sea has given me so much. I have learned just how truly important enriching the lives of our little ones at school is. In addition to being in the purple room, I have enjoyed my time as the Spanish teacher at Sunrise. Charleston is an incredible place to be and I love to spend every minute outside or at the beach. My favorite spot is Breach Inlet! I love to spend time with my two brothers and sweet pup Cooper!
