Sunrise United Methodist ChurchU3VpJ - Children

Worship with us Sundays at 9:00 am and 10:30 am and Saturdays at 5:00 pm

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Preschool
Meet Our Staff
Administration & Support staff
Dr. Phillips
Sunrise Preschool Director
Hello my name is Mia Phillips and this will be my 3rd year at Sunrise. My husband Mark I have been married over 25 years, and we have 3 adult children whom I still call my babies. I have a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood. I am also a credentialed teacher. I love all things Disney and Star Wars.
CONTACT: preschooldirector@sunriseumc.com
Mrs. Brooks
Office Manager
My name is Elissa Brooks and this will be my 3rd year at Sunrise. I have a degree in Visual communications. My Husband and I have been married for 22 years and we have 4 girls together.
CONTACT: psofficemanager@sunriseumc.com
Mrs. Johnson
Assistant Director
Hi! My name is Allyn Johnson, and this is my 4th year at Sunrise Preschool! I started here as a parent when my youngest went here. I have 3 children and a very energetic Bernedoodle. My husband and I are originally from New Jersey, but our family moved here from Orlando. I have a Master's in Deaf and Elementary Education from The College of New Jersey and was a SAHM for 10 years before stepping back into teaching.
CONTACT: preschool@sunriseumc.com
Mrs. Block
4's Teacher & Enrichment Director
Hello! My name is Megan Block and I have been working with children since college as a Scout Leader. I have worked at Sunrise since 2016. I have a BS in Management Info Systems and an MS in Information Resource Management. I have 4 adult children with my husband, Rob and we are both Air Force veterans. I am the lead teacher in the 4 year old classroom and I love it!
CONTACT:   Enrichment@Sunriseumc.com
Administration & Support staff
Coach Nick
P.E. Teacher
I've been working with kids for 11 years, mainly through my soccer program, Clever Cleats Soccer. This will be my 5th year as a P.E. Teacher and I'm absolutely loving it! Can't wait for another great year! P.S. If you ever need a house or dog/house sitter give me a call:)
CONTACT: nick@clevercleats.com
Mrs. Mersman
3's teacher & curriculum coordinator
Hi Preschool Families! My name is Carrie Mersman. This will be my second year teaching Goodness Galaxy 3's. In addition to teaching, I am happy to join the Admin Team as Curriuculum Coordinator. I am looking forward to another exciting year working with our amazing Sunrise staff, families, and kids. My passion is and always has been teaching. I have a bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Studies from CSU and a Masters in Elementary Education from Regis University. I have taught elementary and preschool for 8 years. I have had the joy of teaching elementary and preschool for 8 years.
CONTACT: Curriculum@sunriseumc.com
Mrs. Swan
Preschool business & finance
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CONTACT: @SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Hile
School Nurse
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CONTACT: PreschoolNurse@Sunriseumc.com
Administration & Support staff
Mrs. Jensen
Support Staff
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CONTACT: @sunriseumc.com
3 year old program teachers
Mrs. Dahl
3's Teacher
Hi, I’m Regan Dahl. I’m excited to join Sunrise Preschool! I started as a substitute in 2014, earned my teaching certificate, and have worked with kids ages 1-5, especially 3-year-olds. My husband and I have been married for 29 years, and our children both attended Sunrise. Our daughter is a senior in college and a hockey goalie, while our son is a high school sophomore and a musician. We love music, games, puzzles, hockey, and enjoying Colorado.
CONTACT: KindnessKingdom@Sunriseumc.com
Mrs. Seibel
3's / 4's Teacher
I am the Assistant Teacher for Mrs. Shoop (3’s) and Mrs. Block (4’s). My husband, daughter Allie (19), and I have lived in Colorado Springs for many years. My daughter is a Sunrise alumnus! This is my 11th year teaching at Sunrise. I am looking forward to a fun and exciting year with your family!!
CONTACT:   FaithfulnessFarms@Sunriseumc.com
Mrs. Shoop
3's Teacher
Hello, my name is Kimberly Shoop. I have worked with children for as long as I can remember. From babysitting as I was old enough, to church nursery, to at-home childcare and teaching. I love kids! I have a degree in Elementary Education, with a specialization in Early Childhood and Reading. This is my 9th year at Sunrise! I am excited to get to know everyone! We will have a lot of fun learning, growing, and playing together.
CONTACT:   FaithfulnessFarms@Sunriseumc.com
Mrs. Mersman
3's Teacher / Curriculum Coordinator
Hi Preschool Families! My name is Carrie Mersman. This will be my second year teaching Goodness Galaxy 3's. In addition to teaching, I am happy to join the Admin Team as Curriuculum Coordinator. I am looking forward to another exciting year working with our amazing Sunrise staff, families, and kids. My passion is and always has been teaching. I have a bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Studies from CSU and a Masters in Elementary Education from Regis University. I have taught elementary and preschool for 8 years. I have had the joy of teaching elementary and preschool for 8 years.
CONTACT:   GoodnessGalaxy@Sunriseumc.com
3 year old program teachers
Mrs. Cornella
3's Teacher
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CONTACT : GoodnessGalaxy@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Anderson
3's Teacher
Hi my name is Rachel Anderson! I am the assistant teacher in Mrs.Shoop’s 3s class. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. Outside the classroom I spend all my time with my husband and two boys. I’m excited to be in the classroom and get to know all of you this year!
CONTACT : FaithfulnessFarms@SunriseUMC.com
4 year old program teachers
Mrs. Block
4's Teacher & Enrichment Coordinator
Hello! My name is Megan Block and I have been working with children since college as a Scout Leader. I have worked at Sunrise since 2016. I have a BS in Management Info Systems and an MS in Information Resource Management. I have 4 adult children with my husband, Rob and we are both Air Force veterans. I am the lead teacher in both the 3 and 4 year old classroom and I love it!
CONTACT : KindnessKritters@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Seibel
3's / 4's teacher
I am the Assistant Teacher for Mrs. Shoop (3's) and Mrs. Block (4's). My husband, daughter Allie (19), and I and lived in Colorado Springs for many years. My daughter is a Sunrise alumnus! This is my 11th year teaching at Sunrise. I am looking forward to a fun and exciting year with your family.
CONTACT: KindnessKritters@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Walsh
4's Teacher
My name is Lisa Walsh, and I am your child's pre-K teacher. I am originally from England but have been in Colorado since 1994. I started at Sunrise in 2006 as a 3-year-old Teacher and moved to 4's six years ago. I have 2 adult children- my daughter is a Special Ed teacher in D49 and my son is getting married later this year. I am so excited to be working together this year.
CONTACT : selfcontrolseas@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Gonzalez
4's Teacher
Hello friends! I am so excited for a brand-new school year! I LOVE working with kids of all ages (but I have a special place in my heart for the littles). I LOVE reading, and photography, and I also especially LOVE arts and crafts! One of my favorite things to do is take my two big dogs on hikes in the mountains or take my kids paddleboarding and skiing. I am SO excited to get to know each of you and for the many adventures that I am sure we will have this year.
CONTACT:
selfcontrolseas@SunriseUMC.com
4 year old program teachers
Mrs. Yost
4's Teacher
Hello, Sunrise Families! I am Jenn Yost, and I am so excited to be joining the Sunrise Preschool family.I started my career in education as a high school English teacher and have now been in early childhood education for almost 15 years. I love sharing my love of learning, of reading, and of Jesus with my students.
I will always be a Nebraska girl at heart but very much love a quiet Colorado morning on my back deck with a mug of hot coffee, good book and view of the mountains. My hubby and I will become empty nesters this year as our daughter heads to college so perhaps more of those quiet mornings lie ahead.
I look forward to all the adventure, fun & learning that awaits us in the year ahead.

CONTACT : PatientPond@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Moyles
4's Teacher
My name is Angela Moyles! My late husband, daughter and I moved to Colorado Springs in 2015, where he eventually retired from the USAF in 2017. We are a homeschool family and have been doing so for 11 years. I started working for Sunrise Preschool in 2021 as a sub, and eventually was hired as the aide in the 2.5's room. Last year, I switched to the 4 year old classroom. I love watching little kids discover the world around them and I am excited for another new year here at Sunrise.
CONTACT : faithfulnessforest@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Campbell
4's Teacher
Hello Friends!! I am Heather Campbell!! I have my undergraduate degree in Horticulture and my teaching certificate since 2018! My husband is retired Air Force and we have 3 children a boy 11, and two girls 9 and 8. And we love our yorkie named Snowflake!! I started hosting kids craft time in my garage at 1O years old and spent years coaching and reffing littles games! I love to hang out with your kids! We have so much fun!!!
CONTACT : JoyfulJungle@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Richardson
4's Teacher
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CONTACT : JoyfulJungle@SunriseUMC.com
4 year old program teachers
Mrs. Brooks
4's Teacher
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CONTACT : faithfulnessforest@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Grawe
4's Teacher
Hi Sunrise families! My name is Jenny Grawe. I graduated with an Elementary Education degree from the University of Oklahoma. Boomer Sooner! My husband and I moved to Colorado in 2015 and we have a son going into 2nd grade this year and a daughter (a Sunrise alum) going into Kinder. I am so excited to teach your 4 year olds this year!! We are going to have so much fun!
CONTACT : GentlenessGarden@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Thompson
4's Teacher
Hi. My name is Jackie Thompson and this is my first year at Sunrise. I have two children, a 9 year old son and a 7 year old daughter, and my husband serves in the Air Force. I moved to Colorado Springs in 2022. I love to read and travel. I have worked with children over the last 12 years from infants through 12th grade. I have a BS in Mathematics from Virginia Tech. I am so excited to be working with the preschool 4’s.
CONTACT : GentlenessGarden@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Slater
4's Teacher
My name is Kristin Slater and I am a teacher‘s aide in the T/Th 4 year old classroom with Mrs. Block. I have a degree in Elementary and Special Education and have worked as a teacher as well as an aide at Sunrise for 26 years. In fact, my daughter went to Sunrise. My husband is retired military and we have two Puggles, Zoey and Piper. Our two adult daughters like in Kansas. One is a SLP and the other is a momma to our three grandchildren. In my free time I enjoy reading, going on walks and taking road-trips to KS to visit family.
CONTACT : KindnessKritters@SunriseUMC.com
transitional kindergarden teachers
Mrs. Reith
5's Teacher
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CONTACT : PeacefulPeak@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Kawakami
5's Teacher
Hi! Welcome to my class. I am so excited to be your teacher. I have a passion to teach and love seeing children grow and learn. I earned my bachelor degree in business and my masters in elementary education at UNC. I taught 3rd-6th grade before I had children of my own. This is my fourth year teaching at Sunrise. I have 2 daughters (ages 3 and 6) that you may see around before school ☺.
I can’t wait to have a great year!
CONTACT : PeacefulPeak@SunriseUMC.com
Moms morning out teachers
Mrs. Clark
1's / 2's Teacher
My name is Jenni Clark and I am excited to be in my second year teaching the MMO 1’s class!! I am a Colorado native, but moved around the country for education and job opportunities before returning to Colorado from Texas in 2021. I have a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies, a Masters in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and I am working on my PhD in History. I enjoy running, Pure Barre, volunteering, and reading with my book club. I spend most of my time on my little farm with my family— including her parents, husband, son Rye (5), daughter Georgia (2.5) and a lovely foreign exchange student Emma. I can’t wait to be the MMO teacher again this year!!
CONTACT : Lovelylemons@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Gapper
1's/2's Teacher
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CONTACT : SelfcontrolStrawberries@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Cavanagh
2's Teacher
Hello, my name is Karla Cavanagh. I am the mother of four grown children and blessed to be the Grandma of two amazing grandchildren. I’ve been a preschool teacher and daycare provider for over 30 years. After a taking some time off, I am excited to be back in the classroom and working at Sunrise.
CONTACT : patientpeaches@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Snider
2's Teacher
Hi! My name is Lisa Snider. After being a stay-at-home mom to raise my 4 wonderful children, I am so excited to get back into the classroom. I have a son who is a sophomore in college, a son who is a senior in high school, a daughter who is a freshman in high school and my youngest daughter is going into 3rd grade. I taught in a Montessori school from ages 2 to 10 years old before having my children. I spend most of my time taking my kids to their activities and love it. We love vacationing, playing mini golf, and watching movies together as a family. I am so excited for this next year and to be back in the classroom.
CONTACT : PeacefulPineapples@SunriseUMC.com
Moms morning out teachers
Mrs. Bayless
2's Teacher
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CONTACT : LovelyLemons@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Larson
2's Teacher
Hi, my name is Margy Larson and I am
excited to be working with your children
this year. I have a bachelor’s degree in
Early Childhood Education and have
worked in various settings such as daycare,
elementary schools and private
preschools. I have lived in several states
due to my husband’s military career but
have been in Colorado for 13 years.
CONTACT : PatientPeaches@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Scott
1's/2's Teacher
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CONTACT : SelfcontrolStrawberries@SunriseUMC.com
Mrs. Edelen
2's Teacher
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CONTACT : PeacefulPineapples@SunriseUMC.com

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me..."

Matthew 19:14

The Sunrise community is making a difference in the lives of children across the Briargate area. We are committed to continuing the work that we started over 40 years ago in a preschool room on the other side of Interstate 25. We will help shape the next generation, by giving our kids the gift of love that they will carry with them out into the world. You are invited to join us in sharing the love of Christ and making a difference in the lives of the kids in our community.

Sunrise Nursery

Our nursery is available for ages 6 weeks to 3 years old during our 9:00am and 10:30am Sunday services as well as during select church events. A safe and friendly play environment is offered.

Sparks Sunday School

Sunday school is available for 3 years old through 5th grade after the “Sparks Moment” during our 10:30am service. Classes offer a continued lesson and activity from the Bible at age appropriate levels. Please check in at the Children’s Desk in the atrium before the start of service.

Children's choirs

Children's Choirs, led by our Director of Music, Cory Bissell, practice during the school year.

2024-2025 School Year Schedule Coming Soon!

Momco

Formerly MOPS

2nd & 4th Friday | 9:30 - 11:30 | momco@sunriseumc.com
Click here for Online Registration | Click here to join the Facebook group
This is an interfaith group of women that meet on the second and fourth Friday of each month 9:30 - 11:30am. This group offers a great opportunity for young children to make friends and practice social skills, and for mothers to share, inspire one another and take a moment to exhale. Childcare is provided and snacks are provided. All volunteers and nursery care workers are trained and go through a background check prior to signing up.

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Sunday Mornings
9:00am & 10:30am

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