Core Beliefs
We believe children who are deaf or hard of hearing can learn to listen and speak with early identification, proper hearing technology, and intervention by six months.
We are Sunshine Cottage
A Legacy of Love
John and Dela White had a dream that their young daughter, born profoundly deaf, and other children like her would be able to listen and talk and be successful in the hearing world. In 1947, Sunshine Cottage, envisioned and promoted by Mr. and Mrs. White and supported by the San Antonio community, opened with its first class of seven students.
Today, Sunshine Cottage is one of the most comprehensive education centers for children who are deaf or hard of hearing in the country and is recognized internationally as a premier center for listening and spoken language. Educational curriculum and language evaluation tools designed and produced by Sunshine Cottage are used in each of the 50 United States and in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Our Mission
Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children promotes early identification and intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and helps them develop their maximum potential through listening, spoken language and literacy.
Our Vision
We envision a future where children are empowered to be confident communicators who excel academically. socially, and emotionally.
Guided by our commitment to researched-based practice, we strive to lead in listen and spoken language education as we increase access to advanced hearing technology, expand outreach, strengthen early intervention and improve outcomes in listening, language, speech, and literacy.
A Nurturing Environment
We believe that all children have the ability to learn and grow when placed in a stimulating environment that nurtures curiosity and creativity.
Parents as Partners
We believe that the participation of parents or caregivers, along with a strong partnership between families and the school, is essential to a child’s success.
We are a Passionate Team of Teachers and Staff
We are committed to empowering children with hearing loss and their typical hearing peers to reach their fullest potential by specializing in listening and spoken language development. We create opportunities for children to communicate confidently and thrive academically and socially.
Staff
Miriam Elizondo
Executive Director
Miriam Elizondo
Miriam’s journey with Sunshine Cottage began in June 2017 as the Director of Development, and in November 2024, she was honored to be named Executive Director. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with over two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector—six of those years in executive leadership—Miriam brings unparalleled expertise and passion to her role.
Her professional accomplishments include earning Nonprofit Certifications in Leadership and Fundraising through both the San Antonio Area Foundation and Our Lady of the Lake University. Miriam is also a distinguished alumna of the inaugural graduating class of the Tesoro Fellows Leadership Program and has specialized training in Value-Based Leadership. Her areas of expertise encompass trauma counseling, critical incident response, and nonprofit management. She has also facilitated solution-focused therapy training in Mexico and Nicaragua and has served on several coalitions, including those appointed by the Office of the Governor.
While Miriam’s career is centered on serving communities and addressing critical needs, her greatest joy comes from her family. She has been happily married to her husband Mike for 17 years and is a proud mother to their two wonderful children, Mikey and Tori.
Miriam feels deeply privileged to carry forward the legacy of Dela White at Sunshine Cottage, ensuring that children who are deaf or hard of hearing are empowered to learn, listen, speak, and thrive in a hearing world. Her unwavering dedication to this mission reflects her belief in the limitless potential of every child.
Cindy Escobedo
Principal
Cindy Escobedo
Cindy is embarking on her 40th year in education, with the past 30 years dedicated to Sunshine Cottage. Her educational journey began in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, concentrating in special education, from the University of Texas at San Antonio. In 1995 she earned a master’s degree in Deaf Education from the University of the Incarnate Word, also in San Antonio.
Cindy’s commitment to helping children who are deaf or hard of hearing learn to listen and speak led her to become a certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS Cert. AVEd) in October 2010. In June 2022, with the steadfast support of her family, Cindy achieved her Principal Certification from Lamar University. Throughout her tenure at Sunshine Cottage, she has served children and families within our Parent Infant, Early Childhood, and Elementary programs. Now serving as Principal, Cindy is honored to continue the vision and legacy of Ms. Dela White and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead and support the Sunshine Cottage community.
Jessica Powers
Assistant Principal
Kiz Mannheimer
Admin Assistant to Executive Director
Daniel Magallanez
Academic Admin Assistant
Diana Weeks
Director of Human Resources
Brad Cloud
Technology Coordinator
Bertie Ghans
School Nurse
Linda Luna
Social Worker Family Specialist
Laura Rodriguez
Receptionist & Admin Assistant
Dominique Villarreal
School Counselor
Michelle Waters
Special Education Coordinator
Board of Directors
2025-2026
-
John and Dela White
Founders
-
Stephen Cavender
Board Chair
-
Sherri Naegele
Vice-Chair
-
Herb Hill, Jr.
Secretary
-
Jonathan Klug, Jr.
Treasurer
-
Michael J. Murray
Immediate Past Chair
-
J.R. Vogel
Assistant Treasurer
-
Thomas P. Ball III
Member
-
Brad Camp
Member
-
Kendra Emamali
Member
-
Jerome Evans
Member
-
Lance Gilliam
Member
-
Mike Green
Member
-
Niki Guenther
Member
-
Lauren Parker Pape
Member
-
Sharon Plant
Member
-
Suzanne Rienstra
Member
-
Eloise Steed
Member
-
Grace White
Member
-
Clayton White
Member
Advisory Board
2025-2026
-
Sarah McLinden
-
Becky Schmitt