Array
(
    [0] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 1
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Miriam
            [last] => Elizondo
            [title] => Acting Executive Director
            [department] => Administration
            [bio] => Miriam joined Sunshine Cottage in June of 2017 as the Director of Development. 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. Miriam is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 16 years, four years as an executive director. She holds Nonprofit Certifications in Leadership and Fundraising through the San Antonio Area Foundation and Our Lady of the Lake University and is a member of the first graduating class of the Tesoro Fellows Leadership Program and trained in Value-Based Leadership. She has been married for 13 years and has two beautiful children. She feels blessed to be a part of the Sunshine Cottage family and is inspired by what Mrs. Dela White has done for our community.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/miriam-elizondo.jpg
            [permalink] => miriam-elizondo
        )

    [1] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 1
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Cindy
            [last] => Escobedo
            [title] => Principal
            [department] => Administration
            [bio] => Cindy Escobedo received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Education with a concentration in special education from the University of Texas at San Antonio and later received a Master’s Degree in Deaf Education from the University of the Incarnate Word, both located in San Antonio, Texas.  She became a certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist, LSLS Cert. AVEd, in October 2010.  Additionally, Cindy served as an Adjunct Professor for The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), 2013 - 2018, mentoring 1st year teachers working with deaf and hard of hearing students.  Cindy has 25+ years of teaching experience in both public and private school settings.  She has been employed at Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children in San Antonio, Texas, since 1995.  During her tenure at Sunshine Cottage, Cindy has served as a Parent Infant Advisor, early childhood teacher and elementary teacher.  She has also served as a lead grade level instructor for the preschool department and has served as the early childhood department chair.  She has been a mentor to graduate students and novice educators.  Currently, Cindy is the Director of Academics and Educational Resources working with professionals at Sunshine Cottage and across the United States. Cindy is a frequent exhibitor and presenter at state and national workshops sharing her knowledge and implementation of the Cottage Acquisition Scales for Listening, Language, and Speech (CASLLS).
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/cindy-escobedo.jpg
            [permalink] => cindy-escobedo
        )

    [2] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 1
            [sort] => 3
            [first] => Sarah
            [last] => Carpenter
            [title] => Director of Human Resources
            [department] => Administration
            [bio] => Sarah Carpenter received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Special Education from the University of Texas San Antonio followed by a Master's Degree in Deaf Education and Hearing Sciences from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. She has 12 years of teaching experience in early childhood at Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children in San Antonio, Texas.  Sarah is a certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS). Sarah has co-presented for numerous workshops and webinars, ranging in content from the Cottage Acquisition Scales for Listening, Language, and Speech (CASLLS), early childhood, literacy, interactive books and reading chapter books to Pre-Schoolers. Additionally, Sarah shares her knowledge enhancing educational products on behalf of Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children. This is Sarah's third year as Director of Human Resources. Sarah and her husband, Clay, have four daughters who have all attended Sunshine Cottage (one who currently does) and one son who hopefully will when he is old enough! 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/sarah-carpenter.jpg
            [permalink] => sarah-carpenter
        )

    [3] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 1
            [sort] => 4
            [first] => Kiz
            [last] => Mannheimer
            [title] => Executive Director Assistant
            [department] => Administration
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/kiz-mannheimer.jpg
            [permalink] => kiz-mannheimer
        )

    [4] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 1
            [sort] => 5
            [first] => Bertie
            [last] => Ghans
            [title] => School Nurse
            [department] => Administration
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/bertie-ghans.jpg
            [permalink] => bertie-ghans
        )

    [5] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 1
            [sort] => 6
            [first] => Christopher
            [last] => Powers
            [title] => Marketing & Technology Coordinator
            [department] => Administration
            [bio] => Chris graduated from Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, CA with a BFA in Digital Media. He began his career in the video game industry where he worked on titles for the Wii and Playstation 2 gaming consoles. While working for <a href="http://collisionstudios.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Collision Studios</a>, Chris helped produce two shipped titles, <strong>Ultimate Duck Hunting</strong>‚ and <strong>Jumper: Griffin‚ Story</strong>. He then moved on to work for <em>Professor Brainstorm</em> and helped produce <strong>World of Brainstorm</strong>, an online MMORG (<em>Massive Multi-player Online Role-playing Game</em>).Chris moved back to San Antonio in 2011 and came to Sunshine Cottage in the spring of 2014 where he maintains the classroom technology and the Sunshine Cottage online presence. He has a passion for technology and all things sci-fi.<a href="http://collisionstudios.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><br></a>
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/chris-powers.jpg
            [permalink] => chris-powers
        )

    [6] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 1
            [sort] => 7
            [first] => Laura
            [last] => Rodriguez
            [title] => Receptionist / Admin. Assistant
            [department] => Administration
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/laura-rodriguez.jpg
            [permalink] => laura-rodriguez
        )

    [7] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 1
            [sort] => 8
            [first] => Mark
            [last] => Eads
            [title] => Executive Director
            [department] => Administration
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/mark-eads.jpg
            [permalink] => mark-eads
        )

    [8] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 2
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Holly
            [last] => Mason
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => Pre-School
            [bio] => Holly Mason is a preschool teacher at Sunshine Cottage. She was born and raised in San Antonio, but lived in Fort Worth, Texas for 5 years. Ms. Holly has a Bachelor’s of Science in Habilitation of the Deaf from Texas Christian University. Go Horned Frogs!! Ms. Holly attended the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio where she earned a Master’s in Deaf Education and Hearing Science. Ms. Holly is a certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist Auditory Educator (LSLS-Cert. AVEd) and a member of the Council on the Education of the Deaf.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/holly-mason.jpg
            [permalink] => holly-mason
        )

    [9] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 2
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Karina
            [last] => Perales
            [title] => Associate Teacher
            [department] => Pre-School
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/karina-perales.jpg
            [permalink] => karina-perales
        )

    [10] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 2
            [sort] => 3
            [first] => Sarah
            [last] => Sharp
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => Pre-School
            [bio] => Sarah Sharp was born in Arlington, Texas. She received her bachelor's degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She moved to San Antonio to receive her master's degree in Deaf Education and Hearing Science at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She began working at Sunshine Cottage in 2017 as an associate teacher during graduate school. She loves teaching preschool and is currently pursuing her Listening and Spoken Language Specialist certification.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/sarah-sharp.jpg
            [permalink] => sarah-sharp
        )

    [11] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 2
            [sort] => 4
            [first] => Trinity
            [last] => Carvajal
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => Pre-School
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/trinity-carvajal.jpg
            [permalink] => trinity-carvajal
        )

    [12] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 2
            [sort] => 5
            [first] => Jennifer
            [last] => Turner
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => Pre-School
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/jennifer-turner.jpg
            [permalink] => jennifer-turner
        )

    [13] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 2
            [sort] => 6
            [first] => Gabriela
            [last] => Ibarra
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => Pre-School
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/gabriela-ibarra.jpg
            [permalink] => gabriela-ibarra
        )

    [14] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 2
            [sort] => 7
            [first] => Faye
            [last] => DeLeon
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => Pre-School
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/faye-deleon.jpg
            [permalink] => faye-deleon
        )

    [15] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 2
            [sort] => 8
            [first] => Larissa
            [last] => De Santiago
            [title] => Associate Teacher
            [department] => Pre-School
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/larissa-de-santiago.jpg
            [permalink] => larissa-de-santiago
        )

    [16] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 2
            [sort] => 9
            [first] => Ciara
            [last] => McDaniel
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => Pre-School
            [bio] => Ciara McDaniel, M.DEHS, CED, was born and raised in Austin, TX. After graduating high school, she moved to San Antonio to receive her degree in Music Education from Trinity University. During her time at Trinity, Ciara was an active classroom volunteer and tutor at Sunshine and fell in love with the school and its students. After graduating from Trinity in 2020, Ciara began the Master of Deaf Education and Hearing Science graduate program at UT Health San Antonio and became an associate teacher at Sunshine, spending one year in preschool and one year in 3rd grade. She graduated from UT Health in May of 2022, and she is ecstatic to be teaching preschool this year and to bring music and language to the lives of her students and families!
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/ciara-mcdaniel.jpg
            [permalink] => ciara-mcdaniel
        )

    [17] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 2
            [sort] => 10
            [first] => Karime
            [last] => Flores
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => Pre-School
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/karime-flores.jpg
            [permalink] => karime-flores
        )

    [18] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 3
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Alexandria
            [last] => Hazelwood
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => Pre-K
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/alexandria-hazelwood.jpg
            [permalink] => alexandria-hazelwood
        )

    [19] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 3
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Jennifer
            [last] => Carrera
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => Pre-K
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/jennifer-carrera.jpg
            [permalink] => jennifer-carrera
        )

    [20] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 3
            [sort] => 3
            [first] => Briana
            [last] => Mora
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => Pre-K
            [bio] => Briana Mora received her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary’s University in 2018 with a major in Interdisciplinary English Language Arts &amp; Reading. Briana has had experience teaching Middle School at St. James the Apostle in the Spring of 2018. She then received her Masters in Deaf Education and Hearing Science at UTHSCSA in 2020. Briana has taught 3rd Grade at Sunshine Cottage for 3 years. She is very excited to be back teaching preschool, where she started as an associate. She is blessed to teach at a school that is student-centered and full of bliss. Her next goal is to obtain her Listening and Spoken Language Specialist certification. In her free time, Briana enjoys spending time with her family, working out, and learning new things. She is excited marry the love of her life in July of 2023.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/briana-mora.jpg
            [permalink] => briana-mora
        )

    [21] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 3
            [sort] => 4
            [first] => Dalina
            [last] => De Los Santos
            [title] => Associate Teacher
            [department] => Pre-K
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/dalina-de-los-santos.jpg
            [permalink] => dalina-de-los-santos
        )

    [22] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 3
            [sort] => 5
            [first] => Melissa
            [last] => Smith
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => Pre-K
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/melissa-smith.jpg
            [permalink] => melissa-smith
        )

    [23] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 3
            [sort] => 6
            [first] => Jo Anna
            [last] => Garza
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => Pre-K
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/jo-anna-garza.jpg
            [permalink] => jo-anna-garza
        )

    [24] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 3
            [sort] => 7
            [first] => Genny
            [last] => Browning
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => Pre-K
            [bio] => Genevieve Browning has been teaching since 2000. She is originally from St. Louis where she received her Bachelor’s degree at Fontbonne College in Elementary and Deaf Education. Genevieve received her Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist from UTSA in 2009. She loves working in the Elementary Department at Sunshine Cottage where she has taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade. She has served as the Elementary Department Chair and served as a mentor to associate and student teachers while at Sunshine Cottage.Genny, her nickname, lived in Texas as a child. Her father, who was in the Army, was stationed at Ft. Hood. She moved back to St. Louis during her high school years. After being hired at Sunshine Cottage, Genny returned to Texas and to the beautiful city of San Antonio. Genny always wanted to become a teacher. When her youngest brother was born with a profound hearing loss and received a cochlear implant, she felt a calling to teach children with hearing impairments. Teaching children with hearing impairments has become a family affair. Her mother teaches at The Moog Oral School in St. Louis and her sister works with HI students in Dallas ISD.Genny loves reading and passes the love of reading to her students. She also has 2 spoiled dogs named, Addie and Charlie, who she enjoys taking for walks.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/genny-browning.jpg
            [permalink] => genny-browning
        )

    [25] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 3
            [sort] => 8
            [first] => Rebecca
            [last] => Rodriguez
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => Pre-K
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/rebecca-rodriguez.jpg
            [permalink] => rebecca-rodriguez
        )

    [26] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 4
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Meagan
            [last] => Keller
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => Kinder
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/meagan-keller.jpg
            [permalink] => meagan-keller
        )

    [27] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 4
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Aryana
            [last] => Thompson
            [title] => Associate Teacher
            [department] => Kinder
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/aryana-thompson.jpg
            [permalink] => aryana-thompson
        )

    [28] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 4
            [sort] => 3
            [first] => Aliyah
            [last] => Walton
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => Kinder
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/aliyah-walton.jpg
            [permalink] => aliyah-walton
        )

    [29] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 4
            [sort] => 4
            [first] => Alejandra
            [last] => Tovar
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => Kinder
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/alejandra-tovar.jpg
            [permalink] => alejandra-tovar
        )

    [30] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 4
            [sort] => 5
            [first] => Britnee
            [last] => Cruz
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => Kinder
            [bio] => My name is Britnee Cruz! This is my first year teaching Kinder at Sunshine Cottage. Last year I was and associate teacher in 4th grade with Mrs. Kyra Jones. I graduated from UTSA in the Spring of 2021 and am in the second year of classwork for my Masters in Deaf Ed &amp; Hearing Science at UT Health. I recently got married. I have a dog named Theo he is three years old, I love hanging out with him at the park! I love to read books, watch movies, and play board games on my free time!&nbsp;
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/britnee-cruz.jpg
            [permalink] => britnee-cruz
        )

    [31] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 4
            [sort] => 6
            [first] => Lorena
            [last] => Rodriguez
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => Kinder
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/lorena-rodriguez.jpg
            [permalink] => lorena-rodriguez
        )

    [32] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 5
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Lindsay
            [last] => Dimich
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => 1st-Grade
            [bio] => Lindsay Dimich received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies at UTSA in 2010. She then received her masters in Deaf Education and Hearing Science at UTHSCSA in 2012 while working as a graduate assistant in Pre-K followed by a position as an associate teacher in third grade at Sunshine Cottage. She left Sunshine in the fall of 2012 to become an itinerant deaf educator for Austin ISD for two years before coming back to Sunshine for a position as a pre-school teacher in 2014. Although she thoroughly enjoyed working with some of Sunshine’s tiniest students, she was called to third grade in 2015 where she has been ever since. She absolutely adores teaching third grade, and is always excited to experience new adventures with her students. She received her Listening and Spoken Language Specialist certification in 2020.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/lindsay-dimich.jpg
            [permalink] => lindsay-dimich
        )

    [33] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 5
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Clarissa
            [last] => Gonzalez
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => 1st-Grade
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/clarissa-gonzalez.jpg
            [permalink] => clarissa-gonzalez
        )

    [34] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 5
            [sort] => 3
            [first] => Deborah
            [last] => Cox
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => 1st-Grade
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/deborah-cox.jpg
            [permalink] => debra-cox
        )

    [35] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 5
            [sort] => 4
            [first] => Doris
            [last] => Morales
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => 1st-Grade
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/doris-morales.jpg
            [permalink] => doris-morales
        )

    [36] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 5
            [sort] => 5
            [first] => Katy
            [last] => DeBrooke
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => 1st-Grade
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/katy-debrooke.jpg
            [permalink] => katy-debrooke
        )

    [37] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 5
            [sort] => 6
            [first] => Alicia
            [last] => Vara
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => 1st-Grade
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/alicia-vara.jpg
            [permalink] => alicia-vara
        )

    [38] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 6
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Ana
            [last] => Hernandez
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => 2nd-Grade
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/ana-hernandez.jpg
            [permalink] => ana-hernandez
        )

    [39] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 6
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Robert
            [last] => Castillo
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => 2nd-Grade
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/robert-castillo.jpg
            [permalink] => robert-castillo
        )

    [40] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 6
            [sort] => 3
            [first] => Emily
            [last] => Johnson
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => 2nd-Grade
            [bio] => Emily is a first-year graduate student with the Deaf Education and Hearing Science program at UT Health Science Center. She recently graduated with her bachelor's degree in Special Education from Northern Illinois University. Emily was born and raised in San Antonio and attended Sunshine Cottage as a typical hearing student from pre-school to fourth grade. She is very excited to be back!
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/emily-johnson.jpg
            [permalink] => emily-johnson
        )

    [41] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 6
            [sort] => 4
            [first] => Cheri
            [last] => Earley
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => 2nd-Grade
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/cheri-earley.jpg
            [permalink] => cheri-d-earley
        )

    [42] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 6
            [sort] => 5
            [first] => Abigail
            [last] => Yates
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => 2nd-Grade
            [bio] => After graduating from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in May of 2021, I began the Deaf Education and Hearing Science program at UT Health San Antonio. I will complete my master's degree in May of 2023 and I am so excited for the opportunity to work at Sunshine throughout my graduate studies. I look forward to working with the amazing staff and students at Sunshine Cottage!
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/abigail-yates.jpg
            [permalink] => abigail-yates
        )

    [43] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 6
            [sort] => 6
            [first] => Olga
            [last] => Sustaita
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => 2nd-Grade
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/olga-sustaita.jpg
            [permalink] => olga-sustaita
        )

    [44] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 7
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Gabriela
            [last] => Landa
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => 3rd-Grade
            [bio] => Gabriela Landa is a third year second grade teacher at Sunshine Cottage. She was born and raised in Laredo, Texas.  Gabby has a Bachelor's of Science in Communication Disorders and Hearing Science from Texas A&M International University.  Gabby attended the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio where she earned a Master's in Deaf Education and Hearing Science.  During graduate school, she served as an Associate Teacher in pre-kinder with Ms. Shelby Borgelt and first grade with Ms. Jennifer Shell. Gabby is currently pursuing her Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS) certification. 
She is absolutely thrilled to be part of a close-knit family at Sunshine Cottage and to transfer her passion in teaching and learning to her students. 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/gabriela-landa.jpg
            [permalink] => gabriela-landa
        )

    [45] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 7
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Angelina
            [last] => Uvalle
            [title] => Associate Teacher
            [department] => 3rd-Grade
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/angelina-uvalle.jpg
            [permalink] => angelina-uvalle
        )

    [46] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 7
            [sort] => 3
            [first] => Kristie
            [last] => Olivares
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => 3rd-Grade
            [bio] => After moving to San Antonio in 2011 Mrs. Kristie Olivares received her Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Texas State University in 2013. She spent the next 6 years teaching in San Antonio Independent School District and taught 1st grade, 3rd grade, and Pre-Kinder. In 2020 she made the decision to pursue a masters in Deaf Education and Hearing Science at UTHSCSA. She began her career at Sunshine Cottage last school year, 2020-2021, while she was still in graduate school. She worked as an associate teacher with Ms. Holly Mason. For the 2023-2024 school year she is returning to Sunshine Cottage as a Teacher in Third grade. Mrs. Olivares holds certification for Education EC-6 with ESL. One of her favorite things about her job is working with young children and their families to facilitate learning through listening and speaking. Mrs. Olivares' looks forward to helping our children learn and grow to become life long learners.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/kristie-olivares.jpg
            [permalink] => kristie-olivares
        )

    [47] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 7
            [sort] => 4
            [first] => Sophia
            [last] => De Leon
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => 3rd-Grade
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/sophia-de-leon.jpg
            [permalink] => sophia-de-leon
        )

    [48] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 8
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Mercedez
            [last] => Mendoza
            [title] => Teacher
            [department] => 4th-Grade
            [bio] => Mercedez Mendoza received her Bachelor of Arts degree in both Communication Disorders and Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2018. She then received her Masters degree in Deaf Education and Hearing Science from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio in 2021. During this time she worked as an associate teacher in Kindergarten at Sunshine Cottage.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/mercedez-mendoza.jpg
            [permalink] => mercedez-mendoza
        )

    [49] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 8
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Ethan
            [last] => Casarez
            [title] => Teacher Assistant
            [department] => 4th-Grade
            [bio] => Hello, my name is Ethan Casarez! I am a third year Teacher Assistant at Sunshine Cottage. I have an associates in Fine Arts - Education from San Antonio College. I also went to university in the United Kingdom for education. Fun fact, I also attended Sunshine Cottage when I was much younger. I am a unilateral Cochlear Implant recipient. I am very excited for the upcoming school year!
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/ethan-casarez.jpg
            [permalink] => ethan-casarez
        )

    [50] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 9
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Dominique
            [last] => Villarreal
            [title] => School Counselor
            [department] => Student-Support
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/dominique-villarreal.jpg
            [permalink] => dominique-villarreal
        )

    [51] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 9
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Linda
            [last] => Luna
            [title] => Social Worker
            [department] => Student-Support
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/linda-luna.jpg
            [permalink] => linda-luna
        )

    [52] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 10
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Andrea
            [last] => Harvey
            [title] => Audiologist, Department Chair
            [department] => Audiology
            [bio] => Andrea Harvey received a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences with a Minor in Family Studies/Counseling from Texas Tech University. She received her Masters degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Texas Tech University and practiced Audiology for 6 years obtaining extensive experience working with ear, nose and throat physicians. Because of her love of working with children and their families, she started working at Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children 19 years ago. As a pediatric audiologist at Sunshine Cottage, she performs diagnostic hearing evaluations on children of all ages. She also provides hearing aid and cochlear implant management as part of the support team for children at Sunshine Cottage. Mrs. Harvey is also the Audiology department director at Sunshine Cottage and is a current member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/andrea-harvey.jpg
            [permalink] => andrea-harvey
        )

    [53] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 10
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Jean
            [last] => Boller
            [title] => Audiologist
            [department] => Audiology
            [bio] => Jean Boller received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Disorders from Texas State University in 1988. She received her Master of Science Degree in Audiology from the University of Oklahoma in 1990. After working in a community speech and hearing center, hearing aid dispensing practice and otology practice she came to Sunshine Cottage in August 1995. Her favorite part of working at Sunshine Cottage is working collaboratively with the teachers and staff at Sunshine Cottage as well working closely with the families of young children. As a pediatric audiologist at Sunshine Cottage she provides diagnostic hearing evaluations including auditory evoked potential testing as well as hearing aid, cochlear implant and FM management. Jean is a member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association and the American Cochlear Implant Alliance.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/jean-boller.jpg
            [permalink] => jean-boller
        )

    [54] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 10
            [sort] => 3
            [first] => Logan
            [last] => Horner
            [title] => Audiologist
            [department] => Audiology
            [bio] => Dr. Horner has been working as a licensed audiologist for eight years. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences in May of 2005 and her Doctorate of Audiology in May of 2009. Both of her degrees were from Texas Tech University Health Science Center. She is clinically certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She first began her career at Sunshine Cottage as an audiology intern. After completion of her internship, she was blessed with being able to stay on as a full-time audiologist for eight years. In July of 2016, she decided to spread her professional wings and worked at a cochlear implant clinic in San Antonio. She enjoyed working with adults and children at this clinic, but her wings carried her back to Sunshine Cottage. Dr. Horner was humbly excited for the opportunity to return to Sunshine Cottage in July of 2017. She will provide the full range of diagnostic rehabilitative services, including Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing for infants, Cochlear Implant assessments and mapping, Bone Anchored Hearing Aid assessment and programming, and traditional hearing aid programming. Dr. Horner is also an Adjunct Professor with the Deaf Education and Hearing Science Program in the School of Medicine at the UT Health-San Antonio. She feels privileged to help future deaf educators understand the intricacies of audiology. Dr. Horner truly feels blessed to be working with the families and staff of Sunshine Cottage. She believes walking alongside parents and children with hearing loss at Sunshine Cottage is a gift from above.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/logan-horner.jpg
            [permalink] => logan-horner
        )

    [55] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 10
            [sort] => 4
            [first] => Emily
            [last] => Jones
            [title] => Audiologist
            [department] => Audiology
            [bio] => Dr. Jones received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communicative Disorders from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a Doctor of Audiology from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. During the 2005 - 2006 school year, she did her 4th year internship. In 2009, she began working at Sunshine Cottage School as a pediatric audiologist. She enjoys working with the students and their families. She performs diagnostic ABRs, diagnostic audiological evaluations on children from the community, cochlear implant programming, hearing aid fitting and troubleshooting, and FM fitting and troubleshooting. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She has given presentations on the best practices in pediatric audiology at several professional conferences in Texas.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/emily-jones.jpg
            [permalink] => emily-jones
        )

    [56] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 10
            [sort] => 5
            [first] => Jennifer
            [last] => Garbarini
            [title] => Audiologist
            [department] => Audiology
            [bio] => Dr. Jenn Garbarini received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from James Madison University in 2012, and her Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) from A.T. Still University in 2016. She completed her audiology externship at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center where she worked with pediatric and adult populations providing a range of diagnostic and rehabilitative services. Dr. Garbarini joined the Sunshine Cottage family in August 2016. She provides audiologic care for children ranging from birth to 18 years old including Newborn Auditory Brianstem Response (ABR) evaluations, complete behavioral testing, earmold impressions, programming and management for hearing aids, bone conduction hearing aids and cochlear implants, and personal assistive technology (also known as FM) management. She feels extremely blessed for the opportunity to support families in their hearing journey. Dr. Garbarini is clinically certified (CCC-A) by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/jennifer-garbarini.jpg
            [permalink] => jennifer-garbarini
        )

    [57] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 10
            [sort] => 6
            [first] => Laura
            [last] => Baysinger
            [title] => Audiologist
            [department] => Audiology
            [bio] => Dr. Laura Baysinger received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin in 2001. She completed her externship year at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, TX and then, obtained her clinical doctorate (Au.D.) at the University of Texas at Dallas in 2007.  She then worked for nine years at a non-profit, pediatric speech and hearing clinic/oral pre-school in Houston, Texas before moving up to the Carolinas.  There, she worked at a busy, large eye, ear, nose, and throat clinic, and then with the Mecklenburg County Children’s Developmental Services Agency.  Being in the Carolinas provided Dr. Baysinger with new experiences, but ultimately, Texas called her back home. Dr. Baysinger is excited to join the Sunshine Cottage team where she will provide the full array of audiology services, from testing infants via Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), to providing rehabilitative services including cochlear implant, hearing aid, and Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT).  Dr. Baysinger is professionally fluent in Spanish and also knowns basic sign language.  She is certified (CCC-A) by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/laura-baysinger.jpg
            [permalink] => laura-baysinger
        )

    [58] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 10
            [sort] => 7
            [first] => Jackie
            [last] => Vizcaino
            [title] => Audiologist
            [department] => Audiology
            [bio] => Dr. Vizcaino received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Texas Tech University in 2016, and her Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2020. She completed her audiology externship at Baylor Scott and White in Temple TX where she worked with pediatric and adult populations providing a range of diagnostic and rehabilitative services. Dr. Vizcaino joined the Sunshine family in 2021 and is excited to work with students and their families. Dr. Vizcaino is fluent in English and Spanish and is excited to provide services to families needing support in Spanish. She provides audiologic care for children including Newborn Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) evaluations, behavioral testing, earmold impressions, programming and management for hearing aids, BAHA, cochlear implants, and personal assistive technology (FM) management. Dr. Vizcaino is clinically certified (CCC-A) by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/jackie-vizcaino.jpg
            [permalink] => jackie-vizcaino
        )

    [59] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 10
            [sort] => 8
            [first] => Lori
            [last] => Debner
            [title] => Audiology Administrative Support
            [department] => Audiology
            [bio] => My name is Lori Hernandez and I am a mother of 3. &nbsp;I just became a Grandma for the first time this year to my beautiful granddaughter Adalynn. &nbsp;I have been employed at Sunshine Cottage since 2007. I was a Teacher Assistant for 12 years and I am now &nbsp;working with our Audiology Department as an Administrative Assistant. I look forward to another amazing year!
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/lori-debner.jpg
            [permalink] => lori-debner
        )

    [60] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 10
            [sort] => 9
            [first] => Miriam
            [last] => Villejo
            [title] => Audiology Evaluation Coordinator
            [department] => Audiology
            [bio] => Miriam Villejo became part of the Sunshine Cottage family in 2010 where she worked in the classroom as a teacher assistant. In 2016, she joined the Department of Audiology as Audiology Evaluation Coordinator. She manages the Hearing Evaluation Center for newborn infants and children including scheduling, insurance verification and communication. She loves connecting families with services and resources to support them in their hearing journey.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/miriam-villejo.jpg
            [permalink] => miriam-villejo
        )

    [61] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 11
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Monica
            [last] => Dorman
            [title] => Speech Language Pathology, Department Chair
            [department] => Speech
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/monica-dorman.jpg
            [permalink] => monica-dorman
        )

    [62] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 11
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Jessie
            [last] => Ritter
            [title] => Speech-Language Pathologist
            [department] => Speech
            [bio] => Jessie has been working as a Speech-Language Pathologist at Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children since February 2006. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Louisiana Tech University in 2003 and a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Louisiana State University in 2005. Jessie became a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist in 2009.<br>Since becoming a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist, Jessie has mentored several other professionals who are seeking the same certification. She has also been a clinical supervisor for graduate level students seeking a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology since 2010.<br>Jessie has assisted in the creation of two speech therapy applications, Speech That Works and InTense, and provided the voice over recordings for both. In addition to this, Jessie has presented at numerous national and state conventions educating other speech-language pathologists about working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. She has also presented several webinars on behalf of Sunshine Cottage. Jessie directed the school wide Holiday Play for 11 years.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/jessie-ritter.jpg
            [permalink] => jessie-ritter
        )

    [63] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 11
            [sort] => 3
            [first] => Stacy
            [last] => Adams
            [title] => Speech-Language Pathologist
            [department] => Speech
            [bio] => Stacy has been working as a speech-language pathologist at Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children since August 2009. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Ouachita Baptist University in 2007 and a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Gallaudet University in 2009. Stacy is currently working toward her Listening and Spoken Language Specialist certification.<br>Stacy has supervised graduate students seeking a Master’s level degree in speech-language pathology since 2014. She has presented at numerous national and state speech-language pathology conventions teaching others about working with Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing students in an auditory-oral environment. Outside of her regular roles and responsibilities within the speech and language department, Stacy has been a co-director of the school wide Christmas play since 2012. She assisted in the creation of two speech therapy applications, Speech That Works and InTense. Stacy also collaborated with Sunshine Cottage staff in the creation of the electronic version of the Cottage Acquisition Scales for Listening Language and Speech and has presented several webinars on behalf of Sunshine Cottage.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/stacy-adams.jpg
            [permalink] => stacy-adams
        )

    [64] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 11
            [sort] => 4
            [first] => Brenda
            [last] => Zapata
            [title] => Speech-Language Pathologist
            [department] => Speech
            [bio] => Brenda has been working at Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children for nine years. In 2001 Brenda received a Bachelor’s Degree in Deaf Education from Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri. Brenda was an Early Childhood teacher at Sunshine Cottage for six years and during that time she served as the Early Childhood Department Chair for two years. In 2017 Brenda received a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a bilingual certification from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas and became part of the Speech Department at Sunshine Cottage. Brenda has been a supervisor for graduate level students seeking Master’s Degrees in Speech-Language Pathology or Deaf Education. Currently, Brenda is an adjunct professor at the University of Texas Health and Science Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA) in the Deaf Education and Hearing Sciences Program. Brenda is also a certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist. Brenda has been a part of several national and international presentations on developing listening and spoken language, especially for children who are deaf/hard of hearing from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Being born and raised in El Salvador makes this a topic close to her heart.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/brenda-zapata.jpg
            [permalink] => brenda-zapata
        )

    [65] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 11
            [sort] => 5
            [first] => Taylor
            [last] => May
            [title] => Speech-Language Pathologist
            [department] => Speech
            [bio] => Taylor completed her clinical fellowship at Sunshine Cottage in December 2017. She worked at Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech in Boston before moving back to Sunshine in August 2018. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Mississippi in 2015 and a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2016. Taylor is a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist. In addition to her work at Sunshine Cottage, Taylor teaches a graduate course in Aural Rehabilitation for students seeking a Master’s degree in speech-language pathology at UTHSCSA. She is also a clinical supervisor for speech-language pathology graduate students. Taylor has presented at numerous national and state conventions educating other speech-language pathologists about working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/taylor-may.jpg
            [permalink] => taylor-may
        )

    [66] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 11
            [sort] => 6
            [first] => Sarah
            [last] => Rico
            [title] => Speech-Language Pathologist
            [department] => Speech
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/sarah-rico.jpg
            [permalink] => sarah-rico
        )

    [67] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 11
            [sort] => 7
            [first] => Nadia
            [last] => Thompson
            [title] => Speech-Language Pathologist
            [department] => Speech
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/nadia-thompson.jpg
            [permalink] => nadia-thompson
        )

    [68] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 11
            [sort] => 8
            [first] => Priscilla
            [last] => Bruntmyer
            [title] => Speech-Language Pathologist
            [department] => Speech
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/priscilla-bruntmyer.jpg
            [permalink] => priscilla-bruntmyer
        )

    [69] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 12
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Giovanna
            [last] => Carrola
            [title] => Art Teacher
            [department] => Specials
            [bio] => Giovi Carrola is the Art Educator at Sunshine Cottage School, and is beginning her 23rd year at Sunshine! Prior to teaching here, Giovi taught Art at<br>Blessed Sacrament School and St. Paul's School. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art and her Texas Teaching Certificate from UTSA.<br>As an artist, Giovi has participated in several shows including: "The One &amp; Only", "Show your Colors", Mini Art Museum's (MAM) exhibit, and participates regularly in OPTNA Art Stroll. She has been a featured artist in ArtPace's, "Chalk it Up" event, and is an artist in the Artomat collective, "Artists in Cellophane" as well as "Food for Thought" art zine. Giovi also teaches private Art classes in the summer at her studio.<br><br>She is actively involved in Art volunteerism. Serving underprivileged kids and/or those who do not have Art programs in school, Giovi has coordinated projects with Girls, Inc., Martinez Street Women's Center, Spare Parts and was a lead artist/teacher in "The Escuela Project" with the Guadalupe Cultural Art Center.<br><br>Giovi is married and has two daughters in college. When she is not teaching, she enjoys travel, photography and nature.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/giovanna-carrola.jpg
            [permalink] => giovanna-carrola
        )

    [70] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 12
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Kelly
            [last] => Martinez
            [title] => Music Teacher
            [department] => Specials
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/kelly-martinez.jpg
            [permalink] => kelly-martinez
        )

    [71] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 12
            [sort] => 3
            [first] => Kyra
            [last] => Jones
            [title] => Physical Education Teacher
            [department] => Specials
            [bio] => Kyra Jones is a fourth-grade teacher at Sunshine Cottage. She was born and raised in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Kyra went to Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario where she earned a Bachelor of Education. She has two years of general education teaching experience in Canada and one-year teaching abroad in England, United Kingdom. Kyra moved to San Antonio in 2016 to pursue a Master’s degree in Deaf Education and Hearing Science. She graduated from the UT Health Science Center here in San Antonio in May 2018. Kyra is ecstatic to be part of the Sunshine Cottage family for her sixth year and her fourth year in fourth grade; she is studying for her certification as a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist, LSLS. She loves working with her class on expanding their complex language and is soaking up every experience she can with her students.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/kyra-jones.jpg
            [permalink] => kyra-jones
        )

    [72] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 12
            [sort] => 4
            [first] => Lori
            [last] => Laguna
            [title] => Library Media Specialist
            [department] => Specials
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/lori-laguna.jpg
            [permalink] => lori-laguna
        )

    [73] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 13
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Lindsay
            [last] => Rodriguez
            [title] => Director of Parent-Infant Program
            [department] => Parent-Infant-Program
            [bio] => Lindsay M Rodriguez, M.Ed., C.E.D., has been associated with Sunshine Cottage School since 1995. She first came from Mexico via England and Venezuela as a mother looking for an oral education for her son who is profoundly deaf and uses a cochlear implant. She has been a Parent-Infant Advisor at Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children in San Antonio since 2000.<br><br>She is bilingual (English/Spanish) and previously worked for 16 years as an ESL teacher and textbook author/editor for Macmillan Publishers in Mexico City. Lindsay has also been trained as a Parent Advocacy Training Facilitator for the A.G.Bell Association and has given presentations on Advocacy internationally and nationally. Lindsay is a co-author of The Guide to Listening and Spoken Language: a parent-friendly, convenient checklist of information and strategies for learning to listen and talk.<br><br>Lindsay’s mission is to coach parents to advocate for their child so that their child, in turn, might advocate for him/herself.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/lindsay-rodriguez.jpg
            [permalink] => lindsay-rodriguez
        )

    [74] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 13
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Donna
            [last] => Kramer
            [title] => Parent Advisor
            [department] => Parent-Infant-Program
            [bio] => Donna Kramer is a Parent Advisor with the Parent-Infant Program. She is a LSLS Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist. Donna graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialization in Special Education.   She then received her Master's Degree in Deaf Education from the University of the Incarnate Word. She taught Special Education with NEISD for 5 years before becoming a classroom teacher at Sunshine.   Her love for working with parents led her to the Parent-Infant Program.

Donna loves spending time with her family, enjoying the outdoors, riding horses and being an active member of her community where she lives.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/donna-kramer.jpg
            [permalink] => donna-kramer
        )

    [75] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 13
            [sort] => 3
            [first] => Ana
            [last] => Sei
            [title] => Parent Advisor
            [department] => Parent-Infant-Program
            [bio] => Ana Laura Sei graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies; specializing in Bilingual Education. Growing up bilingual in a border town, she felt the necessity to maintain children’s native language and use it as an educational tool to foster second language acquisition. Shortly after earning her Bachelor’s degree, she pursued her Master’s Degree in Deaf Education and Hearing Sciences from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, graduating in May 2012. She has been a part of Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children since August 2010, where she has worked as a graduate assistant, teacher assistant, and now serves families as a Parent Infant Advisor.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/ana-sei.jpg
            [permalink] => ana-sei
        )

    [76] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 13
            [sort] => 4
            [first] => Amanda
            [last] => Grant
            [title] => Parent Advisor
            [department] => Parent-Infant-Program
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/amanda-grant.jpg
            [permalink] => amanda-grant
        )

    [77] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 13
            [sort] => 5
            [first] => Michael
            [last] => Pfeifer
            [title] => Parent Advisor
            [department] => Parent-Infant-Program
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/michael-pfeifer.jpg
            [permalink] => michael-pfeifer
        )

    [78] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 13
            [sort] => 6
            [first] => Judy
            [last] => Bravo
            [title] => Parent Advisor
            [department] => Parent-Infant-Program
            [bio] => Hello! My name is Judy Bravo, and I am excited to embark on a new journey as a Parent Infant Advisor here at Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children. I was born here in San Antonio, raised in the small town of Big Wells, down in South Texas and returned to San Antonio for school at UTSA, where I received a Bachelor’s of Art in Interdisciplinary Studies and Bilingual Education then a few years later received my Masters of Science Degree in Deaf Education and Hearing Science from &nbsp;the UT Health Science Center San Antonio. I am certified as an EC, General Education and Bilingual/ESL teacher, a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS) and Certified Educator of the Deaf (CED). This is will be my 15th year working at Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children, 26th year in the teaching field. In my free time, I enjoy DIY home projects, biking, and traveling with my family. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/judy-bravo.jpg
            [permalink] => judy-bravo
        )

    [79] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 13
            [sort] => 7
            [first] => Megan
            [last] => Mezza
            [title] => Parent Advisor
            [department] => Parent-Infant-Program
            [bio] => My name is Megan Mezza. This is my first year as a PIP advisor. I was an Associate Teacher at Sunshine Cottage for two years in preschool and kindergarten. I recently completed my graduate work at University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio studying Deaf Education and Hearing Science. I have my Bachelor's in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Texas A&amp;M International University. I have 2 1/2 years experience as an assistant teacher working in an inclusive learning center. This gave me the privilege to work with children with and without disabilities in a classroom setting. I also worked for ECI as an Early Childhood Interventionist where I assisted families in coaching them how to target the child's developmental goals within their daily routines. I am looking forward to an amazing year.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/megan-mezza.jpg
            [permalink] => megan-mezza
        )

    [80] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 13
            [sort] => 8
            [first] => Janeth
            [last] => Gaddy
            [title] => PIP Administrative Assistant
            [department] => Parent-Infant-Program
            [bio] => Originally from Colombia, South America.  Moved to Texas 15 years ago.  Married with two daughters. One hearing impaired and one typical hearing.  Studied abroad and graduated with a major in Linguistics and foreign languages and a minor in Early Childhood.  Fluent in English and Spanish.  Certified international translator. 
Enjoys traveling, watching movies, listening to music and reading books in different languages.  Loves spending time with her family and her two dogs.
Started as a mother in the Parent-Infant Program and loves having the opportunity to give back by welcoming families who now walk her same path.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/janeth-gaddy.jpg
            [permalink] => janeth-gaddy
        )

    [81] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 14
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Miriam
            [last] => Elizondo
            [title] => Director of Development
            [department] => Development
            [bio] => Miriam joined Sunshine Cottage in June of 2017 as the Director of Development. 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. Miriam is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 16 years, four years as an executive director. She holds Nonprofit Certifications in Leadership and Fundraising through the San Antonio Area Foundation and Our Lady of the Lake University and is a member of the first graduating class of the Tesoro Fellows Leadership Program and trained in Value-Based Leadership. She has been married for 13 years and has two beautiful children. She feels blessed to be a part of the Sunshine Cottage family and is inspired by what Mrs. Dela White has done for our community.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/miriam-elizondo.jpg
            [permalink] => miriam-elizondo
        )

    [82] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 14
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Sara
            [last] => Rosales-Guerra
            [title] => Public Relations and Communications
            [department] => Development
            [bio] => Sara A. Rosales-Guerra has worked at Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children for 13 years. Prior to Sunshine Cottage, Sara was director of publications and the interim director of public relations at Our Lady of the Lake University.<br>Sara earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Texas.<br>Throughout her career Sara has been a member of the Association of Women in Communications and was named President of AWC in 2016-17. A published author and an award-winning designer, Sara was the recipient of the AWC Maggie Cousins Award in 2015. Sara has also held various board positions with both the International Association of Business Communicators and the Public Relations Society of San Antonio.<br>She and her husband Roger enjoy the outdoors, painting and drawing, and music. They have two dogs and three cats.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/sara-rosales-guerra.jpg
            [permalink] => sara-rosales-guerra
        )

    [83] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 14
            [sort] => 3
            [first] => Pooja
            [last] => Palimar
            [title] => Development and Grant Coordinator
            [department] => Development
            [bio] => Pooja Palimar has worked at Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children since March of 2022. Born and raised in South Texas, Pooja attend Trinity University for a Bachelors in Chemistry and graduated from the University of Louisville with a Masters in Public Health Administration.Throughout her career, Pooja has been an executive member of the Junior League of San Antonio and has worked with the Centers for Disease Control, was the Spokeswoman for a cultural exchange program in conjunction with the U.S. Department of State, and the Director of Operations for fertility practices across Texas. Her passion in education and commitment to serving her community has led her to Sunshine Cottage and she is eager to contribute to such a worthy cause in the Development department.Pooja and her husband, Dr. Satya Rao, enjoy watching the Spurs, eating tacos, and celebrating the beauty of San Antonio with their three kids and wonderful exchange student.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/pooja-palimar.jpg
            [permalink] => pooja-palimar
        )

    [84] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 14
            [sort] => 4
            [first] => Mary
            [last] => Bordelon
            [title] => Development Assistant
            [department] => Development
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/mary-bordelon.jpg
            [permalink] => mary-bordelon
        )

    [85] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 15
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Sandra
            [last] => Ramos-Ibarra
            [title] => Coordinator of Educational Resources and Instructional Practices
            [department] => Educational-Resources
            [bio] => Dr. Ibarra received a doctorate degree (2016) in Culture, Language and Literacy from the University of Texas in San Antonio. She has also been a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist, LSLS Cert. AVEd since 2009. In addition, Dr. Ibarra has over 38 years of pedagogical experience in a variety of educational settings, including 25 years at Sunshine Cottage. Since 2005, she has shared her knowledge and expertise of the Cottage Acquisition Scales for Listening, Language, and Speech (CASLLS) throughout the United States training and consulting with educators, speech pathologists, and audiologists in the implementation of the CASLLS. Currently, Dr. Ibarra is the Coordinator for Instructional Practices and CASLLS Support at Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children in San Antonio, Texas.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/sandy-ibarra.jpg
            [permalink] => sandy-ibarra
        )

    [86] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 15
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Tammy
            [last] => Monts
            [title] => Administrative Assistant to Educational Resources
            [department] => Educational-Resources
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/tammy-monts.jpg
            [permalink] => tammy-monts
        )

    [87] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 15
            [sort] => 3
            [first] => Leslie
            [last] => Walter
            [title] => Transition, Community Outreach and Alumni Relations
            [department] => Educational-Resources
            [bio] => Leslie Walter is experienced in community outreach to medical staff including pediatricians, otolaryngologists and pediatric nurses as well as educating parents and professionals in current trends of hearing loss through health fairs and program tours. She has a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Ms. Walter’s outreach efforts demonstrate strong communication skills including speaking to audiences, event planning, budgeting, nonprofit management, and strategic planning. She promotes involvement of the Sunshine Cottage Alumni Association through fundraising efforts to benefit the school by providing a student scholarship.Ms. Walter participates as a member in various professional organizations such as the Alexander Graham Bell Association, VP of Texas Chapter since 2006 and Chairman of the Texas AG Bell statewide conference “Advocacy: Planning for the Future” in 2008. Ms. Walter became a member of the Texas Deaf and Hard of Hearing Leadership Council: Birth to Three in 2010 and has been chairman of the PIFS sub-committee for the past five years. Ms. Walter was Membership Chair and Silent Auction Chair of The Association for Women in Communications 2015-16 and Silent Auction Chair, 2016-17.Leslie Walter has been employed at Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children for 26 years as a teacher, parent infant advisor and currently is Community Outreach and Alumni Relations. Ms. Walter was the Executive Director of Desert Voices, Phoenix , AZ from 1997-2000. She received a Masters of Science degree in Speech and Hearing from Washington University and a Bachelors of Art degree from Southern Methodist University.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/leslie-walter.jpg
            [permalink] => leslie-walter
        )

    [88] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 16
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Alex
            [last] => Geleske
            [title] => Director of Finance
            [department] => Finance
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/alex-geleske.jpg
            [permalink] => alex-geleske
        )

    [89] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 16
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Raye Ann
            [last] => Short
            [title] => Accountant
            [department] => Finance
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/raye-ann-short.jpg
            [permalink] => raye-ann-short
        )

    [90] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 16
            [sort] => 3
            [first] => Isela
            [last] => Fennell
            [title] => Purchasing & Sales Coordinator
            [department] => Finance
            [bio] => Isela Fennell has over 35 years of extensive experience in the Purchasing Field.<br>Before working for Sunshine Cottage, she worked 20 years for Furr's Supermarkets, where she opened many new locations and established and maintained store inventories throughout the Southwest with profitable results for retail and cost of goods. &nbsp;She concluded her career with Furr’s as one of the District Manager's Assistant, which they were responsible for over 17 locations.<br>She then moved to San Antonio, TX with her husband and two daughters in 2001 and has maintained her 17 year tenure with Sunshine Cottage as Purchasing Coordinator.
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/isela-fennell.jpg
            [permalink] => isela-fennell
        )

    [91] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 17
            [sort] => 1
            [first] => Otis
            [last] => Hernandez
            [title] => Maintenance Supervisor
            [department] => Maintenance
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/otis-hernandez.jpg
            [permalink] => otis-hernandez
        )

    [92] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 17
            [sort] => 2
            [first] => Gino
            [last] => Lopez
            [title] => Maintenance Lead
            [department] => Maintenance
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/gino-lopez.jpg
            [permalink] => gino-lopez
        )

    [93] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 17
            [sort] => 3
            [first] => Mike
            [last] => Vasquez
            [title] => Custodian
            [department] => Maintenance
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/mike-vasquez.jpg
            [permalink] => mike-vasquez
        )

    [94] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 17
            [sort] => 4
            [first] => Olga
            [last] => Bernal
            [title] => Custodian
            [department] => Maintenance
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/olga-bernal.jpg
            [permalink] => olga-bernal
        )

    [95] => Array
        (
            [deptsort] => 17
            [sort] => 5
            [first] => Yuri
            [last] => Gonzalez
            [title] => Custodian
            [department] => Maintenance
            [bio] => 
            [picture] => https://sunshinecottage.org/images/staff/yuri-gonzalez.jpg
            [permalink] => yuri-gonzalez
        )

)