Administrative Team
Kathy Palmer
Director
I began my career in education in 1993. I have 2 wonderful children, both of whom attended Sunny Hill when they were younger. My favorite part of the day is witnessing children captivated in their explorations and discoveries. When I am not at work, I love to read, swim and paddleboard.
Debbie Schnair Assistant Director
I have been teaching for almost twenty years. My favorite part of the day is when I introduce something new, or I present something in a different light, and hearing the children share their thoughts and opinions. When I am not working, I love to hike, kayak, and play hockey.
Kathy Gilberto
Administrative Assistant & Bookkeeper
I joined the Sunny Hill team as a bookkeeper and administrative assistant in 2012. My son is an alumni of Sunny Hill. My favorite part of the day is visiting classrooms and overhearing the sweet comments that come out of the mouths of children. When I am not at Sunny Hill, I love spending time with my family and friends.
Michela Van Patten Family Engagement Coordinator
I have been teaching at Sunny Hill for seven years. Two of my sons came to Sunny Hill and still have memories of their fun times! My favorite part of the day is Morning Meeting, when teachers and children can sit together, talking and sharing our thoughts. When I am not at Sunny Hill, I like to spend time with my husband, three sons, and my dog, Louie. I love to walk and visit Cape Cod and the Adirondacks.
Our Teachers
Alison Yen
I began teaching in 2018. My favorite part of the day is exploring the sensory table with the children. It always amazes me how captivated children become when they play and explore with sensory items. When not at school, I love to play outside - whether it's hiking, biking, swimming, or walking.
Christina Madden
I’m the proud mom of two Sunny Hill graduates, who are now a second grader and a kindergartener. I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and before taking some time away from work to be home with my children, I worked as a BCBA for Brookline Public Schools. Last year, I had the pleasure of subbing at Sunny Hill, and I’m so excited to be joining the Stay, Play & Learn team! I’m looking forward to getting to know all of the wonderful families and I’m so glad I get to continue to be part of such a special community
Colleen Mazin
After nearly twenty years of working as a writer and editor, I began substituting at Sunny Hill during the 2024-2025 school year. I have now made the switch to teaching preschoolers and am excited to be an assistant teacher! I have always loved young children, and am eager to watch them learn and grow. Two of my children attended Sunny Hill years ago, so I know what a special place it is. When I’m not at school, I love traveling, running, reading, and being with my family.
Dianna McLean
I began teaching in 1991. My favorite part of the day is Free Choice Time. I love having the opportunity to teach and develop children’s social interactions and social skills in positive ways, something they will carry through a lifetime. When I am not working, I enjoy crafting and learning how to use my Cricut machine.
Eileen Babick
I began teaching in 2000. We are an alumni family of Sunny Hill, as my two daughters attended Sunny Hill when they were younger! My favorite part of the day is witnessing children loving school, knowing I am helping them develop a love for life-long learning. When I’m not at Sunny Hill, I enjoy creating art, gardening, reading, and playing with my bird, Molly.
Jane Strait
After 22 wonderful years teaching at Sunny Hill, I took a hiatus to spend time caring for my grandchildren. Now that they are all getting older, I felt it was the perfect time to return to the classroom and continue doing what I love—teaching. I have lived in Sudbury for 42 years, where I raised my four children. All four of my children attended Sunny Hill, making my connection to the school and community especially meaningful. I’m thrilled to be back and look forward to this next chapter at Sunny Hill!
Kate Coffin
I began teaching in 1993. We are an alumni family of Sunny Hill, as my daughter attended preschool here when she was younger. My favorite part of the day is Story Time ~ I love reading with children! I love being part of instilling a love of reading that will last a lifetime. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, reading, and knitting.
Kim Blenkhorn
I am excited to be part of the preschool team at Sunny Hill Preschool. I have worked in early childhood education for about 9 years. My passion as a teacher is helping children gain confidence, success, independence and to learn how to engage deeply in their own interests. In the preschool classroom I believe that play is the highest form of learning. My goal is to create a warm, safe, calm and interesting environment where every child feels valued and respected and excited to learn. When I’m not at work, I like to be outside, read, paint and learn new things!
Rebecca Johnson
I began teaching in 2004 and joined the Sunny Hill team during the 2021-2022 school year. My favorite part of the day is free choice. I love to see the children’s excitement while they explore new activities. When I’m not at Sunny Hill, I enjoy spending time with my family. I am often busy traveling around watching my children’s sports. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer myself!
Sandy Beyloune
I began teaching almost 35 years ago. I spent many years as a special education teacher in elementary schools. My favorite part of the day is snack time. I love having the opportunity to sit and chit chat with the children. I always find myself laughing at their stories. When I am not at Sunny Hill, I like to tap dance and crochet.
Sarah Buhrmaster
I hold a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and am returning to teaching after rediscovering my passion through the experience of raising my son. My favorite part of the day is Circle Time—I love seeing how much the children grow and develop throughout the year. I also cherish the more informal, one-on-one moments when I get to know each child on a personal level. In my free time, I enjoy walking my two dogs, taking Pilates classes, and planning new adventures with my son.