Starbright was founded by Kim Borgatta, an early childhood specialist.
Jennifer has been teaching at Starbright since 1991. After 11 years of employment and mentoring under Kim Borgotta, Jennifer purchased Starbright in March of 2002. Prior to purchasing, Jennifer ran Starbright solely through Kim’s frequent absences. Jennifer will continue to operate under the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation. The association sends a validator every three years to issue a re-accreditation certificate. Jennifer will continue to guide children and staff with enthusiasm and professionalism. Jennifer holds and A.A. in Early Childhood Education with and emphasis in administration and the National Administrator’s Credential.
Billie Jo Stiglich
Assistant Director
Welcome back!!!!!! Again!
Billie has worked for Starbright on and off for 10 years. She has held all positions and can fill in when needed in any of the classrooms. She has an Associates of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from UAA. Billie will be assisting Jen in the office. Should you have any problems that need to be addressed to a director or lead teacher, you can always check in with her and she will be happy to assist you. Her hours are based on her husband’s schedule so she will be in and out at different times throughout the week.
Missy Conley
Opening Supervisor/
Fish Room Lead Teacher
Missy has been at Starbright since 1997, she is one of the finest. With her ability to address and nurture each and every child’s individual needs, she serves as a mentor to us all. She has set up her classroom to serve as a strong foundation for Kindergarten readiness skills. Missy has an Associates of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from UAA. Missy has created a classroom conducive to exploration, hands on learning opportunities, structure, curriculum based activities and child independence. She is a proud mother of 1 year old Kya. Her hours are from 6:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. daily.
Jenna Pereira
Fishroom Assistant
Jenna joined in the Starbright family in October of 2005. She has been working with in the Fish Room for the last 5 years assisting Missy in teaching the children Kindergarten readiness skills. In addition to helping with lessons and individualized based development, Jenna assists with portfolios and documentation. Jenna shows great patience and truly enjoys working with the children. She offers a calm demeanor which is an excellent balance when paired up with Missy in our busy Fish room classroom. Jenna will be taking on Missy’s hours while she is out on Maternity leave. Her hours are M-F from 8:30a.m.-5:00.
Daphne
Yorkie Terrier
Daphne spends much of her day chewing, eating, sleeping and best of all giving love. She is an exciting new addition to our Starbright family. Her hours are the same as Jen’s M-F from 9:00am-6:00pm.
Wendy Hogan
Seal Pup Lead Teacher
Wendy spreads a level of energy and enthusiasm where ever she is, always willing to meet, greet and offer support to children of all ages as well as our parents. She has been with Starbright since 2001. She has grown over the years and is very excited to be teaching the Seal Pups. Wendy brings a theatrical element to the Seal Pup class as she observes and records the ever changing developmental stages of our young three year old children. She has just completed her Child Development Associates Certificate. (CDA) Her daily hours are from 8:00a.m.- 4:30p.m.
Christina Chappell
Seal Pup Assistant
Christina has been with Starbright for over a year now and we are so proud to have her apart of our team while she works on her UAA degree in ECD. Her gentle nature promotes a sense of safety and security in the classroom as she aides the children in developing into their fullest potential. Christina's hours are M- F from 7:30a.m-10:00a.m.
Missy Walters
Kindergarten Teacher
Missy has been at Starbright for a total of 8 years. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education from UAA. Missy is a master at demonstrating consistency and offering a positive learning environment for children. She has developed a fantastic reading program and responds attentively to individualized developmental abilities. In addition to the classroom learning, she also is proud and excited to take your children swimming every Monday and teach vital water skills. Look for her M-F from 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m.
Kat Longlet
Kindergarten Aide
Kat is majoring in Nursing at UAA in hopes to be completed in the next year. She holds and EMT-1 and is a member of the AFD Explorers. She applies much of her studies towards working with young children as she continues to grow within the Starbright style. Kat's day starts in the afternoon, you can find her in the Kindergarten class absorbing all the energy, enthusiasm and academics from the minds of our inquisitive and brilliant kindergartners. Her daily hours are from 1:00p.m.-5:30p.m.
Omorro Hogan
School Age Lead teacher
Omorro’s day begins and ends with the safe transportation of the School Age children to and from their public schools. He takes extra precautions in ensuring their utmost safety and security. Omorro enjoys assisting with homework and sharing his passion for music with our school-age children. His schedule is flexible during the days which enables him to cover or float into the preschool classes. Omorro works from 7:30-9:30 a.m. and back at 3:00- 6:30 p.m.
Sonya Hagmuller
School Age Assistant
Sonya has been with Starbright since August 2009 and in the Early Childhood Field for years. She has grown into a confident and compassionate lead teacher. She is enthusiastic about working with the her lifelong friend Dawn and the Bearcubs. Sonya loves the curriculum aspect of Starbright and is so proud of her children and their accomplishments. Her hours are from 9:00a.m.- 5:30 p.m. daily.
Sheri Hays
Morning BearCub Assistant/
Cook
Sheri comes to the Starbright family with a natural ability to work with children. Being a mother of four herself, she offers nurturing reassurance as she works in the Bearcub in the early morning helping children say good-byes to their moms and dads. She always is there to give a hug or a smile and foster child-directed learning time. Sheri then transitions into the kitchen to make those yummy, healthy lunches for our hungry kiddos. Sheri's hours are M-F from 6:30a.m.-3:00p.m.
Hannah Godwin- Floater
Hanna has been working at Starbright for over a year now and has taken on a Floating position as well as Closing Assistant. You can find Hannah (Banana) in all classrooms when needed. She enjoys playing and teaching your children on a daily basis from 10:00am-6:30pm.
Dawn Pettit
Bear Cub Assistant-Closing Supervisor
Dawn shows great patience and enjoys her daily interactions with the Bear Cubs . She does a great job sharing her creativity and learning the dynamics of an active 3 ½ - 4 ½ year old combination class during the day. Her daily hours are from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
