Our Teachers
Susan Caruso - (Artistic Director, founder of Sunflower Creative Arts and teacher) Susan is an educator, a musician and an advocate of the arts for all children. She has been a teacher and resident of Florida for more than twenty-five years. She teaches creative arts, drama, music, parenting classes and conflict resolution workshops. Susan is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Susan teaches Seedlings, Circle of Song, Little Sprouts, and Shakespeare. Susan offers insight into play, parenting, nature, communication and more on the Sunflower blog.
Jonathan Iris-Wilbanks (Seedlings and Sunflower Afterschool teacher) - For more than a decade Jonathan has worked with children ranging in age from infants to teenagers. He's traveled all over the world, working in a Swedish elementary school, a western Massachusetts summer camp, and San Francisco preschools and after-school programs. Although officially receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco State University, as well as education study in Växjö, Sweden, Jonathan feels that his real education has been from the many children and families with whom he’s worked. His personal childcare philosophy maintains that the child is the teacher, and by providing the right conditions adults can ensure that children receive safe, enriching spaces to learn and grow. Read Jonathan’s thoughts on play, parenting, communication and more on the Sunflower blog.
Sandra Bravo - (Seedlings teacher, Little Sprouts and Sunflower Afterschool assistant) A native of Colombia, Sandra studied business administration and music. She has worked in the corporate world, and ran her own art, theater, music and dance school for 12 years in Colombia. She brings her brilliant smile and years of experience to our programs. More about Sandra
Whitney Stange - (Storytime Drama and Theatre Workshop teacher, We Love Shakespeare! assistant, and Roots & Shoots Shooting Stars facilitator) Whitney is a theatre educator and artist. She has taught drama to children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting from the University of Colorado, and a Masters degree in Educational Theatre from New York University. For 3½ years Whitney was the Performing Arts Director for a private elementary school in Los Angeles. She relocated to Florida in December 2011 with her family. She has a three year-old son and a ten month-old daughter. Whitney brings her passion for theatre, education, and her love of children to Sunflower Creative Arts. More about Whitney
