Elizabeth Plumb, PhD
Director of Education
Elizabeth Plumb earned a BA in Psychology from UC San Diego in 1994, and a PhD in Education/School Psychology from UC Berkeley in 2003. After working as a school psychologist with preschool and elementary school age children, she took time to be home with her three kids when they were young. Once she started volunteering in their preschool classrooms, she fell in love with teaching and has never looked back. Now in her 15th year of early childhood education, she has loved every minute of it. In addition to teaching at both Newport Center and Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Preschools, Dr. Plumb has served as a mentor teacher and as the curriculum coordinator at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Preschool. She truly enjoys the wonder of this age and the magical moments that each new day in preschool brings.
Sarah Galliver, BSc
Director of Operations
Sarah Galliver was born and raised in England where she gained a BSc Hons (Honors) Degree in Institutional Management from Cardiff University. After traveling around the world, she and her husband moved to California, where they have made their home and raised three boys. When she first started taking classes in early childhood education, Mrs. Galliver fell in love with the field. In 2008, she joined the team at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Preschool. She taught many age levels and became a beloved TK teacher and mentor for her fellow staff members. In 2017, she was promoted to Site Director of the Shepherd of the Hils Rancho Santa Margarita campus. Mrs. Galliver believes that being a part of a young child’s formative years is a privilege and she loves to see them grow, gain self-confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Lezlie Rodgers, B.A.
Lead Teacher
Lezlie Rodgers earned her BA degree in Interior Architecture from California State University, Fresno and graduated with high honors. After working for 12 years in the interior design field, Mrs. Rodgers stayed behind when her twin boys graduated from Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Preschool to start a new career in early childhood education. With her nurturing style, creativity, and passion for working with children, she was quickly promoted to Lead Teacher. Over the past 15 years, Mrs. Rodgers has taught every age group, from three-year olds to Transitional Kindergarten. Adored by students and parents alike for the wonderful classroom experiences she provides and the caring relationships she builds. Mrs. Rodgers believes that, above all else, preschool learning must be engaging and fun. If children enjoy learning, and are eager to try new activities, they develop valuable skills they can utilize throughout
their education.
Katy Wilkens B.A.
Lead Teacher 1K
Katy Wilkens earned a BA from Cal State Fullerton in Liberal Studies. During college, she served as an Assistant Site Coordinator through the Saddleback Valley Unified School District’s Recreation Program, TLC. She also coordinated the kindergarten program at that site.
When her children, Hannah and Maxwell, were born, she stayed home with them and enjoyed volunteering at their schools in the classroom setting.
Once they were both in high school, Katy went back to work as an Independence Facilitator at Castille Elementary for the Special Education Department. In February of 2020, she started teaching at Shephard of the Hills Preschool where Sarah Galliver served as the site director. After subbing at The Sunshine School, Katy joined the team as a lead teacher in 2025.
Katy absolutely loves working with preschoolers. Their inquisitiveness, honesty, and vulnerability are truly amazing, and she’s honored to be part of The Sunshine School.
Although her kids are grown, they all get together once a week for Wilkens Wednesday and do something fun as a family. They love hiking, camping, and visiting National Parks, and they have a 14-year-old golden doodle named Rufus who completes their family.
Ashley Palmer, BFA
Teacher
Ashley Palmer started working as a professional performer at age 16 and earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Otterbein University. After 20 years of working in entertainment in NYC, LA, regional theaters, and national tours, she started a family and was thrilled to discover that her love of children rivals her love of the stage. As her kids have grown, Ashley has spent much of her time volunteering in their schools, developing an understanding of childhood development and recognizing that her talents as a performer (and a mom) transfer pretty seamlessly to teaching. She has also worked as a standardized patient at UCI, UCSD, and Kaiser medical schools, where she helps to teach communication and clinical skills. Her son is a Sunshine School graduate and though her children are now in elementary school a huge part of her heart remains in preschool, where each day contains magical new discoveries. Not wanting to leave Sunshine School behind, she realized that the next role she wanted to play was as a teacher alongside the accomplished women who share her passion for guiding children through play. She is currently completing her Early Childhood Education certificate at Saddleback College and spends most of her spare time cheering on her 9-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son at their various activities, but she also enjoys hiking, yoga, reading, and planning epic family road trips with her husband of 12 years.