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 12th 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 11 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.
Michelle Jackson, B.A.
Teacher
Michelle Jackson began her teaching career as a second and third grade teacher in Northern California. After teaching for eight years, Michelle decided to stay home with her three children when they were young, and she became very involved in volunteering at their schools. During that time, she developed a specific interest in preschool, and she began teaching again at the Rancho Santa Margarita campus of Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Preschool. When we started The Sunshine School in late 2020 , we hoped to convince Michelle to join us, and she agreed to become a substitute teacher. Now that her three children are older, Michelle will join us on a regular basis, and we could not be more thrilled. She has a nurturing, calming presence, and she is truly gifted in working with young children. In her free time, Michelle enjoys outdoor activities with her family, husband James, sons Jake and Max, ages 21 and 18, and daughter Kate, 16.