Professionalism & the Sunflower Staff
“Teachers are without question, the heartbeat of a successful school.” – Ernest Boyer
At Sunflower Preschool we believe that high quality education is better provided with well trained, well paid professional ECE (Early Childhood Education) teachers. All Sunflower staff are actively involved in ECE by taking classes, attending lectures and continuing an active interest in the field. Since 1981, Sunflower has been Mother-Owned and Operated.
“The aim of education should be to teach the children to think, not what to think.” -John Dewey
The Sunflower Team, Halloween 2023! (Left to Right: Fiona, Hana, Marcia, Marisa, Debbie, Jules & Sunny)
Marisa Ellman | Owner | Operator | Teacher
Marisa became the new Owner/Operator of Sunflower in Fall 2016. Her mother, Debbie, founded the school in 1981 and she is honored that Marisa and the Sunflower teachers will continue providing high-quality childcare in a play- and nature-based environment. Marisa is passionate about delivering exceptional and nurturing care to young children during these crucial early years of development.
Marisa has a BA in International Studies and Political Science from the University of Oregon, and an MA in Government, Diplomacy, and Conflict Studies from Reichman University in Israel. She grew up at Sunflower as a student, a teacher’s helper and then as a Teacher for many summers throughout high school and college. Marisa spent four years in Israel teaching English, working for a non-profit to empower minority groups, and also volunteered to help refugee youth from Darfur. Marisa’s interests include hiking in beautiful Colorado, cooking healthy creations, yoga, meditation, live music, learning about international affairs, traveling, and new adventures (preferably outdoors!) with her family and friends. She has two sons, Eitan and Nadav, who are both Sunflower graduates, as well as a fluffy and friendly dog, Stella!
Hana Le Desma | Teacher | Co-Director
Hana has a BA in Education and English Education from the University of Mokpo in South Korea. She had more than 10 years of teaching experience at public elementary schools in Korea. She moved to Boulder from Korea in August of 2012. Hana’s first experience at Sunflower was as a volunteer in 2012. Hana was hired as a Sunflower teacher in the Spring of 2016. She enjoys sharing her love of Korean culture through Korean tea ceremonies and music. She also loves teaching the children about nature and science. On her free time she works with children of all ages as a volunteer in a nonprofit organization called Boulder Valley ICO that takes children from low-income families on free nature outings. She also enjoys bird watching, gardening, hiking, and playing the Koto, a traditional stringed zither from Japan.
Marcia Platt | Teacher | Office Manager
Marcia’s first experience at Sunflower was as a parent in 1996. She started subbing when her son, Dylan, was in his third year, and officially joined the Sunflower Staff in 1999. She has a BA in Psychology from the University of Colorado with an emphasis in child development. Marcia especially enjoys creating new materials, interactive bulletin boards, and games for the math area. She has two children, Dylan and Natalie, both Sunflower graduates. Her personal interests include swimming, hiking and spending time with her family.
Sunflower Mars | Teacher | Co-Director
Sunflower Mars joined the team in 2001. Her involvement began with internships for studies in Early Childhood Education at Front Range Community College. She is Director Qualified, and has been a teacher at Sunflower Preschool throughout the years. She is also the co creator of Herb Camp for Kids, and has taught after school Nature and Crafts classes at University Hill and Columbine Elementary schools. She is happy to be part of the team, and loves to create art, build relationships, and help the Sunflower children reach their highest potential. Her son, Sol, and daughter, Luna, are both Sunflower graduates! Her personal interests include her family, travel, dance, and nature.
Jules Gray | Teacher
Jules was first introduced to Sunflower as a parent in 2022. She began subbing later that year, and officially joined the team in 2023, when she also completed her ECE Teaching Qualification. Originally from Washington state, Jules attended the University of Washington where she earned her BA in Business with an emphasis on Marketing and Sales. After college she moved to Colorado with her husband Ryan to enjoy hiking, weather, and the lifestyle. They have two kids, Landon and Layla, who are currently working to become Sunflower graduates. Outside of Sunflower, Jules provides marketing services for manufacturers who sell online, and enjoys travel, yoga, and hosting gatherings with friends and family.
Fiona O’Callahan | Teacher
Our newest addition to the Sunflower team began teaching in 2023. Fiona started her ECE certification process at Santa Monica College in 2016 and transferred to Front Range Community College. In 2018, Fiona traveled to Nepal to teach English, build new classrooms, and train in thangka painting. She moved to Boulder in 2020 after spending several years as one of the most sought after swim instructors, caretakers, and art teachers in Santa Monica. Fiona’s passion for art is shown both at Sunflower and in her paintings, designs, and hand-painted shoes. She often travels back to California on her breaks to visit her parents, brother, Duke, and sister, Sinead. Fiona’s free time is spent hiking with her dog, Dewey Delta, gardening, baking, and enjoying live music!
Debra Ellman | Founder | Consultant | Science Volunteer 
Debra King Ellman, Founder of Sunflower Preschool and the Sunflower science based theme curriculum and outdoor environment. (Teacher and Operator from 1981-2016)
Debbie started Sunflower in 1981 with some core values that have helped Sunflower evolve and grow for 35 years. From the start teachers were respected and expected to be equal members of a team. The children were respected as well and as the years went by the ‘ Power of Play’ became the most crucial aspect of the Curriculum. The Indoor and Outdoor Classrooms have also grown to be hands-on and child-directed environments for young children to learn and grow. In this age of ‘nature deficit disorder’ Debbie is proud that Sunflower has encouraged children to dig in the dirt more than learn by rote indoors. Now it’s time for the ‘Next Generation’ at Sunflower as she stepped down from her role in Fall 2016 and proudly passed on the leadership to her daughter Marisa Ellman, who has the talent and strength to lead Sunflower for the next 35 years. See Debra in the news!