Nichole
Owner / Director
Hi, I'm Nichole Johnson. I have worked with children for almost 20 years. I am currently enrolled PT at UMA for furthering my educational degree! I love working with children and anything messy for art or sensory is my jam! I enjoy hiking, gardening, dancing, laughing, bubbles, and being a mom of 4.
Ashley
Director Preschool Building
I am a wife and mother of 4. I have 20 years of experience in childcare and preschool. I went to school for elementary education. I am so thankful to have this opportunity to teach and care for your children!
Deanna
Sub
Hey, my name is Deanna Jones. I am an old soul of a southern Yankee who enjoys being crafty, and loves all things fairy, forest and/or music related. I have spent all of my working career in mental health and child care.
Jasmine
Director of Blue Hill Infant Center
Hi, I'm Jasmine Carter. I have been working at Golden Sun for 4.5 years and worked with children many years before that. I hope to return to school (when I get the time) to further my education with child development. I enjoy being the mom to my two amazing children, swimming, cooking and eating! I love working with so many wonderful kids and look forward to continue watching them learn and grow.
Kelly
Lead of Blue Hill Aftercare & Teacher for all Centers
I am Kelly Jones and I greatly enjoy working with children of all ages, that began with my first job as a counter at a summer camp. As a parent, I value finding new perspectives, and I particularly enjoy incorporating the outdoors and crafts into childcare.
Kianna
Lead Toddler Teacher Blue Hill
Hi, I’m Kianna Winters! I have 5 years of experience working with children, with that being babysitting, daycares or even volunteering. I love helping and watching children grow and learn with fun activities. I enjoy being a mom of my one year old daughter, Aurora. Fishing, camping, playing outside, playing with messy activities, fall is my absolute favorite and so much more is a passion of mine. I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to watch your children grow and learn as well.
Samantha
Lead Sedgwick Center/ Lead Preschool Teacher
Hi my name is Samantha Conte. I have worked at a day care for a year and prior to that I have worked with kids helping coach them in cheer and dance. I am currently doing an apprenticeship to get my cosmetology license. I love to do arts and crafts with the kids anything creative. Some hobbies I have are spending time outside in the sun I love to go on boat rides with my family in the summer, I also love to bake , and I definitely love shopping. I’m so excited to be working here!
Bobbi Anne
Sub
We are David and Bobbi Anne Rodriguez, or Mr. David and Miss Annie. We recently celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary, and live in Little Deer Isle with 3 cats, and one dog who thinks he's a cat.
A few of my passions include animals, reading a good book, writing stories, baking something yummy to eat, and spending time with the many children of family and friends who frequent our home. I have a BA in English from UMPI, and published my first children's book in 2021. I am also in the process of opening a small pizza and bakery take out. --->
David
Sub
David loves animals and nature. He can often be found wandering our property, tending his many gardens. He also enjoys learning different wilderness survival skills and imparting that wisdom on any child who is interested. David is a registered CNA who has cared for people of all ages for the majority of his adult life.
We have both enjoyed working with the children in the aftercare for the last 2 years, and look forward to all of the future lessons and laughs.
Riley
Teacher for All Centers
Hi. My name is Riley Patten. I have always loved being around children and the joy they bring. I have been working with children for the past few years, both babysitting and volunteering in classrooms at area schools. I hope to further my education by pursuing a degree in early childhood education. Thank you Golden Sun for giving me the opportunity to watch these children grow and learn!
Airadaya
Teacher for All Centers
My name is Airadaya Smith I am the youngest of 7 and the oldest of 8, I also have 11 cousins all younger than me. I am originally from Bangor but have been living in Blue Hill for a little while now. I have been around kids my whole life. Since I was young I always wanted to help my mom and aunts with everything. Kids bring so much joy and happiness. In my free time I like go hunting and fishing, I also love to shop. Thank you so much Golden Sun for letting me be a part of your team.
Rachel
Sub
Hi, I'm Rachel Nightingale. I'm a former middle school teacher and full-time mommy of a beautiful blended family. I love painting, singing, flowers, rottweilers, and all things techy and mathy. Golden Sun has been a blessing to my family, and I am honored to be able to give back to this adorable little childcare of sunshine.
Logan
Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher Sedgwick
Hey everyone! My name is Logan! I live in Deer Isle and grew up there my whole life! I have two amazing boys Maddox who is 4 and Malachi who is 4 months. For a hobby I make balloon arches for all types of events! It’s something that not only brings me joy but I love the joy it brings people for their events! Thank you for the warm welcome!
Deanna
Director of Aftercare & Summer Camp
I'm Deanna Buck, I am the director of the BHCS Aftercare and Summer Camp programs at Golden Sun. I was born and raised in a small town outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I earned my early childhood and special education degree in 2017 from Indiana University of Pennsyvania. I have five years of experience teaching first grade and kindergarten, with time spent subbing in multiple school settings prior. Last year I got to add being a mom to my resume! I enjoy growing plants, going to concerts, crafting and creating, teaching, writing, and being with my family. I look forward to getting to know our Golden Sun kiddos and families!
At Golden Sun Childcare, our programs are designed to help nurture every stage of early childhood development. A few things we do in our childcare centers:
Social & Emotional Development
Teaching children how to build friendships, express emotions, share, take turns, and develop confidence in a safe and caring environment.
Hands-On Learning & Exploration
Encouraging children to learn through play, sensory activities, art, music, movement, and real-life experiences that spark curiosity and creativity.
Language & Communication Skills
Supporting speech, listening, vocabulary growth, storytelling, early conversations, and age-appropriate communication skills from infancy through preschool.
Early Literacy & Reading Readiness
Introducing books, letters, sounds, rhyming, storytelling, and early writing activities to build a strong foundation for future reading success.
Math & Problem-Solving Skills
Teaching counting, shapes, patterns, sorting, measuring, and simple problem-solving through fun everyday activities and play.
Fine & Gross Motor Development
Helping children strengthen coordination and physical development through crafts, sensory bins, outdoor play, climbing, dancing, and hands-on activities.
Independence & Self-Help Skills
Encouraging children to practice daily routines such as handwashing, cleaning up, dressing themselves, feeding skills, and making choices independently.
Kindness, Respect & Positive Behavior
Teaching empathy, patience, teamwork, respect for others, and how to make positive choices in a supportive learning environment.
Health, Safety & Healthy Habits
Promoting healthy routines, cleanliness, nutrition awareness, safe play practices, and emotional well-being every day.
School Readiness & Lifelong Learning
Preparing children for kindergarten and beyond by building confidence, structure, listening skills, routines, creativity, and a love for learning.
Our aftercare program is an amazing resource for families and communities, providing children with a safe and fun space to thrive while parents work or manage daily responsibilities.
A Safe & Supportive Environment
Providing children with a safe, welcoming space where they feel comfortable, respected, and cared for while parents finish work or daily responsibilities.
Fun-Filled Daily Activities
Offering exciting games, crafts, themed activities, group projects, and creative experiences that keep children engaged and entertained after school.
Homework Help & Academic Support
Giving students a quiet space and guidance to complete homework, practice skills, and stay confident with schoolwork.
Positive Social Interaction
Helping children build friendships, teamwork, communication skills, and healthy peer relationships in a structured environment.
Hands-On Learning Experiences
Encouraging creativity and curiosity through STEM projects, sensory activities, art, cooking, outdoor exploration, and interactive learning.
A Place to Relax & Unwind
Creating a balanced environment where children can decompress after school, enjoy free time, and recharge in a positive atmosphere.
Building Confidence & Independence
Supporting children in making choices, trying new activities, solving problems, and developing independence in everyday situations.
Physical Activity & Outdoor Play
Promoting healthy movement through outdoor games, sports, playground time, and active group activities that keep kids energized.
Encouraging Creativity & Imagination
Inspiring children through music, dramatic play, crafts, storytelling, and opportunities for self-expression.
A Community Where Kids Belong
Creating a fun and inclusive environment where children can learn, laugh, make memories, and feel like part of a supportive community after school.
Our summer camp is an incredible resource for families, giving children a safe, exciting, and enriching place to explore, build friendships, and create unforgettable summer memories while parents work with peace of mind.
A Safe & Exciting Summer Environment
Providing children with a safe, supervised, and welcoming place to spend their summer while parents work or manage daily responsibilities.
Fun-Filled Weekly Themes
Every week brings new adventures with exciting themes like science, art, nature, pirates, space, water games, music, and creative hands-on activities.
Hands-On Learning Through Play
Encouraging children to explore, create, build, experiment, and discover through engaging projects, sensory activities, STEM fun, and interactive learning.
Outdoor Adventures & Active Play
Keeping kids active with lawn games, water activities, outdoor exploration, sprinkler fun, sports, and creative movement throughout the summer.
Creativity & Imagination Encouraged Daily
Inspiring children through art projects, music, storytelling, building activities, crafts, and opportunities to express themselves freely.
Friendships & Social Growth
Helping children build confidence, teamwork, communication skills, and lasting friendships in a positive and inclusive environment.
A Summer Full of Memorable Experiences
Creating exciting moments children look forward to every day through themed activities, special visitors, group projects, and unforgettable adventures.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Bringing educational experiences to life with science experiments, nature exploration, hands-on projects, creative challenges, and community experiences.
Structure, Support & Flexibility for Families
Offering dependable childcare with organized schedules, caring staff, engaging routines, and peace of mind for working parents.
A Place Where Kids Can Truly Enjoy Summer
Giving children the chance to laugh, explore, make memories, stay active, and enjoy a summer filled with fun, creativity, and adventure every single day.