About Us

Nichole

Hi, I'm Nichole Johnson Higgins. I have worked with children for almost 18 years & prior to that baby sitting when younger. 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, and being a mom of 3 kids & a teen. My golden rule for life is  to treat others the way you want to be treated.

Ashley

I am a wife and mother of 3.  I have 18 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

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

Hi, I'm Jasmine Bernal. I have been working at Golden Sun for 2.5 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.

Heather

Hi, I'm Heather Gatcomb: I have worked with children for a year and a half, before joining Golden Sun, I spent the previous 17 years in many different aspects of Nursing. I am currently enrolled in UMA working toward my Masters Degree in counciling with a concentration in Substance abuse disorder and behavioral disorders. I love teaching ASL and helping the children reach their milestones.

Kianna

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

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

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

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.

Hi. My name is Riley Patten. I am currently a senior in high school. 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

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

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

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!