St. Mary's Sunshine Center

St. Mary's Sunshine Center bases its program on the idea that children are active learners who learn through daily interaction with others and through exploration and discovery of their environment. With guidance and supervision, children at St. Mary's Sunshine Center are given the freedom to explore their world through activities that are structured yet flexible enough to allow for spontaneous learning, creativity, and self-expression. Play is treated as a necessary part of the program, and through play children use materials at their own pace, develop problem solving and social skills, and safely explore and create within their environment.

The mission of St. Mary's Sunshine Center is to provide a developmentally appropriate program for all children that nurtures the whole child, respects each child as an individual, and instills positive self-worth and a love for learning. The center was originally started as part of St. Mary’s Hospital through grant funding, and in 2001 it moved and separated from the hospital. The St. Mary's Sunshine Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The property and business of the corporation are managed by the center administration and an elected Board of Trustees. The leadership team includes Kelly Cleaveland as Director, Melinda Thompson as Assistant Director, Myra Herbert as Teacher and House Administer, and Brianna Holness as Administrative Assistant.

Last updated January 24, 2026.