Our Staff
At Sunny Days Learning Academy, our teachers are the heart of our school. Each member of our team brings experience, care, and a genuine love for working with young children. We believe children thrive when they are guided by adults who are patient, consistent, and deeply committed to early childhood development.
Our staff members are fully licensed through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and participate in ongoing professional development through IdahoSTARS. All teachers maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications and work together to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for every child and family.
Read more about each member of our team below.
Angie Day, M.Ed.
Director, Sunny Days
Angie is originally from Pocatello, Idaho and has lived in the Treasure Valley since 2006. She has worked in early childhood education since 2010, holding a range of leadership and volunteer roles with Boise Cooperative Preschool. Angie holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Secondary Education, a master’s degree in Educational Technology, and a current teaching certificate with an endorsement in Child Development. She is currently completing her Montessori certification for ages 3–6. In addition, Angie is a certified CPR/First Aid Instructor through the Health and Safety Institute. Angie enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters along with their two cats and dog. In her spare time she volunteers with animal rescue and culinary instruction through the Boise Urban Garden School.
Dawn Mannion-Walsh
Lead Teacher, 3/4/5 Year Old Montessori Class
Dawn has worked with children ages 3–6 since 2005 and is a certified Montessori teacher with a deep commitment to early childhood development. She is dedicated to creating a peaceful, engaging classroom where warm-hearted interactions support each child’s growth. Dawn emphasizes positive discipline and provides students with freedom within clear, consistent boundaries, ensuring they are appropriately challenged in a safe and supportive learning environment. An Idaho native, Dawn has been married for 31 years and has one son, dog and cat. Outside the classroom, she enjoys biking, playing the ukulele, and spending time outdoors hiking.
Jillian Scholes
Lead Teacher, 3/4/5 Year Old Class
Jillian brings a wealth of experience in and out of the classroom setting, and is very excited to be joining us. She holds a Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Child Advocacy, and when she is not working at the preschool she is serving as a Behavior Intervention Specialist for kids with disabilities. Prior to moving to Boise in 2024, Jillian was a Second Grade Teacher in a Title I Public Charter School, as well as, a special events coordinator for one of St. Louis’ largest gymnastics companies. When Jillian is not working it can be assumed she is catching up on all things reality tv with her fiancé and pets or attempting a new DIY project.
Alissa Javaux
Lead Teacher, 2 and 3 Year Old Class
Alissa brings more than two decades of hands-on early childhood experience to her role as Lead Teacher in the 2 and 3 Year Old classroom. She has worked across infant, toddler, and preschool settings and has served in both teaching and assistant director roles, supporting classroom instruction, staff supervision, and family communication. Alissa is known for creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment that supports each child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. She is currently working towards her Montessori certification ages 0-3. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking, camping, reading, and creative crafts, which often inspire her classroom activities. Also, she is an avid member of the Grange an organization dedicated to agriculture and community involvement
Faye Hodson
Assistant Teacher, 3/4/5 Year Old Class
Faye is a dedicated educator with experience as a preschool teacher, supporting students through positive reinforcement, behavior modeling, and individualized instruction. She has worked in both classroom and administrative support roles, assisting with daily operations, staff coordination, and regulatory compliance. Faye is known for her warm demeanor, strong communication skills, and ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff. She brings a flexible, team-oriented approach to supporting classrooms across the school. Faye enjoys music, chess and spending time with her daughter.
Suzanne Knorr
Assistant Teacher PM
Suzanne has been working with children of all different ages for eight plus years, including preschool through high school. She worked as a paraprofessional for the school district and for private schools. Suzanne taught middle and high school science and students with special needs of all different types. She appreciates you trusting her with your amazing children. They teach her something new every day. Suzanne has three older children of her own with her husband and enjoys art and gardening in her free time.
Ready to See If Sunny Days Is The Right Fit?
Touring the school is the best way to know if our program is right for your child.