Our Team’s Genuine Care for Your Child is Second Only to Yours
Your child’s favorite color. Your family pet’s name.
Our small class sizes allow our teachers to know your child individually and what lights up their world. They chose to join the Totspot family and are ready to welcome you in.
ADMINS
Shannon Powell
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Hello, my name is Shannon Powell and I grew up in Mesa, Arizona. I have a degree in Elementary Education and hold a current teaching certification with an Early Childhood endorsement in the state of Arizona.
I am passionate and enthusiastic about teaching children, and I have gained a lot of teaching experience outside of the classroom as well, teaching my 5 children, 4 of which are now adults. I am loving the early childhood age even more after becoming a Grandma in 2021 when we welcomed our first grandchild, my adorable, red-headed grandson, Oakley!
I created TotSpot Preschool after researching many local preschools and programs for my own daughter. It is important to me that a preschool not only meet my high standards as an educator, but also meet my expectations as a mother….for an affordable price. Since completing my degree, I have completed hundreds of hours of training and continuing education including ECERS & CLASS certification in order to strive to maintain a positive learning environment and high-quality preschool program in our community. In an effort to continue to improve our program, both locations begun participating in the Quality First program in 2021 and we are excited to continue to improve our program in order to maintain the very best learning environment for our students and families.
I enjoy finding ways to give back to our amazing community, with the help of our awesome TotSpot Preschool families. In past years, we have raised funds for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), our local Children’s Crisis Center, other local organizations that support foster children, food banks and two of our very own TotSpot teachers battling breast cancer. I also loved working as a CASA volunteer, which is a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in our foster care system for 7 years.
My hobbies include gardening (I love to grow anything and everything edible including rare & exotic things and tropical plants and have been known to bring home grown bananas to work). I also enjoy hiking, camping, fishing and pretty much anything outdoors.
With the help of my amazing TotSpot team, we hope to help inspire YOUR little one with a LOVE of LEARNING!
(Founded TotSpot Preschool in 2008)
Gillian McGill
DIRECTOR
Hi! I’m Gillian McGill, and I’m delighted to share a little about my journey. I was born and raised in beautiful Edinburgh, Scotland, where I earned my degree in Childcare and Education in 1997. Although I later returned to pursue a degree in Midwifery, my passion ultimately led me back to where my heart truly belongs—working with preschoolers.
In 2007, my husband’s career brought us to Arizona, and it has been home ever since. Along the way, we’ve also had the opportunity to live in Portland, Oregon, and Dublin, Ireland—experiences that have added so much richness to our lives. We have two wonderful children, Chloe and Ryan, who fill our days with love, laughter, and endless joy, along with our sweet pup, Remi.
Family and friendships mean everything to me, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have such a strong, supportive circle both here and back home in Scotland. Outside of school, you’ll most often find me spending quality time with the people I love most.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with children in a variety of childcare settings, and I truly feel blessed to be part of the TotSpot family. I love connecting with the children, partnering with parents, and collaborating with such an inspiring team of teachers. It’s an honor to serve on the admin team, and I’m so excited for another amazing year ahead!
(Joined TotSpot Preschool February, 2012)
Nelay Young
SPECIAL EVENTS
Hi my name is Ms. Nelay and I love being part of TotSpot! I spent my first six years at TotSpot as a head teacher in the 2’s, 3’s & pre-k classrooms! I also taught the virtual 3’s class during 2020-2021 school year. Prior to my time at TotSpot, I taught for the Mesa Public Schools as an Elementary School Teacher for six years. I am an Arizona native, grew up in Mesa, and attended Northern Arizona University. I graduated from NAU in 2000 with a Degree in Elementary Education.
During my first year of teaching, I met my husband, Nathan. We have three beautiful daughters: twins Ashlynn & Amara and our baby girl Bryssa. Our family LOVES to watch cooking shows and cook all together in our home kitchen. Some of my hobbies are baking cupcakes, hiking Arizona, and taking beach vacations.
(Joined TotSpot Preschool July, 2011)
Becky Howardell
SPECIAL EVENTS
Coming soon.
Jalee Denham
ADMIN ASSIST/SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
I’m Jalee Denham and I grew up in Chandler, AZ in a large family. I am graduating from NAU this Fall with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I was one of my Mom’s very first preschool graduates when she was teaching classes from our home in 2008. I often remember playing teacher in our front room classroom and knew I eventually wanted to join our little family business.
I have 2 dogs that are my fur babies. One is a giant Rottweiler puppy named Koda that always keeps me on my toes. My older pup’s name is Sage. I got her when I was 16, and she will forever be my first baby. I also enjoy many crafts; I run my own crochet business and spend my spare time crocheting anything and everything.
I’m excited to finally join the family business and learn & work with my Mom. It feels like a full circle event since she started TotSpot Preschool because of me. ☺️
You may see me on campus capturing the fun, hands-on learning in the classrooms or filming silly Tik Tok videos of our teachers.
TEACHERS
Megan Wiley
LEAD PRE-K TEACHER
Hi! My name is Megan Wiley, and I am the Lead Pre-K Teacher at TotSpot. I have lived in sunny Arizona for over 10 years and previously lived throughout the United States as part of a military family. My husband, BJ, and I have three children—Sean, Lizzie, and Jackson—who fill our lives with love, laughter, and plenty of adventure. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dogs, traveling, cooking, and practicing Pilates.
I graduated from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, with a degree in Early Childhood Psychology. I have been working in early childhood education for over 20 years and have experience teaching both three-year-olds and Pre-K students. I am NAEYC certified and trained in Conscious Discipline.
I feel truly blessed to be a preschool teacher and to share my days with your children. My goal is for every child to feel loved, safe, and excited to come to school each day. I strive to create a classroom environment that encourages independence, creative thinking, compassion, and hands-on learning. I look forward to partnering with children, parents, and the incredible team at TotSpot to make this a wonderful year of growth and learning.
(Joined TotSpot Preschool July, 2017)
Debbie Crismon
LEAD 3’S TEACHER
Hi! My name is Debbie Crismon and I’m so excited to be teaching at TotSpot Preschool! I have taught every age group at TotSpot and I love watching children learn new skills through play, hands-on activities and the social interaction with each other. I also love watching children develop their talents and interests at an early age. They blossom with confidence when they learn new skills!
I earned an Academic Certificate in Child and Family Professional Development-Preschool from Rio Salado College after my children were in school.
My husband & I are both AZ natives and we live in Queen Creek. Our oldest child is married and I am now a Grandma to an adorable little baby girl named Penelope and we are totally in love with her! Being a grandparent is the best!! We also have two young adult sons. I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies and relaxing at home.
I look forward to another great year at TotSpot Preschool!
(Joined TotSpot Preschool April, 2012)
Penny Meskill
TEACHER
My name is Penny Meskill and after teaching kindergarten for Chandler School District for 30 years, I am thrilled to join the staff at Totspot preschool. I have a teaching degree in early childhood and elementary education from ASU. My experience also includes 12 years of running my own preschool.
My passion is working with young children and I love how every child is special and unique. I look forward to preparing each child socially, emotionally and academically to become a successful, well-rounded student with a love for learning!
Joined TotSpot Preschool July, 2025
Amy Buxbaum
TEACHER
Hello, my name is Amy Buxbaum and I am so excited to be teaching Pre-K again this year at TotSpot! Preschool plays such an important role in laying the foundation for future school success and beyond. The children are learning so many new things, both socially/emotionally and academically, and they are growing and changing so much along the way. I consider myself lucky to be able to share this time with them and be there to guide and support them as they go.
I am originally from Ohio, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. In 2010, I completed a post-baccalaureate program in Massachusetts and received my Early Childhood Teaching Certificate. In 2011, I moved to sunny Arizona, after having had enough of the rain and snow back East. I have taught kindergarten, second grade, preschool and pre-k. I joined the TotSpot team in January of 2021. I am thrilled to be teaching Pre-K at TotSpot again this year!
(Joined TotSpot Preschool January, 2021)
Nicole Cameron
TEACHER
Hello! I am Nicole Cameron and I love working at TotSpot Preschool. As a native of Arizona, I grew up primarily in the suburbs of Chandler and Ahwatukee. I love Arizona and enjoy living in the East Valley with my family. My husband and I are proud parents to our five children and in our free time we enjoy going to the movies, playing family games,
vacationing and supporting our children in their extra-curricular activities. I also enjoy going to the movies, shopping and reading.
In my professional career, I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and I earned a Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Arizona University. Prior to working at TotSpot, I taught
kindergarten and after having my children I enjoyed subbing and tutoring, while I raised my young family. Today, I’m happy to say that this is my 5th year teaching at TotSpot Preschool!
I’ve been a Lead Teacher in both Pre-K and 3’s classes and I treasure each year with my students. Teaching is such a joy for me, and I treasure every moment! I’m very excited for another great year at TotSpot Preschool!
Nicole@totspotspotpreschool.com
(Joined TotSpot Preschool July, 2022)
Tammy Suing
TEACHER
Hey, my name is Tammy Suing! I am a mother to three amazing kids. I have lived in Chandler a majority of my life and love it. I graduated from Basha High in 2007 and then headed to Brigham Young University after graduation. I ended up choosing to go to Cosmetology school and soon met my husband. We moved back to Chandler when I was pregnant with my first child. We love it here and how welcoming people are here. I truly enjoy young children and helping them learn and grow. It is so interesting to me how their minds work and watching them figure things out. I look forward to helping and teaching at TotSpot and helping your children!
(Joined TotSpot Preschool July, 2021)
Connie Bennett
TEACHER
Hello! My name is Nicole Pyle, and I am so excited to be working at TotSpot Preschool! I have always loved working with children and furthering their development in school. There is nothing better than to be part of a child’s education and helping them grow academically, emotionally and socially. I have worked in an elementary school setting in CUSD, alongside kindergarten, 5 th and 6 th grade teachers, and decided I wanted to come back to be with little ones since my children are grown and beginning their own lives.
I am 29 years happily married to my husband David, and we have two amazing young men, Gus and David. I have quite a bit of free time, and I felt I was missing something in my life, so here I am! I look forward to each and every day that I am able to work with your child at TotSpot!
(Joined TotSpot Preschool March, 2024)
Esther McGlory
TEACHER
Hello friends!
My name is Esther McGlory and I’m so excited to join the TotSpot teaching team!
I moved here from Pennsylvania 26 years ago. My husband and I raised 3 children here. I enjoy the great outdoors, animals and children.
I have an Associate Degree in Specialized Technology and worked in that field for 15 years. When I moved to Arizona, I had the opportunity to change fields and started teaching preschool in 2006 and haven’t looked back!
(Joined TotSpot Preschool January, 2025)
Luciana Pfeffer
TEACHER
Hello! I am so happy to be your teacher this year.
I’ve worked at TotSpot before, and I’m so happy to be returning to a place that feels like home. I was born and raised in Brazil, and teaching young children has always been something I truly enjoy. I’m married and a proud mom to a 16-year-old daughter, who keeps my heart full and my days fun.
I love reading and I love the rain, but I also like a sunny day at the beach. I love spending time with my dear family and friends.
And of course I love teaching! I’m passionate about creating a happy, nurturing space where children feel safe and excited to learn.
I can’t wait to meet all of my new little friends!
(Joined TotSpot Preschool March, 2026)
ASSISTANT TEACHERS
Patti Foristall
ASST TEACHER
Hello, I’m Connie Bennett!
I like to say I’m an Arizona native at heart, even though I was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. My husband, Todd, and I are part of a wonderfully lively blended family with seven children, which has grown into a crew of 25 amazing individuals. I’m a proud Navy mom, a special needs mom, and a “Memaw” to 10 grandchildren—and counting! My family has been my greatest classroom, teaching me patience, resilience, creativity, and the importance of meeting every person exactly where they are.
One of the most meaningful parts of my life has been raising my four children. My oldest, who is blind, autistic, and has developmental delays, has been one of my greatest teachers. Through that journey, I’ve gained not only deep empathy but also over 30 years of experience working with children and adults with diverse learning styles and abilities. I believe every child learns differently, and discovering how each one grows best is both a science and a joy.
When I’m not in the classroom, I love exploring the world—whether that’s traveling internationally, antiquing, crafting, or spending quality time with my family, especially my grandbabies. I bring that same sense of curiosity and enthusiasm into everything I do.I look forward to creating a fun, nurturing, and engaging learning environment where your children can grow, explore, and thrive—while they continue to teach and inspire me every day.
(Joined TotSpot Preschool July 2015)
Kacie Penrod
ASST TEACHER
I am excited to be part of the TotSpot Preschool team! I grew up in Portland, Oregon, but have called Arizona home for the last 10 years. I live in Chandler with my husband Jim and our three boys Ryan, Jack and Luke. We also have a dog, Maggie, and two cats, Sady and Toulouse. My family loves basketball and we enjoy going to Suns basketball games. In my free time I also enjoy hiking, paddleboarding and reading.
I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Interdisciplinary Studies from Western Oregon University. Before moving to Arizona, I taught kindergarten through second grade in Oregon and California. I also previously taught PreK at a private preschool in Chandler before joining the TotSpot team this year.
I look forward to an amazing year with your child as they learn and grow in our positive classroom environment!
(Joined TotSpot Preschool July, 2023)
Morgan Rycerski
ASST TEACHER
Hi! I’m Morgan Rycerski and I’m so excited to be a part of your child’s educational journey. I have a son and daughter who are both TotSpot graduates and I just love the school so much I wasn’t ready to say goodbye, so now I get to have a new role at TotSpot as a staff member!
I was born and raised in Northern California. I came to ASU for college where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I have 8 years of classroom experience teaching kindergarten, second, and fourth grade. I took a few years off to stay home with my kids but I’m so excited to be back in the classroom. In my free time I love to read or watch my kids play baseball/softball. I’m looking forward to a great year of learning ahead!
Joined TotSpot Preschool July, 2025
Kara Rose
ASST TEACHER
Hi, I’m Patti Forristall and I’m so very excited to be teaching your preschool children here at TotSpot Preschool!
I was born in Massachusetts and have lived here in Arizona since 2007. My family spent 25 years in the U. S. Air Force which gave me the opportunity to teach preschoolers in Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, Montana, New Hampshire and California during my 30+ years of teaching preschool.
My husband, Rick, and I have 2 adult daughters—one lives here in Arizona and the other in Portland, ME. We have 4 grandchildren who also live in Arizona. We have 2 pets–Bongo, our Bloodhound/German Shephard mix and Tuck, our adopted desert tortoise.
I find it a joy and pleasure to be given the opportunity to spend time with your children. It’s a wonderful gift to watch them explore and discover the world around them.
Patti@totspotspotpreschool.com
(Joined TotSpot Preschool July, 2022)
Lauren Reith
ASST TEACHER
Hi there! I am Kara Rose, and I am thrilled to be a part of the TotSpot 3’s team assisting Ms. Tammy this year!
I am a Kentucky native and have lived in Arizona since 2016. I am married to my husband Tyler, and we have a son, Arden (who is a TotSpot graduate). We also have two spoiled cats, Lady and Wookiee. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and before coming to TotSpot was a small business owner creating toddler shirts. In my
spare time, I enjoy hiking, pilates, gardening, and riding bikes with my family.
Watching children grow not only intellectually, but socially, and emotionally is truly an honor to witness. I am looking forward to fostering that growth through hands-on learning and playing in a safe, loving environment. Here’s to a great year!
(Joined TotSpot Preschool July, 2025)
Theresa Heckert
ASST TEACHER
Hi there! I am Kara Rose, and I am thrilled to be a part of the TotSpot 3’s team assisting Ms. Tammy this year!
I am a Kentucky native and have lived in Arizona since 2016. I am married to my husband Tyler, and we have a son, Arden (who is a TotSpot graduate). We also have two spoiled cats, Lady and Wookiee. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and before coming to TotSpot was a small business owner creating toddler shirts. In my
spare time, I enjoy hiking, pilates, gardening, and riding bikes with my family.
Watching children grow not only intellectually, but socially, and emotionally is truly an honor to witness. I am looking forward to fostering that growth through hands-on learning and playing in a safe, loving environment. Here’s to a great year!
(Joined TotSpot Preschool July, 2025)
Sabiye Talip
ASST TEACHER
Hi there! I am Kara Rose, and I am thrilled to be a part of the TotSpot 3’s team assisting Ms. Tammy this year!
I am a Kentucky native and have lived in Arizona since 2016. I am married to my husband Tyler, and we have a son, Arden (who is a TotSpot graduate). We also have two spoiled cats, Lady and Wookiee. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and before coming to TotSpot was a small business owner creating toddler shirts. In my
spare time, I enjoy hiking, pilates, gardening, and riding bikes with my family.
Watching children grow not only intellectually, but socially, and emotionally is truly an honor to witness. I am looking forward to fostering that growth through hands-on learning and playing in a safe, loving environment. Here’s to a great year!
(Joined TotSpot Preschool July, 2025)
SUBSTITUTES & CAMP LEADERS
Erin White
SUBSTITUTE
Hello! I am Ms. Erin and I am so very excited to be part of the Teaching team here at TotSpot Preschool.
A little bit about me: I was born and raised in Southern California and lived there until 2011, when my family and I relocated to Arizona. Now I live in Gilbert AZ with my husband, two children, and our two golden-doodles.
I have a bachelors degree in Business/Accounting but found my love & passion for teaching when we moved here to Gilbert. I began my preschool teaching career as a Pre-K 4/5’s Lead Teacher at a Private Christian Preschool, where I taught for 5 years. I then took some time to support our local schools and became a Substitute teacher in the Chandler Unified School District. In 2018 we had a surprise baby girl addition to our family, and now I get to have the privilege of watching her flourish and grow here at TotSpot Preschool.
This School year is going to be full of fun and exciting new learning adventures for your children and I look forward to coming along side them as they bloom and grow here at TotSpot Preschool.
(Joined TotSpot in January 2022)
Candacy Syphus
SUBSTITUTE
My name is Candacy Syphus and I have lived in Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Southern California. My family and I have lived in Chandler for over 15 years. We have three daughters, ages 21, 18, and 15 and 2 spoiled dogs. I love spending time with my family, exercising, and reading lots and lots of books.
I initially earned a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Teaching from Brigham Young University. Years later, I earned a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from Grand Canyon University. I have worked as a teacher for over 20 years teaching Spanish and ESL to elementary, high school, and college students. I enjoy being in the classroom and especially working with children. Teaching is my passion!
I love being a member of the TotSpot community and I look forward to getting to know all of our new students!
(Joined TotSpot in March, 2022)
Heather Hale
SUBSTITUTE
Coming soon.
Keli Mumford
SUBSTITUTE
Coming soon.
