We have an incredible teaching team! Two teachers work each day on a rotating basis to provide an exceptional level of instruction to our students. Their love of teaching and dedication to our children shows in everything they do. Not only do we have an enthusiastic, creative and caring set of teachers, but all of them have children who attended the school. Needless to say, they are tremendously experienced and committed to Sutterville!
Mrs. Ruffaine
Mrs. Ruffaine and her family have been a part of the Sacramento small business community for more than 30 years. She started her educational career as a transitional kindergarten instructor, and has been a part of the Sutterville teaching team for more than 20 years. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business, she continued her schooling with Early Childhood Education and Administration classes.
Ms. Shannon
Ms. Shannon’s 3 children were born and raised in Sacramento. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Journalism, and continued her schooling with Early Childhood Education and Administration classes. She started teaching at Sutterville Preschool while her daughter was a student in 2016. She is looking forward to another fantastic year!
Ms. Rosie
Ms. Rosie is thrilled to be teaching at Sutterville Preschool for the 2026-27 school year. She has been a teacher at Sutterville since 2020, taking a couple of years off to have her third baby, Agostino in 2021. All of Rosie’s children have attended Sutterville. Rosie majored in theatre at UC Irvine and loves using her theatrical skills during circle time. She enjoys incorporating music, song, and movement when teaching. Rosie loves teaching early childhood preschoolers and looks forward to continuing her professional development.
Ms. Branny
Ms. Branny was born and raised in the Bay Area before making Sacramento her home in 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from UC Davis, where she also completed her Early Childhood Education coursework. During her time at UC Davis, she gained hands-on experience as a student teacher at the university’s Early Childhood Lab School, nurturing a love for teaching and child development. Ms. Branny’s son and nephews are Sutterville Preschool alumni.
Dance and Movement
Ms. Katy
Katy Donato will be joining Sutterville this year as the Dance and Movement Teacher! She grew up dancing in Sacramento and has earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from UC San Diego. She went on to dance professionally throughout Sacramento and the Bay Area. Prior to becoming a mom, Katy spent six years teaching dance and creative movement to preschoolers. She is thrilled to share her love of dance with the children at Sutterville Preschool, where her son Tommy will be attending for his second year!
Our Sutterville teachers are part of the Race to the Top Pilot-Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC). RTT-ELC is a three-year pilot program designed to improve early learning systems and ensure children are ready to succeed in kindergarten.
Sutterville Preschool 