Dawn Gieseke
Director

I am so pleased to introduce myself to you. First of all I am often referred to as Dawny.  I am happy to be addressed as Dawn or Dawny. My last name is pronounced “Geeskee” and will come out as “Geeky” from most little mouths, so calling me by my first name is best, don’t you think? My main role is director. I also teach or assist the teachers during any given day. I most enjoy the time I spend with the children, I am originally from Minnesota where I earned an associate degree in business, married my high school sweetheart and had our two children before moving east. We moved to Woodstock in 1988. I continued my education taking classes in early childhood education. I had a home day care business until I started working at Rainbow Playschool in 1994 as the toddler’s teacher. In 2003 I took on the role of director.

Kelsey Coyle
Preschool Teacher

My name is Kelsey Coyle. I was born and raised in Woodstock, Vermont. After high school I attended Saint Joseph’s College of Maine in Standish, Maine, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Elementary Education. I began working at Rainbow Playschool in May of 2006 after finishing college. I am in the process of adding an Early Childhood endorsement to my current teaching license. I live in Reading, Vermont with my husband, Josh, and my two children, Noah (going into first grade) and Sawyer (entering Preschool).

Elsa Talbot
Toddler Teacher

I am the parent of two grown children and have five growing grandchildren.

I have worked with children my entire adult life. I have been teaching at Rainbow Playschool for the last 16 years in the toddler room. My earlier formal schooling was at Oregon College of Education in elementary education. I am currently enrolled at CCV for early childhood classes.

My overriding belief is in the uniqueness of each child and the right each child has to grow and learn in the healthiest possible environment. I am passionate about providing this environment through play and hands on activities.

Amanda Barry
Assistant

Hello my name is Amanda Barry. I am one of the teacher assistant here at Rainbow, and have been here since late fall 2016. I currently have my CDA in early childhood which is one step under an Associates degree. I have 3 boys 2 of which attend Rainbow. I have worked in early childhood for 10 years. I truly enjoy working with all the different ages here at Rainbow.

Kierstan McConnell
Assistant

My name is Kierstan McConnell, I live in Strafford, Vermont and I have three children of my own. I have my associates degree in early childhood education and have spent the last 8 years working in childcare. I am very passionate about teaching young children the skills they need to be able to succeed and learn to the best of their ability! I am glad to be a part of the Rainbow Playschool team.

Julie Breault
Assistant

Hi!  My name is Julie Breault and I am a Woodstock native.  I am so excited to be part of the staff at Rainbow Playschool and am currently a teaching assistant in the Pre-K classroom. I love children and am inspired by them.  It is an honor to be part of their growing.

I am currently taking courses through Northern Lights@CCV, which will give me the knowledge to obtain my Level I certificate on the Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder.

One of my goals is to incorporate more music and singing into the programs we currently have.  I play the piano, clarinet, a little guitar and am teaching myself to play the ukulele.

I am married with two grown daughters and all five of my grandchildren have either graduated from or currently attend Rainbow.