We have a devoted staff that works together to assure your child is successful in every area of development.
Rainbow Playschool is fortunate to have a devoted and experienced staff on hand to implement best teaching practices and create curricula that promotes age appropriate, child-centered, and teacher supported play as an essential component of the program.
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.