About Rainbow Place
RAINBOW PLACE PHILOSOPHY
We believe in providing a developmentally appropriate, nurturing and safe environment for our students. We desire to promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth opportunities for our little learners. It is our goal to foster a positive self image, promote socialization, and develop school readiness skills. We plan to meet our students on a personal level to work on individual goals.
Our Staff
Cassondra Kinsey
Owner & Director of Rainbow Place
Lead Teacher
I would like to introduce myself. I am the Director and one of the Lead Teachers at Rainbow Place Preschool. I graduated from St. Johns High School in 2011. Following graduation, I attended Central Michigan University. I graduated in the spring of 2015 with a degree in Early Childhood Development & Learning with a minor in Communication Disorders. I gained teaching experience at The Early Learning Children’s Community at LCC for a short time before taking a position teaching preschool for St. Johns Public Schools. I have taught the last four years in a Head Start/GSRP classroom at Oakview Elementary. I have spent much time learning about early childhood components such as curriculum, family involvement, assessment, and child engagement.
Shannon Nobis
Lead Teacher
Hello! My name is Shannon Nobis and I'm thrilled to be a part of the Rainbow Place staff. I grew up in St. Johns and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Language with a minor in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University. This year, I will be Lead teaching Wednesdays and Thursdays and assisting on Friday’s. Currently I live in St Johns with my husband Matt and my two sons, Carter and Spencer! In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends and enjoying the summers at our cottage.
Katie Nielsen
Associate Teacher
Hi there! I am so excited to be a part of the Rainbow Place Teaching Team. I am a mom of two and my oldest was a student at Rainbow Place. I graduated from CMU! (Fire up Chips!) We are very active with dance, the library, and within the schools. I am also a part time secretary for the St. Johns Church of God! My family loves to go on adventures, try new things, and meet new people. I am looking forward to meeting all your kiddos!
Jennifer Leslie
Associate Teacher
Hello everyone! My name is Jennifer Leslie and I am thrilled to be a part of the Rainbow Place team as an Assistant Teacher. My husband and I currently reside in St Johns with our 2 children. We love to spend our time with family and outdoors exploring and discovering new places! I can’t wait to meet your child and nurture their love and curiosity for learning!
Tyan Cadwell
Associate Teacher
Hello! I'm Mrs. Tyan Cadwell. I live in St. Johns and have 3 children that are SJ graduates. I also have 8 grandchildren, 6 of which are enrolled in SJPS. I have CDA Certification, LCC coursework in Psychology, Health, and Safety Issues. I was in a PPI Classroom in Clare/Gladwin ISD and CCRESA. I worked for St. Johns Public Schools for 25 years; 5 years in K5 and 20 years in Alternative Ed as the Child Development Lab Coordinator. In addition, I volunteer for the youth programs at my church and in my grandchildren's classrooms. I also love to work in my daughter's high school classrooms!
Ashley Harter
Associate Teacher
Hi! I’m Ashley! Thank you for letting me be a part of your child’s educational experience. I look forward to watching them grow into themselves (almost) as much as you do! I am married and a mother of three children. We, ourselves were raised here and have done the same with our family. I keep myself busy with family, friends, friends that have become family, school activities, and sports. I’m excited to enhance your child’s educational experience.