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.
Mandy LaBean
Lead Teacher
Hello! My name is Mandy LaBean, and I'm thrilled to be a part of the Rainbow Place staff as a Lead Teacher. Ever since third grade, I’ve known I wanted to be a teacher - it’s been a lifelong dream that I’m so proud to be living out. I grew up in Pinconning and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Saginaw Valley State University with minors in Science and Social Sciences. For the past 17 years. I have worked as a substitute teacher in the St. Johns school district, gaining valuable experience in a variety of classroom settings. Currently, I live in St Johns with my husband, Jeff, our four children, two dogs and cat. My two oldest children Jarrett and Natalie are in college, while Caleb and Lucas are still in high school. When I’m not teaching, you’ll often find me volunteering with the Redwing Marching Band or helping out wherever I am needed. In my (limited) free time I enjoy reading, camping, sitting by the fire or relaxing on the backyard swing.
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!
Allison McLeod
Associate Teacher
Hello! I'm Mrs. McLeod!
Ashley Harter
Associate Teacher
Hello everyone! My name is Mrs. Harter, and I’m so excited to be joining you all as an associate teacher. I’m a lifelong resident of St. Johns - I even live here now! My family has deep roots in the community, with two of my children having already graduated from St. Johns schools and another currently attending. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, I had the pleasure of working at Little Wings. I also volunteered in my own children’s classrooms. I’m truly looking forward to meeting all the bright and eager young learners in our preschool!