OUR FACULTY
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Carla C. Olmez
Director With Rainbow since September 2011 I am very excited to bring my experience and passion for quality early childhood education to Rainbow Christian Preschool. I have been working in the field of education for over 20 years in many different capacities. While in college I began my career as an assistant teacher in an early childhood program. I then moved on to teaching students in elementary school, middle school, high school and adult English language learners, before returning to early childhood. Believing that I could make more of a difference as an administrator, I accepted the position of administrative & educational director for an early childhood center where I successfully launched the NYCDOE Universal Prekindergarten program and managed all operations of the school. I have a BA degree in Linguistics & Communication Disorder - Applied TESOL PreK-12 from Queens College, and a MS degree in Education from St. John's University. I am certified by the New York State Education Department in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, and TESOL PreK-Adult. As a strong advocate of multicultural education, I look forward to creating a safe, respectful, equitable learning environment where I can develop strong relationships with the children, families, staff and faculty, and the extended community at Rainbow My husband and I live in Queens. We have been blessed with three wonderful sons, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and a precious granddaughter. We also have and adorable Shiba Inu who believes she is one of the kids. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends traveling, being in, on, or near the ocean, reading, cooking, and walking. |
Joseph Mantovani
Pastor With St. Jacobus/Rainbow since December 2009 I have been the pastor of St. Jacobus Lutheran Church and Rainbow Christian Preschool since 2009. I was born and grew up in Brooklyn, NY, studied at Brooklyn College and did my Master's degree and pastoral training at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. I value education with people of all ages, helping those in need, thinking about how we can use our resources in new ways and working to truly make this church a place for everyone. My wife and I live in the community of Woodside and we enjoy the diversity, food, and life here. |
teachers
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Laurie Blaske
Teacher With Rainbow since September 2015 I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Health Education from St. Francis College and received my Master's Degree in Childhood Education from St. John's University. I continued my studies of teaching and learning by receiving my Advance certificate in Early Childhood Education from Long Island University. During the time I studied early childhood development by observing early childhood classrooms and studying how students develop socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively. I have my New York State Teacher certification in both Birth-2nd grade and 1st grade-6th grade. I enjoy spending free time with my family and friends. I enjoy traveling and reading. I am happy to be here at Rainbow so I can use my teaching knowledge and work with my students to help them be the best students that they can be. I believe that children will learn through curiosity, interest, and exploring the world in which they live in. It is my job as their teacher to provide my students with hands on learning experiences that will allow them to explore the world around them and with this, learn different skills that will allow them to solve problems. 
Joanne Cohen
Teacher With Rainbow since September 2015 I was born in Brooklyn, New York. I have my B.A. from Hunter College and my M.A. from Brooklyn College. I have been teaching for about 19 years and I love what I do. I also enjoy drawing. I lived in Florida for 11 years, but I am glad to be back in New York. 
Labid Khandaker
Assistant Teacher With Rainbow since September 2012 I was born and raised in New York. My parents are from Bangladesh and I also speak Bengali fluently. I am currently majoring in Childhood Education. My passion is educating children and providing a positive influence academically and socially. I believe all children are able to learn in an active, hands-on learning environment. |
Jeannette Camacho
Teacher With Rainbow since September 2005 I was born in New York and raised in Puerto Rico. I came to New York in 1994 and started to learn English while studying at the university. In 2004 I graduated from Long Island University with a B.A. in Psychology. In 2014 I graduated from Touro College with a dual Master's degree in Early Childhood/Special Education (birth-grade 2) I am a member of Elohim Christian Church where I am also a Nursery teacher. I am happily married and have two wonderful sons, Angel and Yamil. I am very happy to be at this school. I know that God put me here for a purpose, and I will always try my best to provide every child with the best of me. 
Yolanda Velasquez
Teacher With Rainbow since April 2015 I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Queens College and my Master's Degree in Special Education at Touro College. I live in Massapequa, Long Island and enjoy spending time with my family, especially with my 21 month old son. I enjoy teaching and the challenges that come along with it. I enjoy the everyday learning that comes with this profession. 
Nazia Khan
3K Teacher With Rainbow since September 2013 I have Master’s in TESOL and currently working on Early Childhood Education. I have been working with children for over 7 years. I enjoy every aspect of teaching and have realized that the little ones can teach us as much as we teach them. This is one of my favorite things about teaching. I believe that Rainbow Christian Preschool is a wonderful place for your child to begin their education both academically and emotionally. We are a great team with incredible passion for each individual child. |
Karla Rodriguez-Cruz
Assistant Teacher
With Rainbow since January 2007
I was born in Guatemala and came to New York at age 8.
I am studying Psychology at Hofstra University.
For the past 7 years I have been working with children of different ages. This has been a rewarding experience. Educating children and learning from one another is so wonderful.
Working with children is my way of giving back to my community.
Assistant Teacher
With Rainbow since January 2007
I was born in Guatemala and came to New York at age 8.
I am studying Psychology at Hofstra University.
For the past 7 years I have been working with children of different ages. This has been a rewarding experience. Educating children and learning from one another is so wonderful.
Working with children is my way of giving back to my community.
Teaching assistants
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Nancy Orellana
Assistant Teacher With Rainbow since September 2014 |
Vanessa Ng
Assistant Teacher
With Rainbow since 2016
Assistant Teacher
With Rainbow since 2016
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Mayalin Gonzalez
Assistant Teacher With Rainbow since January 2017 
Magda Madariaga
Assistant Teacher With Rainbow since November 2005 |
Other staff
Monica Revoredo
Administrative Assistant With Rainbow since February 2011 |
Noeme Tergilene
Kitchen Food Handler With Rainbow since September 2015 |