Barb Ruigh
Co-Director & Threes Lead
Mrs. Ruigh is a new face at Rainbow Factory this year, bringing her Reggio-Inspired approach to the Threes classroom where she infuses a love of nature with emergent curriculum. This approach allows students to be collaborators, and Mrs. Ruigh’s curriculum challenges students to expand their knowledge based on their genuine interest and understanding of students as capable individuals. Mrs. Ruigh has been in the early childhood education field for 30 years. As of April 2024, Mrs. Ruigh has been named our Co-Director, we are thrilled to have her leadership which will infuse her love of nature & creating functional, beautiful classroom spaces that act as a third teacher.
Rachel Brader
Co-Director
Ms. Brader has been an integral part of Rainbow Factory for the last few years, aiding the former Director in administrative tasks as well as marketing and fundraising. Stepping into Co-Director role as of April 2024, Ms. Brader’s leadership and commitment to inclusive, quality early childhood education will allow the program to continue to flourish.
Justice Rhoden
Lead Teacher, Full Day Program
Ms. Rhoden is gentle, kind, and approaches children with care. Joining Rainbow Factory in 2020, Ms. Rhoden has continued to develop her curriculum and classroom management skills while co-leading our Full Day multi-age program with Ms. Bennett. Ms. Rhoden has been in the early childhood education field for over five years and her understanding of children’s needs makes that obvious to all who are fortunate enough to work alongside her.
Shamika Bennett
Lead Teacher, Full Day Program
While following other pursuits during the beginning of the pandemic, Ms. Bennett realized she missed the flow of Early Childhood Education and we invited her on as a Lead in our Multi-age Program. Her unique approach to curriculum, use of exciting music for transitions, and experience teaching ASL has enriched our Full Day program the last two years and moving into a third.
Ashley Bandow
Lead Teacher, Twos Program
As the mother of five children, with two sets of twins, Mrs. Bandow operates with calm and thrives under the chaos of a Twos Program in her third year at Rainbow Factory. Mrs. Bandow has a Masters Degree in Sociology and English, and is currently pursuing an Associates in Early Childhood Education.
Anna Williams
Lead Teacher, Multi-age Preschool
Outdoor Coordinator
Mrs. Williams leads our Multi-age Mornings program in her third year at Rainbow Factory, as well as planning and executing Camp Rainbow curriculum and oversight. Using her background in horticulture, Mrs. Williams engages our students in gardening and maintaining our nature center which feeds their love of nature and understanding of community!
Jenny Reid
Twos Teacher
Mrs. Reid’s love of literature and children landed her in our Twos program at inception of said program last year, and we’re thrilled she signed on for a second year nurturing our youngest learners! Mrs. Reid’s own children went through Rainbow Factory as preschoolers, providing us with unique insight through a parent and community member’s perspective since 2017.
Lisa Smith
Assistant Teacher, Multi-age Mornings
Ms. Smith has been a part of the Rainbow Factory staff off and on since 2018, providing her excellent behavior management skills in our classrooms as an Assistant Teacher. Ms. Smith believes children learn through each other as much as they learn through teachers, and likes to promote ample opportunities for peer engagement in her classroom.
Sydney Baylor
Assistant Teacher, Threes Program
In her second year in our Threes program, Ms. Baylor is eager to learn a nature based approach to early childhood education under Mrs. Ruigh. Ms. Baylor is beloved by her students and always maintains a positive outlook and calming demeanor in the classroom!
Stella Mogis
Aftercare Teacher
Miss Stella hones her empathetic nature to care for children in our Aftercare program daily. Growing up in Montessori schools, Miss Stella encourages students to grow through practical life skills and supporting their independence through play.