Meet the People behind Our Success
Partner with the right people when it comes to child care. Children’s Rainbow Day School / Rainbow Christian Academy in Miami, Florida, takes pride in having talented faculty and staff, including:
Administrative Staff
Mr. & Mrs. Ward
Owners/Administrators
Founded Children’s Rainbow Day School in 1981
Principal/Administrator
Mrs. Melissa Nehbrass
Education: Masters in education
Began at Rainbow in 1987
Mrs. Nehrbass’ career at Children’s Rainbow Day School / Rainbow Christian Academy began in 1987 as an aftercare staff member. Over the years, she was a preschool teacher, an elementary teacher, and a middle school teacher. Since 1997, she has been serving as Rainbow Christian Academy’s Administrator. Mrs. Nehrbass holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Resources and a Master of Science Degree in Education. In addition, she holds certificates in Administration, Guidance Counseling, and Preschool Director. She is happily married and has three children who have all attended Rainbow Day School and Rainbow Christian Academy.
As a Believer: Mrs. Nehrbass is a strong believer that God has led her to where she is today and continues to pray for the ability, together with families, to invest in the lives of God’s most precious gift, children. Our principal believes that every child can be successful if given the appropriate foundation and tools. By forming a partnership between the people in home and school, Mrs. Nehrbass is confident that through academic training and social development, all God-given talents will be developed.
Teachers
Mrs. Brenda Orinstein
2-Year Olds Teacher
Education: CDA Certification
Began Teaching at Rainbow in 2001
I have been blessed to be a part of the Rainbow ministry for many years. I am married to a wonderful man and we have two children, Joseph and Taylor, that both graduated from Rainbow. We attend Redland Church of the Nazarene located on our school campus and we would like to invite you to join us in fellowship on Sunday mornings at 10AM. I love my babies here at Rainbow and have been teaching 2 & 3 year olds here for 18 years.
Mrs. Yvette Chavez
3-Year Olds Teacher
CDA Certification
Years Teaching: 19 years
Began Teaching at Rainbow in 2006
My name is Mrs. Chavez. This is my 15th year teaching preschool here at Rainbow Christian Academy and I am looking forward to a delightful year. I have been married for 28 years and we have two college aged, wonderful daughters. My family and I have been members at St. Kevin’s Catholic Church for 25 years. I am looking forward to teaching your child in an environment where God and family are valued along with academic excellence.
Miss Eddafranci Rios
VPK Teacher Education: AA in Early Childhood Education
Years of Experience: 9 Years
Began Teaching at Rainbow in 2019
I am honored to be teaching K4 at Rainbow. I have my Associate in Science of Early Childhood Education. I serve God at a church called Manantial De Vida where I sing on their worship team. I am looking forward to this year and excited to be part of Rainbow family.
Ms. Minnie Glass
1st Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Delta State University, and received my teaching certification in elementary from the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
Years Teaching: 28 years
Began Teaching at Rainbow in 1997
“My name is Ms. Glass, I believe that teaching is a HIGH calling and that the Master Teacher is Jesus Christ. I received Christ as my Savior at the age of ten. I attend Glendale Missionary Baptist Church. I’m a graduate of South Dade Senior High School. I earned my Bachelor degree from Delta State University, and received my teaching certification in elementary from the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Prior to teaching first grade, I taught kindergarten for two years and I have served as a K-4, N-3 and N-2 teacher. I also have a background in Montessori education.”
Mrs. Maritha Montesano
1st Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Arts from Connecticut College; Educator Preparation Institute at Lake-Sumter state college
Experience working with children: 13 years
Years Teaching: 13
Began Teaching at Rainbow in 2012
“Sixteen years ago, Jesus captured my heart and I currently attend and serve at Providence Road church. After graduating from college, I’ve substituted, tutored, assisted, and taught in public and private schools. My classroom experience includes teaching VPK, first, second, and third grade. On April 28, 2012, I married the man of my dreams, Joel Montesano, and moved from Central Florida to reside here, in Miami. I believe it is our responsibility, as educators, administrators, and parents to give our children (through the leadership of Christ) all the tools they need to build a strong spiritual, social, and academic foundation based on our Faith in Him. I am delighted to be a part of the Rainbow Christian Academy family.”
Mrs. Gina Meeks
2nd Grade Teacher Education: BA in Elementary Education
Years Teaching: 25
Began Teaching at Rainbow in 1997
My career at Children’s Rainbow Day School/ Rainbow Christian Academy began many years ago. I was the preschool director for six years, a preschool teacher for two years, a kindergarten teacher for two years, a first grade teacher for seven years and a second grade teacher for the past seven years. I am a Christian woman who actively seeks God’s will.
I am married and have a daughter and son who are both currently in high school. We proudly attend Redland Church of the Nazarene located here on campus. I love my position as a second grade teacher because it is a blessing to fulfill God’s calling on my life while doing something I love.
Mr. Sean Oberle
3rd Grade Teacher
Education: Associate of Arts Degree from Miami-Dade College
Bachelor of Arts Degree from Florida International University
Teaching Experience: 19 years
Began Teaching at Rainbow in 2003
“My wife and I are very firm believers in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are members of Summit Church of Homestead, where our faith is constantly being stretched. I am devoted to helping my students grow academically, as well as spiritually. It brings me joy to see students learn and succeed.”
Mrs. Stephanie Watkins
4th Grade Teacher
Education: FACCS Certified, Associates of Arts Degree from Miami Dade College, and Bachelor of Arts Degree from Florida International University
Years Teaching: 12 years
Began Teaching at Rainbow in 2006
“I am very excited and honored to be teaching at Rainbow. I hope to pass on my passion for learning to each of my students, as well as assit them in reaching their educational and spiritual goals. Interestingly enough, I also attended Rainbow when I was younger and now I am proud to take on the teacher title! Currently, I attend Christ Fellowship Church in Palmetto Bay.”
Mrs. Erin Oberle
5th Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree from Florida International University
Education Experience: 17 years
Began Teaching at Rainbow in 2005
“God is constantly moving in my life and it is my prayer that He will be the guiding light for each of my students. I firmly believe and feel truly blessed that God has placed me in this ministry. I come from a long line of teachers and a solid Christian upbringing, so teaching here is a real honor.”
Mrs. Sharon Wooten
Middle School Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science Degree from Taylor University and Masters from George Washington University
Educational Experience: 26 years
Began Teaching at Rainbow in 2003
“I knew when I was eighteen that God was calling me to teach in a Christian school. I thoroughly enjoy teaching middle school students and count it a privilege to help them grow spiritually, socially and academically.”
Mrs. Allyson Dominguez
Middle School Teacher
Education: Master’s Degree & Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Years of Teaching: 5 years
Began Teaching at Rainbow in 2017
“As a middle school teacher I am overjoyed with the opportunity to teach at Rainbow Christian Academy. My experience with Rainbow Christian dates back to when I was a K-4 student. I also worked as part of the afterschool staff and currently have three of my own children attending this great school. I have experienced the love and commitment that the RCA faculty and staff have for Christ and their students first hand. My background in the Mental Health field has provided me with years of experience working with children of all ages and my obedience to God’s will has led me to teaching. I am blessed and humbled to be working with young children in a Christian environment and I look forward to a great school year.”
Mrs. Jolinda Rodriguez
Middle School Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education and American Studies from University of Buffalo
Teaching Experience: 25 years
Began Teaching at Rainbow in 1998
“The experience of teaching in a school that places God and the education of your children as its priority has given me a solid foundation in the teaching of a Christian education. Currently, I am the Middle School Language Arts, Pre-Algebra & Algebra 1 Instructor. For the past 25 years, I have thrived in the classroom setting. Each academic year, I challenge myself to improve the abilities I have gained in my profession and to utilize the gifts given to me by God to educate His children.”
Mr. Stephen Hager
Middle School Science and Physical Education Teacher
Education: Associates of Arts Degree in Physical Education from Miami-Dade College and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physical Education from Florida State University
Years Teaching: 22 years
Began Teaching at Rainbow in 2010
“I count it an honor and privilege to be entrusted with your child as part of the ministry at Rainbow Christian Academy. Through my experiences over the past four decades in administration, teaching, and coaching, God continues to use my gifts and talents for building His kingdom. The Lord gives me the wisdom and passion to spread the importance of a Christian Education. A Biblical world view, along with the power of prayer will help us develop a partnership to enable your child to succeed!”
Mrs. Donna Bishop
Librarian
Education: AA in Elementary Education
Years Teaching: 27 Years
Began Teaching at Rainbow in 2010
Hello everyone and welcome to an exciting school year! My name is Donna Bishop and I have been part of the Rainbow family for many years. I have 2 grown children and 1 grandchild that currently attends Rainbow. Our family attends Life Point Church of Homestead. I am excited to see what God has in store for us in this upcoming year. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your children.
Cinda Davidson
Music/Art Substitute
Began Teaching at Rainbow in 2019
My name is Cinda Davidson and I am so excited to be the Resource teacher at Rainbow Christian Academy. God has called me out of being a homeschool mom to teaching art, music and computers. Previously I served as the children’s pastor here at Redland Church of the Nazarene for 3 years and now I am overjoyed to be used by Him to teach, minister and inspire your amazing children. I look forward to a fantastic year and consider it a privilege to be a part of this incredible school.
Mrs. Dalian Rivera
Teaching 10 years
Started at Rainbow in 2021
“I was born in Puerto Rico, in a blessed family of 6 kids where Christ was the center of our home. I learned about the values of order, respect discipline and loving others. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood from the University of Puerto Rico and have taught for more than a decade as a VPK Teacher, Preschool Teacher and Kindergarten Teacher. I am proudly married to my husband, Alexandro, and we have been blessed with a beautiful 3-year-old girl.”
Mrs. Natalia Peralta
Teaching 15 years
Started at Rainbow in 2021
“I feel very blessed to be a K-4 teacher at Rainbow. I have a Florida Child Care Professional Certificate and have been an early childhood teacher for the last 15 years. I have taught a range of age groups from 2 years old to Kindergarten. I have been married for 5 years, and we have a dog named Daisy. My husband and I recently helped open a church located n Florida City where I am currently one of the Kids Ministry leaders.”
Mrs. Dashawn Castro
Kindergarten Teacher
Education: Bachelor Degree
Teaching Experience: 5 years
My name is Dashawn Castro. I have been teaching for the past five years. I received my bachelor’s degree at Jones College in 2008. I am a happily married mother of two. My son is in the United States Air Force and my daughter is a senior in high school. As a member of the Rainbow Christian Academy, you can count on me to follow the tradition of integrity and excellence that many of you have come to know and expect.
Miss Alise Nehrbass
Kindergarten Teacher
Education: Bachelor in Elementary Education
My name is Alise Nehrbass. I recently graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University with my bachelors in Elementary Education. I have spent time in the classroom teaching 3rd grade math and 5th grade ELA in the Metro-Nashville Public School District. I have been a part of the Rainbow family since I was a baby. I attended RCA from 2 years to 8th grade and have made lifelong friends from here. I worked aftercare during my high school years and have worked summer camp as well. I am a member of Redland church.
Mrs. Mercedes Stanton
3rd Grade Teacher
Education: BS Information Technology
Years Teaching: 20 + years
My name is Mercedes Stanton. God has blessed me with a tight-knit group of amazing people. My loving husband of 38 years, three amazing daughters, two adventurous grandsons, life long friends, and supportive parents and siblings. Our Christian walk is not self-guided. Christian education reveals, nurtures and equips us to do all things for His glory. I am blessed to serve as a new faculty member at Rainbow Christian Academy. I anticipate a fabulous year with many more to follow.
Miss Medaly Clavell
K2-K3 Teacher
Welcome to Preschool! My name is Medaly Clavell, and I am blessed to welcome you and your child into this new school year. I am honored and privileged to be a teacher at Rainbow. I was born and raised in Miami, Fl and the oldest of two siblings. I started at Rainbow in 2021 as an aftercare teacher and am excited to now have my own classroom. I am pursuing my degree in education and look forward to making teaching my career.
Summer Camp for All Ages
Year-round care for your children, with fun activities and trips.
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Rainbow Christian Academy
A Christian Private School Serving Cutler Bay, Redlands, Homestead and South Miami.Reach Us
mnehrbass@rcacrusaders.com
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday:
7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Home of the Crusaders for Christ
Rainbow Christian Academy / Children's Rainbow Day School is fully accredited by the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (FACCS) and the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA). We are licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (License #C11MD0431). Rainbow Christian Academy School admits students of any race, color, and ethnicity.