Our Staff

Our multicultural and multilingual staff is committed to making parents and children feel welcome and comfortable no matter what language they speak.

Meet some of our staff...

Cleide Willik Capelozza
Director
With Rainbow since September 1989

I was born in Brazil and started teaching preschoolers there when I was 18 years old.
I moved to New York in 1984, and my big challenge was to learn English. My latest degree is a Master's in Early Childhood Education from Queens College.
I started at Rainbow as a teacher, and it has been a pleasure to be its Director since September 1995.
I am married to a pastor, and we both have been serving at the Metro Brazilian Baptist Mission for more than 20 years. We have two grown daughters and two grandsons.
I enjoy cooking, shopping, and traveling.

Ingeborg M. Stochmal
Administrator
With Rainbow since its inception in 1987

As a member of St. Jacobus, I was instrumental in the formation of Rainbow and am currently in charge of its general and fiscal administration.

Rev. Cathy Ellen Rosenholtz
Pastor
With Rainbow since September 2004

Pastor Cathy began her ministry at St. Jacobus in the summer of 2004, after having served another Lutheran church in Queens since 1997. She comes with experience in youth ministry, including preschool chapel and children's choirs. Pastor Cathy is pleased to serve as the chaplain for Rainbow. In her own words: "I grew up in Missouri, and have lived in Boston, Philadelphia, and Rochester, New York. It is great to be in Queens! I enjoy serving in a diverse community with people from so many countries, singing God's praises in so many languages."
Pastor Cathy lives in the St. Jacobus parsonage, right in the neighborhood, and welcomes the opportunity to get to know all the Rainbow families.


Raquel Capelozza
Teacher
With Rainbow since May 1991

I was born in Brazil, and I speak Portuguese.
I am a member of the Metro Brazilian Baptist Mission. I love Jesus Christ and I want to show others the difference He makes in my life.
I have a Master's degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education with a specialty in Integrated Technologies from Queens College.
My hobbies include reading, spending time with friends, watching TV, cooking, going to the mall, traveling, and playing the piano.
I love working with young children, especially here at Rainbow. They brighten up my day, every day!

Vanessa Sandy
Teacher
With Rainbow since September 1994

I graduated from Queens College with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and I am currently working toward a Master's degree specializing in Children's Literature.
I was born in Peru and speak English and Spanish. I enjoy singing, dancing, and working with children. I am happily married and the mother of a daughter.

 

Dolly Vitaliz
Teacher
With Rainbow since September 1998

I am from the Philippines, a beautiful country in the Far East. I finished all my schooling there. I received my Bachelor's degree in Christian Education and my Master's degree in Religious Education in Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines. I speak Filipino, our national language, and English. I am married to a Minister of the Gospel and enjoy doing ministry work with him.

Katherine Almanzar
Teacher
With Rainbow since March 2003

I graduated from Lehman College with a Bachelor of Arts degree. My major was Sociology with a double minor in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. I am currently working toward a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education.
I am married and have 3 children. I love working with children, especially here at Rainbow. When I arrive at Rainbow every day, I thank Jesus for allowing me to be in such a warm, loving, and nurturing environment. I enjoy visiting the Dominican Republic, listening to music, cooking, skiing, and spending time with my family.



Jeannette Ramos
Teacher
With Rainbow since September 2005

I was born in New York and raised in Puerto Rico. I returned 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 Bachelor's degree in psychology, and I am currently working on my Master's degree in bilingual special education at Touro College.

I am happily married and have a wonderful young son, named Angel. I am very happy to be at this school. I know that God put me here for a purpose and I will always try to provide each child with the best of me.

Vicky Kambas
Teacher
With Rainbow since September 2006

I live in East Williston, New York. I graduated from Long Island University with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education in 2005. My family is from Greece and I travel back every year to visit them. I like to travel, read, take pictures. I speak Greek fluently and I have a conversational knowledge of American Sign Language.