Tejal Patel
Senior Administrator
My name is Tejal Patel, and it is an honor to be the Operations Administrator for Rainbow Rising. Over the past decade, my journey with Rainbow Rising has been a deeply fulfilling experience, allowing me to build meaningful relationships with countless amazing families and children. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Resources from California State University, Long Beach, and I am proud to be credentialed as a Site Supervisor.
As a mother of two wonderful boys, I bring not only my professional expertise but also my personal insights into the parent perspective. This dual understanding allows me to approach my work with empathy, care, and a keen awareness of what it means to entrust a child’s development and well-being to a program like ours.
At Rainbow Rising, my commitment is to foster a safe, positive, and nurturing environment where every child can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. I believe in the power of creativity and individualized attention to enrich each of our programs. By blending my years of experience as both a Child Care Professional and a parent, I strive to support every child’s unique needs, helping them grow into confident and compassionate individuals.
I look forward to continuing to support our Rainbow Rising families with dedication and heart, ensuring every child has a vibrant and enriching experience during their time with us.
Lindsay Cullen
Senior Administrator
My name is Lindsay Cullen and I am extremely proud to be the Training and HR Administrator of Rainbow Rising. I started my journey at Rainbow Rising College Park in 2004, and have spent several happy years in Administrative roles at various sites since 2011. With an Associate’s Degree from Irvine Valley College, a Bachelor’s of Science in the field of Child and Adolescent Studies from California State University, Fullerton, and a Program Director Credential through the state of California, I am committed to expanding my knowledge of child socialization to best support the families of our programs. My passion and commitment to providing an enriching and engaging experience for all children at Rainbow Rising drive my enthusiasm for working with the staff at each site. I am a firm believer in collaborating with staff, parents, school faculty, and children to create the best possible experience for all who are a part of our Rainbow Rising family.
Jared Baar
Administrator
Hello, my name is Jared Baar, and I'm the Administrative Director of New System Implementation and Technology Services. I started working at Rainbow Rising in 2006. I've been fortunate to work at every level of our programs. I believe this provides me with a well-rounded perspective on our schools.
In addition to my work with Rainbow Rising, I'm committed to advancing the field of expanded learning and early childhood education. I contributed to professional development initiatives, supported leadership training for childcare professionals, and served on the BOOST Conference Leadership Team from 2021 to 2023 and the MECE team from 2024 to current.
I believe that high-quality childcare starts with strong relationships—with students, families, staff, and school communities. My work is guided by a commitment to safety, inclusion, collaboration, and creating meaningful experiences for every child Rainbow Rising serves.
Jennifer Willis
Administrator
Hello, my name is Jennifer Willis and I am the Administrative Director of Hiring and Staffing for Rainbow Rising. I began my journey at Rainbow Rising in 1997 as a Site Director and then as an Administrator. I have always had a passion for working with children and my goal has always been to provide a positive, nurturing, and caring environment for the families whom I have been blessed to work with. I have received an Associate’s Arts Degree in Child Development from Fullerton College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development from Cal State Fullerton as well as a Site Supervisor Credential through the State of California. It has always been very important to me to provide a safe and enriching program in which children can learn and grow. I am dedicated to making our Rainbow Rising families’ childcare experience the best it can be!
Jessica Winn
Administrator
I have been a part of the Rainbow Rising family since 2016, serving in a variety of roles ranging from Teacher to my current position as an Administrator. Prior to this role, I spent 15 years as a Site Director, where I developed a deep passion for child development and creating meaningful experiences for children and families.
I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Language Development, along with my teaching credential, from Arizona State University. Having grown up in Irvine, the students, families, and schools within Irvine Unified School District hold a special place in my heart.
As I now raise my own children while supporting the children and families we serve, I am continually inspired to help build confident, compassionate, and capable young people. My goal is to support our programs in fostering character, empathy, kindness, and a strong sense of community—helping to create a brighter future and an even stronger Rainbow Rising family.