Our Team

Rainbow Wood has a large friendly team that are always willing to chat. Feel free to chat to any of our teachers, with any questions you may have, and they will be willing to help you. 

Ailish Holden – Nursery Manager

I joined the Rainbow Wood team in January 2023, living locally in Grimsargh this gives me a great opportunity to support and get to know children and families in our local community.  It is also amazing to be able to bring my own little girl, Aida here!  I started my childcare journey over 12 years ago working my way through various roles from Apprentice up to now,  Nursery Manager, and I can whole heartedly say I have LOVED every single step of that Journey so far. It is so rewarding watching all of the wonderful children grow from babies into independent pre-schoolers ready to start their own journey into school. In my time not at nursery, I spend time with my 2 crazy Labradors, husband and Aida.

Lisa Thompson – Deputy Manager

Hi my name is Lisa Thompson and I have worked with children for over 28 years. I joined Rainbow Wood nursery in January 2023 as a Room Leader and then progressed to Deputy Manager. I have worked with all ages from birth to 11 years and enjoy watching the children grow into confident, individual little humans.  In my spare time I enjoy going for walks with my partner and little Westie dog, Gizmo, spending time with my Niece Amy and Nephew Harry, watching Formula 1 and anything Disney related.

Leanne Hambleton – Babies Room Leader

Hello everyone, my name is Leanne I’m 42 and have an NVQ Level 3 in childcare. I’ve been working in childcare for over 20 years now and I love my job! Watching the children grow and learn one very area of their development. I am also a parent myself who loves spending free time with my daughter.

Nikola Sebastian – Nursery Practitioner

Hello, my name is Nikola, I am currently Level 2 qualified in Childcare,  in the final few months of completing my Level 3 qualification. I have been working at Rainbow Wood since January 2023. I have over 2 years experience working in a nursery setting however I began my career in childcare in year 10 at school, I continued this after I left school and began an apprenticeship in a nursery setting. I love working in early years as I gives me the opportunity to watch the children grow and meet all of their milestones. It is really rewarding seeing how happy the children are when they achieve their goals.

Michaela Potter – Nursery Practitioner

I qualified as a level 3 Nursery Nurse in 2003 and have previously worked in primary schools, pre-schools and nurseries.  I love to nurture the babies and watch them progress and develop throughout their learning journey here at Rainbow Wood.

Joanne Gaskell – Nursery Practitioner

Hello my name is Joanne and I’ve worked here at Rainbow Wood since February 2018.  I have 12 years of experience within the childcare industry, working in various settings and with all age ranges.

Nina Gerbino – Nursery Practitioner 

Hello, I’m Nina and I joined the Rainbow Wood team in March 2021. I am currently working in the baby room and what I like the most is to see things from their own eyes, because it reminds me of how amazing and exciting the world can be. I’m so happy to have been given this opportunity to work with such an amazing team and children.

Ewa Oberda – Nursery Practitioner

I have always wanted to have a career in Childcare.  I joined the team in December 2021 in the Baby Room. My biggest passion is being a positive influence for the babies.  I love instilling passion in babies and support their development by motivating to act allowing them to discover the world.

Nicky Hall – Nursery Practitioner

Kia Ronald – Nursery Practitioner

Helen Wilkinson – Cook

Hi, I’m Helen I have been cooking the children’s dinner at Rainbow Wood since we opened in 2016. I love being able to provide the children with wholesome,e, healthy meals. When I am not in the kitchen I love to go to watch motorbike racing, especially in the Isle of Man. I love camping, walking my dog Sulby, reading lots of books and getting out into the countryside.

Sharon Bellingham – Nursery Practitioner

Hi, I’m Sharon. I have worked at Rainbow Wood since January 2023.  I have over 21 years nursery experience and thoroughly enjoy everyday watching the children learn and grow.

Jackie Ramsden –  Office Manager​

Naomi Gordon

Hi, my name is Naomi I have a Level 3 in Childcare and have worked in childcare for over 10 years and enjoy watching the children thrive and develop. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my daughter Harper Rose.

Molly Eccles

My name is Molly Eccles, I found love for Early Years 3 years ago and started as an apprentice qualifying this year with a distinction. I have a love for outdoors both at work and in my home life.I enjoy nutrition and going to the gym along with weekends away in the lake district where I can find new hikes to achieve. I love socialising with friends and spending time with my family.

Jorja Smith

Hi, I am Jorja, I am a team member of Pre School and I am working towards my Level 3 in childcare. I love my job because it always keeps me on my toes, and allows me to create bonds with all of the children that attend nursery. My hobbies outside of the nursery are being cosy and watching films, family days and going shopping!

Lakeisha Skiba 

I’m Lakeisha, I have worked in childcare for about 6 years and I enjoy supporting childeren with special educational needs and watching them progress in their development by offering tailored support in my spare time. I enjoy going out with my family and reading.

Shona Byrne

My name is Shona, I have a Level 3 in Childcare. I love working in childcare as I enjoy getting to see the children meet new milestones and how amazing it feels to be helping children to learn and grow. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my little sisters.