Our Teaching team

Director/ Teacher

Permanent Professional Certificate

Carmen Wallin is the founder and Director of Learning at Rainbow Roots Preschool. Her passion for education was instilled within her from an early age; Carmen's dad, aunt, and uncles are retired teachers, and her sister and niece became teachers as well. Innumerable conversations around her home focused on best teaching practices and hilarious anecdotal memories. Carmen has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in English from the University of Saskatchewan. In 2001, she convocated with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary. She has spent most of the last two decades teaching a variety of grades in both private and public Christian schools. Throughout these years, she has volunteered in women's groups and Sunday school to teach God's love and grace to preschoolers and to her own three children. More recently, Carmen piloted an enrichment preschool program for an educational company. She enjoyed her work so much that she has chosen to combine her love for early childhood learning with Christian education. Her commitment to a whole child approach includes students' academic, physical, social/emotional, and artistic growth. She is personally dedicated to helping children achieve success in their learning for life.

Teacher

Permanent Professional Certificate

Christine Taitinger is a lead teacher and program developer at Rainbow Roots Preschool. She has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. Christine taught a variety of elementary grades with Edmonton Public Schools and has always maintained a passion for early childhood learning. As a mother of five children, Christine has a wealth of experience developing the whole child through meaningful activities which focus on academic, physical, and social/ emotional growth. Christine is excited to be teaching early learning at Rainbow Roots. She is committed to the safety, well-being and development of every child;  providing lasting memories and experiences to set up children for future success.

Educational Assistant 

Developmental Service Worker Diploma

Melissa Johnson is an educational assistant at Rainbow Roots Preschool. She attained her diploma as a Developmental Service Worker (DSW) from Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ontario.  Melissa worked for three years in Ontario before moving to Calgary, Alberta. Melissa has been working as an Educational Assistant with the Calgary Board of Education since 1999. As a mother of three, Melissa has balanced her work schedule to provide necessary time for her children and their involvement in sports. Melissa has worked with all ages of children who have special needs. She is very excited to work with the children at Rainbow Roots Preschool. She firmly believes in providing a wonderful educational experience for all children.