Assistant Teacher Madison “Maddie” Gerber joined Rainbows’ Early Care and Education Program in 2023 to gain more experience working with young children. Maddie has always been interested in making an impact on children and youth. Before Covid affected her studies, Maddie was working toward a degree in elementary education. Most of Maddie’s jobs have been working with kids 3-18 years old. In college she worked at a counseling center that had a summer program and was a group leader. She was also a group leader for Emporia Recreation Center’s after school program.
Maddie earned her bachelor’s degree in general studies from Emporia State University. She is currently pursuing a certificate of applied behavior analysis from Wichita State, while also working on her master’s degree in social work from the University of Kentucky online.
As the assistant teacher in Room 6, Maddie creates lesson plans and teaches science to the 3–5-year-old children. She also teaches other subjects if needed. Maddie helps with managing behaviors, playing with the kids, and cleaning the classroom. “Building close relationships with the children is my biggest achievement,” said Maddie. “My favorite memory so far is when Quentin who was nonverbal started saying my name over and over. I even got the first time caught on video and watch it when I need a smile.”
“Maddie has been lots of fun to have in the classroom,” said Michelle Croomes, Early Care and Education Program Coordinator. “She is thoughtful and deliberate in her interactions with the children. That creates strong bonds.”
Maddie likes going to baseball games, playing golf, traveling /hiking, and hanging out with friends and family. She has 2 brothers, 1 sister, 4 nieces and 3 nephews. Her brothers live in her hometown, Garden City, Kansas and her sister lives in Sydney, Australia. Her parents are retired so they travel a lot and come visit Maddie in Derby.
