Vinaya Raigaonkar joined STEM as an Elementary Instructional Assistant in September of 2021. She loves working and supporting everyone at STEM, including outstanding teachers, amazing students, a wonderful parent community, and an incredible administrative leadership team. She started last year as a Kindergarten IA, then supported the Fourth Grade level, and continues assisting currently at a Second-grade level. She is very excited to continue her journey of learning and growing as an educator at STEM with genuine love, passion, and knowledge!
Vinaya graduated from the University of Pune, India with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Later, she also earned two certificates of postgraduate diplomas, one in Medical Laboratory Technology from the University of Pune, India, and another one in Pre-Primary Teaching from the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, India with Distinction.
She moved to Colorado in 2016 with her husband and two children. Her older son is in his third year of college and he was a STEM student in his Highschool years. Her daughter is currently a STEM Senior. Before joining STEM, Vinaya started working as a Preschool and then Pre-K lead teacher while completing Early Childhood Education certifications on PDIS Colorado in 2017. She is engaged in different social, educational, and community work right from her high school days. She is presently volunteering as one of the lead coordinators at a non-profit organization that promotes character-building, leadership, and a spirit of selfless service through its programs.
Vinaya always does her best to build a safe, joyful, and conducive learning environment for children, promoting great virtues and high expectations with a holistic attitude, when she is teaching or working with children. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family and friends, loves to travel, and enjoys yoga, meditation, listening to music, or watching movies.
Favorite Starbucks Drink or Snack: Caramel Frappuccino
Favorite Snacks: Grilled Veggie Sandwich with cheese/ dark chocolates
Favorite Places to Eat: Any vegetarian restaurants
Favorite Drinks: water, ginger tea
Favorite Place to Shop: Amazon, Target, Walmart
Hobbies: listening to music, meditation, and anything outdoors in nature
Favorite Colors: all natural colors
