Mr. Chase
Daily Operations Manager
Ever since Mr. Chase was 13 years old, he knew he was going to be a leader. Mr. Chase enjoys being able to work with others on new ideas to create a better learning environment for the children while, at the same time, ensuring that everyone is working as a team. You can say it is one big juggling act.
Mr. Chase’s goal for LBA is to not only create a safe, fun, learning environment, but to also create an enriched environment full of exploration, discovery and adventure. Nothing makes Mr. Chase happier than to overhear a child excitedly tell their parents about what they did or learned at school. Mr. Chase is always working to figure out what would be the next best thing for the children, parents, staff and school.
Mr. Chase received his BA in Economics from the University of Colorado, Boulder. After graduating, Mr. Chase started working full time at LBA because he felt the position was one where he could make a difference in so many lives.
Mr. Hunter
Program Director / Engineer
Bio coming soon….
Ms. Diana
Co-Owner
Bio Coming Soon
Ms. Erin
Director, Redondo Beach & Parent Relationships Manager
Ms. Erin’s work is primarily a matter of communication: She handles tours, maintains a rapport with parents, and counsels the other staff when they have some concern.
Ms. Erin joined Leap & Bound Academy because she loves children and the whole experience of working with them. Between running tours, she joins the classroom whenever a teacher has a new student. Her role in the class is to help the student transition into their new environment. It can be thrilling to see their reactions to new things, especially the imaginary light bulb moment when they “get” a new concept.
It’s heartwarming for her to hear how comfortable families are with leaving their children here. Ms. Erin’s favorite part of her job is the feedback from families who stay through kindergarten and knowing they’re happy with their children’s progress.
Ms. Erin intimately understands the students’ perspectives, because she grew up in her family’s own daycare, founded before she was born. As a professional, she has been working with children for over fifteen (15) years. Ms. Erin is deep in the childcare world.
Ms. Susan
Director & Administrator
Ms. Susan is the administrator for all three schools. She makes sure that each campus has the staff and supplies they need. She also handles regular check-ins with government agencies such as the Department of Social Services.
Ms. Susan doesn’t just work in the office though. Her skills are invaluable for newly enrolled students and their parents. For the first week, it can be difficult for a child to transition into the new environment. Whenever a new student is enrolled, Ms. Susan works alongside their teacher to help that child along, making sure they’re clean and fed, playing with them outside, or just talking one-on-one. “Younger kids need more help when they start. They need more nurturing from us. After the transition period, they’re okay.”
Ms. DeJahnae
Director & Recruitment Director – Torrance – Walteria
With over 15 years of teaching experience, Ms. DeJahnae is a veteran in the classroom who oversees many of LBA’s day-to-day operations like recruiting and training new staff members. When Ms. DeJahnae was a little girl, she would look after all her little cousins and pretend to be their teacher. As she grew up, she realized that her passion was more than a scenario to play with; teaching became the only thing she wanted to do.
For Ms. DeJahnae, the most rewarding part of working at LBA is seeing the smiles on the children’s faces everyday. She loves visiting the classrooms and engaging in conversations with all of the students.
Ms. DeJahnae knows that Leap & Bound is a special preschool, and she wants to continue creating an environment where parents know they can come drop their kids off at a school where the students and staff are safe and happy. She hopes to broaden our school’s reach and put LBA on the map as a leading preschool in the South Bay.
Ms. Mary
Director, Torrance
Ms. Mary joined LBA as a teacher at first. She has over twenty (20) years of experience working specifically in preschools, and has spent over ten years with us. Ms. Mary is caring, nurturing, and responsible. She knew from a young age that she wanted to work with children, to be a positive influence shaping their future.
Her day-to-day work is making sure the children have a safe and healthy learning environment. As an office worker, she checks student records to make sure everyone’s individual needs are being met, and keeps track of the supplies needed to make that happen. She also steps into the classrooms when needed, interacting with the children often by reading stories to them or playing with them outside.
She loves to do art and music with the children. The most rewarding part of Ms. Mary’s job is seeing the kids grow up and move on to elementary school, and when they come to visit and share their success stories. It is fulfilling to be a role model. “I love seeing how I made an impact on their lives.”
Ms. Mary has three children of her own, all high school- or college-age. She is a devoted mother and all around family-centered person. Most of the time when she leaves work, the rest of her day is spent with her family, in whatever form that may be.
Chef Jose
School Chef
Chef Jose is the mastermind behind Leap & Bound Academy’s hot lunches. He works in the Medical Center’s kitchen and delivers to all three schools.
Chef Jose makes what kids love. He enjoys the art of cooking and prides himself on making sure the children are happy to eat up. Chef Jose has been cooking since he was seventeen (17) years old, and been a professional chef for almost three decades. At home he continues to habitually clean, but also spends a lot of relaxation time with his wife.
Photos courtesy of Picture Perfect Photos
