Meet Our Team!
Leaps N Bounds Preschool has proudly served families since 2003 under the continuous leadership of our founder and director. For over 20 years, our school has been rooted in a commitment to nurturing young minds in a safe, engaging, and joyful environment. Our dedicated team of early childhood educators brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and heart to the classroom—fostering curiosity, independence, and a love of learning in every child. Get to know the passionate individuals who make Leaps N Bounds such a trusted and special place to begin life’s educational journey.
Administration:
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Annette Podrebarac
Owner/Director
Annette has been the heart and soul of Leaps N Bounds Preschool since its beginning. A devoted single mom of five (now grown) children, she started the school from her home in August 2003 with the simple goal of staying close to her young family. What she thought would be a short-term venture quickly grew into a thriving preschool that has touched the lives of countless children and families in the community.
In 2005, she opened her first official location, followed by a second in 2010 and a third in 2015. Over the years, Annette has remained the sole owner and guiding force behind Leaps N Bounds, building a program known for its warmth, quality, and long-standing relationships with families. Her passion for early childhood education, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to her team have created not just a preschool, but a true community.
Victoria Podrebarac
Assistant Director
Victoria has been with Leaps N Bounds for three years, but her connection to the school goes back much further. As Annette’s third child, she grew up watching the preschool take shape—spending summers helping in the infant and toddler classrooms and learning firsthand what it means to lead with heart.
With a background in exercise science and business, Victoria brings valuable experience from leadership roles in retail, healthcare, and banking. She also spent over 10 years coaching club volleyball, working with children from grade school through high school. Her passion for mentoring young people, combined with her strong organizational skills and deep-rooted love for early childhood education, make her a trusted, compassionate presence for both families and staff.
Diana Hernandez
Administrative Coordinator
Diana has been with Leaps N Bounds for five years, beginning her journey as a preschool floater while completing her degree online at Sam Houston State University. After graduating, she transitioned into an administrative role where she now focuses on welcoming new families—leading tours, conducting orientations, supporting parent communication, and helping shape our curriculum and school culture.
With her calm and kind presence, Diana naturally builds strong, trusting relationships with both families and staff. Her thoughtful approach and dedication help set the tone for a warm, connected school community.
Infant Teachers:
Yaima Martinez
Lead Infant Teacher
Ms. Yaima has been part of the Leaps N Bounds family for two years, bringing kindness, calm, and consistency to our infant room. Her warm, nurturing presence helps babies feel safe and loved, and her gentle approach supports strong bonds with both children and families.
Iris Pascual Ojeda
Infant Teacher
Ms. Iris has been part of the Leaps N Bounds team for a year and a half. As both a teacher and a proud parent of a recent graduate, she brings a special warmth and understanding to the infant room. Her calm, caring nature helps create a loving and supportive start for our littlest learners.
Danielle Stone
Lead Infant Teacher
Ms. Danielle has been a part of the Leaps N Bounds family for over four years. As a mom to an elementary-aged child, she brings both experience and empathy to her work in the infant room. Her smile lights up the classroom, and her kindness and patience help every child feel safe, seen, and truly cared for.
Lily Brundige
Infant & Toddler Support Teacher
Ms. Lily joined Leaps N Bounds six months ago and helps support both our infant and toddler classrooms. While studying social work at The University of Texas, she brings a warm, dependable presence to each day and is passionate about caring for children and building positive connections.
Toddler Teachers:
Maria Roman
Lead Toddler Teacher
Ms. Maria has been a part of the Leaps N Bounds team for four years, starting as a substitute before quickly becoming a full-time teacher. A mom of two grade schoolers, she brings patience, confidence, and a natural talent for working with toddlers. Her calm presence and caring spirit have made her a favorite among both children and parents.
Kierstin Hitt
​Ms. Kierstin joined Leaps N Bounds two years ago and has become a wonderful presence in our toddler classroom. Her ability to engage children in meaningful, thoughtful conversations sets her apart. With patience, warmth, and a genuine love for early learning, she helps toddlers feel heard, understood, and excited to express themselves.
Autumn Kim
​Infant & Toddler Support Teacher
Ms. Autumn is a Special Education pre-medical student at The University of Texas who brings a strong sense of purpose and heart to her role at Leaps N Bounds. She’s passionate about working with young children and finds joy in helping them learn, grow, and feel supported. Described by others as independent, empathetic, and rational, Ms. Autumn is a calm and steady presence in the classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys pilates, shopping, and spending time with friends.
Michael Podrebarac
​Infant & Toddler Support Teacher / Administrative Assistant
Mr. Michael joined Leaps N Bounds six months ago and brings a unique blend of warmth and leadership to our team. As the son of our owner/director, he’s grown up around the heart of the school. With seven years of management experience at Chick-fil-A, he pairs strong organizational skills with a genuine love for children. Whether in the classroom or the front office, Michael is always ready to support wherever he's needed.
Preschool Teachers:
Selena Vrabel
Lead Pre-K 3 Teacher
Ms. Selena has been with Leaps N Bounds for three years and is a proud mom of two—one in our infant classroom and the other in Pre-K 3. Her ability to connect with children across all age groups is truly unmatched. Whether she’s in the toddler room or stepping into another classroom, she brings calm, confidence, and a deep understanding of each child’s needs.
Maritsa Monroy
Lead Pre-K 4 Teacher
Ms. Maritsa is our longest-serving teacher, celebrating 10 years with Leaps N Bounds this January. With her CDA certification and exceptional teaching skills, she is deeply loved by families and children alike. Her classroom is always immaculate, and her interactions with students are truly unmatched.
Keionna McKoy
Lead Pre-K 4 Teacher & Special Projects Lead
Ms. Keionna has been with Leaps N Bounds for nearly five years, bringing creativity and care to both her classroom and her role as Special Projects Lead. Her attention to detail shines in the keepsake projects she creates for families throughout the year, making each one truly special. She’s a thoughtful, engaging presence in everything she does.
Airyka Gonzales
Lead Pre-K 5 Teacher
Ms. Airyka has been part of the Leaps N Bounds team for four years and is also a proud parent of two children in our Pre-K 3 and 4 classrooms. Her bubbly personality brings joy and energy to the classroom, and her ability to connect with each child helps create a fun, encouraging space where learning thrives.
Rae Tucker
Pre-K Support Teacher
We’re thrilled to welcome Rae Tucker to the Leaps N Bounds family as our new Pre-K Support Teacher! Originally from Alabama, Rae has called Texas home for the past five years. She brings with her a wonderful blend of classroom and administrative experience, having previously worked as a toddler teacher and as a studio manager at a dance school. Rae also gives her time to the children's nursery at her church, reflecting her heart for working with young children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and crafting. We’re so excited to have Rae’s energy and passion as part of our team!​
Bowie Fritsch
Pre-K Support Teacher
Please join us in welcoming Bowie Fritsch to the Leaps N Bounds team as a Pre-K Support Teacher! A recent graduate of the University of Texas with a degree in International Relations, Bowie brings a unique global perspective to the classroom. While studying abroad in Ecuador, he discovered his love for early childhood education while teaching English to young children. During his time at UT, he also worked at the Center for Multicultural Engagement, where he supported inclusive programming and community building. Bowie is currently working toward his Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and enjoys learning Russian in his spare time. His warm personality and thoughtful approach make him a wonderful addition to our team—we’re so happy to have him!
Ishika Acharya
Pre-K Support Teacher
Ms. Ishika has been with Leaps N Bounds for two years, working part-time while attending The University of Texas full-time as a pre-law student. Loved by all the children, she has a natural gift for meeting them where they are with kindness, patience, and understanding. Her gentle spirit and positive energy make her a joy to work with every day.
