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 four 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 six 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.
​Lorena Mejias Carrasquel
Infant Teacher
Ms. Lorena brings over 15 years of experience working with children ages 0–6, creating nurturing and developmentally appropriate environments where children can grow and thrive. Originally from Venezuela, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree and spent five years teaching in Costa Rica before moving to Austin. Ms. Lorena is passionate about supporting young children’s development and building meaningful connections with families. Her warm and caring approach helps create a positive and engaging classroom for every child.
Alexanderia Harris
Lead Infant Teacher
Ms. Alex joins the Leaps N Bounds team part-time and brings a positive, energetic presence to every classroom she supports. With experience from Child Care Careers, she enjoys working with children of all ages and loves building connections with both students and staff. Ms. Alex is a true team player who brings enthusiasm and fun to her work each day. Outside of the classroom, she is a licensed cosmetologist and enjoys doing hair and makeup for weddings, often collaborating with photographers.
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.
Bowie Fritsch
Assistant Toddler 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!
PreK 3s 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.
Danielle Stone
Lead Pre-K 3 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.
PreK 4s & 5s Teachers:
Maritsa Monroy
Lead Pre-K 4 Teacher
Ms. Maritsa is our longest-serving teacher, celebrating 10 years with Leaps N Bounds this past 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.
Support Staff:
Michael Podrebarac
​All Classrooms Support Teacher / Administrative Assistant
Mr. Michael joined Leaps N Bounds 1 year 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.
Ishika Acharya
Pre-K Support Teacher
Ms. Ishika has been with Leaps N Bounds for two and a half 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.