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 joined Leaps N Bounds in June 2022, 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.
Victoria graduated Cum Laude from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and a Minor in Health and Fitness Management. She brings additional experience from leadership roles in retail, healthcare, and banking, as well as over 10 years of coaching club volleyball and working with children from grade school through high school. During her time at Leaps N Bounds, she has helped strengthen school operations, staff development, family communication, and the overall school experience through new systems, trainings, and initiatives, while supporting the school’s TRS 4-Star rating and CCR compliance.
Victoria is passionate about creating a school community where children feel loved and supported, families feel connected and confident, and teachers feel valued and empowered to do their best work.
Diana Hernandez
Administrative Assistant
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 joined the Leaps N Bounds family in August 2023, bringing kindness, calm, and consistency to our infant room. Her warm, nurturing presence helps babies feel safe and loved, while her gentle approach supports strong bonds with both children and families. Since joining our school, Ms. Yaima has also earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, further strengthening her knowledge and skills in providing high-quality care and learning experiences for young children.
Iris Pascual Ojeda
Infant Teacher
Ms. Iris joined the Leaps N Bounds family in March 2024 and brings a special warmth and understanding to our infant room as both a teacher and a proud parent of a Leaps N Bounds graduate. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Medical Sciences in Cuba, bringing valuable knowledge of child development and human behavior to her work with young children. After welcoming her second child in March 2026, Ms. Iris returned to the Leaps N Bounds family with an even deeper appreciation for the joys and needs of early childhood. Her calm, caring nature helps create a loving and supportive start for our littlest learners.
Lorena Mejias Carrasquel
Infant Teacher
Ms. Lorena joined the Leaps N Bounds family in March 2026, bringing over 15 years of experience working with children ages 0–6. She holds an A.A.S. in Child Development/Early Childhood and a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, reflecting her commitment to providing nurturing and developmentally appropriate care. Originally from Venezuela, Ms. Lorena spent five years teaching in Costa Rica before making Austin her home. Her warm and caring approach helps create a positive, engaging classroom where young children can grow, learn, and thrive.
Toddler Teachers:
Danielle Stone
Lead Toddler Teacher
Ms. Danielle has been a part of the Leaps N Bounds family since May 2021 and has had the opportunity to work in every classroom during her time at our school. As a mom to an elementary-aged child, she brings both experience and empathy to her work with young children. Her organization and understanding of the flow of our school make her a dependable and confident presence in the toddler classroom. Her smile lights up the classroom, and her kindness and patience help every child feel safe, seen, and truly cared for.
Yucci Rivero
Toddler Teacher
Ms. Yucci joined the Leaps N Bounds family in June 2026, bringing 14 years of experience working with young children. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the National Experimental University of the Armed Forces and brings a thoughtful, caring approach to her work in the toddler classroom. As a mom herself, she understands the importance of creating a safe, nurturing environment for young children—her own infant son is also part of the Leaps N Bounds family! Her genuine kindness and warm personality shine through in everything she does, and the children are naturally drawn to her loving and joyful presence.
PreK 3s Teachers:
Keionna McKoy
Lead Pre-K 3 Teacher & Special Projects Lead
Ms. Keionna has been with Leaps N Bounds since January 2021, bringing creativity and care to both her classroom and her role as Special Projects Lead. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion & Retail Management from The Art Institute of Austin, and her attention to detail shines in the keepsake projects she creates for families throughout the year, making each one truly special. Her thoughtful and engaging presence is evident in everything she does, and she brings that same creativity and care to her work with children each day.
Allison De Luca Ozuna
Pre-K 3 Teacher
Ms. Allison officially joined the Leaps N Bounds family in August 2026 after spending the previous nine months supporting our classrooms as a substitute teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and brings a positive, enthusiastic, and eager-to-learn spirit to her work each day. Her flexibility, willingness to jump in wherever needed, and genuine care for the children make her a wonderful addition to our Pre-K 3 classroom.
PreK 4s Teachers:
Maritsa Monroy
Lead Pre-K 4 Teacher
Ms. Maritsa has been a beloved part of the Leaps N Bounds family since July 2005, making her our longest-serving teacher and a true cornerstone of our school community. With her CDA certification and more than 20 years of experience, she brings exceptional knowledge, consistency, and dedication to her classroom each day. Her classroom is always thoughtfully organized and welcoming, and her genuine care and connection with children are truly unmatched. Generations of Leaps N Bounds families have come to know and love Ms. Maritsa for the warmth, patience, and dedication she brings to every child in her care.
Rose-Selena Dyer
Assistant Pre-K 4 Teacher
Ms. Rose-Selena joined the Leaps N Bounds family in August 2026, bringing a wonderful background in education and classroom support. Originally from New York, she attended Hunter College in New York City, where she pursued coursework in Sociology, and holds her Texas Paraeducator Certificate. After working as a substitute teacher last school year, she brings valuable classroom experience along with a warm, positive energy and a genuine passion for working with children. Her caring nature and desire to create a supportive classroom environment make her a wonderful addition to our Pre-K 4 team.
PreK 5s Teachers:
Airyka Gonzales
Lead Pre-K 5 Teacher
Ms. Airyka joined the Leaps N Bounds family in May 2021 and is also a proud parent of two children who have been part of our school community. Her bubbly personality brings joy and energy to the classroom, while her ability to connect with each child helps create a fun, encouraging environment where children feel confident to learn and grow. As a Lead Pre-K 5 Teacher, Ms. Airyka is passionate about preparing children for their next big step while making their final year of preschool a special one.
Maria Roman
Assistant Pre-K 5 Teacher
Ms. Maria joined the Leaps N Bounds family in March 2022 after spending time as an ongoing substitute before becoming a full-time teacher. She spent the past several years as our Lead Toddler Teacher, bringing patience, confidence, and a natural talent for working with young children. As a mom of a middle-schooler and a high-schooler, she brings a caring and understanding perspective to her work with children and families. Her enthusiasm, confidence, and genuine care for children have made her a favorite among both children and parents, and we are excited to have her bring her experience and warmth to our Pre-K 5 classroom this year.
Support Staff:
Michael Podrebarac
All Classrooms Support Teacher / Administrative Assistant
Mr. Michael joined the Leaps N Bounds family in March 2025 and brings a unique blend of warmth, leadership, and versatility to our team. As the youngest son of our owner/director, he has grown up around the heart of the school and has a deep understanding of our community. With seven years of management experience at Chick-fil-A, he brings strong organizational and leadership skills to his work. Whether supporting a classroom or helping in the front office, Michael is always ready to jump in wherever he is needed and brings a genuine love for children to everything he does.
Hannah Dannelly
Pre-K Support Teacher
Ms. Hannah joined the Leaps N Bounds family in August 2026, bringing a wonderful background in education and a bright, positive energy to our team. She graduated from California State University, Northridge in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies and has experience working as a substitute teacher and acting teacher. Her kindness, thoughtfulness, and natural ability to connect with others make her a wonderful addition to our Pre-K classrooms. Ms. Hannah is always ready to lend a helping hand and brings a warm, encouraging presence to each classroom she supports.