Our Staff
Mandy – Director
Mandy has been working at Leaps and Bounds since 2007. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication in 2009. Mandy was the Lead Pre-k teacher for 5 years before transitioning to the Director at Leaps and Bounds. Mandy, her husband, and two boys live in Lakeville and both of her boys attend Leaps and Bounds.
Mandy’s favorite things about working at Leaps and Bounds is the close relationships and friendships that she has made with her coworkers and families. Her favorite children’s book is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. In her free time, Mandy enjoys hanging out with family and friends, crafting, and working out.
Jami – Assistant Director and Infant Teacher
Jami has been working at Leaps and Bounds since 2005. She attended St. Cloud State University and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Jami, her husband, and two boys live in Farmington. Both of Jami’s boys attended and graduated from Leaps and Bounds. Jami plays two roles at Leaps and Bounds- infant teacher and Assistant Director.
Jami’s favorite memory about working at Leaps and Bounds was having her kids attend and watching them learn and grow in each classroom. Jami’s favorite children’s book is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. In her free time, Jami enjoys watching her boys play hockey or lacrosse, reading, baking and spending time with those she cares about.
Ashley K – Lead Infant Teacher
Ashley has been working at Leaps and Bounds since 2008. Ashley attended the University of Winona and obtained her Associates of Arts degree. Ashley, her husband, and 3 children live in Farmington. Her younger 2 kiddos currently attend Leaps and Bounds. Ashley was previously the Lead Preschool teacher but found that her passion is working with the infants.
Ashley’s favorite part of working at Leaps and Bounds is the connection she feels with her coworkers and each family. Being that Leaps and Bounds is such a small center it really feels like home. Ashley’s favorite children’s book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Her hobbies outside of working at Leaps are being a mom to her 3 kids, reading, and camping.
Ashley H – Assistant Infant Teacher
Ashley has been working at Leaps and Bounds since August 2019. Ashley attended school and obtained her certification in Medical assisting. Ashley and her husband live in Northfield with their 2 cats. Despite Ashley having a degree in Medical Assisting, she is the newest member on our infant team and has really enjoyed her time learning about the infants.
Ashley’s favorite part about working at Leaps and Bounds is watching the babies and all the different milestones they go through. Ashley’s favorite children’s book are the Harry Potter series. In Ashley’s free time she enjoys reading and watching movies.
Michelle – Lead Toddler Teacher
Michelle has been working at Leaps and Bounds since 2017. Michelle took early childhood courses at the University of Winona. After finishing school, Michelle landed a job at Wells Fargo. She worked at Wells Fargo for 18 years before deciding that she wanted to pursue her dreams of working in Early Childhood. Both of Michelle’s children attended Leaps and Bounds, so it was an easy decision for Michelle to Join the Leaps family as a Teacher.
Michelle’s favorite memory at Leaps and Bounds was her very first day of work. She had been coming to Leaps for many years as a parent but was now a part of an awesome extended family. Michelle’s favorite children’s books are Amelia Bedelia and Frog and Toad and Friends. In Michelle’s free time she enjoys watching her kids play sports, volunteering, going on family adventures, and finding time to read a good book.
Kennedy – Lead Toddler Teacher
Kennedy has been working at Leaps and Bounds since 2018. Kennedy is currently attending DCTC to obtain her degree in Early Childhood. Kennedy has years of experience working in a childcare setting and we are so glad to have her as a part of our Toddler team. Kennedy lives in Rosemount with her family. Kennedy’s favorite part about working at Leaps and Bounds is the people she works with, all the friendly families, and of course, the children. Her favorite children’s book is We Eat Dinner in the Bathtub. When Kennedy isn’t at work she enjoys spending time with friends, snowmobiling, and attending concerts.
Mary – Assistant Toddler Teacher
Mary has been working at Leaps and Bounds since 2017. Mary had prior childcare experience before becoming an important part of our Toddler program. Mary lives in Rosemount with her family. When she isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her toddler age niece. Mary’s favorite part of working at Leaps and Bounds is being able to watch the kids grow and become their owl little person. Her favorite children’s books are the Junie B. Jones series. Mary’s hobbies outside of work include watching Netflix and taking care of her niece and dog.
Angel – Toddler Aide
Angel has been working at Leaps and Bounds since July 2019. Angel doesn’t have any previous childcare experience but is a natural when it comes to being in our toddler classroom. Angel is patient and kind, which makes her the perfect addition to our toddler team. Angel lives in Inver Grove Heights with her family. Angels favorite memories at Leaps and Bounds have been all the get togethers with coworkers outside of work and the holiday parties such as the Halloween party and the Christmas program. Angel’s favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree. In her free time, Angel enjoys dancing and spending time with family and friends.
Marnee – Lead Preschool Teacher
Marnee has been working at Leaps and Bounds since 2017. Marnee came to Leaps and Bounds after years of working at a previous childcare center. Marnee lives in Rosemount with her 7-year-old son who also attended Leaps and Bounds. Marnee has a real knack for teaching the 2.5-year-old crowd and you can tell by her interactions with them. Marnee’s favorite part about working at Leaps and Bounds is that everyone is treated like family. The teachers at Leaps have a desire and passion for their jobs. Her favorite memory at Leaps is the way that the parents and staff treat each other. Her favorite children’s books are Where the Wild Things Are and There’s a Monster at the End of the Book. When Marnee isn’t working she enjoys reading and being a Mom to her 7-year-old son.
Yutsi – Assistant Preschool Teacher
Yutsi has been working at Leaps and Bounds since 2018. Yutsi has been taking nursing classes at Inver Hills Community College. Yutsi brings a calm and welcoming presence to our Preschool room. She lives in Inver Grove Heights wit her family. Yutsi’s favorite thing about Leaps and Bounds is the personal connections she makes with each child and their family. When Yutsi isn’t working she enjoys shopping, playing with her dog, and spending time with her friends and family.
Kacey – Lead Float Teacher
Kacey has been working at Leaps and Bounds since 2015. Kacey has plans to attend college in the future. Kacey gets the best of both worlds by floating between our Preschool and Prek classrooms. She is lively and outgoing and is a great help to those who are transitioning from one room to another. Kacey lives in Rosemount with her family. Kacey’s favorite thing about working at Leaps and Bounds is that at the end of the day, every day, knowing she has made a difference. Her favorite children’s book is Goodnight Moon. When Kacey isn’t at work, she enjoys snowmobiling, four wheeling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Sarah – Lead Pre-k Teacher
Sarah has been working at Leaps and Bounds since 2010. Sarah started at Leaps and Bounds as an aide and over the years obtained her Child Development Associate Certificate to become the Lead Teacher in our Prek classroom. Sarah lives in Lakeville with her husband and daughter. Sarah’s favorite part about working at Leaps and Bounds is when the children something new and are so proud of themselves. Her favorite memory at Leaps and Bounds are going on all of the field trips. Her favorite children’s books is The Rainbow Fish. Sarah enjoys crafting, watching movies, and spending time with family when she isn’t working.
Julia – Assistant Pre-K teacher
Julia has been working at Leaps and Bounds since 2016. Julia has worked in several classrooms at Leaps and Bounds over the years but has really settled into being the Assistant Teacher in our Pre-k classroom.
Julia’s favorite thing about working at Leaps and Bounds is working with such great people who make doing her job fun! Her favorite memory while working at Leaps and Bounds is doing the Christmas program every year and seeing how much the children enjoy it. Julia’s favorite children’s book is Pete the Cat: Rocking in my School Shoes. When Julia isn’t at work she enjoys adventuring the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Sydney – Pre-K Aide
Sydney has been working at Leaps since August 2019. Sydney is currently a senior at Rosemount Highschool and comes and spends most of her afternoons playing with children in our PreK classroom. Sydney enjoys helping out in the Nursery at her church in her free time. Sydney’s favorite thing about Leaps and Bounds is playing with all the PreK kids every afternoon. When she’s not at work, Sydney enjoys helping at her church and spending time with family and friends.