Staff

Vicky LaRue

Vicky La RueWorking with children has always been a passion of Vicky’s. A few years after graduating from high school she decided to pursue a career as an Early Childhood Educator.  While in school Vicky enjoyed the variety of classes offered learning about the growth and development of children. Her experience during her path towards attaining her ECE certification was so gratifying that since graduating from college she has taken the next step towards attaining an Infant toddler specialization with special needs certification to further her education, experience and understanding of how children develop, learn and grow into the unique individuals they all are.

Vicky’s favorite part about being an ECE is developing relationships with the children, parents and staff members. Vicky enjoys bringing to the children music, movement, art, exciting stories and games, as well as loving cuddles and words of affirmation. Vicky is an excellent caregiver who is quick to notice and meet the needs of the children in her care.

As a new graduate in 2016, Leap Forward Childcare was Vicky's first place of employment as a fully licenced educator, Vicky is delighted to work in a centre that offers her opportunities to be creative, have fun and further develop her skills as an educator. Vicky offers fresh ideas, enthusiasm and a positive attitude to her work place.

Vicky believes that every child is unique in their own way and learns things differently. She models the fact that very child deserves to be treated as an individual and be given opportunities to shine in their own way in a non-judgemental nurturing environment. 

Lisa Young

lisaLisa Young has been a certified Early Childhood Educator since 1995. She has extensive experience working with children of all ages and enjoys watching the children in her care meet each mile stone whether they are 1 or 11 years of age!

In 2008 Lisa furthered her education becoming a certified Infant Toddler Educator. Lisa adores working with infants and toddlers because of the rapid growth and development in their skills and personalities she has the pleasure of observing and supporting. Lisa finds working with infants and toddlers both challenging and fun!

Lisa is loving, engaging, easy going, extremely happy and hard working. She is also a team player, always willing to be flexible and accommodating, taking on more than her share of responsibility.

As a life long learner, Lisa has many interests, skills and hobbies. In her free time, she participates in ballet classes and Spanish lessons so that she can attain her goal of becoming bilingual in Spanish and English and dancing en point one day!

Amanda Mondry

AmandaAmanda is a fourth-year student attending the Child and Youth Care (CYC) program at the University of Victoria. She graduated from Vancouver Island Universities Early Childhood Education and Care diploma program in 2020.

Amanda is from a big family and has always wanted to work with children. Amanda has enjoyed many opportunities to care for children of varying ages over the past four years. Amanda is an avid reader, she loves to draw and paint, and has always enjoyed learning new things. She is excited to bring this into her work with your children through art, books, reading, games, and activities.

Amanda is excited to become part of the Leap Forward Childcare family and is looking forward to getting to know you and your children

Amber Lamanes

amberAmber Lamanes has a passion for dance, music and children. This passion is what has motivated her to bring to life a very unique business with two entities that work in harmony, Leap Forward Dance School and Leap Forward Childcare Amber handles the day to day running of Leap Forward, teaches the weekly dance classes and offers support to the parents, children and staff of Leap Forward.

Amber also owned and over saw running of Babies to Big Kids Childcare, located in Vic West from 2009 to 2018, Babies to Big Kids Childcare served over 70 families, offering full-time care to children ages 2 months to twelve years.

As a mother of three children, Miranda born in 2007 and Nadia born in 2011 and Ozwin born in 2019, Amber can easily identify with parents. She is flexible and accommodating and works with the parents toward a common goal, doing what is best for their child/children. Leap Forward has an exciting future ahead and Amber welcomes you to be part of it.

Reed Perestam

ReedReed Perestam is a BC licenced educator who absolutely loves working with children! Reed believes all people are equal and deserve to be heard and respected. Reed is a proud and open member of the lGBTQ + community and a mental health, lGBTQ + and disability advocate. Reed is passionate about child psychology. He believes that each child’s thoughts and opinions matter just as much as any other person.

Reed moved from Abbotsford to Victoria when he was 11 years old and has been working with children since he was 12 years old. As the oldest “child” in his family, Reed enjoys helping the younger children around him learn, grow, and process their feelings. Reed finds connecting and helping the younger children in his family express their creativity and be confident in their individuality rewarding.

A few interesting facts about Reed.

1.) He has extensive experience working with neurodivergent children and children with anxiety.

2.) He is an artist and has been enjoying art since he can remember.

3.) He has a passion for baking and has been baking since a very young age. His first real job was as a baker.

4.) He loves all animals especially his beloved cat that was rescued from an abusive situation.

5.) He enjoys being outdoors, swimming, hiking, and camping etc.

Leap Forward Childcare is fortunate to have such a passionate educator working, interacting, and helping shape the lives of the children of Leap Forward Childcare into the wonderful humans they are destined to be.

Thank you, Reed!