Staff
Vicky LaRue
Working 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
Lisa 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!
Reed Perestam
Reed 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!
Amanda Mondry
Amanda has always LOVED children. She comes from a large diverse family where she learned from a young age, that everyone is unique, deserving of respect and holds a valuable place in the world we all live.
Amanda has worked at Leap Forward Childcare for several years. While working at Leap Forward Childcare Amanda graduated from the University of Victoria’s Child and Youth Care (CYC) program in 2022. Amanda is one VERY intelligent and hardworking individual! Amanda loves learning and being challenged. She is a leader at heart and a problem-solving expertise!
As a licenced Infant Toddler Educator with Special Needs designation, Amanda holds the highest level of certification, a BC ECEIT licence to practice.
When she is not working with the children, educators and families of Leap Forward Childcare Amanda can be found enjoying lazy afternoons reading, exploring visual art, playing with her two cats and spending time with her intelligent (almost finished his masters) boyfriend Michael.
Amanda is the supervisor of Leap Forward Childcare’s “New Program”. One of her greatest joys each day is serving and helping her fellow co-worker, the children, and their families. Amanda works within both the Infant Toddler Program and the Pre-School Program, partnering with the owner and the other educators to ensure a smooth-running program for all to enjoy.
Amanda is warm, friendly, extremely dedicated and hilarious. She’s a fast mover, always busy, ultra detailed and supremely organized. In a nutshell, Amanda is a perfect fit for Leap Forward Childcare’s “New Program”.
Sharone Thomas
Sharone Thomas has a strong background in psychology and experience working with children. She holds a master’s degree in applied psychology and a bachelor's degree in psychology. In addition to this, Sharone also holds a BC licence to practice as an educator for young children.
Sharone is passionate about supporting children’s growth and well-being. While working as an Assistant Psychologist at Holy Family Hospital, she realized her true passion was working directly with children, helping them overcome challenges and grow.
As a mother, Sharone has gained a deeper understanding of raising children, which has shaped her caring and patient approach. She connects naturally with kids, making them feel safe and valued, while creating an environment where they can learn and thrive. She adapts to each child’s needs, ensuring they feel valued and supported.
In her free time, Sharone enjoys cooking and hiking, which help her relax and stay balanced.
Sharone is excited to continue creating nurturing spaces where children can thrive, learn, and grow, using her experience and personal insights to make a positive impact on their lives.