Shanda Kramer - Owner, Director and Preschool Teacher

Hi! I'm Shanda, owner and lead Pre-K teacher at Leap Ahead Preschool. I've been working in early childhood education for over 25 years and founded Leap Ahead Preschool in 2014 with a vision of creating a place where children feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. As both the owner and lead preschool teacher, I love being actively involved in our program each day, from supporting our teachers and building relationships with families to spending my mornings right alongside our preschoolers in the classroom.

Preparing children for kindergarten and helping them develop a lifelong love of learning is one of my favorite parts of what I do. I believe children learn best through hands-on experiences, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to explore the world around them. Our preschool program combines intentional early learning with plenty of time for outdoor play, movement, exploration, and messy childhood experiences. I want our children to leave Leap Ahead academically prepared for kindergarten while also being confident, independent, curious, and excited about learning.

Even after more than 25 years of working with young children, being in the classroom is still where I love to be. I feel incredibly fortunate to watch children grow from year to year, develop friendships, master new skills, and become ready for their next big adventure. Building Leap Ahead and getting to know the wonderful children and families who have been part of our school over the years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Amanda Pope - Assistant Director

Hello! My name is Amanda and I am the Assistant Director of Leap Ahead Preschool. I have been working in Early Education since 2011 and have worked in both the classroom and administrative settings. I graduated in 2014 with my Degree in Elementary Education and then decided to further my career in the field of early education.  

I have always been passionate about supporting and caring for our next generation! I believe in connection before anything else with students, so they feel safe, supported and loved every single day. I love Leap Aheads approach to outdoor play and the natural playground that brings adventure and curiosity to our young leaners. I believe children thrive when they are given the opportunity to learn through play and experience. 

While I love being in the classroom, moving into a management role has allowed me to still be with children every day while helping to lead and support a team of teachers, and help create an atmosphere where staff and children both succeed! Leap Ahead has been such a blessing to me and such a positive experience.  

Haley Chance - Toddler Teacher

Hello, my name is Haley and I am the lead teacher for the toddler class here at Leap Ahead Preschool! I hold a degree in developmental phycology and early childhood education. I have worked in the early education field for 14 years with the last 6 years being specifically with the toddler age class.

While I love working with students of all ages, I am truly passionate about working with toddlers and absolutely love watching them learn, grow and discover the world around them. There is nothing better than watching a toddler blossom into their own little personality and become their own little person.

I believe that toddlers learn best through play, curiosity and hands on experiences, with a lot of love and guidance to support their natural learning. My goal is to create a fun, loving, and safe environment where every child feels comfortable being themselves. I love getting to know each child’s personality and help them build confidence, independence, and a love for learning.

I am so excited to be a part of your child’s early years and look forward to all the fun, learning, and little moments we share together!