Hello. I’m excited to own and operate this lovely new childcare/school in our community. Please allow me to share a bit of information about myself.

I have been an early childhood educator for over 17+ years and have a BS in Early Childhood Education from Kansas State University. 

I knew I wanted to work with children when I was a little girl. Throughout school, I told my teachers I wanted to be a preschool teacher. Then, at 18, I had my first opportunity to work in a childcare classroom, and from that moment, I knew that educating small children was my calling. 

Originally, I am from California, but I also spent a few years in New Jersey. As a result, I had some beautiful opportunities working with children over the years. My experience at Happy Baby Small School in Berkley, CA, and  Painted Oak Nursery School in Princeton, NJ, shaped me as a teacher in my early career. I discovered my passion for emergent curriculum and child-led learning at HBSS. PONS inspired my love of the great outdoors. While in NJ, I also trained to be a certified Music Together teacher.

In 2015, my husband and I decided it was time to be closer to our family, so we moved to Manhattan, KS. MHK is the community my husband grew up in, so we were finally home.

When we moved here, I decided it was time to get my BS in Early Childhood Education after nine years of teaching. I’m proud to say I graduated Magna Cum Laude in the spring of 2019.

In the summer of 2021, I left the world of childcare centers to be at home with my son, who was born that August. Watching him grow each day was a wonderful experience, and I wouldn't trade that time with him for anything. However, it was time for him and I both to have more children around as he got a bit older. Having LLCC has allowed him to grow and learn and allows me to support the growth and learning of other children. Teaching remains my passion in life, and I'm lucky to be able to teach with my son. When I am working with children, I feel most in my element. 

When I’m not working with kids, I crochet, sew, bake, play music, and take photographs. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Hello, I'm Rory Shaver, and Im so excited to be at Little Leaves Child Care.

I am a student at Wichita State University studying Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I moved to Manhattan with my fiancée and have loved being in the Flint Hills. I will graduate in December of 2024 and after taking my praxis, be licensed to teach Early Childhood Unified (Birth-Grade 3) and Elementary Education (K-6).

I love working with kids and have a passion for Special Education and Early Childhood education. I grew up in a family of teachers and have been in and around educators for as long as I can remember. I have over 8 years of experience in special ed and have 3+ years of experience in early childhood, from daycare to babysitting to teaching.

Outside of working with children, I love to play video games, read, create art, attend concerts, and spend time at home with my pets (two cats and a dog). 

Please feel free to reach out with any questions!

Leslie (she/her) is a Texas native who calls the PNW home. She's a dancer, director, choreographer, puppet maker, artist, anti-cooking kind of human. She loves Dr Pepper and all things Halloween. She's been teaching as assisting in an educational setting for over 21 years. Leslie has worked with public schools, Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia curriculum. She's happy to be finding a mini home in Kansas while she and her family (Rhys 7, Nora 4) are here during her husband's time at Fort Riley.