Meet Our Team

B.A. Educational Sciences, UC Irvine 2019 · Teaching Credentials, Biola University

Hidy is the founder and director of Leaders Academy and a graduate of UC Irvine's Education Sciences program. She founded Leaders Academy with a vision of creating a place where students receive strong academic support while also feeling genuinely known, encouraged, and cared for. Hidy is deeply involved in each student's academic journey, working closely with teachers and families to identify individual strengths, areas for growth, and meaningful goals. She believes education goes beyond grades — students should develop confidence, responsibility, critical thinking skills, and a genuine desire to grow. As director, Hidy oversees the Academy's curriculum, teachers, student progress, and daily operations while maintaining close relationships with families. Her goal is for Leaders Academy to provide the structure and high expectations of a strong academic program with the warmth and personal attention of a close-knit community.

Early Childhood Development, Cal State Fullerton

Audrey brings warmth, energy, and genuine care into the classroom. With a background in Early Childhood Development from Cal State Fullerton and extensive experience working with children, she understands how to connect with students while supporting their academic and emotional growth. Audrey is fun, empathetic, and approachable, creating an environment where students feel comfortable being themselves, asking questions, and learning with confidence.

Education, New York University · Credentialed Teacher

Katie brings a strong academic foundation and high standards to Leaders Academy. With a background in Education from New York University and professional teaching credentials, she combines her classroom expertise with exceptional organization and attention to detail. Katie is soft-spoken and caring while maintaining clear expectations and structure for her students. She is especially skilled at noticing the small details, keeping students accountable, and encouraging them to produce work they can be proud of. Her organizational strengths also make her an important part of the Academy's administrative and academic operations.

Fullerton College

Bijou is a patient, kind, and deeply supportive teacher who takes the time to truly know her students. She brings a genuine and involved approach to teaching, making sure each child feels seen, encouraged, and cared for. Beyond helping students complete their work, Bijou challenges them to think critically, explain their reasoning, and become more independent learners. Her calm and loving presence makes her someone students can trust and grow with.

Operations · Transportation · Student Support

Frank is an essential part of the day-to-day heart of Leaders Academy. From transportation and management to helping wherever he is needed, he is consistently present and dedicated to making sure everything runs smoothly. Students know him for his fun, kind, and genuine personality — and many experience him as a grandfather-like presence at the Academy. Whether he is helping with rides, solving a problem behind the scenes, or simply making the kids laugh, Frank helps make Leaders Academy feel like a family.

Meals & Nutrition · Operations · Family Relations

If you ask our students about their favorite parts of Leaders Academy, there is a very good chance they will mention Annie's food! Annie prepares the meals and snacks our students look forward to and has made food one of the most loved parts of the Academy experience. But her role goes far beyond the kitchen. She assists with transportation, manages payments, supports daily operations, and builds genuine relationships with both our students and their parents. Annie truly loves the children she serves, and the care she puts into feeding and supporting them helps make Leaders Academy feel like a home away from home.