Leadership Team

Meet Our Leadership Team

Our programs are designed to meet the needs of both children and families through specific goals and objectives. We focus on building off the strengths of each child, taking advantage of every teachable moment. During our extra-curricular activities, children will have the opportunity to develop social skills, enhance cognitive development, and build self-esteem. At Marina Bay Academy, we offer Zumba, Music and Movement, English and French, Soccer, Taekwondo with Master Kiho, Yoga, and Ballet.

childhood education

Leyla Mehmandoost

Co-Founder & Director

With over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, Leyla has dedicated her career to supporting the healthy development of children under 12 in safe, nurturing, and enriching environments. As the co-founder of Marina Bay Academy, her mission is to create a space where every child feels valued, confident, and inspired to explore the world around them.

Her passion for working with children runs deep. She believes strongly in the power of early learning to shape not only a child’s academic growth but also their confidence, curiosity, and sense of belonging. Helping children discover their strengths and supporting families throughout their journey remains at the heart of her work.

In addition to working closely with children, she collaborates with and supports educators in the classroom, ensuring they have the proper guidance, tools, and encouragement to create meaningful learning experiences. Beyond classroom support, she oversees behind-the-scenes operations, including daily management, curriculum planning, and family communication, ensuring that the program runs smoothly and with purpose.

She has led training, mentorship, and supervision for educators, developing in-house professional development programs that uphold the highest standards of care and education. She firmly believes that investing in educators strengthens the entire community, creating consistency, trust, and high-quality experiences for every child.

Her professional background includes specialized training in child development, play-based curriculum, social-emotional learning, and inclusive leadership. At Marina Bay Academy, she prioritizes strong relationships with families, open communication, and a shared commitment to nurturing every child’s unique potential. Community involvement is also central to her approach, and she is committed to building partnerships and creating programs that bring families together and support children’s growth.

Every day, she is honoured to lead a team that reflects excellence, compassion, and purpose in early learning and care. For her, Marina Bay Academy is more than a school, it is a community, a safe haven, and a place where children and families grow together.

Naghmeh (Nina) Ramezan

Co-Founder & Operating Partner

Naghmeh (Nina) Ramezan is the Co-Founder of Marina Bay Academy, where she brings a deep commitment to high-quality early childhood education. With a Bachelor’s degree in French from Al-Zahra University in Tehran, she began her professional journey with a strong foundation in language and communication.

After relocating to Canada, Nina expanded her expertise by studying payroll and bookkeeping at CDI College, followed by specialized training in Early Childhood Education. She has also completed a range of professional development workshops focused on child care administration and management.

Nina’s approach is guided by a passion for creating environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow. She firmly believes that a consistent, experienced, and compassionate team is essential to providing meaningful learning experiences. Through her leadership at Marina Bay Academy, she continues to advocate for excellence in early learning and care.

Sara-Mahmoudi

Sara Mahmoudi

Operations Director & Program Development

Sara Mahmoudi brings a unique blend of academic insight and hands-on experience to her role as Operations Director and Program Developer at Marina Bay Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Vancouver Career College.

With a strong interest in psychology—specifically child psychology—Sara integrates developmental theory with practical application to create nurturing, inclusive learning environments. She is deeply passionate about supporting diverse learning styles and ensuring that every child feels understood and empowered.

Sara’s approach to program development centers on the belief that meaningful learning happens when children are supported as individuals. Her leadership at Marina Bay Academy reflects a commitment to innovation, emotional intelligence, and fostering confident, capable learners prepared for the world beyond the classroom.

“Children don’t need to be molded—they need to be met. Real learning happens when we stop teaching to the average and start designing for the individual.”

visit-icon

See it Yourself!

Book a Visit

pre-register-icon

Ready to join?

Pre-register Here