4 minute read
People You Should Know
Kathy LeBlanc
PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW
STORY BY KAYLA BERTUCCI
Kathy LeBlanc, President of Cedarwood School founded one of the most successful and prestigious private schools in the region, and it became the first nationally accredited preschool in Mandeville, Louisiana in just the third year of its opening.
“I believe education is the platform for building a positive and successful future. It provides us all with “A Foundation for Life,” explains Kathy. “I have seen thousands of children, their extended family, friends, and neighbors who have been influenced by the contributions made by 38 years of Cedarwood School’s committed and talented educators. Former students drop in from across the community, the country, and the world to visit what they say is the school that had the most profound impact on their lives.”
“I’ve always had a passion for teaching and learning,” shares Kathy. “After teaching special education in Orleans Parish, I was the director of two separate schools for children with learning disabilities in New Orleans and then became an educational consultant for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. This position gave me insight into many eclectic types of schools and leadership styles which became an invaluable springboard for my work at Cedarwood School.” to create a learning center that was diverse in nature. While focusing on the importance of the curriculum, Cedarwood incorporates music, art, technology, physical education, literacy enrichment and foreign language.
While the role of school president is helping grow the children of St. Tammany Parish, Kathy’s most valuable role is that of a wife, mother, and grandmother.
“I’ve been married to my husband, Maxie for 46 years. We have four adult children, Max, Lauren, Leigh-Ann, and Michael. Our four grandchildren are the joy of my heart,” says Kathy. “It is such a joy to be able to have the ones who reside here attend Cedarwood”
Building the foundation of the school was much more than a brick-andmortar project back in August 1983. Kathy’s vision was first and foremost No matter where you find Kathy, just know she is always putting her best foot forward to make the Northshore a better place. She currently serves on the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce board of directors and is a member of the American Heart Association’s Northshore Circle of Red. Through the Cedarwood Children’s Foundation Kathy helped establish the Director’s Network which provides specialized training for preschool directors and teachers on the Northshore. Along with many other community organizations, Kathy also served as a board member of the Children’s Advocacy Center and as a Role Model for the Youth Leadership Council of Greater New Orleans.
Loving the Northshore has come easy to Kathy with her admiration of living near water and her passion for the community. “The people I’ve met through my work at Cedarwood and in the organizations I’ve had the privilege to be part of make living here rich and rewarding.”
Kathy enjoys cooking and entertaining. When she is not leading the next generation of students and teachers, you can find her at some of her favorite spots like Pat’s Rest Awhile, Tchefuncte Restaurant, Gallagher’s Grill and Keith Young’s too.
“With the many challenges we have all faced as a community over the past two years, we know we can do hard things,” shares Kathy. “As our Parish continues to grow, we need to hold hands, stick together, and set a positive example for the children of our community. We must all focus on the future through creativity, curiosity, courage, and confidence-building. Investing in our children and our future is the best investment we can make!”
INFO SESSIONS:
October 20, 2022 November 15, 2022 January 20, 2023
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