Owner's Story
Meet the Owners: Vivek Jaikamal & Maneesha Mankad
Vivek and Maneesha have been part of the Ann Arbor community for over 30 years, raising their two daughters in a dynamic and intellectually rich environment. Vivek brings decades of business and leadership experience in the automotive industry, while Maneesha transitioned from a career in statistics to teaching, inspired by her volunteer work in local schools. Since 2014, Maneesha has taught Mathematics at Community High School, where she also serves as Department Chair.
Together, they bring extensive experience in mentoring, team building, and fostering inclusive, supportive environments. Their deep commitment to education led them to volunteer in many areas within the local schools. These experiences deepened Maneesha’s love for working with children and highlighted the importance of close collaboration with families and educators—a value that continues to guide their work.
Maneesha strongly believes in nurturing curiosity, independence, and a love of lifelong learning through discovery and collaboration. Drawn to Ivybrook’s philosophy, which emphasizes individualized learning, student voice, and discovery-based approaches, she saw a unique opportunity to impact early learners in the Ann Arbor, Saline, and Ypsilanti areas.
As Director of Admissions, Maneesha is excited to work closely with families, educators, and students to build a warm, inclusive learning community where every child is supported and celebrated. Outside of the classroom, Maneesha enjoys traveling, reading, dance, theater, music, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Listen to Vivek Jaikamal and Maneesha Mankad's Story
Lucy Ann Lance from The Great Voice talked with Vivek and Maneesha about their journey to opening Ivybrook Academy in Ann Arbor. You can also listen to part of their interview on Instagram.
Meet the Team
Victoria Cameron - Director of Curriculum
Victoria Cameron is a lifelong resident of the Ann Arbor area, a vibrant community she is proud to have deep roots in. She attended Ann Arbor Public Schools and then Eastern Michigan University for her undergraduate and postgraduate programs, while her father is a retired professor at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!). She is a proud mother to three adult daughters and feels fortunate to be a grandma to six amazing little ones.
Victoria is a dedicated and highly respected professional in the field of Early Childhood Education, bringing over 25 years of rich experience and leadership to her work. Her career has spanned a variety of roles - from a classroom teacher in preschool, elementary, and middle school settings to a program director at Foundations Preschool of Washtenaw County, and an adjunct instructor at Washtenaw Community College. One of Victoria’s greatest strengths is her exceptional ability to collaborate with colleagues, families, and administrators. She is widely recognized for her capacity to build strong, authentic, and individualized relationships with families, earning the admiration of peers and the trust of those she serves.
Victoria champions a child-centered, strengths-based, and whole-child approach to education, aligning seamlessly with Ivybrook’s vision of children as capable, competent, and worthy individuals. Victoria believes that the hybrid curriculum offered by Ivybrook, which is a blend of the philosophies of Montessori, Reggio-Emilia, and the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, makes it stand apart. This curriculum provides access and opportunity to every child to learn in ways that addresses their individual needs.
Victoria’s deep sense of purpose is rooted in a lifelong calling to support young children, their families, and the dedicated educators who nurture them every day. Victoria cannot wait to begin this new chapter with the Ivybrook community. She looks forward to learning and growing together in the service of our children.
-----------------------------------
Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Eastern Michigan University - Ypsilanti, MI
Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education/Mathematics, Eastern Michigan University - Ypsilanti, MI