My name is Amanda McDaniels. I am a Special Education teacher and the owner & director of VIBE Learning Center. I utilize my teaching skills along with my classroom experience and the RPM method of communication to bring a unique and personalized educational approach to VIBE.
We serve neurodivergent children, adults, and families, or any individual, regardless of diagnosis, who is struggling to communicate or learn with traditional methods.
Originally from South Dakota, I have lived in the greater New Orleans area for 10 years with my son Hayden.
I am certified in the Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) with degrees in Special Education, Elementary Education, and Early Childhood Education. My greatest joy was working with kids in the SPED classroom who are non-speakers.
After experiencing many shortcomings of the public school platform, I made the difficult decision to step away from the classroom. Shortly after, I became aware of the desperate need in Louisiana for trained professionals, like myself, to work with non-speaking, or minimally speaking children and adults.
This awareness inspired me to create the concept and vision for VIBE Learning Center in February of 2022. VIBE is an acronym for Voices Inspired – Bodies Empowered.
VIBE is so much more than just a name – it’s what we do!
My name is Paige Dupre. I have been an RPM Practitioner with VIBE since August 2023. I was born and raised in Louisiana and currently reside in Houma, Louisiana with my fiancé, Brant. I graduated in December 2023, from Nicholls State University with an Associate’s degree in General Studies.
Before and during my college career, I had the opportunity to work as a child caregiver for a family with two children with special needs. It was through this family that I was introduced to Amanda McDaniels, VIBE, and the RPM method of communication.
Having the opportunity to bring the kids to their sessions and watch the progress they were making sparked a passion in me to pursue a complete career path change! After a lot of soul-searching, I made the huge decision to change course, pursue this new dream, and contact Amanda to find out how I could learn to do what she was doing as an RPM Practitioner. As it happened, she had just made the decision to bring in a second practitioner to VIBE! Divine timing? Absolutely!
Along with Amanda’s direction and training, I completed and was certified by Communication for Education. I also completed the SOMA RPM Practitioner Level 1 Course and am a certified RPM Practitioner. My knowledge and experience will grow with time. I am so ecstatic to work with such amazing souls!
I am Kaitlin Barber, a dedicated special education teacher and tutor with a decade of experience in the field. Raised in New Orleans, I graduated from the University of New Orleans and developed a deep passion for education.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse age range of students, from as young as six to as old as twenty-eight. My commitment to facilitating the learning process and my ability to connect with my students have impacted the lives of my students and myself. I specialize in providing tailored support that meets the unique needs of each learner, ensuring they reach their full potential.
Outside of my professional life, I am a devoted wife and stepmom and a dog mom to four precious dogs. I enjoy cooking and gardening. Family time is a priority for me, and I cherish the moments spent with my loved ones.
My name is Ana Mendieta. Helping others has always been close to my heart, especially within the autism community. I graduated from Delgado Community College in 2020 and have spent the last two years working in ABA therapy. My teenage son is on the spectrum and living with type 1 diabetes, which has shaped my understanding, deepened my empathy and inspired my commitment to making a positive difference.
I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals of different ages and abilities and I believe in creating a safe, encouraging environment where each person’s unique strengths can shine. Seeing growth, no matter how big or small, is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Outside of work I enjoy boxing, baking new recipes, capturing moments through photography, and decorating spaces to make them feel warm and inviting. I love being in nature, exploring new places, and listening to music that inspires me. Family is everything to me, and I cherish the time I get to spend with my loved ones.
Kelly is the business manager for VIBE and handles all the day-to-day coordination of VIBE’s business activities. She has over 35 years of experience in accounting, management, and human resources, and she also happens to be Amanda’s mom!
“Working for my daughter has truly been a dream come true. I have spent most of my career working for small businesses and helping others achieve their goals and dreams. Being able to bring that experience home to VIBE and help Amanda serve our families is truly the highlight of my career.”
Besides working for VIBE, Kelly enjoys traveling and spending time with friends, family and especially her grandchildren!
6226 Jefferson Hwy, Suites A & E
Harahan, LA 70123
720 N Alexander Avenue
Gonzales, LA 70737
