Leslie is a teacher, a facilitator, a certified parenting coach and a community leader. She is passionate about bringing people together, communicating powerfully and connecting deeply. Leslie has degrees in psychology and education and has been facilitating support groups since she was in high school and led the Peer Support program. Leslie’s life is built around her skills in connection and compassion. She has worked as an inner-city K-8 Special Education teacher, created and facilitated empathy groups for teens and parents, both at Friendship in Action and independently, and is a mother of four strong-willed, deeply feeling, wildly curious children. It is the wholehearted bittersweet reality of being human that Leslie loves most. She believes deeply that if we are vulnerable and bravely talk, listen and connect with others, life not only becomes more manageable, but more full of joy!