Having worked on both sides of the admissions process for more than 30 years, Leslie is exceptionally well-known within New York-area independent day schools as well as boarding schools throughout the country. She is highly regarded for passionately advocating on behalf of students and families and for her keen expertise in matching a student with the best school for him or her. For 20 years, Leslie was the Associate Director of Admissions at Riverdale Country School, of which she is also an alumna. She interviewed hundreds of prospective students (and their parents) applying to grades 7-11 and endeavoured to attract the very best candidates to the school, admitting students who were both strong academically and who represented diverse strengths, talents, and interests. She then moved on to the Cathedral School of St. John the Divine, an independent, coeducational K-8 school, where for 12 years she was the Director of High School Placement. In this role, she brought her deep knowledge of admissions to the other side of the process, to students and families who were applying to boarding and day secondary schools. She advised families about the myriad excellent options for middle and high school, both day and boarding; consulted with students and parents about essays; explained the importance of standardized testing, transcripts, and extracurricular activities; prepared families for their school interviews; and advocated for each student with admissions directors. Leslie earned a BA in government from Connecticut College.
