Leslie De Leonardis

Leslie De Leonardis was born and raised in Sun Valley, CA. Both Leslie and her sister are first generation American-born, yet remain filled with Italian culture and language. Leslie is a product of Catholic Education starting at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary for elementary school and ending at Bellarmine – Jefferson for High School, as their Valedictorian.

Her mom, in attempts to better her English, began volunteering in Leslie’s Kinder classroom and ended up staying for 30 years as an employee of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. Leslie attended UCLA where she obtained her degree with a focus on psychology, behavior modification (Autism) and learning disabilities. She became a Junior High Math and Science teacher for St. Francis of Assisi School for seven years and continued her teaching career at St. Ignatius school for two years. She received the “call” to return to St. Francis of Assisi (SFA) School as Principal four years ago. Being in education for 13 years now (with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles), Leslie has been greatly influenced by the diligence and strength of our Department of Catholic Schools, that she is now taking steps to obtain her Admin credentials and Master’s as she embarks on her 5th year as Principal.