
Leslie grew up in a small town in southern Michigan. This gave her the opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of activities throughout her school years. Many of those were based around music, drawing on her skills of playing the piano and flute as well as singing. She was also very involved in her church and its youth group. After graduating from high school, Leslie attended Calvin College where she studied Spanish and music and received a teaching degree. From Calvin, Leslie moved to California to study for a master degree at the University of California, Santa Barbara. In 1994, after completing her M.A., Leslie moved to San Francisco and has been here ever since. After teaching Spanish for many years at the elementary and middle school levels, Leslie decided to go to seminary at San Francisco Theological Seminary. She graduated with a Master of Divinity in 2005. In 2007, Leslie joined the staff of SFTS as the Director of Vocational Formation and Placement. Eventually, field education was also added to her plate. While working at SFTS, Leslie also completed work for a Doctor of Ministry degree. In 2013, Leslie joined the faculty of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, where she continues to work today as the Director of Contextual Education and as a lecturer, providing a wide array of practical theology classes. Leslie worked with Mission Bay Community Church for ten years as a Parish Associate and is happy to join the SAPC community to continue this vital ministry that feeds her seminary work.