Senior Leadership

Emily’s diverse nonprofit career and extensive travels have been centered primarily around fostering healthy communities. Through her career over the past ten years, Emily has worked with agencies whose work spans international poverty alleviation through impact investing to a global focus on how people and nature can thrive together. Emily came to L.E.A.P. in 2018, with financial leadership skills and excitement to work in a community close to home. In her time at L.E.A.P., Emily has helped to ensure that some of the most critical resources in the community are continually funded in a way that is sustainable while helping to shape the strategic direction of L.E.A.P.  Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Vermont and a Master of Business Administration from Simmons University in Boston.

Emily currently lives in her hometown of Glens Falls with her husband, their two children and two dogs. In her free time, Emily likes to hike, walk, and explore the local library in addition to volunteering as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors of a local preschool program.

Patricia has dedicated her career to providing developmentally appropriate early childhood educational practices that prepare young children and their families for school and beyond. Having initially worked as a preschool teacher, Patricia left the classroom to coordinate educational services for the Head Start program. Enjoying many years of training and mentoring new teachers, she steered the program with research-based practices to ensure positive school readiness outcomes in children.

In 2019, she became the Program Director and has worked diligently to provide leadership and guidance during the pandemic. A strong supporter of her staff, she has implemented staff wellness and onboarding initiatives for the agency.

Patricia lives in Queensbury with her husband and their Siamese cat. She and her husband have one adult son and daughter-in-law who live in Massachusetts. A lifelong learner, Patricia enjoys reading, documentaries, traveling and spending time on Lake George during the summer.

Mary joined L.E.A.P. in 2005 as an Administrative Assistant and HR Manager and is responsible for creating and launching the HR structure and management for the organization.

In 2014, Mary was promoted to HR Director and in 2015, achieved the Society of Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) accreditation. Previously, Mary received certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), SHRM Advocacy Team, the Capital Region Human Resources Association (CRHRA), and the Adirondack Human Resources Association (AdkHRA).

Mary is married with one son and three grandsons. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, wathing old movies, and attending Broadway musicals.

Nancy’s work at L.E.A.P. spans many departments as she spends time with the Career Center, Employment & Training, Community Care, Emergency Services, Food Pantry, Community Garden, Winter Coat collection/distribution, and Transportation Services.

In her free time, she enjoys being involved in the community, spending time with family and friends on Sacandaga Lake and at her family’s camp, caring for rescue animals, and traveling. She and her husband have two children.

Inspired by her parents’ consistent generosity toward and acceptance of others, Shelley has spent her life serving others in volunteer and professional capacities. Shelley believes with support, people can overcome barriers and strive for the life they desire, leading her to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology/Life Coaching followed by a Master’s Degree in Leadership/Nonprofit Management.

Shelley loves spending time with family and friends, whether it’s playing cards or board games, adventuring outdoors, playing music together, or just sitting at the dinner table talking and laughing, time with loved ones refuels her.

Originally from Brooklyn New York, Jodie moved to the Capital District in 1985 and has since become a proud alumna of Adirondack Community College and The College of Saint Rose, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. In 2001, Jodie began her career at L.E.A.P. Head Start as a Family Advocate, working to ensure that every family is being supported on their own individual needs and strengths.

Jodie is the mother of three girls and enjoys spending time with family, her puppy, listening to music, watching the Yankees win, and traveling.

Throughout her time in the program, Amber has worked as a classroom lead teacher, center director, and education and disability coordinator. With a BA in Multidisciplinary Studies and Elementary Education and an MA in Special Education, Amber’s goal is to establish developmentally appropriate classrooms in which all children can learn while continuing to foster and grow collaborative relationships between the L.E.A.P. agency and local school districts.

Amber lives in Fort Ann with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and two cats. Her family enjoys taking road trips and visiting “new to us” local places, playing competitive board games, watching movies, trying out new recipes, and taking our dogs on walks. Amber also enjoys reading, crossword puzzles, and volunteering at her church.

Roberta began her career at L.E.A.P. over 10 years ago as an Employment Counselor, Senior Employment Counselor and now, Assistant Director of Employment and Training. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1992 from SUNY Plattsburgh and over the years she has worked as a teacher, Education for Gainful Employment instructor, and a Senior Account Supervisor.

Roberta grew up in the foothills of the Adirondacks, and Glens Falls has been her home for years. She has three daughters, two sons, and eight grandchildren who enjoy dinners together. In her free time, Roberta reads, listens to 1950’s-1970’s music, and enjoys movie marathons at the theater as well as traveling to Florida.