Director and Staff
Leah Galione
Founder & Executive director
Leah is a proud University of Florida alumna and a dedicated member of the Gainesville community for over 30 years. Drawing from her personal experience as a homeschooling mother to five children, Leah is deeply committed to educational equity and personalized learning. Since PEAK's founding in 2019, she has recruited and trained over 400 volunteers to deliver evidence-based, individualized reading instruction to more than 500 children. This year, PEAK is on track to serve over 250 youth and is expanding its literacy model to other nonprofits and community organizations across the state.
Leah’s commitment to systemic change extends beyond PEAK through her board service with GNV Thrives and IntersectionED, and her role on the steering committees for Books and Cooks, Alachua County’s Comprehensive Literacy Committee, and The Alachua County Campaign for Grade Level Reading.
In her free time, Leah enjoys reading, volunteering as an usher at the University of Florida Performing Arts Center and Gainesville Community Playhouse, teaching aqua fitness classes at Gainesville Health and Fitness, and taking beach trips with her family.
Ashley Whatley
Program Director
Ashley brings over seven years of experience working with students in education to her role as Program Assistant at PEAK Literacy. A proud Georgia native and graduate of Kennesaw State University, Ashley has taught and mentored students across a wide range of grade levels—from Kindergarten to grade 12.
At PEAK, she supports day-to-day operations and helps connect dedicated volunteers with students in need of literacy support. With a strong belief in the power of education to transform lives, Ashley plays a key role in ensuring that students receive the attention and resources they need to thrive. She is committed to fostering strong relationships with families, volunteers, and the broader community. Outside of work, she enjoys making costumes, singing karaoke, and getting lost in a good fantasy novel.
Ashanta Lewis
Administrative Assistant
Ashanta brings over ten years of customer service and management experience to her role at PEAK Literacy. As a proud mother of two boys on the autism spectrum, she has learned firsthand the importance of patience, creativity, and personalized support in helping children thrive. Her personal connection to PEAK’s mission runs deep. Her eldest son participated in the PEAK program to strengthen his reading skills, giving her a unique perspective on the transformative impact of literacy.
At PEAK, Ashanta supports the day-to-day operations of the office and plays an active role in community outreach, representing PEAK at local events and helping connect more families with literacy resources. Visitors may even spot her at a community table event near them!
Outside of work, Ashanta enjoys spending time outdoors fishing and relaxing with a great movie and reading stories with her boys before bed.