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 500 volunteers to deliver evidence-based, individualized reading instruction to more than 700 youth.

Leah’s commitment to systemic change extends beyond PEAK through her board service with GNV Thrives 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. 

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Ashley brings more than seven years of experience supporting students in educational settings to her role as Program Director at PEAK Literacy. A proud Georgia native and graduate of Kennesaw State University, she has taught, mentored, and encouraged learners from kindergarten through 12th grade, giving her a strong understanding of the diverse needs and strengths of students at every stage. 

In her role at PEAK, Ashley oversees both online and in-person programs, helping ensure that daily operations run smoothly and that every student receives high-quality, consistent literacy support. She plays a vital role in connecting passionate volunteers with students across Alachua County, all while fostering warm, collaborative relationships with families and community partners.  

An avid reader herself, Ashley is committed to spreading the joy of reading and empowering students to build the confidence and skills they need to thrive. Outside of work, Ashley channels her creativity into costume-making, loves belting out her favorite songs at karaoke, and can often be found immersed in a captivating fantasy novel. 

LITERACY SPECIALIST

Lelia has served as an educator for nearly 20 years, teaching and caring for children from six weeks old through 5th grade. A proud graduate of the University of Florida, she holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education along with Reading and ESOL Endorsements. Throughout her career, Lelia has been known for meeting children exactly where they are, nurturing both their confidence and their academic growth. She believes deeply in empowering families, offering compassionate coaching and practical resources that help them thrive. At PEAK, she supports volunteers and families as they work together to strengthen literacy across the community—something she considers both a calling and a joy. 

Beyond her professional life, Lelia’s world is grounded in faith, family, and simple joys. At home, she treasures time with her husband, their three biological sons, and the two daughters they are blessed to foster.  She enjoys peaceful moments reading outside in the Florida sunshine.  

She loves experimenting in the kitchen, trying new recipes, and sharing her creations with her family. And whenever she can, Lelia indulges her love of travel—especially cruise vacations, where she can unwind, explore new places, and enjoy the soothing rhythm of the ocean. 

OPERATIONS MANAGER

 Monica brings more than 15 years of experience in executive administration and human resources to her role as Operations Manager at PEAK Literacy. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong foundation in organizational leadership, operational oversight, and employee support, which she now applies to ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the organization. 

A Gainesville, FL native, Monica is deeply committed to serving her community and contributing to PEAK Literacy’s mission of empowering individuals through education. In her role, she oversees daily operations, supports staff and program needs, and helps maintain a welcoming and well-organized environment. Her attention to detail, proactive approach, and ability to anticipate organizational needs make her an integral part of the team. 

Outside of work, Monica is dedicated to her personal wellness and enjoys exercising, spending quality time with her family, and cheering on the Florida Gators. She is passionate about creating balance in her life and bringing that same sense of positivity and commitment to her professional role. 

OUTREACH REPRESENTATIVE

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 connects families and volunteers with our literacy programs through community outreach and recruitment. You can often find her representing PEAK at local events, helping expand access to literacy resources and inviting others to get involved in our mission.

Outside of work, Ashanta enjoys spending time outdoors fishing and relaxing with a great movie and reading stories with her boys before bed. 

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Ariana is a recent graduate from the University of Florida where she earned a bachelor's degree in public relations with a minor in event management. She is passionate about bringing communities together through meaningful events and advocating for causes that create a long, positive change. Born in Nicaragua, later raised in Miami, she is a first-generation college student, whose personal experiences have shaped her commitment to literacy. Having witnessed and experienced literacy challenges children face, she is dedicated to helping children build strong reading and comprehension skills, necessary to professionally and academically thrive.  

In her role, Ariana oversees PEAK's afterschool tutoring programs, ensuring daily site operations run smoothly, and students receive high-quality reading interventions in a supportive, encouraging environment. She provides leadership and support to site coordinators and tutors, helping ensure Alachua County students build confidence and develop strong literacy skills. 

You can find Ariana outdoors, biking on the Hawthorne trail, swimming in Florida’s Springs, basking in the sun. She enjoys exploring Florida's unique landscape and charm. When she’s not outside, she can be found immersed in a good, nonfiction book, completing a word search, watching movies or discovering new music. 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Before joining the staff, Essie volunteered as a reading tutor with PEAK Literacy, where she developed a passion for helping children strengthen their reading skills. Her experience as a volunteer gave her valuable insight into PEAK's mission and inspired her to continue making a difference in her current role. She is proud to support the team behind the scenes and contribute to an organization dedicated to helping children become confident, successful readers. 

Currently Essie Santa Fe College. Essie graduated from high school as a homeschool student and has always had a passion for organization and helping others. As the Office Administrative Assistant at PEAK Literacy, she provides essential administrative and operational support that helps keep the organization's programs running smoothly. She works closely with staff, volunteers, families, and community partners by coordinating daily office operations, preparing program materials, and supporting student assessments. 

Beyond her role at PEAK Literacy, Essie enjoys expressing herself through art and is always looking for new projects and techniques to explore. She finds that creating art is both a relaxing outlet and an opportunity to challenge herself in new ways. She also enjoys taking walks and spending quality time with family. Essie values organization, attention to detail, and reliability, and strives to bring those qualities into every aspect of her work and daily life.