Lesley received a Doctorate from Vanderbilt University in Special Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Special Education and a Masters Degree in Special Education and a Bachelor of Arts  Degree in Art History from University of Memphis. Lesley has been a member of the Special Education faculty for the University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Minnesota, and Middle Tennessee State University, eventually achieving the tenured rank of full professor. Lesley’s professional focuses are promoting social competence skills, instructing and supporting diverse learners in educational and community settings. She enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, watching classic movies and playing board games. 

Professional interests: Social Competency skills and behavior development and interventions, promoting self-advocacy and self-determination skills, post high school transition for exceptional populations, instruction and support of employment opportunities for individuals with various exceptionalities, Second Language Learners and instructional technology.

Pronouns: She/Her