Behind the Flame: Leslie
Our Behind the Flame blog series spotlights the team that brings our mission to life all across Adventist HealthCare each and every day.
Personal Profile
Career Area
Mental Health
Entity
The Lourie Center
Position
Assistant Teacher
Start Year
2022
Meet Leslie
Leslie is an Assistant Teacher with the Head Start Program at Adventist HealthCare’s The Lourie Center for Children’s Social & Emotional Wellness. She plays an important role in helping provide mental health care to low-income families, including pregnant women and children from birth to age five. The program also serves children with disabilities, children in foster care, and families experiencing homelessness.
Q&A with Leslie
We recently sat down with Leslie to learn more about her time at Adventist HealthCare.
Why The Lourie Center?
The Lourie Center is an incredible place for children to grow socially and emotionally. As someone who has been part of the Head Start Program, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful this environment is. It’s taught me so much.
How long have you been at The Lourie Center?
I’ve been at The Lourie Center for three years. I originally started in 2019 and later returned to continue building my career here.
Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
My grandma has been my inspiration since I was a little girl. She’s a childcare provider, and I grew up helping her around the daycare. She taught me so much, and those experiences made me realize how much I enjoy working with children.
What’s the best advice you can give to someone just starting their career?
Sometimes the road may feel bumpy, but at the end of the day, it’s incredibly special knowing you’re making a difference in children’s lives. It’s rewarding to know you’re helping shape the future.
When you're at work, how do you motivate yourself?
I stay motivated by thinking about how excited the children get when they feel proud of their work. Knowing I play a big role in their growth and success keeps me going.
Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.
I’ve wanted to become a teacher since kindergarten. It’s been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember.
What’s a fun fact about you that may surprise people?
I’m a very creative person—I love doing arts and crafts and finding fun, hands-on ways to engage with the children.
What’s your favorite project?
My favorite project has been working with families and inviting them to join our classroom activities. Seeing the children light up when their families are involved is such a joyful experience—it creates a strong sense of community.
What’s your secret talent?
I love listening to music and dancing—it’s something I do almost all the time! It helps me stay energized and positive.
Anything else you'd like people to know?
I take my role seriously. I love the work I do, and one day I hope to own my own family childcare business. It’s something I’m truly passionate about.
