Leah was raised learning how to ride a horse before she could walk and sing in German before she could talk. She attributes her love of animals and travel to her upbringing. Leah’s international education journey started in undergrad when she spent a semester studying abroad in Europe. A few years later, her lifelong fascination with wildlife led her to Thailand where she volunteered in elephant conservation, planting grass by hand, and harvesting sugar cane.

Leah has a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Niagara University and a master’s degree in Higher Education and International Leadership from Old Dominion University. Her graduate research focused on sustainable international service-learning which culminated when she organized and led students on an alternative spring break in Greece to volunteer in refugee resettlement.

After graduation, Leah worked as a Study Abroad Coordinator in ODU’s Center for Global Engagement where she oversaw all aspects of study abroad preparation including recruitment, academic advising, risk management, and program assessment. She joins the SFS Institutional Relations team with a passion for expanding accessibility of experiential education to students of all backgrounds. Leah can often be found in her self-converted adventure van near the mountains, woods, or ocean with her husband and dog.