Why did you become a Teacher/Administrator/Counselor?

I’ve wanted to be a teacher for about as long as I can remember. I used to make my brothers play school with me. My dad even painted me a chalkboard on the wall of our basement so I could practice “teaching.” I would wear my mom’s heels and dresses to make myself look more professional. My brothers were great sports though–they took every “test” I gave and listened to me as I explained what they did wrong. Both of my parents are also teachers, so education has always been a big part of my world. I used to tell my parents that I just wanted to be a student when I grew up — I never want to stop learning. This career definitely lends itself to that.

Something about you that would surprise students?

I’m a twin!

Biggest Motivation for becoming your current position at MTHS?

Mrs. Ocone was the most special part of my first unofficial year here at Manchester. When she passed this summer, I knew I didn’t want anyone else taking over this program. Mrs. Ocone and I spent hours and hours together on the phone last year, letting me pick her brain about anything and everything. She taught me everything she could — even on her bad days, she dedicated 100% to helping me. She was the most selfless person I’ve ever met. This program is her legacy, and I couldn’t bear the thought of someone new coming in and changing everything. This year being the 50th anniversary of our school was bittersweet–I wanted to make this yearbook something Mrs. Ocone would be proud of. And, remarkably enough, we just got our first portion of 2026 yearbook deliveries. This year, they were delivered in boxes painted in her iconic color. It felt like Mrs. Ocone was just popping by to tell me that everything was going to be–and absolutely is–okay. She will always be my biggest motivation at Manchester.

Favorite Traditions/Superstitions you have at MTHS?

Yearbook submission day will always hold a special place in my heart. After months and months of hard work, students get to hit submit on 224 pages. 224 pages that tested them, changed them, frustrated them, and excited them. Not enough people in our building truly understand the dedication required to complete this book start to finish. Students carry a significant creative and cognitive load in the busiest seasons of our yearbook. They are the minds behind some of our best ideas, and the sounding boards for some of our worst. The day we hit submit is the day we all feel like we can breathe again (at least, until distribution day!).

Someone you admire the Hawks Nest?

I admire everyone at the Hawks Nest, because our school wouldn’t function without all the unique talents each staff member brings to our building. But I really admire the work Mrs. Theresa Zacchia does for our Child Study Team. She has been nothing but supportive since I started here last year. Her kindness meant the world to me on some of my hardest days at work. I hope she knows how deeply appreciated she is by so many.

Dream Vacation?

Somewhere quiet. Where I don’t have to hear anyone say, “Ms. Leonard” for at least a month. Ideally, this would be somewhere on a beach.

If you had one wish, they’d wish for:

World peace.

Best MTHS Memory?

Yearbook distribution day — I loved seeing the seniors flip excitedly through their last yearbook. It was like we created a little community within our own in the auditorium that day.

Advice for students?

Don’t take life so seriously! No one ever knows exactly what they’re doing; we are all just winging this whole life thing. The key is confidence and an abundance of joy — for all things. Remain excited about little things and be kind to everyone you meet. By doing so, blessings find their way to you. The joy of life is the living — every moment, every day.