LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Leslie Peters Browne

Position: Educational Director
School: Our Kids Place Country Day
School District: Our Kids Place Country Day
City, State: Rosedale, NY

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Leslie Peters was nominated by her colleague, Lorraine Peters.

Leslie had always been an empathetic person, even when she was young. She would see people in need on the street and want to dive right in to help. When it came time to choose a career path, she explored the idea of entering the healthcare field, believing that this would be the ideal profession for her to help people. She pursued this dream heavily and even received a bachelor's degree in biology. That summer, she came home and began interning in her family business, a preschool that serviced young students in her community. One of the preschool teachers had to leave abruptly during the summer for health reasons and Leslie was enlisted to fill in. This is where she truly began thinking about the idea of pursuing a career in education. Watching over a group of young children who would be forever impacted left her with a feeling of moral responsibility, as well as fulfillment. After only one summer, she knew she had found her true passion. 

Leslie enrolled in LIU to obtain her master's degree in early childhood education. That very same year, she began teaching kindergarten. She would teach during the school day and head to her classes in the evening. Pursuing a degree while teaching a class full-time was not unheard of, but didn't make it any easier. To this day, she claims it was extremely rigorous, but it made her a more effective educator. She was in school getting all the latest educational resources, which she was able to bring back and share with her young learners. 

Currently, Leslie has moved up to an Educational Director role, overseeing 11 classrooms with over 200 students. With each child that comes through the door, Leslie continues to be an empathetic person. She adores her students and pushes her teaching teams to give 110 percent. Under the leadership of Mrs. Leslie, her school was awarded a UPK contract from the city. She also worked to get her programs NAEYC - accredited, a feat that seemed impossible just a few years prior. 

As a newly married young wife, Mrs. Leslie rarely leaves her office before 7:00 pm. She is constantly brainstorming new ideas to make her programs better. She's an amazing leader who has become an invaluable asset to her school. Mrs. Leslie strives for high-quality education, leading many professional development workshops for her team. She is constantly working to help develop her teachers. Many of her teachers have gone back to school and pursued educational degrees because she inspired them to apply. 

During this COVID-19 pandemic, Mrs. Leslie has stepped up to make sure her families feel supported and have the resources that they need. She has scheduled a virtual mental health training after learning that many of her families were feeling stressed from the current climate of the world. She has even opened up the building, at great risk to herself, to offer resources to the families who can't afford to buy simple tools like paper and pencils.

"I am so proud of her work in the community and in her school," said Lorraine. "She truly cares about providing the students and families with high-quality education/services."

Comments (27)

Tayna Jean-Pierre Posted over a year ago

I am a parent of twins who attended OKP for pre-kindergarten. They are currently 9 years old and going into 5th grade. Ms. Leslie is so memorable and kind that I am now wanting to enroll my two-year-old in the program! Ms. Leslie was always professional, polite, and positive. A couple of months ago, I called in to ask some questions about enrollment and our conversation made me feel like we hadn't skipped a beat. She reminded me of her kindness and genuine care for making our children great! My twins were always happy with her, they would stop by her desk in her office and talk to her or sit in her chair. You could just see how comfortable and safe they felt with her. I do not doubt in my mind that she played a life-changing role in my twin's life and that she will do the same for my 2-year-old! As a parent, someone like Ms. Leslie makes you feel that your kids are in good hands and I am sure she is putting in the work and effort that goes along with providing that security!

Curtis Peters Posted over a year ago

My daughter Leslie is such an exceptional young woman. I watch in awe of how she affects so many people around her, and of all ages. She is truly a life changer and it shows by the following and support she receives at her school. She has students and teachers who come back years later to tell her how much of an impact she’s had on them. I support this nomination because not many people work as hard as she does for our young people.

Debra Thomas Posted over a year ago

There is so much great things we could say about Ms Leslie knowing her for just almost 2 short years. She is well deserved of the title "life changer" for sure. As older parents we are very pleased with the choice we have made placing our son in this school as we have seen his tremendous accomplishments knowing this is all under the direction of Ms Leslie guiding her staff. Ms Leslie just know you are well deserved of this position. Congrats and best of luck!

Simone Kingwood Posted over a year ago

I am very proud of Leslie and the work she has done at Our Kids Place. She is most deserving of this nomination.

Tiffani Milam-White Posted over a year ago

You are well deserving of this nomination! I am proud to be a member of the OKP family! Best of Luck!

Shernell McClean Posted over a year ago

Ms.Leslie is a dedicated and commited educator. she genuinely love what she does and her kids. She is well deserving of the title Life Changer. she goes above a beyond for all her students and is very involved. I have never met a teacher who takes the time to speak a parent no matter how busy she is and gives advice when needed. It's amazing how Ms. Leslie makes you and your child/children feel so welcome and feel like you are family. She is a role modole to staff parents and students and she continues to play a role in the community and beyond, always volunteering when needed. She is the best and have the vote of every parent, past, present and future. Ms. Leslie you rock!!!!

Camille Sukhlal Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Leslie Peters, deserves to be recognized as a life changer because she has touched many lives. She has helped me to become the teacher that i am today. Mrs. Leslie is slowly reshaping Our Kids Place into becoming one of the best institution for our kids. Her vision includes child friendliness, developmentally appropriate practices and community involvement. In addition, she is innovative and supports all staff members in the classroom. Also, Mrs. Leslie has enhanced parent involvement beyond the walls of the classroom. I have no doubt that Mrs. Leslie will take Our Kids Place to the next level.

Diana Sito Posted over a year ago

Ms Leslie Peters is well deserving of the title of LIFE CHANGER of the year for she personifies the leadership qualities of a dedicated and committed educator in all is many facets. I had the pleasure of meeting Leslie Peters three years ago whereby I provided trainings for the staff. Leslie provided me with a clear roadmap as to areas of need as it pertained to the teachers and their professional development. During my first meeting with Leslie I realized that this young woman possessed innate qualities beyond her years which would serve her well as a leader, a role model for staff and parents alike as well an enthusiastic mover and shaker for the betterment of the community.

Taletia Lucas Posted over a year ago

Mrs.Leslie Peters is an exceptional person. She goes above and beyond her call of duty to ensure that all students receive the best possible education. She makes it a priority to get to know each individual student not only on an educational level but also a personal one. By doing so, Mrs. Leslie can assess each students capabilities and foster their learning accordingly. I am extremely proud to have my daughter at OKP and I wish Mrs. Leslie continued success in changing and shaping the lives of the future.

Simone Jordon Posted over a year ago

Very well deserving. Passionate and Dedicated to enriching the minds of her students. She's disciplined and strives to be and do the best professionally and personally.

Jerry Horsford Posted over a year ago

Hi Les, congratulations! In my estimation, nurturing future generations of leaders is a most worthy vocation. You and your team have already changed the world through the lives you have touched. "A teacher affects eternity; he [or she] can never tell where his influence stops." ? Henry B. Adams

Yuri Posted over a year ago

Leslie Peters is a sweet and kind person, who loves all those cute children??...My boys had so much fun last summer in Our Kids place, thank you Leslie and Lorraine????... Every day they came home with a big smile telling me how much fun they had...Congratulations ????????

Anastasia Lorrington Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Leslie set the tone for me in the career world. She guided me and motivated me into the person that I am today. She accepted me into her establishment at just a starting teenager when I was young and carefree. Mrs Leslie then molded me into a responsible adult in the career world. I am grateful and I thank you Mrs Leslie for all your guidance. Everybody she encounters with comes out with a positive outcome in life.

Loni Scott Posted over a year ago

I absolutely LOVE Ms. Leslie! She is so deserving of this nomination. She’s such a kindhearted person and truly loves her job. She’s always there for the children as well as the parents. During this time of uncertainty and homeschooling, she continues to provide encouragement and advice to parents who may feel overwhelmed. Thank you Ms. Leslie, you ROCK!

Veronica Bactawar Posted over a year ago

Leslie Peters Browne is an amazing person! She is a great educator. I have had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Leslie for the past seven and a half years. She’s taught me so much in the past few years. I watch her juggle a lot from attending workshops to getting our school a UPK contract by City. When she got us NAEYC accredited, it felt like such a big accomplishment. She encouraged all of us to join NAEYC and attend the conference last year. I am so thankful that I was able to go with her, I learned so much about ECE. Mrs. Leslie works so hard to give her staff and students the very best education. She has accomplished so much and deserves this nomination of LIFE CHANGER of the year. I’m so happy to support her!

Colette Alexander Posted over a year ago

Congratulations on your well-deserved nomination!

Ms. Susan Posted over a year ago

When I first met Mrs. Leslie, she hadn't even finished high school! She was determined then, and is determined now, to put all of her best on the line, all the time. She was pursuing a medical degree, but after that summer, her entire focus changed. Mrs. Leslie dove in head first when she worked with the children, and is their loudest cheerleader. No matter what she tells them, the children take in every word she says, and then they are willing to try that much harder to accomplish whatever feat is at hand. Mrs. Leslie is very passionate about the children, and she enjoys being with them, playing with them, and just being around them. I think Mrs. Leslie is an ideal candidate for Life Changer of the Year.

Thandi L Chester Posted over a year ago

What can I say about Ms Leslie that hasn’t been said...My daughter has benefited from her knowledge and the specialized attention shown by Ms Leslie and her staff at OKP. The community thanks you for all you do.

Veronica Bactawar Posted over a year ago

Leslie Peters Browne is an amazing person! She is a great educator. I have had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Leslie for the past seven and a half years. She’s taught me so much in the past few years. I watch her juggle a lot from attending workshops to getting our school a UPK contract by City. When she got us NAEYC accredited, it felt like such a big accomplishment. She encouraged all of us to join NAEYC and attend the conference last year. I am so thankful that I was able to go with her, I learned so much about ECE. Mrs. Leslie works so hard to give her staff and students the very best education. She has accomplished so much and deserves this nomination of LIFE CHANGER of the year. I’m so happy to support her!

Allana Straker Posted over a year ago

Ms.Leslie is an amazing person and educator. What I admire is that although she is not my daughters classroom teacher, my daughter knows her so very well. This shows me that she interacts with the children. She makes it her duty to visit their classrooms and engage with them even with the title that she has. My daughter “Kai” one day pointed to her and said Ms.Leslie came to my class today to read us a story. Taking time out of her busy schedule to still spend time with her students is phenomenal. I remember needing assistance to fill out an application for pre kindergarten and she said to me “ if you find it difficult just call me or come in and I will walk you through it”. These are things that make a person admirable. Ms. Leslie has my vote in obtaining The Life Changer Of The Year Award !

Desiree Mahoney Posted over a year ago

Leslie Peters- Browne has been a personal life changer for me. She has taught me so much. Her loving desire for children and the community is much to be desired. She is truly an educator. What ever questions we as teacher’s has she has the knowledge at her fingertips. To be so young in age and to have accomplished so much is truly commendable. Mrs. Leslie Peters you are not only a life changer but a game changer. Other schools look to you as a guide and model. Thank you for being my mentor and role model.

Elizabeth Jeanty Posted over a year ago

Hi Mrs.Leslie We appreciate everything and all the hard word you doing in the mist of everything you still find time to make sure all the children and parents are doing well. Thank you for creating a fun and safe educational environment for my child, all the hard work you put in doesn’t go unnoticed thank you for everything. When we first started I was scared about Elizabeth adjusting to a new school but you made her fit right it continue being you.

Leah Taylor Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Leslie is deserving of the "Lifechanger of the Year" award as she is compassionate about her work and the families she services. She is always ready to listen and lend a helping hand or give resources that can help others. I appreciate her dedication and the quality of education she envisions for the children and staff of OKP!

Mrs. Sherice Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Leslie Peters Browne is such an amazing woman. She impacts the people she comes in contact with daily. She inspires teachers, students, and her team staff to always be at their best, as she gives her 100% and all she does. She an inspiration to women all and Mrs. Leslie is a great leader, as well as a mover and a shaker. She's authentic, loving, kind, respectful, and giving.

Aisha Demosthenes Posted over a year ago

I most definitely recommend Mrs. Leslie Peters for this honor. She has made it possible for the children at OKP to have a quality education that is inclusive, rigorous and engaging. In addition, she extends herself beyond the classroom to make sure that families have all they need for their children to succeed. I am happy that my son has had the opportunity to learn under her leadership! Good luck Mrs. Leslie! You deserve this! -Aisha D.

Charmaine Posted over a year ago

An exceptional leader with a lot of heart!

Dacheen Oliver Posted over a year ago

Beautiful. Just a beautiful person. Smart and wonderful person. Congratulations.