Leena is a dedicated educator and school leader with more than 15 years of experience, driven by a deep belief that every child deserves meaningful, high-quality educational opportunities. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of serving as a teacher, literacy specialist and coach, dean, and school principal, working with students from Pre-K through 8th grade.
At the heart of Leena’s work is a commitment to supporting children and families in high-needs communities. She has dedicated her career to creating learning environments where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Leena is especially passionate about nurturing children’s natural curiosity and helping them make sense of the world around them through meaningful learning experiences.
A strong advocate for early literacy, Leena believes that learning to read is about more than developing a skill, it is about opening the door to imagination, discovery, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. She is passionate about helping children develop a strong foundation in literacy while creating joyful experiences that encourage them to see themselves as capable and enthusiastic readers.
Leena holds certifications in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, and Literacy (all grades). She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Hunter College.