Born in Boston Mass. in 1958 into an Italian American family.  All four grandparents were born in Italy and came to the US at the turn of the 20th century.

I love my roots and miss my family very much who have mostly passed away.

I graduated from law school in 1986 after spending a few years as an ICU registered nurse.  I have practiced law in big firms in Texas and small firms in Denver.  In the 90's I left the practice of law and did business transformation work for fortune 500 companies all over the country.

Now I live in Denver with my husband and practice family law and volunteer in my community on boards and mentoring programs.  I have one daughter who will be 25 in January who lives in NYC and wants to be a comedy writer.  I love my family, friends and our Austrailian Shepard Sophie very much.

I love my life and I am glad to have more balance and time to pursue things I love to do.

How did you get to where you are now?

It has been a tumultuous journey.  After my father died when I was 12 years old I decided that I was going to always be able to provide for my own security.  Although I was trained as a classical ballet dancer and enjoyed being in my high school and college plays very much, I decided to go with my head rather than my heart and that education in a profession was the best way forward to my self sufficency goal.  So I became an RN after majoring in Nursing in college (very secure) and then soon entered law school.

I loved law school but hated the practice of law. I hated the constant annimosity that was generated in litigation.   In 1987 I got divorced from my first husband and by 1990 I had moved to northern California, married my second husband who lead "the Forum" for Werner Erhard's company Landmark Education and became a seminar leader and leader of business transformation projects.  I called it joining the circus.  It was exciting to say the least but I worked too hard, traveled too much and eventually ended that second marriage as well in 1997.

In 2000, at 42 years of age, weary from the road, having almost no social life but a big bank account I decided to quit my consulting job and take a year off to rebuild my life.  I bought a 1920 bungalow in central Denver, remodeled the inside, bought an austrailian shepard puppy, and started internet dating.  I took on the commitment to building a local life and family as best I could.  I had been creating  my own financial security for most of my life and I ended up with money but none of the things I really valued from my childhood; family and friends close by, a warm and welcoming home full of the smells of good cooking and laughter and the time to enjoy my life on a daily basis.

Ken and I met in early 2001.  I was looking for a mate who loved home and loved life.  Ken loves to garden and grow herbs and cook.  He played rugby for over 30 years and is very physical and fit.  He is divorced but totally in love with his two children who were the same age as my daughter.  He is an attorney and so am I.  We started living together in 2002 and married in 2006.  In the same year I took on being the managing partner of his family law firm.  (a local practice of course)  We have a rich and fulfilling life together.  We stay home alot but we also love travelling together.

So that is how I got to where I am now. Now I am looking for the next great thing to devote my life to.  I produced a film in 2008 and I am exploring my spirituality and my art.  (I paint).  The only thing I feel is missing is a way to direct all of my experience and talents in a way that supports women, humanity and our planet.  But that is what is next.

How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?

Ten years ago I was all about financial success.  I was reaching my goal of making over 200,000.00 a year and I didn't take the time to breath never mind enjoy my life.

Now I am refocusing how to use what I have to make a difference and create joy in my life and healing in the lives of others.

Pretty much a 180 degree difference from 10 years ago.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Passionate about what I am doing with my days.  Healthy as a horse.  In love with my husband.  Full of life and laughter and making a difference in the lives of others.

Leslie,

Security is a myth.  Forget it.  Do what your heart wants to do.  Stop thinking so much.  You will feel afraid no matter what so you might as well take some risk.  Dance, Act, Paint -- Laugh more....live large.  Go for it.  

Georgia O'Keefe, Freida Kalo, Mother Theresa (one tough lady who got what she wanted against all odds), All women who were comitted to their own form of full self expression and being true to themselves.