Manager, Program

She/her/hers

Leyla began her career working for College Steps, a nonprofit providing personalized college support for students with disabilities. At College Steps, Leyla served as an Assistant Program Coordinator in Fairfield County and then as a Program Coordinator in Westchester County. Upon completing her MA, Leyla began working for the New York City Department of Education, first in the Bronx then East Harlem. Most recently, Leyla held both the role of a Special Education Teacher and Coordinator of Student Programs.

At UMass Amherst, Leyla earned a BA in psychology and a focus on developmental disabilities and human services. She is also a graduate of Columbia University, Teachers College, having earned an MA in special education with a focus on intellectual disability and autism. Most recently, Leyla completed an Intensive Teacher Institute at Hunter College, where she studied Teaching English as a Second Language for Pre-K - 12 students. Leyla was awarded a Fulbright grant in 2022 and a Fund for Teachers Grant in 2023.

In her free time, Leyla enjoys visiting museums/galleries, hiking, street photography, and running - she is involved in her local running community in Brooklyn, NY!