Though born in Israel and raised on Long Island, New York, Leslie comes to the Alaska Jewish Museum from Seattle, Washington where she lived for twenty-seven years. She received a BA in Fine and Applied Arts from the University of Oregon, and holds a Masters in Library and Information Science as well as a Graduate Certificate in Museology from the University of Washington. 

In Seattle, Leslie did scenic painting for theater and film, designed exhibits and ran her own business specializing in murals and decorative finishes. 

Additional interests include reading, writing poetry, dancing and spending her time with a large extended family that includes two sons and a granddaughter. She brings with her to the Museum a fascination with people, history, art and culture as well as the desire to dialogue with the Alaskan community about their interests and concerns.