2023 Tillman Scholar
Being a survivor of violence, Leslie realized that caring for others would be her lifelong passion. At 15 years old, she embarked on her journey to achieve her dreams. Her healthcare mission began through a high-school medical trade program. Here, she built her career from ground-level entry positions to her current position as forensic nurse examiner, SANE-A.
Leslie has committed to lifelong learning by achieving her L.P.N., A.S.N., B.S.N. and is a full-time graduate student at Frontier Nursing University pursuing her master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner. She aims to achieve a dual degree as a doctor of nursing practice and mental health nurse practitioner. While pursuing her dreams, she encouraged her husband, an active-duty infantryman to pursue his M.B.A. Leslie’s 22 year career as a healthcare provider is a testimony of her passion towards caring for others and offering her assistance to everyone she encounters.
As a forensic nurse examiner, she has assisted many victims of violence in obtaining proper services, advocacy, counseling, safe lodging and protection. Leslie is skilled in expert testimony and has assisted in the justice process on behalf of her patients. She is certified in many areas including sexual assault, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and strangulation. Leslie served as the Vice President of the International Association of Forensic Nurses, where she and her team revised the guidelines of practice for examiners in Indiana. Leslie strives to implement trauma-informed centers and resources for victims of violence and achieve justice for all.