Awesome new CEP instructor, Ashlee Leonardo, expands her produce horizons in Thailand. Photo courtesy of Ashlee Leonardo.
San Luis Obispo High School is hiring many new people this year across different programs and departments. One that many people may not know about is the program called CEP which stands for Counseling Enhanced Program. The program focuses on providing students with additional emotional and behavioral support when needed. New staff member Ashlee Leonardo is the primary teacher in this program and is excited to be working at SLOHS.
Expressions: How are you liking SLOHS so far?
CEP teacher, Ashlee Leonardo: I love it. I’m really happy to be working with talented and passionate colleagues. I’m enjoying working with older students. I’m coming from an elementary school, so coming to secondary school has been a fun change.
Expressions: What inspired you to begin working in education? Why SLOHS?
Leonardo: I kind of grew up in the special education world. I have a sibling with Williams Syndrome, and so I was around service providers my whole childhood. I took some time after graduation and worked with children with a variety of disabilities in the home setting. When I was deciding whether to go into therapy or into education, I ultimately decided on education, because when I was working in early childhood education I realized how impactful I could be when with kids six hours a day.
Expressions: How would you describe SLOHS’s CEP program?
Leonardo: The CEP is designed for students who benefit from additional emotional and behavioral support, while still pursuing their academic goals. In our classroom, the focus goes beyond academics. We work closely with students to help them understand their emotions, develop coping strategies, and build positive relationships. With a small class size and strong collaboration between myself, counselors, and support staff, we’re able to create a structured and encouraging environment where students can learn and grow at their own pace. Our goal in CEP is to help students gain confidence, take ownership of their learning, and develop the skills they’ll need for success in life after high school. Whether it’s celebrating a small success, learning to manage a tough moment, or planning for the future, every step forward is a win.
Expressions: Outside of class time, what do you spend the most time doing? What are your favorite hobbies?
Leonardo: I love spending time at home with my family. We have quite a menagerie of animals. We have cats, dogs, chickens, and my daughter has a snake. We’re also looking forward to getting a bearded dragon in our classroom soon. I also enjoy spending time in nature, fishing, hiking, etc.
Expressions: What’s your favorite holiday, and why?
Leonardo: Definitely two. I love Christmas, and my birthday. That’s a holiday right? During Christmas time, I love cutting our tree, decorating, listening to Christmas music, cooking, and watching our favorite classic movies together. I’ve always enjoyed making a big deal out of Christmas, often we take a trip to the snow, and since I grew up in Montana, being in the cold and in the snow always makes me feel at home.
Expressions: What are you looking forward to most, either this year at SLOHS or in general?
Leonardo: I am looking forward to continuing to grow our program in a way that would make it more visible on campus. I’m looking forward to becoming more integrated into the community and teaching colleagues, students, and staff about what CEP is and how we support students. I’m also really excited to give my students learning opportunities beyond the classroom. So far, we have visited Montana de Oro, SLO Swim Center, and Monterey Bay Aquarium. We hope to visit the Equine Therapy Center this winter.
Ashlee Leonardo is passionate for making a difference and impacting the lives of all of her students. Her awesome supportive and uplifting attitude is what SLOHS is all about.
Tigers, go make an impact!
