Leona completed a Master’s in Forensic Psychology studies at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and went on to earn her Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Southern California Seminary. Forensic Psychology is the intersect of mental illness and the judicial system. Attending Southern California Seminary was an intentional academic pursuit. Having a mental health degree grounded in Biblical studies was a priority. She studied with the vision of strengthening the ministry of the church to those who are impacted by mental illness and their families. 

Her passion grows from her own experience with her son who was hospitalized and diagnosed at age seven with bipolar disorder and later with schizoaffective disorder. His illness led to addiction and homelessness. The journey was one that engulfed the entire family and required hope that only comes from God. As a committed volunteer for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), she has been a family educator for fifteen years. She leads support groups and is co-leading the FaithNet outreach in her area to educate and inform churches of the mental health resources available. She is also a Mental Health Coach through American Association of Christian Counselors. 

Leona lives in Northern California where she enjoys traveling, reading and time with family. She has six adult children and eight grandchildren that bring incredible joy. Her son has been stable for three years and recently married.