Leigh Pierce

Leigh became the director at Shady Grove UMC Preschool in June 2015.  She, her husband and two daughters moved from Raleigh, NC to Richmond in 2014 when her husband was transferred.  Leigh taught preschool at the Shady Grove YMCA for one year while helping her children transition to the area. She is so excited to be a part of such a reputable, well established, loving and nurturing Preschool.

Leigh served as the Director of Fairmont UMC’s Early Learning Center for over six years before relocating. She has her undergraduate degree in Sociology/Anthropology from North Carolina State University and earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, California. Leigh has spent most of her career working with children and families in different capacities - as counselor, teacher, therapist, social worker and director of children’s programing. She loves working with preschool-aged children and their families and is passionate about the importance of quality early childhood education.

In her spare time, Leigh enjoys exploring the James River and learning about the vast history of the Richmond area. She is always open to new adventures and loves to travel.  Running, relaxing at the beach and going to movies are some of her favorite past times.  Leigh is thrilled to be here and looks forward to building stronger connections within her new Shady Grove family.