Esperanza Community Services
Leslie Boyle has a diverse work experience in the field of education and autism support. In 2012, they started their career as an Assistant Family Teacher at Boys Town. Leslie then moved on to Esperanza Community Services in 2013, where they worked as a Behavior Analyst until 2018. In 2018, they joined the ALEXANDER LEIGH CENTER FOR AUTISM as a BCBA. Most recently, Leslie has been working at Esperanza Community Services again, first as a School Administrator- Transition Specialist and currently as the Deputy Chief of School Programs since August 2022.
Leslie Boyle completed their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology from Ave Maria University in the timeframe of 2008 to 2012. Leslie then pursued further education and obtained their Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Cincinnati, from 2014 to 2016.
Esperanza Community Services
Hard work, perseverance and hope inspired a group of Mexican-American parents from Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood to create Esperanza School on April 25, 1969. These parents could not find schools with appropriate educational programs for children with developmental disabilities. One of the parents, Guadelupe Reyes, and Dr. Ogletree, a professor from Chicago State University, combined their efforts to create this special school called Esperanza which means "hope" in Spanish. In the early seventies, the school program moved to the West Town community where it grew to serve the Near West Side, East and West Garfield, North Lawndale and Humboldt Park communities. Over the past 40 years, the school has grown into a comprehensive social service agency. Today Esperanza Community Services serves individuals from 5 years of age to adulthood who have mild to profound developmental disabilities, emotional disturbances, behavior disorders, autism and other forms of cognitive challenges. Esperanza Community Services is accredited by the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission (CARF), is licensed and funded through the Illinois Department of Human Services, and is accredited by the North Central Association of Schools. Esperanza – friends and visitors agree – is a remarkable and loving place. Its growth and success have more than rewarded those whose hopes, hard work and dedication inspired its creation. We invite you to visit us and see for yourself.