Leslie Kelly

Born in Minnesota, Leslie moved to New Mexico after completing her BS in Special Education from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota in 1986. She later received her MA in Counseling from Adams State College in Colorado. She's taught special education, coordinated district-wide prevention programs and has been a school counselor and an administrator.

A majority of Leslie's work is with at-risk adolescents and families as well as DWI offenders and people struggling with substance abuse. Passionate about social issues that impact all people, Leslie is especially attentive to underserved populations.

Politics seemed an impossible trajectory for her career until her husband was appointed a District Court Judge. Campaigning, fund raising, and attending Party meetings motivated Leslie. Meeting local, state and national political leaders became a part of her life and she began to seriously consider running for public office.

Leslie and her husband live in Albuquerque with their two teenagers.