Staff Spotlight: A world of experience, a heart for connection
From city planning to classroom teaching to curating stories that inspire young readers, Leslie Muhammad brings a wealth of experience and a passion for connection to her role as library media specialist at Neil Armstrong Elementary School.
Muhammad’s journey to Gates Chili spans the country and a diverse range of careers. Originally from Utica, she attended college in Buffalo, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in urban planning. Her career first took her to New York City as a city planner, and later to the West Coast, where she worked in youth programming and environmental education.
It was in Berkeley, California, that Muhammad discovered her passion for teaching. While managing an environmental education program, she stepped into the classroom when the organization needed instructors — and quickly found her calling. She later returned to
the East Coast, settled in Rochester and received her teaching certification from Nazareth University. Over the years, she taught a range of grade levels and took on leadership roles, always centering her work on building meaningful relationships with students.
“You can have all kinds of conversations and authentic moments while learning about what they love to do and trying to harness their creativity, energy and enthusiasm,” Muhammad said. “Once that connection is there, I feel like the world opens up. You can do so many different things together.”
Muhammad joined Armstrong in 2022, initially teaching fifth grade before transitioning to her current role in the library. While the setting has changed, her focus has not. With more than 400 students passing through the library, she is intentional about creating a welcoming
space where every child feels seen and valued. Through read-alouds, book recommendations and her “Shelfies” feature — which highlights inclusive titles and offers classroom connections — she helps students and staff explore stories that reflect a wide range of perspectives.
Drawn to Gates Chili for its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusivity and cultural responsiveness, Muhammad strives to reflect those values in her work. She also brings a thoughtful perspective to the ongoing work of building inclusive environments, grounded in both her professional experiences and her personal identity.
Outside of school, Muhammad enjoys cooking, traveling, gardening and spending time in nature. This summer, she looks forward to kayaking, sewing with her daughter and working in her pottery studio.
Whether she’s sharing a favorite book or building connections with students, Muhammad is helping to open doors — one story, one conversation and one relationship at a time.