Employee Spotlight: Leah Gibbs

What brought you to United Way of West Florida and your role with Healthy Schools Escambia?

My own lived experiences, education, and diverse background—including work in law enforcement, ministry, community health, mental health advocacy, and resource navigation—have given me a unique perspective on the challenges families face and the importance of having access to the right resources at the right time. Those experiences have also shaped my understanding of how social determinants of health—things like access to healthcare, food, transportation, education, and other essential supports—can impact a family’s overall well-being. Healthy Schools Escambia felt like a natural fit because it allows me to bring those experiences together, grounded in the needs of the families we serve, to develop programs, partnerships, and resources that address barriers in meaningful ways.

For someone who may not know, what does a Healthy Schools Escambia coordinator actually do?

A little bit of everything! We identify needs and build partnerships and opportunities around them. At Brentwood Elementary School, that has meant expanding access to programs and services that weren’t previously available on campus—including a six-week nutrition education program, gardening and agricultural education, and free on-campus medical, dental, and vision services such as physicals, immunizations, dental care, and vision care. We’ve also expanded family engagement beyond the school day by introducing virtual opportunities, including our Virtual Family Gardening Club, as well as our Wellness Connection series featuring health and wellness education and resources—creating additional ways for families to participate, learn, and connect while reducing barriers to access. Bringing these services directly to students helps remove multiple barriers for families—not only the cost of care, but also transportation challenges and the need for parents to miss work to take their child to an appointment. Because every school community is different, the coordinator’s work is tailored to the specific needs of that school—so Healthy Schools may look a little different at each campus.

What is your favorite part of working directly with the schools, students and families?

I love being able to personalize the work. Getting to know the staff, leadership, students and families—and understanding the school’s culture, existing programs and resources—helps me see where Healthy Schools can add value rather than duplicate what is already there. That relationship-building allows me to tailor programs and partnerships to the unique needs of Brentwood’s students and families. Along the way, Brentwood has become more than just the school I serve—it has become a community I feel deeply connected to. No matter where life takes me, I’ll always be a Brentwood Bearcub, and Brentwood will always have my support.

Can you share a moment or story from your work with HSE that has really stuck with you?

One moment that stands out was Brentwood’s Field Day. I partnered with our PE coach to build on an event the school already had planned by adding health, wellness, and family engagement components. At our Hydration Station, students were introduced to cucumber-mint infused water, where they could see the fresh ingredients, learn about their health benefits, and try something that was new to many of them. We also provided refreshments for staff and volunteers and helped create a welcoming environment for families, who were able to participate in Field Day in a new way that year. Seeing the students, families, staff, and volunteers learning, connecting, and simply enjoying the experience together was special. It was a great example of what I love about Healthy Schools: taking what a school is already doing and finding thoughtful ways to add wellness, connection, and new experiences for the entire school community.

What do you think people might be surprised to learn about the challenges students and schools face?

I think people would be surprised by how many factors outside of the classroom can affect a child’s ability to be successful inside the classroom. Transportation, access to healthcare, food, household needs, family schedules, and even knowing where to go for help can all create barriers. Schools are often helping families navigate much more than academics.

What does it mean to you to be able to connect students and families with resources they may not otherwise have access to?

It means a lot because sometimes the resource already exists—the missing piece is simply the connection. Being able to help bridge that gap and make resources more accessible to families is one of the most meaningful parts of this work.

What is one thing you’ve learned from the students you work with?

Students will absolutely tell you what works and what doesn’t! They’ve taught me the importance of listening to them and making things engaging, relatable, and meaningful from their perspective—not just from an adult’s perspective.

What are you most excited about as Healthy Schools Escambia continues to grow and reach more schools?

I’m excited about what it can mean for our community long-term. The stronger the connections between schools, families, and community partners, the more opportunities we have to address needs early and help children grow up healthy, supported, and equipped to thrive. When we invest in the generation coming behind us, we’re ultimately building stronger, healthier, and safer communities for everyone.

When you’re having a tough day, what reminds you that the work you’re doing matters?

Seeing something actually come together. An idea may start as a conversation or a need someone mentions, and eventually it becomes a program, resource, partnership, or opportunity that a student or family can actually use. Seeing that come full circle reminds me why all of the behind-the-scenes work is worth it.

Outside of work, what’s something you enjoy doing or something your coworkers might be surprised to learn about you?

I have a deep love for photography. I love being able to capture people and moments in a way that allows someone to see themselves through a different lens while preserving memories and stories that might otherwise be lost with time. To me, photography is the gift that keeps on giving—what we capture today can continue touching lives, telling our stories, and connecting generations long after we’re gone.