Director and Staff
Leah Galione
Founder & Executive director
Leah is a proud University of Florida alumna and a dedicated member of the Gainesville community for over 30 years. Drawing from her personal experience as a homeschooling mother to five children, Leah is deeply committed to educational equity and personalized learning. Since PEAK's founding in 2019, she has recruited and trained over 400 volunteers to deliver evidence-based, individualized reading instruction to more than 500 children. This year, PEAK is on track to serve over 250 youth and is expanding its literacy model to other nonprofits and community organizations across the state.
Leah’s commitment to systemic change extends beyond PEAK through her board service with GNV Thrives and IntersectionED, and her role on the steering committees for Books and Cooks, Alachua County’s Comprehensive Literacy Committee, and The Alachua County Campaign for Grade Level Reading.
In her free time, Leah enjoys reading, volunteering as an usher at the University of Florida Performing Arts Center and Gainesville Community Playhouse, teaching aqua fitness classes at Gainesville Health and Fitness, and taking beach trips with her family.
Ashley Whatley
Program assistant
Ashley brings over seven years of experience working with students in education to her role as Program Assistant at PEAK Literacy. A proud Georgia native and graduate of Kennesaw State University, Ashley has taught and mentored students across a wide range of grade levels—from Kindergarten to grade 12.
At PEAK, she supports day-to-day operations and helps connect dedicated volunteers with students in need of literacy support. With a strong belief in the power of education to transform lives, Ashley plays a key role in ensuring that students receive the attention and resources they need to thrive. She is committed to fostering strong relationships with families, volunteers, and the broader community. Outside of work, she enjoys making costumes, singing karaoke, and getting lost in a good fantasy novel.