Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sara Leapley

Mountain View

Summary

Adaptable professional with a foundation in Psychology and Sociology accentuated with a decade of experience in business ownership and community outreach and education. The non-traditional route taken between academic degrees serves to deepen the empathy and understanding of our country's human condition and marginalized populations. Dedicated to using the rich life experience gained from independent travels and self employment to better serve our community and address barriers in mental health.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Co-Owner and Operations Manager

Food Forest Folks
01.2016 - Current

- Utilized active listening skills to understand the needs and goals of each client and develop personalized plans for a diverse range of community members to help them achieve their food security goals with step by step information and local resources.

- Lead public education efforts for food security at local farmer's markets and also through free online educational videos by translating complex agricultural concepts into simple, actionable advice tailored to the seeker's microclimate, financial situation and goals.

- Manage business logistics including bookkeeping, scheduling, client communications, digital outreach, resource allocation and project management.

Lead Guide

North Shore Zipline
05.2018 - 03.2020

- Established trust and coached clients through fear/uncertainty using empathetic communication while maintaining positive group dynamics and strict safety protocols to ensure enjoyable group experiences in a high pressure environment.

Independent Travel & Community Outreach

Self Employed
2012 - 2016

- Gained firsthand exposure to and understanding of the systemic cause and impact of drug addiction, homelessness, PTSD, abuse and other factors, sparking a deep commitment to mental health advocacy.

- Developed an in person, front row understanding of how socioeconomic status, race, generational trauma and mental health barriers affect individual success and community reintegration.

- Transitioned from a sheltered background to a deep, real world perspective by witnessing and building relationships with marginalized populations across North America.

Education

Permaculture Design Certification -

Druid's Grove Permaculture Farm
Tonasket, Washington
01-2013

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Chadron State College
Chadron, NE
05-2012

Skills

  • Active Listening: Hearing both verbal and non-verbal cues to build rapport and trust with a varied demographic
  • Crisis Deescalation: Staying calm while coaching people to manage distress
  • Needs Assessment: Listening deeply to translate personal goals into actionable plans for growth
  • Group Facilitation: Managing group dynamics in high pressure environments
  • Social Justice Advocacy: Deep understanding of how status, poverty and race affect mental health

Timeline

Lead Guide

North Shore Zipline
05.2018 - 03.2020

Co-Owner and Operations Manager

Food Forest Folks
01.2016 - Current

Independent Travel & Community Outreach

Self Employed
2012 - 2016

Permaculture Design Certification -

Druid's Grove Permaculture Farm

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Chadron State College
Sara Leapley