Easter Seals Spokesperson

April Leopold
Vice President of Programs
Easter Seals Volusia and Flagler Counties (Daytona Beach, FL)

April LeopoldApril Leopold is the Vice President of Programs at Easter Seals Volusia and Flagler Counties. Leopold’s job is about the big and the small success stories that she witnesses every day at Easter Seals. She’s inspired by the dedication of the staff to the children whom they work with, and loves to see the children grow, change and learn while interacting with their peers.

Leopold sees Easter Seals as a place where parents feel like they are part of a family that understands their child’s needs. “I believe that we give families help and hope and we provide families with a trusted resource that will enable children to work, play and live in their communities,” said Leopold.

One of Leopold’s favorite success stories involved a family whose child was diagnosed with autism. Because the child would not interact with the parents, they believed that their own child did not like them or want to be around them. After just one P.L.A.Y. session, along with encouragement and coaching, the parents noticed a change and came back the next time saying “my child likes me!” It was such a joy and pleasure for Leopold to witness this bond as the child displayed full potential.

Leopold’s extensive training includes an A.A.S. Degree in Child Development from Black Hawk College, a B.S. Degree in Growth and Development of Children from Iowa State University, a Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Lourdes College, M.Ed. in Special Education at the University of Toledo and a M.A. in Early Childhood from the University of Phoenix- Phoenix, AZ.

She worked as a Developmental Therapist and a P.L.A.Y. Project Consultant with Easter Seals Peoria- Bloomington from 2006 to 2012, and now she serves as the VP Programs and Principal at Easter Seals Volusia and Flagler Counties, FL.