DME Academy Sarasota, in partnership with SAI and GSI, continues to elevate its academic-athletic model with the addition of Jessica Leone, an accomplished educator and student advocate who brings more than 16 years of experience to our growing commuter school program. With a career built around individualized instruction, whole-child development, and supporting diverse learners, Jessica steps into the role of Student-Athlete Success Advisor with a passion for helping student-athletes thrive both in the classroom and beyond.

Jessica’s professional background spans traditional schools and nonprofit youth-development environments, where she has consistently prioritized student growth, confidence, and independence. At The IMAGE Center, she served as Program Director for Teen and Young Adults, designing customized learning plans, leading 1:1 and small-group instruction, and managing ongoing progress monitoring and documentation. Her leadership helped secure more than $50,000 in grant funding, expanding programming and resources for students who needed them most. Her résumé reflects a deep commitment to providing structure, support, and high-quality instruction to every learner she serves.

With a B.S. in Secondary Special Education from Towson University, additional teacher education from the University of Phoenix, and certifications in Special Education and Reading, Jessica brings both expertise and heart to her craft. She has supported students in inclusive and self-contained classroom environments, partnered with families and specialists, and delivered differentiated instruction aligned with individual goals and strengths. Her work has always centered on one core belief: when students feel understood, supported, and expected to succeed, they rise.

At DME Academy, Sarasota, Jessica will serve as a daily anchor for our student-athletes—guiding them through their academic blocks, monitoring progress, reinforcing expectations, and ensuring that the high-performance environment we’ve built is paired with equally strong support systems. She works closely with our coaching staff, SAI leadership, and families to ensure each student maintains balance, structure, and accountability as they navigate training, fitness, and schoolwork.

What makes Jessica especially valuable to our program is her lived experience as a committed sports mom. She understands the demands placed on young athletes and the importance of emotional intelligence, time management, and confidence-building in helping them reach their full potential. This unique insight allows her to connect deeply with athletes and families, offering perspective, empathy, and clear guidance during the busiest moments of the academic-athletic journey.

Her community engagement—serving on the Student Leadership Academy board and the Venice High School Lacrosse Boosters—reflects the same dedication she brings to DME: investing in young people, building supportive environments, and creating pathways for success.

As DME Academy Sarasota continues to grow its commuter school program and expand the opportunities available to young athletes, Jessica Leone will play a pivotal role in shaping the culture, structure, and support systems that define our academy. We are proud to welcome her to the team and excited for the impact she will have on every student-athlete who walks through our doors.

The future is bright, and with leaders like Jessica, the standard continues to rise.