Leone

Jessica Leone brings more than 16 years of experience as an educator, mentor, and student advocate to her role as Student Success Advisor for DME Academy Sarasota’s commuter school program, powered by SAI and in partnership with GSI. With a professional background grounded in special education, individualized instruction, and whole-child development, Jessica plays an integral role in supporting DME and GSI student-athletes academically, emotionally, and personally as they navigate the demands of a high-performance athletic and academic environment.

Throughout her career, Jessica has worked extensively with diverse learners in both school systems and youth-development nonprofits. She specializes in progress monitoring, goal-setting, and helping students build the executive-functioning skills, confidence, and independence needed to thrive. Her work at The IMAGE Center—where she designed personalized learning plans, led 1:1 and small-group instruction, managed student progress documentation, and secured over $50,000 in program funding—reflects her deep commitment to elevating student outcomes and supporting families through collaborative communication.

At DME, Jessica’s role goes beyond academics. She serves as a day-to-day guide for student-athletes navigating training blocks, academic schedules, and personal responsibilities. She reinforces the values that define DME—integrity, effort, character, and accountability—while ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and capable of success. As a longtime sports mom, she understands the balance student-athletes must maintain and brings a calm, empathetic voice to the fast-paced routines of DME’s holistic training model.

Jessica holds a B.S. in Secondary Special Education from Towson University with a minor in Political Science, along with Maryland certifications in Special Education and Reading. Her Florida certification is currently pending. She has also served as a community leader through the Student Leadership Academy and Venice High School Lacrosse Boosters.