RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) — Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy in Rantoul is officially welcoming its new director.

In a news release, the Illinois National Guard announced Ashley Leek as the new director of Lincoln’s ChalleGNe Academy. Leek brings a background of compassion, leadership and behavioral science, and she is stepping into the role with a mission to strengthen the academy’s impact, inside and outside of the classroom.

Leek has a master’s degree in behavioral science with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis and a bachelor’s degree in business and leadership management. She is also a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP), a Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor and a Safety Care Behavior Safety Trainer.

Director Leek is also trained in person-centered care and in the development of trauma-informed environments. With more than 10 years of experience in youth services, disability advocacy, crisis intervention and leadership development, Leek brings hands-on expertise and strategic insight into her new role.

“Director Leek has dedicated her life to leadership and professional development, bringing out the best in people she’s led,” Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, said. “She will cultivate a culture of growth, discipline, and structure for the cadets, cadre, and the staff.”

She also serves as a licensed minister and motivational speaker. Leek travels throughout her region to speak at conferences, churches and schools to empower others through messages of spiritual depth and behavioral understanding.

“The academy has been an important milestone in the lives of thousands of Cadets in the last 32 years,” Leek said. “I look forward to helping add to the legacy of Lincoln’s ChalleNGe and everything it does to help Illinois’ youth.”