Name
Leslie Navarro
Company/Organization
Lake Michigan College & Rise Counseling Center, LLC
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
LMC’s work is best described with our mission statement: Together we empower people and communities to thrive through education, innovation, and experiences. Rise Counseling Center, LLC is my private practice located in downtown Stevensville. At RCC, I provide individual and couples mental health therapy to adults and teens in our community.
Age
38
Accomplishments
When I think of the word accomplishment, I reflect on the moments or things that have filled my cup the most, made me smile the largest, or stretched me beyond what I believed possible. Undoubtably two things immediately come to mind, my relationships with others and my impact on the world around me. At the top of my list of accomplishments would certainly be my beautiful and rewarding relationships with my wife Sheila, our three children Elliot, Emma, and Mia. Following closely would be my relationships with other family, friends, and colleagues. All the fulfilling relationships in my world certainly feel like some of the sweetest parts of life. Professionally, I’m really proud of my work at Lake Michigan College over the past four years. Prior to 2019, mental health services for students did not exist at the college, despite the profound need for them. My incredible team and I have worked arduously to create and build the inaugural student-centered mental health program at LMC. Paramount to that work has been our focus on providing a diverse and comprehensive array of services while embedding the program into the fabric of the LMC community. This year our team served 1,023 students during the 2022-23 Academic Year, a third of the total population of students at LMC. I feel deeply grateful to lead such an incredible team of colleagues and to steward such a crucial program for student success and retention at LMC.
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
For me, 40 will be here in 17 short months. By that time, I’ll have a tween and two teenagers at home. Somehow the older my kids get the faster time seems to move. I’d like to really practice spending more time grounded in the present, enjoying the right now with my family.
Education
I graduated from Ithaca Junior/Senior High School in 2003. I majored in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies at Grand Valley State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in 2008. I earned a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University in 2010.
What Town Do You Reside In?
Baroda, MI
Where were you born?
Ithaca, MI
What was your first job?
My first job was at an oil change business in my hometown when I was a sophomore at Ithaca Junior/Senior High School. I checked tire pressure, changed air filters, cleaned windshields, topped off fluids, and vacuumed out countless cars that summer.
Best advice you ever got?
Stay in integrity with yourself.
Who inspires you most?
I don’t have one person who inspires me most, rather, I enjoy finding sparks of inspiration from all the incredible people I’m lucky to have around me. To name a few, I’m inspired by wife Sheila’s profound courage and willingness to step into new and difficult things, no matter how scary. I’m inspired by my best friend Chris’ endless ability to see good in others and to find the bright side of any situation, no matter how dire. I’m inspired by my sister Kristy’s deep commitment to her health and wellness, even when her motivation wanes.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
I’m an avid foosball player with a formidable corner kick from the three stick.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
For me, there’s nothing better than great conversation and raucous laughter with family and friends. I try to fill my downtime with as much of that as possible.
What book are you reading now?
Border Hacker – A Tale of Treachery, Trafficking, and Two Friends on the Run by Levi Vonk
Volunteer activity you love the most.
Volunteering at LMC’s graduation ceremony each year. It’s really fun and rewarding to see our students walk across the stage and celebrate with their loved ones.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
As someone who grew up in a challenging home environment, I know first-hand the critical impact that community involvement and outreach can have on someone’s life. That knowledge and experience motivates me to create a positive impact on my community through my own volunteer work.
What Superpower would you most love to have? (for example, the ability to fly or to be invisible, or incredible strength, etc)
The ability to time travel – I have an insatiable curiosity about what once was and what will come to be.
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone?
I hope I’m remembered as someone who led with integrity and curiosity and who built relationships with care and authenticity.
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
I’m honored to be recognized as a member of the 40 Under 40 class of 2023. It’s been rewarding to reflect on the incredible relationships I’ve made, the important work I’ve been a part of in our community, and my own growth as an individual. It feels wonderful to work for an institution like LMC where my contributions are recognized, valued, and celebrated.
