About the Founder

Dr. Leigh Lafosse has spent 18 years (and counting!) of active duty Army service developing a unique approach to leadership that crosses disciplines and blends military doctrine with artistic creative growth.   Her philosophy centers on the core belief that ACTION is key, and she is excited to bring that creative energy to her Fort Washington community. 

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Dr. Lafosse's background includes a doctoral degree in clarinet performance from Indiana University with an emphasis on pedagogy and over 25 years of private teaching experience. She enlisted into the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" in 2007 as a clarinetist, and has spent her career developing educational initiatives and gaining production experience from her professional counterparts. 

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Dr. Lafosse received the Performing Arts Industry Essentials Certification from NYU Tish in 2025 and has executed the role of Stage Manager, Show Caller, Production Manager, Show Writer, Assistant Stage Manager, and Community Organizer for theatrical productions in the DMV spanning the past 15 years. 

She joined the Army Roster of Neutrals as a mediator in 2024, was accepted into the Military District of Washington chapter of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club in 2022, inducted as an honorary member of the Psychological Operations Regiment in 2021, and was the recipient of the 2018 Haskell Small Award for Volunteerism.

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She served as the Co-Director for DC/MD Odyssey of the Mind, President and Treasurer of The National Capital Puppetry Guild, and has participated with numerous other non-profits in the area to include STEAM Onward, Reading Partners D.C., and THREAD in Baltimore. 

She has also spent the last decade exhibiting her stained glass artwork across the region (www.rainbowridgestudio.com) and is now leading a free creative leadership workshop titled "The Unexpected Venn: Creative Action in Leadership" for groups and organizations of all ages.