Leanne White is a lifelong conservation educator whose career began with a simple childhood curiosity: How do all the creatures in a tide pool survive as the ocean comes and goes? That early wonder grew into more than two decades of work helping communities, students, and families connect deeply with the natural world. She holds a BS in Environmental Science and a graduate certificate in Behavior Change and Sustainability, grounding her work in both scientific understanding and the psychology of inspiring action.
Today, Leanne serves as the Director of Learning and Conservation at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, where she leads teams across education, community engagement, interpretation, and volunteer support. Her work is driven by the belief that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Through hands-on programming, wildlife-friendly initiatives, and partnerships with schools and local organizations, Leanne builds pathways for the young and the young at heart, to experience science as something living, relevant, and empowering.
Leanne is known for transforming complex conservation ideas into accessible, memorable experiences that invite everyday action. Outside of work, she finds inspiration in traveling, painting watercolor landscapes, and spending time with her husband and their spunky Smooth Fox Terrier, who keeps every adventure interesting.