Rising Stars: Meet Lacey Leonard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lacey Leonard.

Hi Lacey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
For over 15 years, I worked in medical, clinical, and fiscal operations at UCSF which is a top 5 medical school, but I still found myself wanting more out of my career. When I realized that there were not many opportunities for me to advance where I was, I knew that it was time to pivot. With the support of my husband, I made the tough decision to leave corporate America and take a leap of faith in entrepreneurship. My husband is a former NFL defensive tackle and now is totally and permanently disabled. I knew I wanted to start a career helping other families who may be dealing with some of the issues my husband suffered with, but I also wanted to help anyone who might be tackling their mental health alone.

As the President and Founder of Tackle Health, I wanted to create a place where individuals (adolescents and adults) could receive individual and group therapy and also be a community resource for those suffering from substance abuse, and domestic violence who really need that support. As a former NFL wife, I know first-hand the plight of former players and their families suffering from chronic pain, mental health, and symptoms of CTE.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wish I could say entrepreneurship has been as smooth as people make it appear on social media, however, this was certainly not my experience.

I had several challenges within the past year starting with my husband being very sick at the beginning of last year which caused him to be in and out of the hospital which made it very difficult being in a new city, starting a new business, raising two teen boys and trying to be there for everyone. However, God works In mysterious ways because we were able to find our village of support and for that, we are so grateful.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I graduated from Fresno State back in 2006 and have a BA in Communications as well as my MBA. Currently, I attend Grand Canyon University and am working towards my LCSW here in Arizona. For the last two years, I’ve been a certified Relationship Counselor teaching women that faith can move mountains and marriages can be restored. As a Christian counselor who specializes in; Relationship & marriage counseling, I’m most proud that I’m able to work in the field that has played a huge role in my life & marriage.

Professionally, I’m most proud that I was instrumental in being an advocate for disabled and retired NFL players who deserve benefits as a result of concussion and impairment. Just recently, I was also informed that I was nominated to receive an award during Super Bowl weekend which I’m really proud of because I do the work and advocacy I do because I’m passionate about changing the narrative around mental health. I think what sets me apart from others in this field is the fact that not only am I the wife of a former NFL player suffering from neurological issues so I know what these families go through behind closed doors but now that I’m the CEO of facility that can provide these resources.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mentorship is so important. I’ve been blessed to have some amazing mentors in my life and my best advice would be to reach out to people that are doing what you want to do.

Take the time to stay connected to them, get to know them, and allow them to get to know you! Iron sharpens iron so if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong one!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tacklehealth.org
• Instagram: @tacklehealth
• Facebook: TackleHealthLLC
• Twitter: @tacklehealthllc