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Editor’s Note: This feature originally ran in the annual 20 Under 40 magazine which was a part of the LaGrange Daily News July 31 edition. If you would like to pick up a copy of the 20 Under 40 magazine, please visit our office at 115 Broad Suite 101.

Home is, certainly, where the heart is for Allison Leslie. The Clinical Social Worker at Florence Hand Home makes an impact in her community at work and outside of it. 

The LaGrange native has grown roots in her hometown, only transplanting for college. She graduated from Auburn University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in human development and family studies. She then went on to get her Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia in 2014 and was drawn back home soon after.

“My parents owned a restaurant, Captain’s Cove, locally from 2005 to 2020, where I also worked and had the opportunity to meet many people in our community,” Leslie said. “Through the restaurant and my dad’s sudden illness in 2020, I have seen how our community can rally around people in need, and I am thankful to be a part of it.”

She has also been the rallier, working with local organizations for causes close to her heart. 

“I have been a counselor and volunteer with Camp Dogwood [the grief camp organized by Hospice] for many years,” Leslie explained. 

She currently serves as president of the Junior Service League of LaGrange. Having been involved with the service organization for some time, Leslie said it has allowed her to work with many of the local charities.

“I have had the opportunity to volunteer and work with many other non-profits in our community, including Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Good Sam Ministry, and Foster Angels through Troup County Foster Parent Association,” she said.

She also had a hand in planning the annual Sweet Land of Liberty Fourth of July parade. 

She has been with Florence Hand Home since 2017, and a social worker since 2014. 

“My favorite thing about working at Florence Hand Home is building relationships with our residents and their families,” Leslie said. “We have the honor of taking care of people, whether for a short time or a long time, who have so much wisdom and love to share, and their families trust us to take care of them, which is a privilege I don’t take for granted.”

Leslie aims to pay it forward. She has become a Certified Dementia Practitioner and hopes to provide supervision to Masters level social workers wanting to obtain their clinical licensure.

In her scarce free time, she and her husband enjoy traveling to new places, dabbling in photography or with their beloved pets; Butter, Rose and Eli.

“No matter where my career takes me, I hope to continue to be able to help those in need while helping them find their voice to advocate for themselves as well,” Leslie said.