Best of Colorado Awards - Outstanding Program Director...Leigh Savoy!

Nominated January 26, 2026

Leigh is the kind of BASE Director who makes everything feel steady, intentional, and genuinely caring, even on the hardest days. She leads with a rare mix of warmth and confidence, and it shows in how the program runs, how staff show up for kids, and how safe and welcomed families feel. Leigh is thoughtful, consistent, and always looking for ways to make the program better, whether that's improving communication, strengthening her team, or finding creative ways to keep kids engaged. Because of her leadership, the program feels calm, organized, and joyful, and both staff and students trust her completely.

One of Leigh’s biggest strengths is her ability to really listen to kids, staff, and families and then turn that feedback into action. She led meaningful improvements to enrichment programming by focusing on what kids were actually excited about while still supporting social-emotional growth and learning. The result was higher participation, better behavior, and kids who felt proud of what they were part of.

Leigh also put strong systems in place for staff support and training. She created clear expectations while making sure staff felt supported, not micromanaged. This helped build a confident, dependable team and made the day-to-day flow of the program smoother and more sustainable for everyone involved.

There are so many moments that show Leigh’s impact, but one that stands out is how she supports kids who need a little extra care and patience. When a student was struggling with behavior and consistency, Leigh didn't label or give up; she leaned in. She worked closely with staff and the family, stayed calm and consistent, and made sure the student felt supported rather than singled out. Over time, that student gained confidence, improved their behavior, and started showing leadership in ways no one expected at the start.

Families regularly share how grateful they are for Leigh’s communication and kindness, and staff genuinely enjoy working under her leadership because they feel trusted and respected. Leigh’s presence makes the program feel like a community, not just childcare, and that's what truly sets her apart.

• Raffael Busch

I am proud to nominate Leigh for this award in recognition of her outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to the BASE program at our school. As Program Director, she consistently sets a high standard for excellence, creating a positive, well-organized environment where staff feel supported and motivated, and children feel safe, valued, and excited to participate. Her leadership has resulted in a strong, cohesive team and a program that families trust and rely on every day.

She also demonstrates remarkable innovation in her approach to programming. She continually introduces engaging activities that meet the diverse needs and interests of students, fostering creativity, confidence, and meaningful social connections. Her ability to adapt and enhance programming ensures that youth remain engaged while supporting their social and emotional growth.

Most importantly, Leigh exemplifies deep dedication to the mission of Out-of-School Time programs. Her sustained commitment is evident in the consistency, quality, and positive impact of the BASE program. Through her hard work and measurable achievements, she has strengthened the program’s outcomes for students and families alike, making a lasting difference in our school community.

One significant accomplishment led by Leigh was her leadership in designing and implementing a high-quality Summer BASE program that kept students engaged, supported staff, and provided families with a safe, enriching option during the summer months. She intentionally developed a program that balanced academic enrichment, hands-on activities, and recreation, ensuring students remained stimulated while still experiencing the joy and freedom of summer.

Under her direction, the Summer BASE program introduced themed weeks and interactive projects that encouraged creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. These initiatives increased daily participation and enthusiasm among students, many of whom looked forward to attending each day. Her thoughtful planning also helped minimize behavior challenges by keeping youth meaningfully engaged and invested in the program.

In addition, Leigh prioritized staff preparation and support by providing clear expectations, training, and ongoing communication throughout the summer. This resulted in a confident, collaborative staff team that delivered consistent, high-quality experiences for students. The success of the Summer BASE program had a lasting positive impact, strengthening student outcomes, improving staff retention and morale, and reinforcing the program’s value to families and the school community.

One example that best illustrates Leigh’s impact occurred during the Summer BASE program following a scheduled field trip. The trip was advertised with a specific set of activities for students, but upon arrival, it became clear that the experience was not as organized or comprehensive as promised. Rather than minimizing the situation, She immediately addressed the issue.

She communicated transparently with families, proactively informing parents about what had occurred and offering a sincere apology. Most importantly, she advocated on behalf of the students and families by working directly with the vendor to ensure accountability, ultimately securing a refund. Her actions demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and a deep respect for the trust families place in the program.

This experience reinforced confidence among parents and staff, showing that She prioritizes student experience and family trust above convenience. Her willingness to take responsibility and go above and beyond to make things right left a lasting impression on the community and exemplifies the values of strong leadership and dedication to youth-centered programming.

• Aubrey Nalley