Tina Leslie
Dean of Academics
Tel: (805) 646 4343 Ext 133 (Nicole Nicoletti Asst.)

Academics

Year Appointed: 1989


B.S. Physical Education, California State University, Chico
Lifetime teaching credential K-12 single subject, CSU Chico
TESOL certificate, UCSB
Master’s in Linguistics (TESOL emphasis), CSU Northridge

Tina was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California. A passionate tennis player, she first came to Ojai in high school to play in the Ojai Tennis Tournament. In college at California State University, Chico she returned to “The Ojai” several times to compete in the Women’s collegiate division. Directly after college, Tina spent a year in Tokyo teaching and traveling. She primarily taught as the head teacher at a bi-lingual nursery school but also coached volleyball and basketball at the American School in Japan and taught conversational English to business people. This experience fostered a love of teaching English as a Second Language.

After returning to Chico to pursue her teaching credential, Tina spent several years at Ojai Valley School, growing and developing the ESL program at the lower campus. Leaving OVS to return to school for a master's degree, Tina began working part time at Happy Valley School while going to school at Cal State Northridge. This soon turned into a full-time position. Tina has worn many hats during her time at Besant Hill School. Throughout her time, until becoming Dean of Academics, Tina has been the Director of the ESL program, Athletic Director, Director of Studies, and Dean of Faculty. She has also coached tennis.

In her free time, Tina enjoys traveling and being on the beach with her dog, Kona. She lives in Ojai and is still active in the Ojai Tennis Tournament, where each year she serves as the scheduler.