Leal brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. With 20 years in education, her roles have ranged from classroom teacher and reading specialist to instructional coach and assistant principal. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Principal at East Central ISD for the past four years.

In her acceptance statement, Leal expressed her enthusiasm for joining the Gonzales Elementary team, saying, "I am honored to join Gonzales Elementary as the new principal and am excited to work alongside the dedicated staff and engaged community to foster an environment where every student can thrive. This opportunity is both a privilege and a responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly."

Leal's academic credentials include a Bachelor's of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Texas Lutheran University and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. Her educational philosophy centers on the belief that every student deserves a supportive and empowering environment to achieve their full potential.