José Leonor comes to Seattle from Northwest Arkansas, where he founded Thaden School, a 6-12 independent school. Most recently he served as Middle School Director at The Bush School. He has previously served as a teacher, coach, advisor, and facilitator at non-profit independent schools in San Diego and New York. In addition to his work with students, José has most enjoyed recruiting, developing, and leading educators and school leaders in serving their communities and fulfilling their educational missions. In his free time, José supports the Jets, Yankees, and Knicks, loves watching films, and travels around the country by road, enjoying this nation's hidden gems. He and his wife enjoy two wonderful rambunctious ‘doodles, Carlton and Nora.

Originally from Harlem, New York City, José graduated from Princeton University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature and a Master’s in Organization and Leadership in Education from Klingenstein Center at Teachers College Columbia University.