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Leanette resides in Grand Rapids, MI.

Her performing interest started at age four when her mother enrolled her in a local dance school. Discovering she loved it so much, Leanette's mother continued her in dance school as Leanette learned routines quick, even at such a young age. Leanette was a 'naturale', and was often encouraged by her teachers to either lead the class, some nights, or take headship when the teacher was ill. Pretty soon, Leanette was taking additional interest in both Jazz and Pointe ballet, by middle school. At the closing of each year, the dance school held a recital. The young dancers got to wear makeup and flashy costumes; showing off their dancing skills. Leanette realized by then that she enjoyed Tap the most, and eventually dropped the other two.

During high school, Leanette took interest in becoming a dance instructor but was advised to wait a few years. At the time, the dance school Administrator was not keen on 'hiring' teen instructors. Most of the other teachers were adult women. Plus, for some time, there also were no openings at the dance school. Leanette instead, teamed with a fellow student, and took semi-private lessons in advanced tap. It was also during this time, that she starting taking interest in her high school's drama productions, like GREASE and ONCE UPON A MATTRESS.

By her HS Junior year, Leanette finally was allowed into the dance school's student-teacher program, but it didn't last long as she now realized her true calling was not Dance Instructor. Getting involved with the high school's drama department, made her realized that she enjoyed acting much more than being a dancer. Acting, to her, was much more expressive, artistically, than dance.

Leanette's high school performing arts coach noted her unique stage presence and talent, and encouraged Leanette to pursue the industry professionally; after high school. Leanette's dance training did eventually pay off. She landed the prominent role of "Susan Mahoney" in her senior class production of FINIAN'S RAINBOW; a role she was born to play. Although her singing skills were top notch, she was thrilled to be able to flit around stage as the mute dancer; showing off her dancing skills.

After graduation, Leanette went on to study Fine Arts at Grand Rapids Community College. However, the school's Theater department was very small at the time, and offered very limited participation or performance opportunities. So instead, Leanette redirected her interest to learning Stage Craft/Management, where she enjoyed learning the nuts and bolts of creating a show. Soon, she was called upon to co-manage several college productions. It was also during this time, that she landed her first real film role; a Supporting role in an Indie film, being produced locally: HOT CARS and SUMMER NIGHTS (1992). The film's proprietor was none other than Michigan-born, featured L.A. actor, Blackie Dammant.

After two years of college, the acting bug got ahead of her, and she left school to pursue local community theater, full-time. She appeared in local Christian-based theater; THE HOBBITT (1994), and ANYBODY FOR TEA? (1995), a few performance venues, and GUYS AND DOLLS (1996). Soon after, Leanette signed with a local agency but wasn't ready to travel just yet.

She continued in community theater; building her resume, then took a break. Several years later, a local production studio was soon opening house in Grand Rapids, and announced open auditions for its local talent. It's very first project was a casting-call for a new television comedy pilot. Leanette landed a small, Featured role. However, the pilot didn't go.

Afterward, Leanette returned to theater, with performances in DIRTY WORK AT THE CROSSROADS (1996), and PLAY ON! (1996). She revised her singing skills several years later, in her home church's dramatic Easter productions, THE CHOICE (1999), and ONE VOICE (2000). Her interests turned to comedy, following this, and she landed the role of Felicia in I HATE HAMLET (2002), and a Featured role in A CHRISTMAS CAROL (2003). After this, more life setbacks interrupted her flow, forcing Leanette to take yet another break from acting.

In 2004, Leanette now realized that she was finally ready to go professional, and signed with another Detroit agency. However, a few more personal set backs got in the way, again. In 2005, she returned, once again to acting; signing with two Detroit agencies. Almost immediately, she was offered a Lead role; a young mother, in a period, Indie film, THE LEGEND OF MARIE-FRANCE. However, production costs fell through just before shooting started. Two other forgettable films followed.

In 2006, Leanette signed with a local modeling agency, doing promotions like trade shows and fashion venues. The agency now Life setbacks interrupted her flow after that, forcing Leanette to take another break. In 2002, she suddenly realized that she was finally ready to go professional, and signed with another Detroit agency. However, a few more personal set backs got in the way. Two years later, in 2004, she returned to acting; signing with two Detroit agencies.

In 2006, Leanette signed with a local modeling agency, and immediately booked some local events like trade shows and fashion venues. Soon after, the manager recognized Leanette's extensive theatrical background, and offered her the opportunity of teaching classes in acting and modeling. Some months later, the idea for a new,local television comedy had sprung. Leanette was asked to co-head, utilizing her Industry experience and expertise, which she happily accepted. She served as Writer, Actress, and Co-Producer for the new show, which shot at a local community television station - with intent on gaining audience to eventually go live. She quickly learned 'behind the scenes', and thoroughly enjoyed wearing both hats: Actress and Co-Producer. Leanette continued with the television comedy production, until 2008. During Christmas break that year, she took opportunity to audition for a professional dinner theater company, producing the classic iconic theatrical hit, NUNSENSE. Leanette landed the role of street-wise nun, Sister Robert-Anne. She could now show off her Improv skills in a comedic role, and was proud to do so. The show received rave reviews, including awards recognition for a local newspaper.

Following, Leanette did some local voice-over work, and then landed two more roles in forgettable local film projects.

In the Summer of 2009, Leanette was asked to return to the television comedy show, which she did, as Co-Producer, Director, and Regular. Missing Theater too much, however, she again departed, Summer 2010. Following, she auditioned for several local Indie film projects and a couple Student films, landing a Supporting role in one, a Featured role in the other.

Most recently, Leanette auditioned for THE MIRACLE WORKER, and landed the Lead role of Kate Keller; earning her rave reviews, alongside her fellow costars. To date, Leanette enjoys Freelance Writing (blogs, articles, reviews), and auditioning for local Feature and Indie films - while completing her Bachelor's degree.