Leonardo Macias

Leonardo Macias is a dedicated and innovative educational leader with 28 years of impactful service within the New York City Public Schools. Throughout his career, Leonardo has been a steadfast advocate for creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments. His work has been grounded in a deep commitment to restorative practices, community building, and student and staff well-being. Leonardo has led transformational efforts at the school, central, and district levels by fostering cultures of empathy, accountability, and connection. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping policies and practices that prioritize healing, trust, and equitable outcomes across diverse school communities. Leonardo is a visionary in social-emotional learning and a co-founder of the NYCPS Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher Preparation Program, a pioneering initiative designed to integrate wellness and mindfulness into the fabric of New York City schools. His dedication to fostering resilience, mindfulness and emotional intelligence in both students and educators continues to inspire changemakers across the education system.