Best Buddies Alumni Highlight: Sarah Leifeste ’09
Sarah Leifeste resides in the greater Houston, Texas area where she is the Director of a mobile dance company called Shine Music and Dance. Sarah has taught students ages 2-20 for the past 6 years. She brings training in all major styles of dance, piano, voice, and music theory to her teaching. Sarah holds a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Houston and has worked with individuals with special abilities for over 9 years. She offers free dance classes for people with special abilities. While in high school Sarah attended Seven Lakes High School where she was the Best Buddies Chapter Vice President.
Sarah’s Best Buddies experience was the first tangible time she worked with people with special abilities and it truly jump started her passion. She says her favorite memory of Best Buddies was attending Leadership Conference and of course the lifelong friendships she has created. Sarah was paired with her Buddy Sarah in high school and has remained friends with her ever since, she was included in Sarah’s wedding and many other memorable occasions like the birth of Sarah’s baby, Ace.
Sarah encourages students to make the most of their opportunity in Best Buddies and see each person as a friend and not some sort of service volunteer. Also, to not be afraid to reach out to Buddy parents, once they know you they will most likely appreciate you.
The new Alumni Association is something Sarah says can benefit everyone. “I think it’s awesome, I receive the alumni newsletter and get to be reminded of such an important time in my life. It’s great to see all the ways I can stay connected and get involved again.”
Sarah and her Buddy Sarah
