Leah grew up in Maple Valley, WA where she had two loves—playing sports and baking. This love for food and exercise stayed with her. She played competitive club soccer all through high school, but it was her passion for baking that led her to a career in food science and nutrition. Leah credits her grandma for teaching her how to bake during the summers she spent on her farm in Iowa. In high school, Leah started experimenting with healthier recipes by substituting ingredients in her favorite baked goods. She was determined to make delicious foods healthier and that determination paid off. She was awarded a college scholarship for her initiative to create healthy cupcakes to help childhood obesity.