About Leah Buzek
I build where care meets structure.
I am a program strategist and systems designer working across public service, survivor-centered practice, family systems, research, and civic infrastructure. I translate complex ideas into usable structures—and ambiguous work into something people can actually implement.
Work
Work built in the field.
Experience spanning direct family support, statewide program development, research, training, and operational design.
Dec 2024–present
Ohio Domestic Violence Network · AmeriCorps
VISTA, Survivor Engagement & Program Coordination
Leads survivor-centered program development at the statewide level. The work includes the Survivor Voices Council, a statewide domestic-violence and substance-use needs assessment, professional curricula, technical assistance, operational systems, partner engagement, and strategic planning.
2023–present
Independent practice
Researcher & Framework Developer
Develops original frameworks, assessments, policy proposals, and public writing at the intersection of relational ethics, caregiver trauma, systems design, and civic capacity. This work includes TRACEs, Continuity Ethics, Relational Ontometry, and the Reciprocal Perception and Care Model.
Dec 2023–Sept 2024
Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health
Family Peer Supporter
Worked with families navigating mental health, juvenile justice, child-serving systems, and multi-system involvement. Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, co-managed three United Way-funded Triple P expansion programs, and co-authored a successful Family Success Network grant application.
Formal education
Structured learning.
Applied immediately.
Degree study, leadership development, and formal practice credentials that support the work.
Degrees
Master of Public Service
University of Arkansas · Clinton School of Public Service
Bachelor of Specialized Studies
Ohio University · Applied Social Studies
Leadership development
NEW Leadership Ohio
A residential public-leadership institute focused on women in politics, policymaking, skill-building, and leadership practice.
Program information ↗Leadership Stark County Spotlight
A community leadership program centered on personal strengths, local institutions, service, and meaningful civic connection.
Program information ↗Credentials
Certified Family Peer Support
FREDLA Model · FREDLA Supervision · NAMI Model
Triple P
Level 3 Discussion Group · Level 4 Standard
CANS Assessor
TCOM / Praed Foundation
Independent study
The study underneath the work.
150
documented trainings in the current archive
Training distribution
Share of the 150-record archive tagged within each domain. Trainings can span more than one topic, so the percentages intentionally overlap.
Family, youth & multi-system care
76 trainingsBehavioral health & treatment
63 trainingsTrauma, violence & safety
44 trainingsLeadership, ethics & civic practice
28 trainingsProgram design, data & operations
13 trainingsSelected intensive learning
FREDLA Parent Peer Support Practice Model
The Mosaic Project
NAMI Ohio Family Peer Support
NAMI Ohio / StarkMHAR
Empowering Caregivers, Strengthening Families
R. Cassidy Seminars
Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles
HarvardX
Applied Scrum & Sprint Planning
USMx
Nonprofit Capacity Building: Strategy
OCAAR