Leanette was born into an addicted family. Her father was a severe alcoholic and her mother struggled with drug use. When her parents' lives became overrun with drugs and alcohol, Leanette decided to leave. She was only 13 years old. 

She dropped out of school in the eight grade and began couch surfing to make ends meet. She spent much of her life just trying to figure out how to live a normal life.

Eventually, she joined the Job Corps, got her GED, and got married (a few times). 

At the age of 39, Leanette enrolled in community college with no intention of getting a degree. After many years in community college, Leanette went on to get a bachelor's degree. Today, Leanette is a SUD Counselor and with a Masters degree in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University.

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