Barbara Leach is a nationally recognized family advocate with more than 30 years of experience supporting families of children with disabilities, mental health challenges, and special healthcare needs. She serves on numerous state and national committees focused on strengthening family engagement and improving systems of care.

As a STAR, Barbara has built her expertise through lived experience, advocacy, and decades of leadership in the family support movement. Her work demonstrates the value of knowledge gained through service, partnership, and real-world problem-solving.

As Vice Chair of the STARs Advisory Council, Barbara helps elevate worker voices and advance pathways to opportunity that recognize skills, experience, and community leadership.