Marial Leisge

Board Chairperson, Program Director & Group Leader

Marial Leisge is the founder of Ocean State Kids, a nonprofit organization focused on encouraging parents to become their child’s most influential teacher. Inspired by her own journey into motherhood and the unexpected challenges and joys it brought, Marial transitioned from a career in branding and marketing to creating a thriving community of parents looking to become the biggest advocate for their children. After navigating the frustrations of the public school system and researching alternative education methods, she discovered nature schooling and felt a deep calling to foster a community for like-minded families. In just one year, Ocean State Kids has grown exponentially, now supporting over 100 families across Rhode Island through outdoor learning programs that emphasize parent involvement and children’s developmental needs.

Marial’s personal experience as a mother to her son Otto, who is a Gestalt Language Processor, has profoundly shaped her perspective on education and inclusivity. Balancing the needs of her family with her work, she made the heartfelt decision to step back from direct leadership roles to focus on her son’s growth and confidence. Her journey as a parent has sparked a passion for advocacy, particularly for children with unique learning styles. Whether it’s simply watching airplanes with Otto or crafting programs to empower parents as educators, Marial is dedicated to creating spaces where curiosity, connection, and community can flourish.