Meghan Leonard
Meghan Leonard is the coordinator and head coach of Unified Sports at Bloomfield High School and serves on the Essex County Special Olympics Committee. She has coached the Special Olympics for more than 10 years and is in her fourth year leading Bloomfield High School's Unified Program. From the moment Unified Sports became an option at Bloomfield, Leonard was fully committed to its success.
She helped transition the local Special Olympics program to the Bloomfield Recreation Department, ensuring that athletes, many of whom are beyond high school age, would always have a place to participate. Leonard continues to assist and organize the program today.
Leonard also introduced the Unified Sports initiative to the Bloomfield Board of Education. This helped to secure grants and donations that made launching the program at the high school level possible. Her leadership quickly attracted strong participation from both athletes with disabilities and their student partners. Through her thoughtful coaching and training, Bloomfield's Unified athletes have thrived, and the program has become an integral part of the school community. Each year, the number of sports offered continues to grow.
Beyond athletic achievements, including state championships in flag football and track & field, Leonard's impact reaches every corner of the school. The pride and joy on the faces of her athletes tell the story of a program built on care, inclusion, and mutual respect. Students recognize her genuine commitment. The loyalty she inspires is remarkable. Under Leonard's leadership, Bloomfield High School's Unified Sports stands as a model of acceptance and community spirit.