Lesley was an Associate Professor at York University, and past Director of the Schools of Nursing at Trent and York Universities.  She was the Associate Dean for Community and Professional Programs at the Faculty of Health, providing leadership in education and research, in addition to program development, implementation, and evaluation in nursing and global health. She was Chair of the York University Senate from 2016-18 and co-chaired the pan-university mental health steering committee, providing oversight of an integrated mental health strategy for the university, addressing staff, faculty, and student well-being. Having recently retired from York University, she now contributes her expertise in governance and health policy to board work with local health organizations.