A lifetime resident of The Sea Ranch, Leela spent her formative years surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild California coast. Her experience inspired a respect for the balance between human habitation and conservation, and a passion for the natural sciences. Her family ties likewise fostered an appreciation for architecture- her father, Timothy Carpenter, was a contractor for the Sea Ranch for twenty years and was part of the crew that constructed the Sea Ranch Chapel. After pursuing her education in journalism and creative writing, she found herself drawn back to the community and natural splendor of The Sea Ranch.
A person of many hats, Leela’s career experiences range from editor and essayist to EMT certification, gardening on a cooperative farm, and film projection. Before her migration to The Sea Ranch Association, where she now works as an Administrative Clerk in the Communication, Administration, Member Services, Safety and Security Department, Leela spent over a decade as a historical guide for the Point Arena Light Station. She looks forward to bringing her knowledge and versatility to work for the community she grew up in.
In her spare time, Leela continues to build her understanding of and passion for the area. When not traveling abroad, working in the garden or writing with a cat in her lap, she can often be found exploring the Sea Ranch trails, camera in hand.