Leanne is the Education Director and, alongside her husband David, co-owner of Floral Design Institute, Inc. She purchased the Institute in 1988 from founder Ruth Gifford, who established the school in 1969. Under Leanne and David’s leadership, Floral Design Institute has grown to become the largest privately held floral design school in the world.

David is the co-owner and Chairman of Floral Design Institute, Inc., which he operates alongside his wife, Leanne. As the FDI Website Administrator, David leads the company’s long-term planning and creative development, playing a pivotal role in shaping its strategic direction.

Joining the Floral Design Institute team in 2015, Michelle is an instructor in the Basic Floral Design, Advanced Floral Design and Advanced Wedding Specialist certification programs, both in the classroom and through FDI’s Online Programs. She also teaches Advanced Seminars and Special Interest Classes.

Jeri created her first wedding over 20 years ago and has loved weddings ever since. This love of weddings began when she was a manager and buyer for a bridal gown boutique. She would create flowers “on the side” and then decided to join forces with a florist. Jeri has since purchased that floral business and is now the owner of Bella Bloom Florals where she has turned what was a side job into a wonderful career. She specializes in wedding and event work and has had her work featured by Style Me Pretty, Town & Country and Colin Cowie.

Anna is a Floral Design Institute Certified Floral Designer who graduated from FDI in 2016.  Her floral career began at the age of 20 when in her own words, “I suddenly realized that it was possible to design the life you wanted, to have a creative career and to truly love what you do.

A native of El Paso, Texas, Dov brings a wealth of floral design talent, floral design instruction and mentoring experience to Floral Design Institute. He is an accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), and is an AIFD Certified Floral Design Evaluator and Judge. Dov teaches Online Certification Programs in Basic Floral Design and Advanced Floral Design.

Annie loves teaching at the Floral Design Institute because she is passionate about education and has been an unofficial leader and mentor to many other floral designers in the Portland metro area. “I am an open book, I love to share my knowledge and experiences.  I feel so fortunate, over the years I have learned a lot from Floral Design Institute, my floral peers and also striking out on my own.”

Floral Design Institute graduate Michael is an accomplished, award-winning floral designer. As the owner of a thriving brick-and-mortar floral design business, he brings invaluable real-world retail experience to the classroom. A native of Marianna, Florida, Michael launched his first floral design business at just 19 years old. He now teaches both the Online Certification Programs in Basic Floral Design and Advanced Floral Design, sharing his expertise and passion with students around the world.

Caledonia joined the Floral Design Institute Team in 2017. With a formal background in engineering, she sought out FDI as a way to nurture her lifelong love of flowers and the arts.

Susie joined the Floral Design Institute Tulip Team in 2019 after completing the Basic Floral Design course in person. She often shares that attending Flower School was the best decision she ever made. With more than 17 years of experience as an academic advisor in higher education and over six years living and working abroad, Susie brings a wealth of knowledge and a global perspective to supporting FDI students, graduates, and Tulips worldwide.

Jules joined the Floral Design Institute Creative Team in June 2025, bringing with her more than a decade of experience as a dynamic and collaborative multimedia creator. Her work spans photography and video production for brands, educational institutions, and small businesses.

Carolyn was a beloved instructor at FDI for five years. Sadly, she passed away after a brief illness on March 14, 2024

Carolyn brings a wealth of real world floral design experience to Floral Design Institute. She is a proud graduate of Floral Design Institute who found her love and passion for floral design when she took her first class from Leanne Kesler in 1991.

Now retired, Beth was an instructor at FDI beginning in 2006 through 2016.

Beth began her floral career in Palatine, Illinois at the age of 16 working as a floral delivery driver. With over 35 years of experience as a floral designer, having worked in multiple retail stores and owning her own studio based wedding floral business, Beth possesses a treasure of practical experience to share with her students.

Now retired, Nancy was an instructor at FDI beginning in 1981 through 2015

Nancy has been part of the Floral Design Institute team for over 35 years. "It has been my honor and pleasure to continually bring the joy of floral design to so many students over the years" Nancy is an instructor of the certification programs Basic Floral Design and Advanced Floral Design.