My Guiding Key – ‘Friendship carried Jeff and Leah through’

On this February 14th, Jeff Schleicher wants his wife, Leah Willochell, to know how very special she is. That she is his “guiding key.” 

Leah was born and raised in Greensburg just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. She attended Hempfield Area High School and met Jeff in Trigonometry class during their junior year. 

“Leah liked to wear jeans with holes in them, and I liked to poke my finger in them when she put her feet up on the back of my chair,” said Jeff. They bonded over a common interest in the video game Kingdom Hearts. What they did not know at the time is how a large role the game would play in their future. 

Leah and Jeff became close friends and even went to senior prom together, but it wasn’t until six years later that things got serious.

“We had been best friends until then, but there came a point in time where I had to take a hard look at myself. I realized I had known all along that she was the one,” said Jeff.

“Our relationship had matured during college, and we understood each other on a deeper level. Things were not always easy between us, but it was time to give it a real shot,” Jeff continued. 

The game that brought them together was about a friendship so strong that it carried the story’s heroes through their battles and ultimately won them the day. Jeff and Leah built a friendship so strong that it survived many bumps in the road and ultimately won them a marriage. 

Leah currently works as a biology teacher in the Cumberland Valley School District. She is an educator and a mentor.

We asked Jeff what makes Leah a good teacher. “Every day she inspires students to accomplish their goals, teaches them to overcome challenges, and prepares them for a full life of constant learning,” he said. 

When not at school, Leah is likely home with their two beautiful children, 4-year-old Roxas and 2-year-old Skylar; both named after characters from Kingdom Hearts. They have two family dogs named Sora and Riku, who are also named after characters from their favorite video game. 

Jeff knows Leah is a wonderful mom. “She is willing to do anything for our children. She makes sure they stay active, engaged in life, and constantly learn new things. I know it is difficult, but she makes being a mom look easy,” said Jeff. 

On the night Leah surprised him with the news that he was going to be a father, Jeff froze and stared into her sky-blue eyes. “I was happy but afraid that I would have no idea how to be a dad,” Jeff confessed.

He was comforted by both Leah’s confidence in him and the large plate of wings she had put on the table before telling him. “I have always needed her strength and guidance, the initial shock quickly vanished, and I just embraced her,” Jeff said. 

Beside her passion for playing Kingdom Hearts, Leah is an avid reader, loves to hike, and enjoys the chocolate-scented air while adventuring through Hersheypark. Leah and Jeff spend their free time playing with the kids, walking the dogs, and eating as much sushi as they can. 

On this Valentine’s Day Jeff has a special message for his wife: “I can never thank you enough for all that you have done for me and what you continue to do for our family. The road may be bumpy at times, but we can overcome anything that comes our way. You are my guiding key. Thank you for everything my Schmoo…”