After completing two years as co-anchor of KXAN'S News 36 Firstcast, Leslie joined the evening news team alongside Robert Hadlock, Jim Spencer and Roger Wallace in January 2000.

Leslie came to KXAN in 1995. Before coming to Austin, she worked in Fayetteville, Arkansas at KHBS-TV and in Jonesboro, Arkansas at KAIT-TV.

Television news is Leslie's second career. She has a degree in elementary education and taught fourth grade before going back to school to earn a masters degree in Mass Communications and Radio/Television.

In her eight years in the television news industry, Leslie has covered a variety of stories from crime to politics to education. At News 36, she has focused most of her stories on jobs, children, and health.

When she's not in the office, you'll find Leslie helping several organizations in the community. She hosts the annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon and has worked with the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, the American Lung Association, and the American Heart Association. She was also honored to host the Children's Event for Governor George W. Bush's 1999 Inaugural Festivities.

After work, Leslie spends time with her husband, Patrick Rhode. She loves to exercise, sing, and play with her beagle, Emma.

Send E-mail to Leslie Cook.