Leslie Valdes(I)

Emmy-nominated Leslie Valdes served as the Co-Creator, EP and Head Writer of the Nick Jr. hit series "Santiago of the Seas."

He began his professional career as a staff writer for the worldwide-smash Nick Jr. TV series "Dora the Explorer." This was followed by a stint as the Head Writer and Producer of Disney Junior's mega-hit kids show "The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse."

As a freelance writer, Leslie has written for Nickelodeon's "The Backyardigans" (the title song from his episode "Castaways" recently became a TikTok viral sensation); Disney's "Handy Manny"; and PBS's "Rosie's Rules," among others. He also served as a consulting producer for DreamWorks Animation's "Noddy, Toyland Detective."

At Peach Blossom Media, he co-developed and served as Head Writer for the interactive TV series "Olive and the Rhyme Rescue Crew!" as well as co-developed and wrote the pilot for the animated series "Shapes." He's developed TV pilots for Playhouse Disney, Nick Jr., Toca Boca/Minecraft, and Ricky Martin Entertainment.

Leslie also worked as a staff writer on ABC's hit drama series "Castle."

For the theater, Leslie co-wrote the adaptation of the live "Dora the Explorer" musical, "The City of Lost Toys," which broke box office records for an extended run at Radio City Music Hall and in subsequent national tours. He's also published 10 children's books for Simon & Schuster's Spotlight imprint.

Leslie splits his time between Los Angeles and New York City, developing television series and writing feature films.