Plan for success

Born in Concord, New Hampshire, but having lived in nine States ranging from coast to coast, Laura has met people from all walks of life and that’s what energizes her. Raised by an educator and minister, Laura knew from a young age that she wanted to understand people’s stories and help them realize their full potential. After Laura graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in psychology and sociology, she earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of South Carolina. In 1996, she began her career as a foster care social worker. While she thrived in direct practice, her management skills were quickly recognized and she was promoted to supervising a team of social workers. Seven years later, Laura’s family moved to Virginia where the job market forced Laura to adapt and evolve. She utilized her people skills coupled with management style and worked as a headhunter in the banking industry. Laura enjoyed helping professionals of all ages discover new opportunities and develop a clear plan for reaching their full professional potential. Laura planned to return to social work at some point, but plans changed in December of 2005, when her daughter Morgan was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor. Morgan sustained a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the neck down. While Laura always knew she was destined to help children, she did not realize that the child who would need her the most was her own daughter. This tragedy forced Laura to once again adapt and evolve. After Morgan’s injury, she remembers, “Doctors told us that she was a quadriplegic and would most likely never eat, breathe, or walk again. It was very terrifying to have a room full of doctors telling us that the future looked bleak for our daughter.” Refusing to be deterred from her child's recovery goal, Laura relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, where a rehabilitation clinic was based, and developed the skills necessary to become a virtual PT, OT, nurse, school aid, and whatever else Morgan’s situation demanded. A few months later, Morgan took her first step. “It’s incredible to watch your child take their first step, but it’s even more amazing to see it a second time.”

In 2008, Laura’s family relocated once again to Ohio where Laura became a Special Events Coordinator for a non-profit. Under her leadership, the events grew in size and scope, but most importantly grew in the amount of funds raised. In June of 2014, Laura’s family moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where Laura has chosen yet another new path, but one with great purpose. Her daughter Morgan no longer needed her and her son was in school so she returned to helping other children and their families navigate the intense academic and social struggles of adolescence. Laura loves that she’s been able to tap into her professional social work side once again. “It’s so rewarding to partner with others and have the opportunity to encourage people to not be limited by their circumstances”. Laura is grounded in her belief that life is a journey that requires a great many things from each of us, but holds steadfast to the conviction that with the right help, we are all capable of reaching beyond our wildest dreams. Laura shares, “My journey has been profoundly different than I expected, but my life is sweeter as a result of the struggles and triumphs. Each day, I choose happiness and laughter and will continue until I depart this earth. Just as Morgan is accomplishing things people told us she never could, we are all capable of so much more than others think. I aim to empower people to take steps toward their true path.”