Laura first attended the Ohio State University but after two blizzards transferred to University of Florida, where she earned a B.S. in health science. Upon graduation, she returned to her home in Connecticut to teach science at a local high school and earned her master’s degree in environmental science education from Fairfield University. A teaching position and the allure of warmer weather brought Laura to Georgia where she taught all levels of biology at Pebblebrook High School for eleven years and then twenty years at Woodstock High School. It brought Laura immense pride to be named Teacher of the Year in 2015 by her peers.
Chapter AM/Marietta initiated Laura into P.E.O. in 1995. After a move to Cumming, she became part of the organization of chapter BG/Cumming. She later moved to Woodstock, where she joined Chapter BI/Woodstock. Laura has served as president, vice president, and both recording and corresponding secretary in these chapters. She has been active in finding recipients for both Program for Continuing Education (PCE) and GA. Scholarships. As a single mom, it became evident her need to return to school. She applied and received a PCE grant and obtained a specialist degree in science education in curriculum and instruction from West Georgia University. Laura has served on the Georgia Cottey Committee for the past three years and the chair for one.
In 2017, both Laura and her son A.J. (Austin James) walked across the stage together. Laura, retiring after 33 years of teaching and A.J., graduating to attend M.I.T. in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Laura remains busy during retirement by walking her dog over three miles daily, hiking, playing Mahjong and pickle ball, as well as participating in several book clubs.