Director of Talent and Quality Initiatives, Extended Child Care

Laura was born and raised in Sonoma County and has dedicated her career to Expanded Learning. Her journey began as a student in an Extended Child Care (ECC) program and continued after high school as an Instructional Aide, eventually advancing to her current role as Director of Talent and Quality Initiatives.

Laura holds two Associate of Arts degrees from Santa Rosa Junior College in Child Development and Behavioral and Social Sciences, a bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Sonoma State University, and a master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She is also a Certified Wellness Coach.

Passionate about professional development, Laura is committed to ensuring every child and youth has a safe, supportive space to learn and grow while equipping Expanded Learning professionals with the skills to make that possible. Her own experiences in Expanded Learning inspire her dedication to creating environments where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Laura is a graduate of the three-year ASAPconnect Fellowship in Facilitation, Leadership, and Coaching, serves as a Senior Certified Trainer for CalSAC, and has been a member of the Region 1 Advisory Committee since 2018. She also served for two years on the Site Coordinator Network Leadership Team.

Outside of work, Laura is the Immediate Past National President for Active 20-30 US & Canada and a Past President and current Secretary of her local Active 20-30 club. She enjoys road trips, hiking with her dog, music and art festivals, and spending time near the water.