About Lauren

I am a writer and an educator living in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. I’ve been involved with independent education for almost 20 years at North Country School in Lake Placid, NY where I’ve worked as an Admissions Associate, the School Counselor, and now, as both a Language Arts teacher and a Learning Support coach. I consider myself an advocate for young voices, connecting students with books they want to read and helping them advance their skills as writers.

Although I’ve traveled a fair amount in my adult life, enjoying it a great deal, I find comfort and peace at home. My husband and I have two sons; one is a recent college graduate making his way in the world. Our younger son died tragically by suicide in 2018 at age sixteen, which thrust me on an unexpected and unwanted journey into grief, sorrow, and strength. Those pieces inform much of my writing, social-emotional skill-building in my classroom instruction, speaking engagements, and artwork.

I am passionate about presenting what I know: growing with grief, mental health, linking children’s literature with SEL (Social-Emotional Learning), making art, and mentorship. I have a Master of Science degree in Counseling, my National Counselor Certification, and hold permanent school counseling certification in New York State.

Thank you for visiting.