Laurie has worked in the education field for 35 years as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and district curriculum coordinator. Laurie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Education degree in Elementary Education from Lander University, and an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from Converse University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree in K-12 Education Leadership from North Greenville University. She also holds endorsements for Literacy Teacher and for Literacy Coach.
Laurie began her career as a second grade teacher. After 10 years in the classroom, she moved into the coaching role as a school-based reading coach, and then as an instructional coach for all elementary content areas for 17 years. Since 2018 she has served the students and teachers in Laurens County School District 55 as the K-12 ELA/SS Curriculum Coordinator.
She regularly leads district professional development, coordinates Summer Reading Camp, served on the SCCCR ELA Standards writing committee in 2021, and is a trained LEXIA LETRS facilitator. Laurie is a member of the Laurens chapter of the Palmetto State Literacy Association, SC ASCD, SCASA, and is currently serving as the president of the South Carolina Literacy Leaders organization.
Laurie and her husband Lee have a blended family of 6 children, two additional children by marriage, and 3 grandchildren, and live in Clinton, SC. They are members of First Presbyterian Church, Clinton, and enjoy traveling and working on their new home.