Laura grew up in the small town of Howells, NE surrounded by numerous family members.  Her dad is the veterinarian in town and their farm was full of animals.  She grew up showing horses and playing high school sports.  Farm life taught her responsibility and discipline.  At 16 years old, she started working in a local nursing home as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant.  That is where she found her love of meeting new people.  After graduating high school, Laura went on to Wayne State College where she earned a Bachelor’s in Human Services with a minor in Psychology, and a minor in Criminal Justice.  She enjoys learning new things and experiencing new adventures.

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In November 2012, Laura joined the Building Blocks team.  “I have never been a part of anything like this!  We are a strong team who build off our strengths and fill in on each other’s weaknesses.  As an RD I am blessed with the opportunity to meet new foster parents every day.  I am able train them, walk them through the licensing process, and grow with them through their foster parent journey.”

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Over the past eleven years with Building Blocks, Laura has become certified in TIPS -MAPP and DT preservice trainings.  She has also completed the National Adoption Competency training and Trust Based Relational Intervention Caregiver Training. “I attend numerous conferences and read books continuously to gain additional knowledge in order to support my foster parents to the best of my ability.”

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“I absolutely love my job and everyone I serve, but I could not do it without the love and support of my family.”  Laura and her husband Justin have two beautiful children, Lainey, and Murphy.  They are raising them in the same way that they grew up, farm life.  They raise cows and have numerous horses.  In the evenings and on the weekends, you will find them roping steers and spending time outside as a family.