Trained as a chronic disease epidemiologist, Laura has more than fifteen years of experience in translational health communication and public health. Her areas of expertise include substance use prevention and harm reduction, nutrition, health equity, chronic disease prevention, and increasing access to social services.
Prior to joining Dogwood, Laura worked at nonprofit organizations such as the American Cancer Society and served as the Sr. Director of Health and Wellness at Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where she led the strategy and implementation of health initiatives for nearly 5,000 Clubs across the U.S. She has designed health interventions and media campaigns with the FDA, NIDA, CDC, and SAMHSA, and for rural, military, tribal, and LGBTQ+ audiences. She is also published in a variety of peer-reviewed chronic disease prevention journals.
Most recently, Laura served as a Group Management Director at Rescue Agency, where she led public health programs nationwide to promote health equity and behavior change.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys hiking throughout Western North Carolina with her dogs, attending concerts with her husband, and traveling.
