-Laurie grew up in Sharon, Massachusetts, where she attended public schools before enrolling in the University of Vermont. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development. In her senior year of college she spent a semester in Spain, which altered the path of her life. She returned to Spain after graduation and met Eugenio, who eventually became her husband. While pursuing a Master’s in Intercultural Relations at Lesley College, she was able to conduct her internship and research for her thesis while in Spain. She began support services for international students while interning at the Universidad de Granada and published the first guide (bilingual in Spanish/English) for international students at a Spanish university. She also began teaching in Spain, where she lived on and off over a seven-year period.
Over twenty-five years, Laurie has taught English as a Second Language and Spanish to students in both private and public schools. She was also the International Student Coordinator and Academic Testing Supervisor at the Williston Northampton School, where the family also resided in a dormitory apartment before purchasing a home on Holly Circle.
Since making the switch back to public schools later in her career, she has experienced the deleterious effects of cuts to language programs first hand. Nevertheless, these career moves have given her vast experience in many neighboring districts, including Hampshire Regional, Longmeadow, and Amherst. She is now in her third year teaching Spanish at West Springfield High School, where she is able to work with the revered past principal of Easthampton High, Dr. Perrone.
Now that Laurie's children are in the working world, she has more time to devote to her community. She is very excited to contribute towards making Easthampton schools desirable to all parents.