Laura’s fondest memories of growing up in Southern California include exploring Catalina Island and Baja California with her family.  After earning a M. A. in Special Education at the University of Denver in 1979, she pursued a career in education, working for Kent Denver School in Englewood, CO for 19 years.  A teacher and administrator, she also guided backcountry trips and coordinated service-learning projects for students.  She and her husband Charlie retired to Crested Butte in December 2015.  Laura currently mentors student teachers for the Education Department at Western Colorado University, volunteers in the community, and pursues her hobbies of gardening, hiking, and skiing.