Laura is living proof of what is possible in recovery. She is a positive and inspiring role model to our adults and brings an attitude of gratitude, hope, enthusiasm and joy to everything she does. Laura began working as a Client Care Specialist and within months was asked to step into the role of group therapist due to her great rapport with clients and her depth of experience and knowledge with mental health and substance abuse. Laura then joined the therapeutic treatment team as a leader and helped to launch the phenomenal Family Weekend Restoration Program where she facilitates multi-family groups that meet the needs of both the client and the client’s family. Laura then moved to the supervisor role and served as the supervisor to the group therapists and provided instruction in the quality assurance department due in part to her exquisite ability to write notes. Laura has continued to progress within the company and is currently the Director of Operations for all the facilities nationwide, Laura travels to the various facilities and remains in contact with leaders at all times. Laura leads with distinction and dedication and has sacrificially worked on her off days, holidays and worked double shifts in order to make sure the clients are always provided quality care.

Laura considers herself a late bloomer due in part to her longtime struggle with an eating disorder and her addiction to drugs and alcohol. When faced with her own child who struggled with addiction and eating issues, Laura began her journey to find not only peace within herself and her family members but also, she began a quest to change the devastating effects of addictive behaviors and mental health disorders. Laura returned to school and attended Pierce College, Addiction Studies program in Woodland Hills, California. Once a registered addiction specialist intern, Laura worked at Women’s Odyssey Organization for a period and decided that her mission in life was to give to others what was given so freely to her in her time of need.

Laura is a leader in change and is personally invested in making the world a better place to live by motivating and nurturing our most at-risk population. It is her belief that if you save one person’s life you can save the world. Laura brings not only impressive CBT and DBT skills to our clients’ daily life, she also has assisted our clients in finding a voice through art therapy, poetry writing, and other creative outlets. Laura is committed to Growth Extended and is responsible to both our clients and staff as she serves tirelessly to make sure effective change is taking place. Although Laura admits that every day is a day spent doing exactly what she wants; her days off are spent relaxing and enjoying the company of her family as well as her longtime furry companion, Frankie, a rescue dog, and her three-legged cat, Pandora. Laura’s dedication, compassion and passion for Growth Extended is the reason that when Laura arrives to work each day, she feels she “has come home”.