BACKGROUND

CURIOUS ABOUT Laura’s Background in Sex Education & Advocacy?

That’s great. Like everything, sex education is a lifelong learning opportunity and something Laura is incredibly passionate about, which is why she continues to develop her understanding of it through educational and experiential opportunities alike.

CERTIFIED HOLISTIC SEX EDUCATOR

Laura became a Certified Holistic Sex Educator through ISEE (the Institute for Sexuality Education & Enlightenment) in April 2024. This certificate represents a multi-year Holistic Sex Educator program that includes 41 webinar trainings, 3 papers, 90 hours of live streaming classes, and 25 hours of supervision.

The ISEE program is an approved organizational provider of continuing education for AASECT (American Association for Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists), and they also have a strong track record of taking action toward increased social justice— both internally as an institute as well as within course content.

Other Relevant education & professional experience

Member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists

Founded in 1967, AASECT is an organization dedicated to upholding ethical standards of professional sexuality educators, counselors, and therapists. Learn more here.

Completed a training in Self-Managed Abortion Access (2022)

This course, “How to be an SMA Buddy” provided by Plan C Pills, covered a refresher on the history of the reproductive justice movement, intersectional considerations within reproductive rights, medical abortion FAQs (such as navigating access, potential individual outcomes and needs, laws, and digital privacy), and more.

Completed a training in Ethical Storytelling (2020)

This course provided by Noël Russell, adapted from her previous professional work into the podcasting/digital media space, covered informed consent for interviewees, recognizing impact as a storyteller and ways to share stories that are not only respectful but minimize harm, and reviewed process and opportunities for improvement and growth.

Completed a training in Co-Active Coaching Fundamentals (2016)

This training delivered by the Co-Active Coaching Institute delivered hands-on learning opportunities on levels of listening, asking powerful questions, communication style(s), and designing alliances (establishing rapport, building relationships, and exploring boundaries).

Earned 51 credits in Mental Health Counseling, M.S. at Walden University (2011-2013)

This hybrid online/in-person program provides a pathway to become a certified mental health counselor (which she did not pursue). During her 2 years in this course, she completed online and in-person courses in areas such as active listening skills, confidentiality / HIPAA, cultural competency, and ethics and legal standards.

Spent 1 year teaching English as a foreign language in South Korea (2010-2011)

This yearlong program included developing weekly, age-appropriate lesson plans to 3rd-6th grade public school students as well as adult co-teachers, effectively implementing plans, and assessing both individual and group learning needs.

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Western Washington University (2010)

From with WWU catalog: With a background rooted in hands-on service, careers in human services often combine elements of social work and psychology. Western’s bachelor’s degree in Human Services attracts students from diverse backgrounds with a strong commitment to social and economic justice, human dignity, self-determination, and the desire to facilitate positive change.

Planned Parenthood Program Coordinator (2009-2010)

• Developed and led a sexual health program for college students, which included weekly meetings, education and political activation events, and multiple fundraisers

• Co-hosted a “Condom Fashion Show” with the campus Sexual Awareness Center to repurpose expired condoms into wearable art while raising money

• Recruited and maintained student volunteers through face-to-face meetings, phone, social media, and email communication

Planned Parenthood Public Policy Intern (2009)

• Participated in phone banking on a regular basis for reproductive health issues in the Whatcom County and Washington State area

• Attended an in-person lobbying event in Olympia, WA to speak with representatives directly on legislation impacting reproductive health

• Traveled to Washington, DC to participate in a weeklong event with Planned Parenthood for reproductive justice, including meeting with lawmakers

WomenCare Shelter Intern (2009)

• Navigated intake phone screenings with potential shelter seekers

• Met in-person with folks approved for shelter stays to complete intake assessments and transfer them by van to WomenCare

• Provided custom, 1-on-1 resource support for folks staying at WomenCare

Completed training in Domestic Violence Awareness - WomenCare Shelter (2009)

A 3-day course on the cycles of violence, practices for safely exiting dangerous relationships, types of abuse, resources, skill practicing for providing support as a volunteer, and more.

Completed course in Human Sexuality - Western Washington University (2009)

From WWU’s course listing: This course examines human sexual behavior from biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. Course content includes issues pertaining to sexual anatomy, the sexual response cycle, sexual orientation, sexuality across the lifespan, the reproductive process, variations in sexual behavior, sexual health, romantic relationship processes, and sexual violence.