Lauren graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Environmental Sustainability. Soon after, she moved to California to work in Outdoor Education as a Naturalist Intern. She quickly discovered the joy of teaching and working outside. After two years in residential outdoor education, she went back to school for a Multi-Subject Teaching Credential. Lauren taught 4th grade for a year before returning to outdoor education with a local Land Trust. While there, she designed and led an outdoor, nature-based preschool enrichment program.
Through her work co-creating the preschool with her students and staff, Lauren fell more in love with the magic of place-based, child-led learning. She believes that all people are naturally curious, capable, and full of potential. By building connections with one another and outdoor spaces, children (and adults!) can become empowered stewards of their community.
Lauren moved to Washington in 2023 to join the incredible community of forest preschool educators at Magnolia. In her free time, Lauren loves reading, gardening, hiking, kayaking, birding, and spending time with her dogs.