Laura’s career comprises a wide range of experiences, but one thing connects them all - community. After training as a violinist at McGill University, Laura was curious about how music could be used to strengthen families and communities. This led her to teaching and leadership roles in non-profit organizations in Australia and Scotland, where she led programs focused on building children's orchestras as tools for community change.
For six years, Laura led an interdisciplinary team of 25 staff in an underserved community in Aberdeen, Scotland to deliver an intensive community-based orchestral program. This program engaged 600 children from birth to age 11, including a daily after school program, overnight camps, trips, and concerts.
As a musician and music teacher, Laura has spent a lot of time working with children and families. She moved home to Nova Scotia in 2020 and began working in systems change and community development, first as Managing Director with Inspiring Communities; and recently as The North Grove’s Director of Programs and Services.
Over the past two years, Laura has overseen all The North Grove’s programming and has been integral in bringing the organization’s strategic directions to life, leading major initiatives such as being designated as an HRM Comfort Centre, an evaluation strategy revamp, and a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) framework.
Laura is deeply committed to the organization and its trusted relationships with community members, program partners, funders, and government. Laura lives in Dartmouth with her partner and two young daughters, with a growing flower and veggie garden.
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