Laurie is a Pinellas County native who currently lives in Clearwater, FL with her husband and two young sons. She graduated from St. Petersburg Junior College in 1993 with an Assosiate of Arts and an Associate of Science degree in Veterinary Technology. She has worked in private practice working her way up from volunteer to tech to Senior Technician responsible for inventory, scheduling, hiring and firing. From there she moved on working in the County Animal Shelter. Here she gained a deeper understanding of the seriousness of the pet overpopulation problem, the necessity of the work that shelter workers must do and the tremendous NEED to educate the public about both. After having her first son, she decided to pursue a position that could not only keep her in the career she so enjoyed, but also give her more time w/ her growing family. This is when she found her love of teaching! Although she does miss having more hands on time with the animals, she has found pleasure in sharing knowlege with future Technicians. Now she feels she has the best of everything - helping the animals, educating others and time to watch and enjoy her sons as they grow!