Laura grew up in Minnesota and came to Washington in 2006 to attend Evergreen State College in Olympia. There she fell in love with the Pacific Northwest and in 2011, after a couple years of travel, moved to Leavenworth with her husband. Laura and her husband run a tree service business and for the last 5 years she has worked full time at the Tierra Learning Center, where she manages their farm, which operates as a social and work skills program for adults with disabilities in the community. Laura and crew often host the Upper Valley MEND Gleaning Team at the garden, and they donate produce to the Community Cupboard throughout the season. She has always been proud and thankful that Upper Valley MEND exists in her community, as a resource for those in need—either temporarily or long term. Laura is really excited to turn her thanks into action by being a part of the Upper Valley MEND board.