Lauren was born and raised in Cary, NC, and attended North Carolina State University, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work. Lauren has worked with families experiencing homelessness through outreach work with the Salvation Army of Wake County, and she brings the knowledge she has gained from her past experiences to The Carying Place. Most recently, Lauren worked at the Tammy Lynn Center with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their homes to help them reach their goals. Through this work, she has learned transferable skills that she brings to her career in social work.

Lauren’s passion lies in mental health care, and she supports families through the unique challenges they face to achieve long-term independence. Lauren believes that although families might experience homelessness through reasons outside of their control, they are able to take back control of their lives.