ANNUAL MEETING 2023

Working for eight years in the corporate world doing finance, real estate, and recruiting convinced Laura Henly that the corporate world wasn’t for her. Looking for something different, she shadowed a friend who was a school psychologist, discovering a career that she loves. Prior to coming to Kalamazoo, she worked for six years in the Chicago Public Schools and also surrounding suburban schools. After moving to Michigan eight years ago, she worked for the Calhoun Intermediate School District and the Eastern Service Area of Kalamazoo. She has also worked in private practice and in the legal sector as a neuropsychologist. “I decided I wanted to return to the schools because that is where I could help the most kids and families, especially those who wouldn’t typically have access to a neuropsychologist,” she said. It’s also in the school setting as a school neuropsychologist that she has found the greatest influential educators. “Watching what they all do on a daily basis inspires me to do the best in my job and do all I can to support them in the classroom,” she said. Originally from Minnesota and Wisconsin, she attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois, receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She earned her Master’s degree and Master's Specialist degree in School Psychology and her Doctorate in School Neuropsychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She enjoys playing with her two “fur babies,” Busey, a Labradoodle, and Reeves, a terrier poodle. Reading, going to the beach, camping, cooking, and traveling are among her other interests. “Ask me about my trip to the Maldives and I will talk your ear off,” she said.

Laura will be discussing her role, background, and the work she has done in Kalamazoo County, the importance of Education Advocacy, and how she feels The Arc Community Advocates supports families and teams.