Lauren is an occupational therapist who has been working in pediatric outpatient clinics, home health, and schools in Houston, Texas since 2010. She specializes in working with children with cerebral palsy or other neuro-motor disorders. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Additionally, Lauren has been certified in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) since 2011. She also holds a certificate in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) from the University of Michigan, where she completed her bachelor's degree in psychology and Spanish.

Lauren is not only a seasoned therapist but also the visionary founder and executive director of TBB. As an avid traveler with 48 countries under her belt, Lauren recognized the need for an organization like TBB. Her journey of learning about therapy and disability worldwide, combined with witnessing the pitfalls of the voluntourism model, led to the birth of TBB in 2018. She firmly believes that local sustainability must be at the core of all humanitarian work. 

Embodying the spirit of TBB, Lauren’s leadership style is compassionate and empowering. She values transparency, accountability, and teamwork, while also empowering team members to be independent. She is skilled at incorporating the individual needs of different communities and partners, while maintaining a worldwide view of TBB’s vision and scalability. She enjoys fostering a culture of warmth, patience, understanding, and cultural intelligence within her team. A true introvert, she also values vulnerable leadership and wears her heart on her sleeve. Her passion for TBB is palpable to everyone she encounters.

She successfully navigated TBB through the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating adaptability and innovation in advancing TBB’s mission. Constantly working as a significantly under-resourced organization across different time zones and cultures has been the most challenging job of her life, and she is extremely grateful for the support of her team, sponsors, partners, and donors. 

When she's not traveling, you'll likely find Lauren enjoying quality time with her husband and son, often exploring Houston's vibrant food scene with friends.

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