Lauren is a developmental-clinical psychologist whose research focuses on youth friendships and how they can help foster resilience.  She recently published the book “Healthy Friendships: Your Questions Answered.”  Her other published works include journal articles and book chapters on peer relationships, social skills, and social development.  Lauren enjoys working with youth in many aspects of her professional and personal life.  She is currently an Assistant Professor of Mental Health and Human Services at the University of Maine at Augusta where she prepares students to work in youth mental health.  Lauren is also a licensed psychologist with Maine Child Psychology where she conducts early childhood evaluations, provides school consultation, and provides clinical supervision to doctoral graduate students.  Lauren resides in the Bangor area with her spouse and their twins.  She first became involved with Hardy Girls, Healthy Women as a muse for a women’s action group, has served as part of the program committee, and had the pleasure of presenting a workshop to educators on promoting and maintaining educator well-being during the pandemic at the 2022 Girls Rock! conferences.  Lauren is excited to join the board to continue to recognize and foster the potential of youth!