Today was filled with tears, laughter, and more tears as we said goodbye to Miss Laurie. I met Laurie in February of 2010 when she joined my CDA (Child Development Associates) class. After just one night of introductions in class, I knew that Laurie was an exceptional person and that I would love to work with her. Later in the class, Laurie offered to present a creative drama workshop to my class and after that I was completely smitten. Her passion, intelligence, and talent shone and she had 20 adult women acting like playful children for over 2 hours.

As benevolent fates would have it, in August 2010 we opened WWF and this created space for Laurie to join the WF classroom. Laurie came in and rode the tumultuous beginnings of the WF “preschool classroom” as we navigated what this new dynamic would look like. Laurie and Mel worked together as a brilliant team (along with me as the frantic 3^rd teacher/ overwhelmed director) and not only figured it out, but carved out new ideas and elevated the WF classroom into the ultra fabulous early childhood program we are today. In the past 5 years, Laurie has put her mark of EXCELLENCE on everything that we do. Just look around our classroom and you will see Laurie in every aspect of our environment, in the curriculum, in the tempo, and in the loving eyes of our Wee Frienders, their families, and the WF teachers.

Laurie is moving forward with her very own non-profit children’s musical theatre company, Youth on Stage. Many current and WF alumni families are already a part of Laurie’s wonderful classes and camps. Please support Laurie by signing up for her blog http://youthonstage1.org/ and liking her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Youthonstage1 But, moreover, please share her fabulous programs with your colleagues and friends, as we know word of mouth is how small businesses grow best.

Some people are meant to enter your life and make a dazzling impact. Laurie has done this for me personally, for our program, and for all who surround her. Laurie will be missed greatly.

So Laurie, Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. (~Henry David Thoreau) and we can’t wait for your first visit to our classroom in full costume as Ms. Frizzle.

Enjoy the attached picture album.  It shares some of Laurie’s great moments with us  from August 2010 to now!