Laura obtained her master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2008. Following graduation, Franken began working in the Blue Valley School District working with elementary through high school-aged students. In 2015, she obtained her doctorate degree in occupational therapy from the University of Kansas and became a certified trauma professional through the International Trauma Institute in 2021. In addition, Franken has been a licensed foster parent since 2017, welcoming 26 respite children and one long-term placement who she has raised for the past four-and-a-half years. She has a passion for building children’s self confidence, helping them become the best version of themselves. Franken is approachable, open minded, and invested in bettering the lives of children who have experienced trauma.