She is a native West Virginian and a graduate of Poca High School. While a student at Marshall, Laren completed an internship with the Ronald McDonald House and continues to volunteer there weekly, doing administrative tasks and aiding guest families

 

 She also worked as a Scribe in the Emergency Department at St. Mary’s Medical Center, honing her professional writing skills. As President of Health Science Society at Marshall, Laren led fundraising efforts, coordinated volunteer opportunities, led marketing and outreach efforts for organizational events, and gained experience in public speaking.

 

She has also participated in and organized donation drives benefiting organizations such as Facing Hunger Food Bank, Harmony House, Fisher House, and the Developmental Therapy Center. Laren is excited about her year of service as an AmeriCorps Leadership VISTA through WV Promise for Inspiring Dreams Network. She can't wait to see the difference she will help make in IDN’s youth development movement, impacting youth and the adults who serve them, positively affecting WV communities.

 

After her year of service as a VISTA, she plans to apply to Physician Assistant school, where she plans to prepare for work in Emergency Medicine. She believes her experience with IDN will inform her future career in rural healthcare. Laren is excited to start making a difference!