Laura is currently the new Regional Director for Children at Risk. Having honed her skills during a 35 year career as a highly successful teacher, administrator, and nonprofit professional. Laura has a thorough understanding of the ingredients of outstanding learning and community environments, and their societal impact.

Laura served as Chief Academic Officer, Vice President of Education Services, and as Senior Director of Achievement to a large number of company partners during her 20 year tenure at EdisonLearning.

Prior to her role with EdisonLearning, Laura was National Director of Foundations for New Leaders for New Schools, Director of Education for the Foundation for Community Empowerment, Director of Mathematics for the Dallas Independent School District, a principal, dean, and teacher.

Laura holds numerous educational certifications, including those as: Teacher, Mid-Management Administrator, Mathematics Supervisor, Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Superintendent. Laura is a published author and has contributed to a number of textbook series and numerous articles and white papers. She earned her undergraduate degree from Bishop College in Dallas, and her Master of Science from University of North Texas.

A proud member of The Links, Incorporated and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Laura is involved in numerous community activities and is currently the Chair of the Board for the Youth Center at First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park, and she is the President of the Board for Head Start of Greater Dallas. Laura is happily married to Richard Hayes and has one son, Nicholas Cobb, who is a software engineer for Google.

When not trying to save the world, Laura trades her cape for a blanket and can be found reading books from her favorite stack.