MEET OUR FOUNDER & Teacher
Lauren Dean: Founder & Teacher
Hi friends, I am Lauren Dean and I live in Longmont, Colorado! I have 7+ years of professional teaching experience in a variety of K-5 learning environments. I am dually licensed for General Education K-6 and Special Education 5-21 in the State of Colorado. I am also dually licensed for Core Subjects w/STR (Grades EC-6) and Special Education (Grades EC-12) in the State of Texas thanks to one lovely year spent in Austin, Texas. I have completed the required READ Act certifications in both states highlighting the importance of systematic phonics instruction, commonly referred to as "The Science of Teaching Reading." I have a significant amount of experience in Special Education and Intervention. I also have two years of experience in leading Special Education center based programming for students with higher emotional, behavioral, and social communication needs. Working with children with diverse needs, interests, and strengths is my passion!
I graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2016 with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Human Services. During my first two years teaching, I also completed my Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction: 21st Century Pedagogy from the University of Colorado Denver. I have completed additional training in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, International Institute for Restorative Justice, Orton Gillingham Reading Intervention, Add+Vantage Math Intervention, and Thinking Maps. I have heavily studied Internal Family Systems, Somatic Therapy, and Play Based Therapy Mental Health Models and Frameworks for many years. I also am the Founder of Bound in Shadows LLC which offers expansion coaching for teachers who are ready to exit the public education system so that they can begin to teach in a more sustainable environment of their own choosing.
As I grew up, I moved often with my family which has led me to be highly adaptable to changing environments. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to observe many different places, peoples, and behaviors all across the United States. I highly cherish and value individual traits and strengths. I believe that every person holds the keys to their contribution to the betterment of our society. I have been a full time, full custody single mother of two children for the past 10 years. They are now ages 10 & 12 and I love them with all of my heart! We enjoy being in nature together while hiking, paddle boarding, and exploring new places. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to raise my children in such a beautiful state. In my free time, I love spending time at home, cooking, reading, and quilting. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve children, families, and teachers. I hope to pour as much love, light, and lessons into their lives as they pour into mine.
With Love,
Lauren