Mrs. Stansell graduated from Lenoir Rhyne University with her Bachelor’s degree in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education in 2007 and Appalachian State University in 2010 with a Master’s degree in Literacy. Lauren holds a North Carolina professional educator’s license in elementary education, special education, reading education, and deaf and hard of hearing education. She also holds a certification as a Qualified Mental Health Professional. Prior to joining FIPP in August 2022, Lauren was employed by McDowell County Schools and worked with children and families in kindergarten through fifth grade to address a variety of academic, behavioral, and mental health needs. Lauren also previously taught children who were deaf and hard of hearing in Avery County Schools including assisting them with use of their cochlear implants and hearing aids as well as language and academic development. Lauren has a particular interest in working with children and their families regarding hearing loss, autism spectrum disorders, language development, and behavioral health.