Laurel has been teaching Psychology for fifteen years at the community college and university levels in Santa Barbara as well as study abroad programs in Rome, Italy. She often shares with students that she has the best job in the world. Laurel is a social constructivist and believes knowledge is best gained as part of a collaborative, social experience. Her passion for psychology stems from the explanations it provides for why people and groups behave the way that they do; which ultimately leads to an increased understanding of ourselves and our lives, an open mind, and less judgement. She is also passionate about the intersection between mental health and the justice system. Laurel’s research focuses on the environments and social conditions which shape the very structure of our brains in search of the optimal settings for human development.