Nominations Chair: Laura Phipps

Laura Phipps grew up in West Central Illinois and has worked as a School Social Worker since 1999 in the States of Illinois and Iowa.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Monmouth College and her MSW from the University of Iowa.  Laura is currently in her 24th year at Heartland AEA.  She has worked in many districts over the years, serving children aged birth to 21.  Her preference is serving smaller, rural communities.  She has enjoyed working with individuals with disabilities throughout her career, beginning with her social work journey in a residential program, where she worked with Adults on independent living and recreation skills in 1991.  

Laura lives in rural Ogden, IA, with her Husband, David, and 14-year-old daughter Lila.  She has two adult daughters, Jaden (33) and Sierra (29), and a 7-year-old Granddaughter, Ireland, who live in Ankeny, Iowa.  Laura is always listening to an audiobook and has been a card maker and papercrafter for 30 years.  She also recently started taking quilting lessons.  Laura views herself as a lifelong learner and is always willing to explore new learning opportunities to enhance her skills as a social worker and better meet the needs of students.