LEADER, ENNEAGRAM 3, VISIONARY, FRIEND TO ALL, WIFE + MOM OF 3.
Hi, I'm Laura. Leader, Speaker + Hope Dealer.
I'm an Athens, Georgia local serving as the CEO of Extra Special People, an organization I became involved with as a freshman at the University of Georgia. It was impossible to know then that at the young age of 19, I would become the organization’s leader. Alongside my team that has grown from just me to almost 50, I have identified the key, unique differentiators in leadership that translated into millions of dollars in fundraising for an underserved community of all abilities.
Ready to magnify your abilities for the benefit of others? You've come to the right place.
In 2003, Laura began volunteering at ESP as a college student. Martha Wyllie, ESP's Founder and volunteer Executive Director, was diagnosed with cancer less than a year later.
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Months following her passing, Laura received a call that changed her life, asking for her to step up and fill Martha’s role. While a daunting request, she knew it was the next right thing.
how
But
did
we
get here?
2005
SOMETIMES YOU CHOOSE YOUR JOB. OTHER TIMES, YOUR JOB CHOOSES YOU. I'VE BEEN SERVING AS CEO FOR A NON-PROFIT FOR 19+ YEARS, AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO GET RID OF ME!
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2025
2005
The challenges were seemingly insurmountable: with a need to raise more than $50,000 to run a summer camp, recruit a a team of camp counselors, while keeping the magic that Martha had created... at age 19, while finishing her sophomore year of college. Laura dug deep into her well of strength found in her faith. She rallied the community, raising the funds needed for her first summer camp.
Now, after nearly 20 years, Laura serves as the CEO and looks back over the decades of humble leadership to see millions of dollars raised to serve 1,300 families, build a multi-million dollar complex in Athens, and expand to three new cities: Atlanta, Rome, and Savannah. Laura and the ESP team have no plans of slowing down - the need for ESP in communities is great, but the opportunity is greater.
Along the way I’ve been honored to receive many accolades and leadership awards. But, my favorite part of my job: getting to hug the incredible individuals who walk through ESP's doors. They are the reason I push myself out of my comfort zone every day.
Laura is an exceptional leader. She has the uncommon ability to lead with clarity, confidence and humility. This is a rare find. Her energy and passion makes her magnetic. She is not only a leader locally in the Oconee/Athens community, but she is a leader nationally. I have been in leadership for 25 years - Laura is one of the best I have seen.
NEIL STEVENS
PRESIDENT & CEO, OCONEE STATE BANK
Laura doesn’t simply speak—she connects. She brings you straight into the heart of ESP, showing what belonging looks like in action and how celebrating abilities can transform whole communities. You can feel the purpose behind her leadership in every word.
What stood out most to me was how she helped all of us truly see abilities—in others and in ourselves. Her message is equal parts inspiring and grounding, and you walk away with a renewed sense of what inclusive, purpose-driven leadership can look like.
DANA DORRIS
SENIOR PARTNER INSURANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
“Laura always wears a smile and positive disposition. When
you're working with difficult client and family situations, that is a great asset. She's the reason the organization has grown so much in recent years. She's exceptional.”
PAUL CHAMBERS
REGIONAL DIRECTOR AT AT&T
Kind
Words