Conversations with Laura Schultz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Schultz.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have a hard time talking about myself, but here goes.
-I am a farm girl from Iowa. I’ve lived in Missouri and Pennsylvania where I was an elementary teacher. I quit education because I didn’t agree with where it was headed and what I was being asked to do. I had always been a crafter and love creating, so I used my time to make quirky art and opened an art shop called The Big Stinky Pile of Craft.
-I had a kid while living in Philadelphia, and had 3 years later moved to Fort Collins, CO.
-I knew I didn’t want to teach anymore and was having a hard time finding the time and energy for adding to my piles of craft, but wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do.
-I soon met my now best friends. One of them worked for a day program working with adults with disabilities and said I should apply.
-I took his advice, applied, and got the job.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nope, it hasn’t been a smooth road.
-I had a traumatic childhood which carries over into most aspects of my life.
-I enjoyed teaching kids, but didn’t enjoy the teaching world.
-creating art was a blast, and I was really making a name for myself in Philly. Having a child and moving changed that joyful part of my life drastically.
-Since moving to Fort Collins I’ve gotten a divorce and separated myself from the members of my immediate family. Being a parent, let alone a single parent, is incredibly hard. I am repainting myself while also trying to be a stable and loving figure in my child’s life.
-Job wise, it is emotionally challenging working with people with disabilities, but incredibly rewarding as well. I feel I’m warm out a lot and people get the tired version of me most days.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work for an organization called Clarion Day.
I take adults with disabilities out into the community to practice goals, participate in events, and see what the community has to offer.
I recently got promoted to day program manager where I help the boss and founder of the organization by helping everyone get what they need.
I am good at problem solving, helping everyone feel seen and heard, I’m kind and patient, and am good at connecting with people.
I’m most proud of my capacity for learning, problem solving, and trying my best every day. This population of people gets ignored or treated as pets, and I want the adults I work with to see that they are capable of friendships, connections, respect, and that they get to take up space as crucial members of this planet.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People who offer classes, events, or any free/discounted opportunities that can be disability friendly can email me or contact my boss on the Clarion Day website. We’re always looking for opportunities to learn about the community we live in.

You can support me by spreading the word that all types of people deserve to be part of the communities they live in.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.clarionday.com/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1eZXClDGQ0

Image Credits
Brennan
Kymber
Boyd
Willa