Laura McDonald, M.S. is an Executive Function Coach here at the Orchid Center for students in middle school, high school and college. She most recently worked as a Career Counselor at UMBC and has hands on experience advising high school and college students in the areas of career planning/development and the college search process. As a mother of two young adults (daughter and son) with ADHD, she has experience meeting the unique needs of students with ADHD in both public and private high school and college settings. She is excited to continue along this worthwhile and fulfilling professional journey that began in Columbus, Ohio when she became a parent instructor with The Art of Positive Parenting over 20 years ago. The best advice she has received that she lives by is “Wherever you go, go with all your heart” (-Confucious).

Laura is passionate about guiding young people to pursue their interests and strengths and prepare them for higher education and the world of work. She views students she works with as unique and special. This belief inspires her to customize her programs to the individual needs of each client, helping them to achieve their personal best.

Laura received a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Management from UMBC, a master’s degree in Computer Systems Management from UMUC, and a master’s degree in School Counseling from Loyola University Maryland. Additionally, she received her Coaching Teens & College Students with ADHD certification from JST Coaching and Training and is a member of CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). As a HCPSS middle school parent, she collaboratively established “Parents as Partners” on behalf