Engage. Innovate. Evolve.

Harness the tools and mindsets of design, innovation, facilitation and coaching to connect with the people that matter most to your organization and design the solutions that will help you meet your future head on.

I’m Laura

I’m a facilitator, researcher, coach, and innovation consultant with more than a decade of experience working with public and private sector teams, nonprofits, and communities with lived experience. Together we build the skills, mindsets, and resilience needed to navigate complexity and shape more just, inclusive futures.

Grounded in human-centered design, equity-centred approaches, trauma-informed practice, and using innovation methodologies like Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Participatory Design, I support people and organizations to uncover painful problems, imagine solutions, and build what’s next.

My consulting work includes community engagement, co-design, strategic planning, corporate innovation, and venture building—mobilizing human-centered design to create products, services, and solutions that are grounded in real needs and lived realities. Drawing on my practice as a coach, I help teams surface and build on their own institutional and sector knowledge, aligning their insights with the creative tools and frameworks needed to develop strategies that move them toward their goals.

Whether supporting teams through change, facilitating meaningful dialogue, or designing alongside communities, I create spaces where people feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to take risks, and resourced enough to imagine what’s possible.

Services

Facilitation and Training

Looking to learn and grow together? I create spaces for open dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning. Through thoughtfully designed workshops and 101 training, I support teams and communities in building skills, aligning goals, and navigating complex challenges. Together, we foster connection, spark creativity, and create lasting impact through collective action.

Design and Innovation

Looking to spark innovation? I work with public and private sector organizations to create inclusive, adaptive solutions through human-centered design. From strategy and venture building to process redesign, I guide teams in developing creative, community-centered products and services that address real needs. Together, we co-create solutions that drive meaningful impact and long-term success.

Leadership Coaching

Looking for a thinking partner? I help individuals and teams grow, lead, and evolve with clarity and confidence. Through Flow leadership coaching, I create a space for reflection, development, and collaboration, encouraging creativity and resilience. I support leaders in navigating transitions, building self-awareness, and leading with purpose, empowering them to unlock their full potential and drive meaningful change.

Past Clients

Working with Laura

  • I am happy to recommend Laura for her exceptional work in stakeholder engagement during our recent visioning exercise. Laura's strategic insights and dedication were invaluable as she skillfully navigated diverse stakeholder landscapes, ensuring all voices were heard and considered. Her ability to facilitate open and constructive dialogue not only fostered a collaborative environment but also enriched our understanding of the community's needs and desires. Laura's professionalism, coupled with her genuine passion for enhancing care services, inspired confidence and trust among stakeholders. Her energy and contribution were instrumental in aligning our plans with the aspirations of those we serve, paving the way for a successful and inclusive outcome.

    Marianne Klein, CEO, Shalom Village

  • I've had the privilege of working with Laura on two significant projects—first, the African Nova Scotian Housing Needs Assessment and Strategy, and later, our Housing Solutions Lab in Upper Hammonds Plains. In both cases, Laura’s leadership, expertise, and commitment to community-led design were essential. What sets Laura apart is her ability to listen deeply, offer thoughtful advice, and guide complex discussions with clarity and respect. She is a true ally—genuine, intentional, and invested in supporting communities in achieving housing justice and equality. Her ability to foster collaboration while providing sound strategic direction has made a lasting impact on both our team and our community. We are incredibly grateful for Laura's contributions and look forward to more opportunities to work together. If you’re looking for expertise combined with authenticity and impact, I highly recommend Laura.

    Curtis Whiley, Founder and President, Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust

  • Laura is a compassionate, well informed and skilled team leader and colleague. Laura demonstrates her eagerness to learn, support and speak as a committed ally of Indigenous people, communities and initiatives. Always personable and prepared to lead meetings towards achieving success, I found myself impressed with her enthusiasm and energy - a pleasure to have worked with her!

    Stacey Vincent Cress, Indigenous Relations and Engagement, Serco Canada

  • I thoroughly enjoyed working with Laura and the SHS team on the housing strategy for the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board. Laura is a beacon of positive energy, and it is contagious! Laura’s approach is jovial and engaging. Her kindness and compassion shine through consistently. Laura has great listening skills and outstanding strategic abilities. Connecting the dots between housing and the environment, as she does, puts her at the top of the class. I hope I have the chance to work with Laura again.

    Donna Mayer, Manager of Project Development, District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board

  • Laura's time at Highline Beta was spent working on a variety of projects and juggling multiple priorities. She did everything incredibly well, with determination and creativity. She put a great deal of effort into delivering amazing work for our clients and contributing to the overall team culture and spirit of the company. She was proactive and always willing to jump in and help colleagues and clients with anything they needed. Her structural know-how of innovation systems, coupled with a willingness to "roll with things" was critical to delivering great value on the work she did.

    Ben Yoskovitz, Founding Partner, Highline Beta

  • I met Laura while participating in RBCx - an internal innovation challenge at the bank. Laura, with Highline Beta, led a week-long bootcamp on design thinking and lean startup. This was my first introduction to this style of research/development and Laura made it accessible and fun. Laura was always available for ongoing support through the nine-week program and my team leaned on her skills and experience greatly. It was a pleasure working with Laura and I hope our paths cross again soon!

    Jill Garner, Product Lead, RBC Ventures

  • Laura brings passion and purpose to everything that she takes on. She blends integrity, creativity, logic, and planning-based skill sets across the spectrum of the design process which makes her an integral partner for both our client and venture initiatives. Her capacity was particularly on display through the leadership role she quickly developed for our Kids X Tech community of which she’s an integral leader & champion.

    Jason Goodman, Founder and CEO, Youx Ventures

  • Laura worked with me as a project manager at OCAD University, helping to deliver digital training to TVO broadcaster. I also supervised Laura's excellent Graduate Thesis Project which pioneered digital storytelling and design techniques to build resilience in children…Laura is an energetic and creative problem solver with good organisational skills. She is very personable and a huge asset to any business or organisation. Laura also worked as an Associate at Six Trends Inc. where she was focused on learning strategies and user centred design. Laura is an energetic and creative problem solver with good organisational skills. She is very personable and a huge asset to any business or organisation.

    Tom Barker, Founding Chair, Digital Futures Initiative, OCAD University and President and CTO, Six Trends Inc.