Laura Thompson

Laura Thompson has a diverse work experience spanning over several years. Laura is currently working as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth since 2023. Prior to this, they worked as a Mindfulness and Creativity Coach at Breathing Space | Dr. Laura Thompson, LLC starting in 2022.

In 2022 they also held the role of a Kripalu Meditation Teacher at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. Here, they taught meditation and art workshops, emphasizing the connection between creative energies and mindfulness.

Earlier in 2022, Laura served as a Winter Studies Visiting Professor at Williams College. Additionally, they worked independently as an Independent Consultant.

From 2002 to 2022, Laura held senior management positions at MASS MoCA, including the role of Director of Education + Curator of Kidspace. In this role, they were responsible for developing educational materials and interdisciplinary programs, writing grants, and implementing various workshops. Laura also played leadership roles in DEI training, artist/community partnership committees, and the Board program committee. Laura also initiated partnerships with organizations and designed programs focusing on anti-racism and the arts.

Prior to this, Laura was the Director of Exhibitions and Education at Kidspace at MASS MoCA from 2002 to 2012. Here, they curated contemporary art exhibitions and organized related programs for children, teachers, and families.

From 2007 to 2020, Laura served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts specializing in liberal arts education.

Before that, they worked at the Museum of the City of New York as the Manager of School and Family Programs from 1991 to 1998. In this role, they oversaw school programs, developed child-friendly labels and exhibition components, and curated community gallery exhibitions.

Overall, Laura Thompson has had a varied career, focusing on education, mindfulness, creativity coaching, and arts administration.

Laura Thompson earned a Doctorate of Education in Arts Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, from 1996 to 2001. Prior to that, they completed a Master's degree in art history and modern history at New York University, with the specific dates unavailable. Laura also holds a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from SUNY New Paltz, which they obtained by 1989. Additionally, Laura obtained a certification as a 200-hour Kripalu Meditation Teacher from the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in January 2022. It is unclear where they obtained their certification as an art teacher, as no information is available regarding the institution or dates.