Laura Richardson

Laura Richardson has a diverse work experience in the health and wellness field. Laura started their career at the University of Colorado Health Northern Colorado, where they worked as a Community Health Educator and focused on injury prevention and education within the Hispanic/Latino population. During their time there, they also worked as the Coordinator of Safe Kids Larimer County and played a role in creating and implementing the Community Car Seat Education & Distribution Program.

Moving forward, Laura joined FEMA in 2017 as a Bilingual Call Center Supervisor, where they assisted natural disaster survivors affected by the 2017 Hurricane season. Laura primarily worked with survivors in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico, overseeing daily staffing and operations of the call center.

In 2014, Laura joined Gold's Gym as a Group Exercise Instructor, providing fitness instruction to gym members. And in 2015, they started working at the YMCA of Western North Carolina, where they held various roles, including Lifestyle Coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program and Patient Health Navigator, providing health coaching, program guidance, and connecting participants to resources.

Currently, Laura holds the position of Community Health Director, Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Equity at the YMCA of Western North Carolina, where they continue to make an impact on chronic disease prevention and health equity initiatives in the community.

Laura Richardson, NBC-HWC, obtained a Health Coaching Certificate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro's School of Public Health Education in 2020. Laura also holds a degree in Spanish & English, a Dual Bachelor of Arts, from Georgia Southern University. In 2022, Laura became Board Certified in Health & Wellness Coaching through the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC). Additionally, they are a Certified Health Coach from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and holds certifications as a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician and an AFAA - Group Exercise Primary Certification.