Lauren is a former teacher, having started in Special Education before transitioning to become an English Language Arts/English as a Second Language teacher. She is fascinated by everything having to do with language and linguistics. She can explain arcane points of grammar with enthusiasm and joy, possibly a consequence of her Autism Spectrum Disorder. Although teaching is rarely seen as a glamorous job, Lauren has had the pleasure of teaching in places that people often consider exotic, like China and Alaska.Although Lauren's 29-year marriage ended in divorce, she remains grateful that her marriage also yielded her beloved daughter Robyn. Robyn and her husband Michael produced Drew, who is the apple of his Nana's eye.Lauren began playing the guitar at age 10. She eventually developed her musical ability to include songwriting. Other interests include a large variety of fabric and fiber hobbies, growing and using herbs, stained glass, beadwork, and jewelry making.Lauren lives near Fairbanks, Alaska, along with Shadow, a grumpy poodle, Shenanigans, a Lab mix, and Sir-the-Cat, who runs the household.