Laurie is a life-long Presbyterian. She was born in Indianapolis, IN where she was nurtured in the faith by her parents Betty and William Garrett, and the Witherspoon Presbyterian Church congregation. Laurie’s first ordination occurred at the young age of 16 when she was elected Ruling Elder. After earning M.Div. and Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary, Laurie’s second ordination was to the office of Teaching Elder. Laurie received her PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies from Graduate Theological Union. Laurie has served in various teaching and healing ministries in congregations, hospitals, and education as pastor, chaplain, clinical pastoral educator, and professor. She is currently Assoc. Prof. of Pastoral Care & Education, and Dir. Shaw Chaplaincy Institute at San Francisco Theological Seminary, University of Redlands.