About Laurel
Steady presence. Careful listening.
Laurel Schroeder brings more than two decades of experience in education, counseling, and organizational leadership to her developing work in mediation and restorative justice. Throughout her career, she has supported individuals, families, educators, and professionals navigating complex challenges and difficult conversations.
Her experience as a school counselor, dean, director of student services, principal, and graduate-level instructor has called for thoughtful communication, perspective-taking, and practical leadership. With two master's degrees from California Polytechnic State University and restorative justice facilitator training through the University of San Diego, Laurel brings extensive academic preparation and professional experience to constructive dialogue.
Career
A path through counseling and leadership.
January 2020 – Present
Principal · Maple High School
Show detailAs stated in supplied resume — current status to be verified before publication.
Verify current status before publicationJune 2017 – December 2020
Director of Student Services · Olive Grove Charter School
Show detailSupervision of principals and counselors, professional development, operations, testing, and curriculum.
February 2010 – June 2017
Dean · Orcutt Academy High School
Show detailStudent counseling, special education administration, scheduling, and related responsibilities.
2007 – 2012
Adjunct Professor · University of La Verne
Show detailGraduate courses in Introduction to School Counseling, Counseling Theories, Ethics, and Multicultural Counseling.
August 2004 – February 2010
School Counselor · Lompoc Unified School District
Show detailStudent counseling, IEP and behavior-plan collaboration, and student services.
Education & Credentials
Restorative Justice Facilitator
University of San Diego · 2026
M.A. Education, Administration · Administrative Credential Tier 1
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo · 2011
M.A. Education, Guidance & Counseling · Pupil Personnel Services Credential
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo · 2004
Administrative Credential Tier 2
Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) · 2020
B.A. Sociology, minor in Gender Studies
California State University, Stanislaus · 2002
Selected Awards & Recognition
- ACSA Erik Frost Memorial Award Recipient, Region 13 (opens in a new tab)
2023
- CCEA+ Model School Recognition (school-level) (opens in a new tab)
2022 & 2025
- Venoco Crystal Apple Educator (opens in a new tab)
2017
- California League of High Schools Educator of the Year (opens in a new tab)
2016–2017
American School Counselor Association RAMP Recognition
2009
Verify individual vs. institutional attributionSPARC Recognition
2008–2009
Verify individual vs. institutional attribution
Why Work With Laurel
Experience Makes a Difference.
Good facilitation draws on more than technique. Laurel's background brings patience, structure, and a deep familiarity with how people move through conflict.
20+ years of professional experience
Two decades supporting students, families, educators, and staff through complex, emotionally charged situations.
Two master's degrees
Graduate study in Guidance & Counseling and in Educational Administration at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
A counselor's ear
Training in listening, perspective-taking, and helping people articulate what matters most to them.
Graduate-level teaching
Taught counseling theories, ethics, and multicultural counseling — frameworks that inform careful, fair facilitation.
Educational leadership
As dean, director, and principal, navigated competing priorities with clarity, steadiness, and practical judgment.
Restorative justice training
Restorative Justice Facilitator training through the University of San Diego, centered on harm, accountability, and repair.