Facilitator: Laura Cowan
Laura Cowan is a dynamic international counselor, educator, and leader with nearly three decades of experience in Asia. Her work focuses on creating inclusive, sustainable programs that strengthen Child Safeguarding practices, build Trauma informed schools, enhance Crisis Response systems, and promote the overall Social Emotional and Mental Health & Wellbeing of school communities. She is a certified PREPaRE Workshop One and Workshop Two trainer, equipping school communities with proactive and preventative strategies to effectively navigate crises and provide psychological triage services.
In addition to her school-based leadership, Laura works in private practice, supervises counseling interns, and regularly provides professional development and upskilling opportunities for counselors, administrators, teachers and parents.
Drawing on the ASCA, ISCA, and CASEL frameworks, Laura supports a developmental counseling approach designed to provide individuals with lifelong skills to manage challenges and thrive. She also prioritizes parent engagement, recognizing the vital role families play in supporting positive student development.
As a Third Culture Kid, Laura views diversity as a natural part of community life. She frequently presents on mental health and education for organizations such as ECIS, EARCOS, ISS, AISC, and MIND HK. Though her family and roots are in Scotland, Hong Kong has long been her second home.
Outside of her professional work, Laura enjoys coaching rugby, exploring new brunch spots, and spending time with her daughter.
