Laurie Cantwell

Laurie currently serves as the LEND family discipline coordinator for family and self-advocates trainees. She was a LEND trainee in the 2016-2017 class, and served as a family representative in the Fall of 2017 LEND class.  She graduated from the Partners in Policymaking training program in 2014. In 2017 she was honored to join the Partners faculty and has served as the Partners Program Coordinator since 2019.  She is currently working for the CT State Independent Living Council coordinating a Partners in Policymaking Alumni Institute.  She has served on the Cromwell Board of Education since 2017, where she serves as Chair of the district’s Policy Committee.  She graduated with her Bachelor of Science from Westfield State University and her MBA from Western New England University.  She has served on the Town of Cromwell’s Committee to support people with disabilities, CT Family Support Council, Board of CT Down Syndrome Congress (now named DSACT), and many others.  Most important to her is her family, friends and faith. Her amazing son who has Down syndrome and autism, and her husband, who has a physical disability are her inspiration every day to advocate for individuals of all abilities to have a great life.