Welcome to the DCD Program! My name is Laura Madsen(she/her), or as the kids know me, Ms. Laura. I am the teacher for the 2nd through 5th graders receiving special education services in the DCD program at Eastern Heights Elementary! Students in the Developmental Cognitive Disabilies (DCD) programs spend most of their day in our classrooms getting specialized instruction in reading, writing, math, self care skills, and social skills. We have so much fun learning and playing together every day!

A little background about me- I started teaching the self-contained DCD class in 2018. I currently live in St. Paul, and have lived in the Twin Cities area all my life. After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in Bloomington, I attended the University of Minnesota where I earned my Bachelors in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences and Psychology. Post graduation, I worked several different jobs serving children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities, before landing the job as a Paraprofessional here at Eastern Heights Elementary. Once I was here, I knew I never wanted to leave this learning community. I went back to school to the University of St Thomas where I earned my Academic Behavoiral Strategist Masters and my license to teach special education. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and pets, going on bikerides, and playing on the Minnesota Roller Derby team the Dagger Dolls. 

I can't wait to learn and grow together!