Christa is an analytic, strategic thinker with twenty years of experience impacting social policy. Her training and experience in both the law and public policy give her a keen awareness of the impact of the law on the lives of children and families. Her wide breadth of knowledge of social policy issues allows her to make connections across policies and programs, resulting in more comprehensive services and better outcomes for families. She has worked with a wide range of organizations and community resources and often draws on those relationships to help clients form strategic alliances.

Christa is particularly adept at facilitating large groups with diverse perspectives and is able to forge consensus and boil complex issues down into actionable tasks. Christa uses this skill to facilitate non-profit boards, listening sessions for public agencies seeking feedback from community members and advocates, and other groups seeking consensus around a goal or agenda. Her attention to detail and meticulous follow-through earn her the respect of executive directors and community members alike.

Laurie founded Advance Consulting LLC in 2000 to combine her clinical social work and public policy skills to improve the lives of children and families. Drawing on her experience and strength in policy development and analysis, communication, advocacy, research, program evaluation and building organizational capacity, she has worked with clients on a wide range of public policy issues, including early childhood, child support, welfare, health care, father empowerment and self-sufficiency.

In addition to her policy analysis and development skills, Laurie is a highly organized project manager who prides herself in attention to detail and delivering high-quality products to clients. Her clinical training and experience enhance her ability to communicate effectively with varied audiences around a multitude of issues. She is a strong leader who inspires confidence and respect. Laurie is also a skilled writer with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, concise, accessible formats. She has extensive experience building and maintaining successful coalitions with diverse membership to impact public policy.