Director, Lauren Monroe

Lauren Monroe has been a Worcester resident for three years. Born in Rutland, Lauren came back to the area in 2005, after five years of college and three years of traveling the world. During her time away she completed a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and spent significant time teaching English in Tokyo, Japan. Lauren’s last endeavor before returning to the States was teaching general astronomy lectures aboard a non-profit cruise liner, Peaceboat. Peaceboat sends two circumnavigated voyages a year around the world in an effort to spread peace through education. It was after this experience that Lauren felt the need to return to the States to study science with more intensity. She began work immediately at the Wetzel Center (YOU Inc), a trauma center for at-risk teenagers in the Worcester area. She received her teaching certificate and taught general science at this center for two years. She is currently taking courses at Worcester State College working towards a Master's in Biology. In June of 2008 Lauren recognized the opportunity she had to collaborate with talent in the area and open up the Worcester Area Think Tank.

Community Liaison, Erika Beecher

Born in Boston in 1959 Erika had a unique upbringing that led her to explore many fields of interest during her academic, professional & personal life. Erika now lives in Worcester with her husband, four children, one cat and a rabbit. She is a practicing midwife and her husband works as a carpenter. They have chosen to home-educate their children as they both share a passion for experiential learning & non-formal education. Her children continue to challenge and inspire her to expand herself and experience new pursuits in the physical/adventure realm.

Erika received her B.S. in Biology & Environmental Chemistry in 1985 from Bard College and following graduation worked in environmental research. In 1986 Erika and her husband joined the Peace Corp. They were placed in a remote area of Papua New Guinea where they served as community agriculture volunteers. Erika also assisted at the local clinic providing primary health care to women and children. This experience served as an inspiration for starting her own family and beginning her career as a midwife.

In 1993 Erika apprenticed with a local midwife in Worcester. Erika opened a private midwifery practice in 2000. This past year Erika took a break from her midwifery practice to return her focus to her children, and their home education as they develop into teenagers. This intermission has allowed her to pursue a dream she's had for years; a resource center for the home-based learning community. Working together with Lauren & Alicia, Erika is committed to creating a new learning option in Worcester.

Office Manager, Alicia Ameur

Alicia has been homeschooling her two children for the last nine years. Her claim to fame has been her years performing as YoYoMama along with her team, The SpinHeads. Through this endeavor she has taught over 3,000 children how to "Walk the Dog" and perform various other yo-yo tricks. She will contribute as a teacher in various subjects, and as our office manager, she will keep our center organized and on task.