CASE Conf 2025

Laurel Black
Director of Educational Therapy and Executive Function Coaching
Research Institute for Learning and Development


Laurel Black, Ed.M., joined ResearchILD in 2023 and serves as the Director of Educational Therapy & Executive Function Coaching at ResearchILD. In this role, she leads the team of educational specialists and oversees program development to support students, families, and educators. She consults with families and school staff, coaches parents, and works one-on-one with students with learning, attention, and executive function challenges. These services promote student metacognition, executive function strategies, and the autonomy to apply them effectively in daily life. As a curriculum developer, Laurel writes SMARTS lessons and consults on instructional design. She leads professional development and partners with schools to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the SMARTS program. She also facilitates the "EF & Equity Fellowship" alongside Dr. Lynn Meltzer. Laurel has years of experience as a special educator. She began as a high school science and special education teacher in Austin, Texas, where she was named "Teacher of the Year" in 2014. After earning her master's degree, she transitioned to middle school special education at a charter school in East Boston, Massachusetts, where she served as an inclusion teacher, and the Dean of Student Support, and Special Education Department Head. Laurel holds a master's in Mind, Brain, and Education from Harvard and a bachelor's in biology from Vanderbilt University. She is certified in Collaborative Problem-solving through the ThinkKids Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and is completing requirements to become a certified ADHD coach.

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