Dr. Laura Etheridge

Laura is a dedicated social worker and advocate with a strong academic and professional background. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work, a Master of Social Work, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Georgia,. She earned her Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky, focusing her research on trauma-informed schools. Her career includes roles as a bilingual medical social worker for Northeast Georgia Health System and school social worker for Gainesville City Schools. As a first-generation student and the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, Laura is particularly passionate about addressing language barriers, cultural norms, and family dynamics in her work. She has held leadership positions in the School Social Workers Association of Georgia (SSWAG) and earned various awards such as the Barrow's BEST Award for her work with unaccompanied and foster youth, SSWAG District 9 School Social Worker of the Year, and the 2025 SSWAG State School Social Worker Award for her leadership. Laura has contributed to shaping policies through her involvement in the DFCS Human Trafficking Policy Development Workgroup, the GaDOE School Social Work Advisory Board. She also coordinates the Feeding Barrow program, providing weekend food for over 500 students, helped organize the You Matter Summit to promote suicide prevention and trauma-informed care and is a member of the Community Christmas Assistance Program Committee, helping thousands of children receive Christmas presents.

Outside of her professional work, Laura is an active community volunteer and lives in Barrow County with her family. She is committed to advocating for school social work and ensuring that every child receives an education, regardless of the challenges they face.