Laura Barretto - Board Member

Inspired by her mother who was a special education teacher for 25 years, Laura went into the field of education after graduating from Texas A&M University with a BA in English and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. She began her career as a middle school teacher and simultaneously continued her education by earning an MS in Counseling and Development from Texas Woman’s University. She then worked as a school counselor in the Dallas and Austin areas. After 8 years, she left the field of education when her husband Alex and her welcomed twin sons Jacob and Lucas in 2012. Twenty months later they welcomed their daughter, Gabriella. Upon completion of her LPC licensure, she began a small, private counseling practice where she still works today.  

The experience and knowledge Laura gained through her time in the field of education prepared her to become a better parent and advocate for her son, Lucas. Lucas was born with a genetic condition that affects the way he learns. Fortunately, with a tremendous amount of advocacy and use of outside resources, Laura and Alex have been able to provide all three of their children with a Catholic education since kindergarten.  Laura’s hope is that every child, regardless of diagnosis or ability level, can be part of a supportive and nurturing Catholic school community.  Through prayer and discernment, she joined Shepherd Them All to help make this dream a reality.

The Barretto family has been members of the St. Vincent de Paul parish for eight years. They enjoy traveling together when they can, and spending time with friends and family living near and far.