Laura Penalber
Holden
Summary
I have 31 years of educational experience working with students, parents, co-workers and administrators. I also have over 30 years of ministry experience ranging from being a preacher's kid, Sunday School teacher, secretarial duties for my dad, choir member, pianist, youth minister, pastor's wife and music ministry. The years in and around ministry have enabled me to interact with the public on many different levels. My personality is light and engaging while also being able to create and respect boundaries.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Livingston Parish Public Schools
Livingston, LA
08.2021 - 07.2026
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to student needs and learning styles.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to foster positive classroom environments.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance educational outcomes for students with special needs.
- Provided ongoing training and support to paraprofessionals to ensure effective classroom assistance.
- Worked closely with parents during their child's educational process.
Youth Minister and Pianist
Holden Baptist Church
Holden, LA
05.2018 - 12.2023
- Facilitated bi-weekly Bible studies, encouraging open dialogue and personal reflection among participants.
- Collaborated with parents to address youth concerns, strengthening family relationships within the church community.
- Implemented volunteer training sessions, improving support for youth activities and initiatives.
- Evaluated program outcomes regularly, refining strategies to meet the needs of diverse youth populations.
- Communicated with parents and guardians about church policy, events and youth participation.
- Enhanced youth engagement by incorporating interactive activities and multimedia into ministry programs.
- Coordinated volunteer efforts for various church functions, promoting a sense of unity within the congregation.
- Played piano for service every week.
Kindergarten Teacher
Livingston Parish Public Schools
Livingston, LA
08.2011 - 05.2021
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles and developmental needs.
- Implemented classroom management strategies fostering positive behavior and collaboration among students.
- Integrated technology tools to enhance student learning and streamline administrative tasks.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to support student progress and address concerns effectively.
Church Pianist
First Baptist Church Springfield
Springfield, LA
08.2010 - 10.2013
- Accompanied choir and soloists during worship services, enhancing musical experience for congregation.
- Evaluated musical pieces for suitability, maintaining high standards of quality in performances.
- Led special music events, showcasing talent and promoting community involvement through music ministry.
- Supported guest musicians during special services or performances, ensuring seamless integration of their talents into the service.
- Contributed to increased attendance at church events by providing exceptional musical accompaniment.
- Performed at weddings, funerals, and other milestone events within the congregation, creating a meaningful and personal atmosphere for attendees.
- Encouraged congregants to participate in worship by leading responsive hymns and familiar songs.
- Worked closely with other instrumentalists within the congregation to create well-rounded and engaging performances during special events or services.
Elementary Music Teacher
Livingston Parish Public Schools
Livingston, LA
08.1995 - 05.2011
- Designed engaging music curriculum aligned with state standards for elementary students.
- Integrated technology into lessons to enhance student learning and engagement.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to support interdisciplinary learning initiatives.
- Organized school-wide musical performances, fostering community involvement and student confidence.
Pastor's Wife and Pianist
Mt. Vernon Baptist Church
Gillsburg, MS
07.2003 - 07.2010
- Coordinated church events, ensuring successful execution through effective planning and teamwork.
- Fostered a welcoming environment for newcomers by creating an inclusive culture within the church community.
- Helped to create welcoming environment for visitors and encouraged congregation to offer support.
- Played piano for every service.
Youth Minister and Pianist
Maurepas Baptist Church
Maurepas, LA
06.1999 - 06.2003
- Developed and coordinated youth programs fostering spiritual growth and community engagement.
- Mentored youth leaders, enhancing leadership skills and program effectiveness.
- Organized outreach events, promoting church involvement among local families and youth.
- Facilitated bi-weekly Bible studies, encouraging open dialogue and personal reflection among participants.
Youth Minister
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
Albany, LA
05.1996 - 05.1999
- Developed and implemented engaging youth programs to foster spiritual growth and community involvement.
- Led bi-weekly Bible study sessions, promoting active participation and understanding of scripture among youth.
- Coordinated volunteer outreach initiatives, connecting youth with local service opportunities and fostering leadership skills.
- Mentored youth leaders, providing guidance on event planning, conflict resolution, and group dynamics.
SLU Library Student Worker
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA
08.1991 - 05.1995
- Organized and maintained library collections for optimal accessibility.
- Conducted inventory assessments, identifying areas for collection improvement.
- Repaired books to alleviate need to order new books and keep library costs down.
- Conducted inventory checks regularly, maintaining an accurate record of all library holdings for easy reference.
- Conducted regular audits of materials to ensure that items were properly labeled and ready for circulation.
- Catalogued and sorted books and library materials.
Church Secretary
Bethlehem Baptist Church
Albany, LA
05.1991 - 05.1992
- Coordinated communication between church leaders and congregation through newsletters and bulletins.
- Greeted visitors, callers and members of congregation courteously and promptly
- Published, printed and mailed informative, prayerful newsletters to church members and leadership team.
- Improved office efficiency by maintaining adequate supplies inventory levels while staying within allocated budgets.
- Ensured seamless worship services by preparing weekly bulletins that included hymns, readings, prayers, and announcements.
- Enhanced guest experience by promptly responding to inquiries via phone calls or emails from both members and visitors seeking information about the church''s services or events.
- Streamlined office procedures by organizing and maintaining an up-to-date filing system for important documents.
- Managed phone and email correspondence and handled incoming and outgoing mail and faxes.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA05-1995
No Degree - Special Education Add On Certification
Louisiana Resource Center For Educators
Baton Rouge, LA06-2020
Skills
- Individual education plans IEPs
- Small group instruction
- Collaborative teamwork
- Data management
- Parent communication
- De-escalation techniques
- Behavior intervention plans
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Behavior modification
- Autism spectrum
- Non-violent crisis intervention
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Livingston Parish Public Schools
08.2021 - 07.2026
Youth Minister and Pianist
Holden Baptist Church
05.2018 - 12.2023
Kindergarten Teacher
Livingston Parish Public Schools
08.2011 - 05.2021
Church Pianist
First Baptist Church Springfield
08.2010 - 10.2013
Pastor's Wife and Pianist
Mt. Vernon Baptist Church
07.2003 - 07.2010
Youth Minister and Pianist
Maurepas Baptist Church
06.1999 - 06.2003
Youth Minister
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
05.1996 - 05.1999
Elementary Music Teacher
Livingston Parish Public Schools
08.1995 - 05.2011
SLU Library Student Worker
Southeastern Louisiana University
08.1991 - 05.1995
Church Secretary
Bethlehem Baptist Church
05.1991 - 05.1992
No Degree - Special Education Add On Certification
Louisiana Resource Center For Educators
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Southeastern Louisiana University