When you picture someone in the Latin community who defines wellness in her daily approach, Chair of Latin’s Physical Education Department, and Middle School swim coach, Laura Thomsen quickly comes to mind. An integral part of the P.E. program, Laura creatively weaves her in-depth knowledge of emotional education into everything she does. Laura simply exudes wellness. 

Head of Middle School Todd Ballaban describes his trusted colleague, “Laura is the consummate team player. She has a gentle presence that is felt all over campus. When we needed to reimagine P.E. in a hybrid COVID world, Laura created a Wellness Break model that became one of the most effective parts of the Middle School schedule. In addition, when we needed extra recess support, Laura said, “We’ve got it covered.” And when we needed study hall coverage, Laura was the first to offer a helping hand. Her leadership is second to none. She commits many after-school hours to coaching swimming, leading the aforementioned P.E. department, and playing a vital role on the school’s Wellness Committee.” 

Through traditional P.E. classes and experiential education with Hawks Quest, Middle School grades maintain a wellness focus using the importance of exercise, skill development, leadership, conflict resolution, rest, and discipline to ensure not just Latin success but also lifelong success. Laura is a champion of this important initiative that intertwines leadership and wellness.

Always looking for innovative ways to teach and exemplify wellness to our students, Laura collaborated with Upper School nurse Jean Asinger to carefully research and select “Choosing the Best Journey,” a curriculum that balances informed decisions and healthy choices with activities and role-plays via lessons for our Grade 8 students. The program highlights skills of empathy, self-actualization, problem-solving in emotional situations, stress tolerance, flexibility, and optimism.  

Laura is passionate about authentic connections and caring for the human being — mind, body, and soul. When we support a consistent culture of wellness, of philosophical balance, through all aspects of life at Latin, we foster resilience and strengthen everyone in our community. We prepare healthy future leaders to lead meaningful lives of consequence.