A 1992 graduate of Alice High School, Laurie Lerma attended Texas A&M University--Kingsville, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 1997. She attended graduate school and studied at the University of Texas--Pan American for a year before working as a speech-language pathologist assistant for Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco Independent School District. At that point, Laurie decided that education was the profession for her. She pursued another Bachelor of Science in Education, specializing in Special Education. For the next 9 years, Laurie taught Special Education and Social Studies at the middle school level. In 2004, she graduated with a Masters of Science in Counseling and Guidance.  In 2008, she began her school counselor career at a middle school campus. Currently, Laurie serves as Director of Instructional Services for Social Studies, Advanced Academics, and also District Testing and Counselor Coordinator. She thoroughly enjoys working with both students and staff at Alice I.S.D. and is excited about the future of her community and district.