Bios

Lauren Cusner, Co-Founder, M. Ed. Curriculum and Instruction - Early Childhood Educator

Lauren grew up in Houston, Texas and moved to the DC area in 2010. She holds a B.A. in Educational Studies and Psychology with a minor in Legal Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. She then received her Masters Degree in Education from the University of Maryland. Lauren began her career in a second grade classroom in Howard County, Maryland before joining Fairfax County Public Schools as a first grade teacher. During Lauren’s time as a classroom educator, she found her passion in working with struggling readers and sought opportunities to receive continuing education and training in targeted literacy interventions and best practices in reading instruction. Lauren was also often a member of IEP teams, serving as the general educator and helping to create and implement strategies based on the results of the committee’s findings. As a classroom educator, Lauren created behavioral intervention plans for individual students in order to help them more successfully interact in the classroom community.

Lauren lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, three daughters - ages 8, 6, and 3 - and two dogs. In her free time, Lauren enjoys hiking with her family, traveling, crafting with her daughters, and cheering for her kids in gymnastics and soccer. 

Lauren Ebenstein, Co-Founder, M.A. Psychology - School Psychologist 

Lauren grew up in the D.C. area and attended Sidwell Friends School. She holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin--Madison and a M.A in Psychology with a concentration in school psychology from George Mason University. Lauren worked as a school psychologist conducting psycho-educational testing, providing counseling, creating behavior intervention plans, and serving on IEP teams for six years, first in Baltimore City Public Schools and then in Alexandria City Public Schools. After having kids, Lauren sought a position with more flexible scheduling and worked as a psychometrician performing comprehensive psychological evaluations at Fairfax Mental Health and Wellness for the three years prior to opening Partners in Parenthood.

Lauren lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and 7-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter. In her free time, Lauren enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, cooking, reading, and watching her kids play sports.