Laurie grew up in Freedom, PA, a little town northwest of Pittsburgh. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in 1982 and has taught mostly elementary general and choral music in private and public schools since then. Laurie married Steve Bailey in 1987, and soon the births of their children, Leslie, Stephanie, and Luke followed. In 2012 Laurie earned her Masters of Music, Teaching Concentration, from the University of Delaware where she focused on developing a music curriculum for students with severe and complex medical needs. Professionally Laurie has been a seminar leader for various workshops, had articles published by the Delaware Music Educators Music Notes magazine, had a lesson plan published in Music Educators National Conference (now NafME) Spotlight on General Music book (2005), was nominated for the Grammy Music Teacher of the Year award, and most recently was voted Teacher of the Year 2014 for her school.
Laurie’s love for, and understanding of, music combines naturally with her love for God. She has been a worship leader for over 20 years and brings her musical expertise to the worship services of the church. “Worshipping God is a powerful experience and is definitely worth our time. When we worship, we get God’s perspective on what is happening in our lives, and God’s perspective brings peace and contentment, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. Being the worship leader at church has been an honor, a responsibility, and a blessing .”