To Laura Drohan, a member of St. Mary of the Woods Parish since 1992, family is very important. She and husband Neil are the proud parents of daughter, Maeve (15), who is a sophomore at Regina Dominican High School, and son, Colin (13), who is an eighth grader at St. Mary’s School.  Both children are busy with extracurricular activities – it’s basketball season now, so that means that Laura and Neil will be sitting courtside until February watching both Maeve and Colin play. 

 Volunteering comes naturally for Laura; she co-chaired the pre-school religious education program on Sundays for six years.  She has co-chaired or worked most of the fundraising events at St. Mary’s.  Laura was the treasurer of the Altar and Rosary Society for two years, and was on the team that started the Elizabeth Ministry at SMOW.  She can’t remember when she wasn’t a room mom for one or both of her children! 

Outside of her volunteer activities, Laura has a busy career.  For thirty-four years she has worked in the field of investment banking.  She currently holds a position with J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., in the New Accounts and Financial Support Group.

According to Laura, building a strong faith community at St. Mary of the Woods begins at home.  She sees the parish as an extension of family and teaches her children to live by the rule “always treat others the way you want to be treated”, and “always give back.” 

The Parish Visioning Project is all inclusive and will benefit the neighborhood as well as the church community.  Laura believes that with change comes improvement and new, young families will be encouraged to see what St. Mary’s is all about.  “Everyone is welcome here.  There will be more to offer the families of St. Mary’s and more growth opportunities for the children in the school.  I believe in the project and am excited about being able to give my time and talent to it.”