Shrub Oak International School Promotes Laura Meyers to Director of The Pines
February 18, 2026 - Mohegan Lake, NY - In a significant move, Shrub Oak International School has promoted Laura Meyers, a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) and Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), to the position of Director at The Pines at Shrub Oak. This specialized program is dedicated to neurodiverse children, adolescents, and young adults requiring intensive clinical and psychiatric support.
Laura’s promotion is a testament to her dedication and deep understanding of the needs of The Pines community. Her proven track record of leadership includes integrating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into everyday practices and promoting a collaborative, student-focused team culture. As she steps into this new role, Laura will oversee the strategic direction and daily functions at The Pines, ensuring that students receive the highest quality therapeutic and educational experiences.
A Deep Commitment to Clinical Excellence
Laura holds a Master of Arts in Art Therapy from New York University and brings a wealth of experience to her new position. Since starting her career in residential mental health treatment in 2013, she has worked tirelessly with youth and adults facing complex trauma and related emotional challenges. Laura's approach is both innovative and personalized, focusing on helping adolescents navigate their treatment paths while ensuring their voices are heard throughout the process.
Some of the critical issues Laura has addressed as a clinician include self-harming behaviors, mood dysregulation, and addiction. Her diverse experience extends to piloting Creative Arts Therapy Programs aimed at veterans dealing with substance use issues and developing programming within inpatient rehabilitation settings. These roles have equipped her with a nuanced understanding of the residential treatment landscape and the unique challenges these populations face.
Leadership in Education and Mentorship
In addition to her clinical duties, Laura has been an influential figure in academia, supervising graduate-level students in Creative Arts Therapy since 2015 and serving as an adjunct professor at NYU. Her course offerings include Art Therapy with Adolescents and an Internship in Art Therapy, allowing her to mentor the next generation of professionals in the field.
Her work has also been recognized in the International Art Therapy Journal, highlighting her ongoing contributions to art therapy practices and her commitment to advancing the field.
Lauren Koffler, the Head of Admissions and Organizational Growth at Shrub Oak, expressed the school's enthusiasm for Laura's promotion. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such talented leaders within our own community. We look forward to the continued growth and success of The Pines under Laura's leadership,” she said.
A Mission-Driven Environment
The Pines at Shrub Oak is more than just a therapeutic program; it represents a space where neurodiverse individuals can thrive. By leveraging Laura’s expertise and vision, the Pines aims to sustain an environment that embraces safety, collaboration, and shared goals among all participants, including their families.
The Shrub Oak International School is firmly committed to improving the lives of autistic youth and fostering a nurturing community where each student has the opportunity to grow. Its accreditation by the National Independent Private Schools Association, the Middle States Association, and Cognia underscores its dedication to high standards in educational quality and effectiveness.
For further information about the Shrub Oak International School and The Pines program, please visit
www.shruboak.org or reach out to Lauren Koffler via email at [email protected]
Contact:
Shrub Oak International School
Mohegan Lake, NY
Source: Shrub Oak International School