July 26, 2025 ~ Laura Huot’s path was not a direct route, as she initially wanted to study journalism before health issues led her to pursue the study of psychology. Progressing as a therapist, she later held leadership roles at The Guidance Center, a mental and behavioral health services center that offers a number of programs for all ages in the community, and now serves as the agency's CEO. She was also involved with The Guidance Center's Kids-TALK program, a children’s advocacy center that ensures children who have been sexually or physically abused receive all of the help and resources they need to heal. Most recently, she helped lead TGC to be part of the bipartisan Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic national pilot program, aiming to improve mental health and substance use disorder services regardless of someone’s insurance status. Huot’s career decisions were driven by a desire to broaden her impact on the community.