Sarah Laitinen, LV 07-09, will join Christian Brothers Conference as the director of Lasallian programs August 15, 2016. Laitinen served as a Lasallian Volunteer at The San Miguel School of Providence in Rhode Island from 2007-2009 and has continued teaching at the school since completing her two-year commitment.
Laitinen has carried her service as an LV through the many Lasallian experiences she has had since her time as a volunteer, and it will continue to be a source of inspiration in her new position.
“My LV experience has allowed me the opportunity to grow in our shared mission while learning so much from the Brothers and fellow Lasallians,” said Laitinen. “My time as an LV at San Miguel inspired me to continue my vocational calling as a Young Lasallian educator. I am grateful for the accompaniment, support and formation that Lasallian Volunteers provided me on my Lasallian journey.”
Laitinen is one of many LV Alums who have gone on to become leaders in the Lasallian mission by serving in a variety of roles including leadership positions in schools, Districts and the Region, along with being a voice in the worldwide Institute.
“Lasallian Volunteers serves as a strong formation program, and it is wonderful to see how LV Alums grow from their experience of service and living in community and become more deeply committed to the mission by saying ‘yes’ to serving in leadership positions,” said Kathleen Glackin, director of Lasallian Volunteers. “Having LV Alums in leadership positions allows for our mission to grow more widely and have a greater impact on those they meet. I am thrilled to welcome Sarah to Christian Brothers Conference in this role!”
Prior to serving as an LV, Laitinen graduated from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She also received her master’s in education from Saint Mary’s College of California. In 2015, Laitinen was named to the International Council of Young Lasallians. She has taken part in a number of formation programs and Lasallian gatherings, including graduating from the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies in 2012, being a delegate to the 3rd International Symposium of Young Lasallians in Rome in 2014, and participating in the USA-Toronto Region VEGA program in 2010. She has also served in various capacities for initiatives of the District of Eastern North America, such as membership on the Young Lasallians Steering Committee and the Association for Lasallian Mission Committee, and as a delegate to the Mission Assemblies in 2011 and 2015. She is also involved in a number of local Lasallian committees and council, and has presented at a variety of Lasallian gatherings.
As director of Lasallian programs, Laitinen will assist the executive director in the creation, planning, execution and evaluation of programs for the Lasallian Region of North America.