The specialminds Foundation

Laurel Hoekman is the Executive Director and Web Master  for The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding, responsible for planning conferences, programming, and fundraising.

Previously, she taught first grade at Hudsonville Christian School. In addition to her work with the Gray Center, Laurel is associated with Early On of Kent County providing information and support to parents of young children experiencing delays or disabilities, and serving on the Local Inter-Agency Coordinating Council.

Laurel and her husband Ken have two sons, Benjamin (age 9) and Nathan (age 6). Both boys provide much love, laughter, and a unique perspective on life to their parents, relatives, teachers, and friends. Having been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, they also provide a hands-on education about autistic spectrum disorders. The Hoekman family has also been blessed with the addition of a daughter, Jenae (18 mo.).