Hi, I’m Laura Lamere, a mom, writer and former public relations executive.
I started blogging in 2011 as a way to share my experiences as a music parent. At the time, my eldest son, a musician and singer, was off to college – leaving me with a rather large hole to fill in my heart and in my life. Writing and blogging made me feel a little better.
Next, I founded Pavoh, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to support young musicians. For five years Pavoh connected youth with music opportunities like performances, lessons, and recognition programs. It was an extremely rewarding experience and I share helpful articles from that time on the blog.
In 2016 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery and a year of chemotherapy. It was a time of focusing on family and self-care. Chemo was successful and I remain healthy but in 2017 after much reflection and discussion, we closed Pavoh and its programs. At the time many other organizations were stepping up to support youth music and we felt the future was in good hands.
Affiliations/Contributions:
- Former AMPassador for the National Association of Music Parents
- Past member of the Weston (Massachusetts) Cultural Council
- Boston Youth Voice and The Music Industry – Epicenter Community
- How parents and grandparents can support and champion music education – on Musicstage.co
Writer:
- The Pavoh Blog
- TeenLife Media
- Life360.com
- Wellesley Weston Magazine
Hosting the RADAR Awards – later known as the Pavoh Awards
53 responses to “About Me”
Laura,
Thanks for liking and subscribing to my blog, “Nonprofit Communications: Writing For A Better World.” I try and help folks in the nonprofit sector as best I can.
Best Regards,
James D’Ambrosio
Thanks for ‘liking’ my blog article about music education and how consumerism should be a part of it. It’s nice to hear from other parts of the country…
Great to meet you and thanks for stopping by to comment! I’m happy to support your post – Something must be done to preserve music education – our small voices help a bit!
Good Morning Laura,
I have mentioned you in my post today -kathiostrom.com/2013/08/24/an-award-and-a-happy-anniversary – if you’d like to take a look. Have a great day!
Thank you very much! I humbly accept and will mention it in my next post!
Thank you for following goodnewsnow.wordpress.com and for supporting the arts. Surely your labors will be rewarded.
Hi Laura, I know that you’ve been nominated already, but I re-nominate you for the Liebster Blogger Award! Thank you for inspiring me!
Thank you – I humbly accept! – keep on blogging!
You’re very welcome! I’ll do and I enjoy all of your articles ! 😉
Bonsoir Laura,
J’avais une petite pensée pour vous et votre famille, et je me suis dis que ça faisait longtemps que je ne vous avais pas envoyé de message. Je tiens à vous souhaiter une excellente année 2013 à vous et votre famille ! With my best wishes !
I hope to see you soon, maybe in a next exchange between Persan and the Milton.
Bonjour à toute la famille, je vous embrasse.
Sabrina
Bonsoir Sabrina ! My French is pitiful, but I understand the message – thanks for stopping by to wish us a Happy New Year! I too, hope we will see each other again – how is your music? Much love, Laura (and family!)
Hi Laura, I’ve nominated you for 2012 Blog of the Year. So you can add another star! Congratulations. See the post at http://thefameschoolblog.com/2013/01/08/blog-of-the-year-award/
Thanks Dana – I’m just reading your post now! Thanks for the kind words – I really value your opinion and feedback! Hope you have a great year of music!
Wow, Laura. Love your new layout for the blog. Did you design it yourself? I would love to have something cool like this for my blog.
Hi – I found the new design on the WP themes page – I wanted a new look for the new year – there are lots of free new themes there. Happy browsing!
I’m a writer and I’ve re-started playing guitar after a 15-year absence. I know what it’s like to be a creative kid and adult — the ups AND the downs — and I believe what you’re doing here is awesome. Tell your son to never stop his playing (like I foolishly did years ago) because the experience he gets from playing his music will spread into every other aspect of his life. I play when I get writer’s block — which seriously helped me earn my 4.0 in graduate school! Music really does increase brain power! Good luck to you on your blog, all of your other projects, and everything else you do!
Hi Diva! Thanks for stopping by – and for sharing your music story! I really appreciate your support – happy new year to you!
Great and very valuable, what you’re doing. And,probably a lotta fun. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by my site.
Your project sounds cool! Thanks for saying hi!
Hi, Laura, I wanted to nominate you for an(other) award. If you chose to accept (their is no obligation) check out http://ourlifein3d.com/2012/12/11/this-is-so-crazy/. If time prohibits this time of year, I completely understand. Have a great weekend!
Thanks for sharing the love and recognition at this time of giving! Just one question – I read your post, which award is for me? L.
I was thinking the Blog of the Year Award but really either one if you have a preferance. I listed the duties of each award. But don’t do like I did and answer both duties. Kinda killing two birds with one post. Congrats Ms. Laura!
Thanks!
Thank you for “liking” my post today. I am so glad to have found you. It seems like we have similar views and a big high five to being a rocker mom! I love the sound of that!!! 🙂
Thanks for the high five! So great to meet you – I enjoyed your blog!
[…] from Laura Lamere. Laura is a rocker mom, writer and former public relations executive. She writes […]
Hi Laura, just wanted to say thanks for the nomination! I totally will never get around to writing all that but wanted to let you know I appreciate it and am flattered! Rebecca.
You deserve it! I know its a lot of stuff – it took me more than a month to write it! I’ll keep reading your blog anyway! 🙂
I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Blog Award. You can read more about it here: http://staciebrown.wordpress.com/2012/10/04/liebster-blog-award/. Happy Blogging! 🙂
Thank you, Stacie, for this amazing honor! I’m so excited to win this award and will post about it soon! Thanks for including me on your list of nominees! Happy blogging! Laura
You are so welcome! 🙂
Hi Laura —You are truly an inspiration for every mom (I have two kids that I am insane about) — moms need to be the ‘rock’ their kids need. I am so pleased to meet you in the blog-o-sphere! I am an aspiring novelist and short story writer (find me at http://modscheherzade.wordpress.com) and I am blown away by the every day stuff my kids do all the time. They learn so quickly, they do tons of activities it seems and are busier than I was at their age. Congratulations to your son and you!
Thanks for your comments – it’s so nice to hear from you! I love your blog too – and just reblogged your piece about “friending” your daughter on Facebook! Great advice! Stay in touch!
Thanks for the reblog Laura – will do!
Hey Laura! I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blog Award! You can see the nomination here http://wp.me/p1Swgx-eG
Congratulations!
OMG! I am so excited! I am so inspired to be nominated – really – it’s been a rough couple of weeks personally and sometimes it’s hard to find the inspiration needed to write. Thanks so much for your support. I’m getting my son off to college this weekend, but will post about the award soon. BTW, is it legal to include the nominator in the list of inspiring blog nominations? You have inspired me with your work and talents – Bravo!
College! Wow – congratulations on that! I’m sure that EVERYTHING will work out just the way it’s supposed to. Thanks for the Bravo, that means a lot to me. As for the legalities of who you can nominate let’s just say I won’t fight it if you feel so inclined…
Laura – I LOVE what you’re all about! Woohoo!
Thanks for the “Woohoo!” I haven’t gotten one of those in a while! 🙂 I also enjoy your blog – and the layout is cool!
Hi Laura! Wow, you’re an incredible mom! Your son is lucky to have you 🙂
Thanks for stopping by my page and I look forward to hearing more about your great work!
Hi and thanks for stopping by! I enjoyed your blog too – let’s stay in touch!
Thank you! For sure 🙂
Hi Laura. Thanks for re-blogging my post. I’ve read some of your work here on your blog and love your passion and what you’re doing. I’ve spent my career in the arts, so naturally I find a connection with your work. Thank you! -Jeanie
Hi Jeanie – it’s been a while since you last visited and left this nice comment – but just wanted to say thanks! Sorry I missed your note – hope you’ll stop by again!
Hi Laura !
I was surfing on severals blogs about music and what I found ? Your blog !
It’s a real pleasure to read what you write, it’s very inspiring. I can read in your words that to be a parent and a writer is not just a plesure but a life !
I’d like you to know that I haven’t forget you and the special moment I spent to you with my french friends =) Sometimes I think about it and it makes me smile. I hope one day I could come back and visit your country.
Hope to hear about, and sorry for my english. Say hi to the family.
Gros bisous de Paris !
Sabrina
Hey Sabrina – so nice to hear from you (and your English is great)! Thanks for leaving a comment! We remember your visit to the US fondly! How is your guitar playing? It was very impressive to hear you play. I hope you keep it up!
I keep on playing the guitar even if it’s difficult because of my studies. To me, I don’t play enough, unfortunately. When I know exams are finished, I’ve no homework I can do what I want and I play non stop !
Hey Laura!
What a great story about helping the young ones find creative outlets…we need lots of parents like you!!! Thanks for stopping in and all the best in 2012. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and spreading sunshine! Best to you in 2012 – keep posting!
Great Blog Rocker Mom! I love it! I’m a rocker dad trying to encourage my youngons’ in anything they do. My hopes they find passion in something as yours has. Cheers!
~Andy
Rock on, Dad! Parenting is a fun adventure – enjoy!
What a great resource you’ve been for your son! Best of luck to his band and his future in general. 🙂
Mel
massachusetts-is-wicked-awesome.com
Mel, I really appreciate your comment. Thanks for taking the time! Looking forward to Thanksgiving with all the kids together – not sure if we’ll be treated to any songs (?). I’ve been enjoying your blog and photos – enjoy the holiday!