Erik K. Laursen, PhD, is an internationally recognized developer of innovative programs for high risk and traumatized children and their families. He has created and administered therapeutic treatment programs in residential, psychiatric, crisis stabilization, educational, and foster care organizations, therapeutic services in public schools, and services for children with neurological differences. Laursen has authored more than two dozen publications and was a member of the editorial board of the journals Reclaiming Children and Youth and Families in Society. He previously served as a board officer of the Virginia Association of Specialized Education Facilities and as president of Strengths Based Services International.

Laursen earned a MEd in special education and a PhD in urban services from Virginia Commonwealth University where he taught organizational behavior and culture, qualitative research, and ethics for 10 years. Currently, he is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Richmond and trains youth professionals worldwide.

Laursen served UMFS in Richmond, Virginia, for 30 years, last as the executive director of Charterhouse School and vice president of Research and Development. Among the highlights of his early career are a 65,000-mile motorcycle journey across the United States with twelve high risk youth, a wagon train across Denmark, and a two-masted sailboat journey on the European rivers and the Black Sea. In recent years, his passion for young people led to advocacy for older youth in foster care and supporting the transition of young people with neurological differences from high school to college.

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  • Professional Experience

    Vice President (2007-Present)

    Learning and Program Development, UMFS and Charterhouse School, Richmond, Va.

  • Certifications

    Postsecondary Professional License, Commonwealth of Virginia

    Master Trainer: LSCI, RAP & TIFC

    Senior Trainer: PersonBrain Model, Healing Racism, and Developmental Audit

    Qualified Myers-Briggs Type Practitioner

    Trainer: Resilience in Practice