Laurie Garrand Schlegel is a Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives representing District 82 . She assumed office on May 10, 2021, after winning a special election to succeed Charles Henry and is eligible to serve through the 2028 term. As a licensed professional counselor at Lighthouse Counseling Center in Old Jefferson, she resides in Old Metairie and has volunteered extensively, including feeding the homeless at the New Orleans Mission and serving as a CASA Advocate for abused and neglected children. Notable achievements include her appointment as Chairwoman of the House Education Committee for the 2024-2028 term, Chair of the House Select Committee on Women and Children, and prior roles such as Vice-Chair of the Women's Caucus. She has sponsored key legislation, including a 2022 bill requiring age verification for online pornography and measures banning transgender girls from girls' sports teams, alongside priorities in education, mental health, crime, public safety, tax reduction, and protecting women and children.

Education and Political Experience

Education

• St. Catherine of Siena .
• Summa cum laude from St. Mary’s Dominican High School.
• Magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University.
• Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
• Certified sex addiction counselor; interned with Catholic Counseling Services.

Political Experience

• Elected in May 2021 special election to Louisiana House District 82.
• Committees served: House Education , Ways and Means, Health and Welfare, Labor and Industrial, Joint Committee on Capital Outlay.
• Delegations: Jefferson Parish Legislative Delegation, Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus, Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation.

Career

• Sales manager, Marriott International.
• Pharmaceutical sales representative, AstraZeneca .
• Counselor, Catholic Counseling Services .
• Counselor, Lighthouse Counseling Center .
• Board service: Advisory Council for Louisiana Women Lead; Board of Directors for Metanoia .