She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of New England in Biddeford, and has over 30 years experience in nonprofit prevention based social work, advocacy, and social justice initiatives.

She has worked at the Maine Department of Health Human Services for both the Bureau of Medical Services as well as the Office of Child and Family Services, served as Communications Director for Senate President Beverly Daggett in Maine State Legislature, and was elected to Portland School Committee in 2005 where she served as Chair of the Legislative Affairs Committee, Chair of Policy Committee, and served on the Finance Committee. Lori is Field Coordinator at the University of Southern Maine Social Work Department, where she also teaches graduate and undergraduate social welfare policy.

Lori was elected in November 2018, to represent Old Orchard Beach in the Maine House of Representatives. She has a long career in advocacy and has worked on issues regarding children, affordable prescription medications for senior citizens, and mental health parity.

Lori serves on the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee, where her top priorities include addressing beach and shoreline erosion, tackling climate change and assuring we have safe, clean, accessible drinking water. She is part of the Legislature’s Coastal and Environmental Caucus, the Children’s Caucus and the Municipal Caucus. Lori will continue to use her skills and expertise to be an effective voice for her community.

Most recently, Lori spearheaded and convened a group of her peers, representing coastal communities in Maine, to address concerns regarding the Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting economic implications.

Prior to her election in 2018, Lori was Executive Director for the Maine Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, and is one of 5 social workers proudly serving the State of Maine in the Legislature.