Helping families build lives by design, not by default.
Hi, I'm Lauren "Lola" Cecilia Persons. For more than fifteen years, I've had the privilege of being "Lola" to hundreds of children and families, walking alongside them as they navigate challenges, celebrate milestones, and build meaningful lives together.
Support that looks beyond today's challenges
As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and former special education teacher, I have seen firsthand what is possible when children receive the right support and families are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to grow together.
Over the years, I began noticing something. Parents weren't just asking how to reduce a behavior or teach a new skill. They were asking much bigger questions.
Those conversations changed the way I viewed my profession. I realized families weren't simply looking for services. They were looking for guidance. They wanted someone who could help them see beyond today's challenges and begin building the future their child deserves.
My journey began in Hawaiʻi, where I earned my Master's Degree from the University of Hawaiʻi and taught at Poʻokela, a nationally recognized model autism program. After relocating to Cary, North Carolina, I continued my career with Wake County Public Schools, where I was honored to be named Teacher of the Year on two separate occasions before founding Bound to Bloom Behavioral Institute in 2023.
It is about helping families build confidence, strengthen relationships, create opportunities, and prepare children and young adults for lives filled with independence, connection, and purpose.
One connected path for every stage of the journey
Today, Bound to Bloom supports children, adolescents, young adults, and their families through an ecosystem of programs designed to meet them wherever they are in their journey.
Bloom Bridge
Bloom Bridge empowers parents through education, coaching, and practical strategies that strengthen the entire family while creating consistency across home, school, and community.
Values Bridge
Values Bridge helps adolescents, young adults, parents, and professionals discover what matters most so they can make decisions that align with their values and build lives with greater purpose.
Future Pathways
Future Pathways prepares children and young adults for greater independence through executive functioning, community participation, employment readiness, and meaningful life skills.
Lola's Clubhouse for Kids
I also created Lola's Clubhouse for Kids, a free YouTube channel filled with educational videos, social stories, songs, and practical resources because I believe every family deserves access to meaningful support, whether or not they receive services through Bound to Bloom.
A life by design
Every family arrives with different questions. Some are wondering how to help their child communicate. Others are preparing for middle school, navigating adulthood, exploring careers, or searching for a place where their child truly belongs.
Communication matters
Because it builds relationships.
Independence matters
Because it creates choice.
Belonging matters
Because every person deserves to know they have a place in the world.
Behavior matters
Because it opens doors.
The questions change. The vision doesn't.
At Bound to Bloom, we believe every decision should move a family toward a life built with intention, rather than one shaped by fear, uncertainty, or simply reacting to the next challenge.
That's why our work extends beyond therapy. We coach parents to become confident leaders. We help adolescents and young adults discover what matters most.
We prepare individuals for meaningful participation in their communities. We create opportunities to practice those skills in everyday life.
What kind of life are we building?
Progress, clearly
Discover
Understand what matters.
Align
Create a plan that fits you.
Build
Grow skills and confidence.
Launch
Take action with purpose.
Bloom
Live fully. Inspire others.
Because therapy isn't the goal.
A meaningful life is.
Beyond my clinical work, I proudly serve on the Advisory Board of the Taylor Family YMCA, where I advocate for meaningful inclusion and expanded opportunities for individuals of all abilities to learn, contribute, and belong within their communities.
Whether I'm working with a toddler taking their first steps toward communication, coaching parents through everyday challenges, helping a young adult discover their values and purpose, or preparing someone for greater independence, my goal is always the same: to help people recognize their strengths, believe in their potential, and build a future filled with possibility.
Book your free consultation