Since 2015, Lauren has held significant roles in regional and national art education and special education organizations. She is currently the President of the NAEA Art in Special Education Interest Group, a Member and Site Coordinator of the Philadelphia Art Teacher Alliance, and the Administration and Supervision Chair of the PAEA Board. Previously, she was a Board Member for the CEC Division of the Arts, Chair of the PAEA Art in Special Education, and served on advisory boards for the Philadelphia Museum of Art Autism Initiative and the Brandywine Museum Sensory-Friendly Programming.

With over two decades of teaching experience, Lauren is a distinguished Art Educator dedicated to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and accessibility. She has developed curriculum for PreK-12th grade at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and worked extensively in community arts settings. Currently, as Director of Art Education and Associate Professor at Moore College of Art and Design, she leads initiatives that merge art and special education, advancing global conversations on diversity and inclusion.

Lauren is an accomplished Art Educator and consultant specializing in inclusive arts education across museums, community arts, higher education, and PreK-12 settings. Over the course of her career, she has partnered with institutions to develop customized curricula, instructional methods, and support structures for diverse learners. Her impactful collaborations include work with the National Gallery, Kennedy Center VSA Program, Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Delaware Art Museum, Springfield School District, and Philadelphia School District.

Lauren has spoken at over 70 national and international events, in-person and virtually, including prestigious universities, renowned cultural institutions, and leading conferences in art and education. She has shared her expertise with audiences from diverse backgrounds, contributing to the advancement of inclusive arts education globally. A complete list of engagements is available in her curriculum vitae.

Kalio-Tavin, M., & Stichter, L.. (2020). Organizing the 2nd International Disability Studies, Arts and Education Conference and Looking to the Future. Research in Arts Education.

Stichter, L. & Newman-Godfrey, A. (2017). Creative Arts Education for Students with ASD. Curricula for Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder .

Stichter, L. (Ongoing). Columnist for the Art in Special Education interest group column, National Art Education Association.

Lauren has organized over 15 impactful public events over nearly a decade, drawing thousands of art educators from around the world. Notable events include the annual professional development symposiums on Art and Special Education at Moore College, as well as hosting significant conferences such as the PA Art Education Association conferences in 2016 and 2021, the 2019 2nd International Conference on Disability Studies, Arts & Education, as well as the 2022 and 2024 Adding Voices Conferences.

With over 25 years of experience as a potter, Lauren has cultivated a substantial body of work, primarily focused on intricately hand-carved vessels. Her artistic endeavors have been showcased and vended at prestigious galleries, boutiques and artisan events within the Philadelphia region. Noteworthy venues include Art Shop, the Go West Craft Festival, VIX Emporium, and Pax Flora Goods.

Lauren’s work was recently featured in the Moore College of Art & Design Faculty Triennial (2023).

The Council for Exceptional Children, Division of the Arts, 2024 Art Educator of the Year Award