Lori was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas by Deaf parents (CODA) and has a younger brother. Lori has four grown children with families of their own, including seven grandchildren who are the light of her life. Lori is a Certified Public Manager, University of Kansas and  holds ASL/English Interpreter certifications in both Kansas, 5/5 and Missouri, Master.

Lori is a member of the Kansas Association of Interpreters Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, the National Association of the Deaf, the Olathe Club of the Deaf and The Museum of Deaf History Arts and Culture.

Answering the call on her life to support the Deaf Community in emotional well being, Lori envisioned and implemented a Family ASL Immersion Camp for non-signing parents with Deaf children in Kansas. Using her personal experience in emotional and spiritual recovery, her leadership skills and her native understanding of the Deaf Community she envisioned Deaf Transformation in 2018, to facilitate emotional and spiritual recovery and support within the Deaf Community, a first of its kind. 

Lori was active in the PTO, AWANA's, Brownies, CampFire Boys and Girls, Boy Scouts of America, 4-H and other activities her children were involved in. She has served the church as a Sunday School Teacher, Board Member and Deacon.