Get to know the Discovery Map team: Laura Potter

Laura is the Map Production Manager, but has many talents.

"I grew up in a small town outside Grand Rapids, MI and attended Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, where I studied Child Development and Psychology. A self-proclaimed “jack of all trades,” I have acquired experience in a variety of fields including childcare, education, social work, outdoor recreation, summer camps, lifeguarding, and several years as a state park ranger (which is what brought me to Vermont).

I moved to Vermont permanently when I felt the mountains beckoning and soon after met my husband, when I tried out as a singer for his band. We’re still here in the mountains 13 years later (and still playing music)!

After earning a second college degree in Graphic Design, I found my way to Discovery Map International and have been working here over 9 years."

Laura has also been to some really cool places, and she doesn't' think its by accident.

"Some of the most interesting and breath-taking places I have found myself have been unplanned and, in my opinion, driven by kismet."

Below are Laura's 3 favorite places that she's visited:

1. Ruby Beach, Washington

"While traveling solo on a cross-country road trip, I happened upon Ruby Beach, Washington. It was secluded and peaceful, with no other visitors in sight.

I put my claustrophobia to the test exploring seemingly untouched seaside caverns, ran unabashedly across garnet-colored sand, and enjoyed peering into tidal pools rivaling any city’s saltwater aquariums."

2. Santorini, Greece

"Santorini, Greece had been a dream destination of mine ever since I first noticed its postcard-worthy beauty. When the opportunity arose for me to tack on an extra leg to my travels across Europe, I jumped at the chance to explore the island. After an abrupt landing via a miniature plane, I soon realized that Santorini was the furthest from home I had ever been. At Perissa Beach, I stood ankle-deep in the turquoise waters and black volcanic sand, and felt I was at the edge of the earth. Far from any city lights, cable cars, or sirens, there were no distractions from the serenity and anonymity I found there."

3. Manasota Key, FL

"My husband and I spent our honeymoon on Manasota Key, located on the west coast of Florida. This portion of the state is known for its beaches and ocean shelves being littered with shark teeth. During our visit we were lucky enough to stumble upon the coveted Megalodon tooth, a prehistoric shark, which was both incredibly thrilling and terrifying. We even heard frustrated (but excited) groans from locals who had spent years searching for what we had found in just a few days. I highly recommend a visit, and a shark tooth rake!"

Laura did plenty of globetrotting in college.

"When I was younger and unattached, I traveled to escape monotony and challenge the boundaries of how far I could drive, walk, and in some cases, how quickly I could run. While I certainly enjoyed the company of friends, my preference was to travel alone, which allowed me to make last-minute decisions and never lose anyone in a crowd.

During summer and holiday breaks in college, I took road trips across the western United States, as well as southcentral to Texas, visiting as many National Parks as possible.

My first-ever trip across the Atlantic was to Madrid and Zaragoza, Spain, where I spent an incredible Christmas and New Year with friends, experiencing their traditions and beautiful culture.

After college, I spent 2 months traveling throughout Europe. I set up a home-base with family friends in Munich, Germany, and spent several weeks visiting Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Prague, Berlin, London, as well as Crete, Santorini, Naxos, and Athens, Greece. During that time, I worked a very short stint as a nanny in Chamonix, France, and was briefly lost in the labyrinth of shops in Naxos, Greece."

Of all the Discovery Map markets which one would you most like to visit and why?

"Every year I see the Butte, Montana map, I think, “I would love to go there.” There are so many things to do, so much history, and one of my favorites….casinos!"