Where Light Meets Life: Laurin Maddux ’98 Serves with Care

As a lifelong member of the St. Mary’s community, Laurin Maddux ’98 is the embodiment of the school’s motto, “For Girls. For Life.” Through her unwavering commitment to the school and heartfelt care for others, Maddux truly embodies what it means to support and uplift others for a lifetime.

As the 2025 recipient of the St. Mary’s Light and Life Service Award, Maddux is recognized for her compassion and dedication to everyone she serves. Her holistic approach combines clinical expertise with spiritual guidance, making her a trusted resource for individuals seeking healing and restoration.

“Even if it's just a tiny little goal that they’ve met, I feel really privileged to be a part of people’s stories,” Maddux said. 

After earning a degree in human development and family studies from Auburn University, she returned to St. Mary’s to serve as Assistant Director of Admissions while completing her master’s degrees in counseling and business at the University of Memphis. 

Her passion for mental health led her to Lakeside Behavioral Health, where she enhanced therapeutic programming for young patients. From there, Maddux continued to work in counseling before her current role as the Director of Shepherding Resources at Second Presbyterian Church and owner of a private practice. 

Maddux credits her own support system as motivation to be that same support for others. 

"I want to be there for somebody and walk alongside them," Maddux said.  

“I always really valued people who were there for me in both the good times and the hard times,”  Maddux said. “I want to be there for somebody and walk alongside them.” 

Her dedication to others is evident in her constant willingness to offer support in times of need.

“I think seeing people’s growth is really fun,” she said. “I love having a front row seat to see people’s growth and successes.”

This devotion and kind service towards others extend throughout St. Mary’s as she has consistently given her time and talent in service of the school. As a student walking into school with her sister, Jenny Maddux Stenberg ’01, Laurin was always involved in everything from service to student council. As an alumna, she chaired the History Wall Committee and Alumnae Weekend and remains an active alumna. Maddux’s legacy of compassion, leadership, and service adds true value to the St. Mary’s community.

Through this work, Maddux connected with the St. Mary’s experience of relating to the stories of women who have come before. 

“What was so fun about doing the history wall project was that I got to hear other people’s experiences of tradition by reading journals from the 1800s, knowing that we had a similar experience,” Maddux said. “There’s that golden thread that's woven through all of St. Mary’s.” 

She continues to give generously to the school community by supporting her fellow Turkeys. When her classmates experience either hardship or happiness, Maddux is always a constant source of strength and support. Maddux’s classmate, Meg Kinnard Hardee ’98, relied on this support during her cancer diagnosis. 

“Laurin has always been the one to lift me up, to lift our class up, to lift the greater community around her up,” Hardee said. “Through her very essence, she embodies the characteristics that we as St. Mary's girls are taught to be the most highly valued, appreciated, and respected. She just sees a need and fills it, not seeking personal glorification or praise, but just because it's what needs to be done, and, more importantly, because it can help someone else.”

Each person Maddux comes in contact with is met by a smiling face and a helping hand, as light and life are at the core of all of her actions. 

Former Director of Counseling Allison Parker has witnessed Maddux’s dedication firsthand.
 
“Laurin seeks to see the Lord more clearly, love Him more dearly, and follow Him more nearly, day by day,” Parker said.