At Lab-Aids, our mission goes beyond publishing great curricula, it's about building real relationships with the educators who bring that curriculum to life in their classrooms every day. That mission comes through clearly in two members of our sales team, Laura Beth Bass and Michelle Dessi, who each bring their own path from the classroom to Lab-Aids, and a shared commitment to helping teachers rediscover their spark for hands-on learning.
Michelle Dessi's path to Lab-Aids started in the lab, not the classroom. After earning her degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Central Florida, she spent several years working in a laboratory setting before making the move into education. Once there, she taught math, biology, anatomy and physiology, and IB Biology, giving her a firsthand view of just how much a strong curriculum can shape a student's understanding of science.
That experience eventually led her into curriculum development, and from there, into educational sales with Lab-Aids. Today, Michelle serves as the Curriculum Specialist for small to intermediate school districts up and down the East Coast, as well as international schools. She's also a state and national presenter, leading science and math workshops that showcase Lab-Aids' engaging, hands-on curricula to educators across the country.
Looking back at her path, Michelle sees one consistent thread running through it all: helping teachers and students experience meaningful learning in science and math.
Outside of work, Michelle is an enthusiastic traveler, and Italy holds a special place on her list of favorite destinations. Thanks to her Italian great-grandfather, she'd love to one day stay long enough to learn how to cook from a true Nonna or perhaps even live there. She's also an avid reader who enjoys every genre and admits to being a hopeless romantic when a good rom-com is on. Give her something in the spirit of Sleepless in Seattle, and she's all in.
Laura Beth Bass joined Lab-Aids to help kick-start the launch of Connected Mathematics 4, before moving into her current role supporting schools across both math and science programs. She holds a Bachelor's in Middle Grades Education from UNC Charlotte and a Master's in Education in Learning, Design, and Technology from NC State. Before making the leap into curriculum publishing, Laura Beth spent several years teaching 6th–8th grade math and science in North Carolina classrooms.
As an Inside Sales Representative, Laura Beth works with smaller school districts and independent schools across the Midwest and West Coast. Her day-to-day includes hosting virtual program presentations, troubleshooting tech and lab materials, sharing resources, and building ongoing relationships with educators. Above all, her goal is simple: help teachers find their spark around hands-on learning again, and make sure they have everything they need to succeed in the classroom.
Outside of work, Laura Beth and her husband, Olen, are always looking for their next adventure! Whether that's traveling somewhere new or hunting down hidden gems on the road. Married for three years, the couple are proud Golden Retriever parents. And this fall, they're preparing for their biggest adventure yet as they welcome their first child.
Though Michelle and Laura Beth support different regions and came to Lab-Aids by different paths, they're united by the same goal: making sure teachers feel supported and inspired to bring hands-on, real-world learning into their classrooms. Whether it's a virtual program presentation, a national workshop, or a one-on-one conversation with a district curriculum leader, Laura Beth and Michelle are part of the Lab-Aids team working every day to help educators do what they do best.
Inside the 2026 Summer Academy