Meet The Founder

Hi, I’m Laken Foster, founder of VinePath Mentoring, a wife and mother of two. I hold a Bachelor of Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington, earned in 2012, and bring over a decade of experience in social work, counseling, and education. I began my career in family crisis counseling, where I supported foster youth and facilitated court-ordered groups focused on anger management, life skills, and personal growth. I later transitioned into public education, where I spent ten years teaching in the DFW area before moving to Tyler in 2026.

During my teaching career, I worked with both middle school and high school students in science and future-ready electives, including interpersonal studies, child development, culinary arts, interior design, hospitality and tourism, fashion design, and fashion marketing. A major focus of my work has always been real-world readiness—helping students build communication skills, professionalism, confidence, resume writing, interviewing, and career exploration. I also served as an FCCLA advisor, where I built a program from the ground up to over 100 students in under three years, leading students in leadership development, entrepreneurship, public speaking, and competitive events at the national level.

In addition, I have mentored future educators through the University of Texas UTeach program, supporting aspiring teachers as they developed classroom management and instructional skills. My experience across multiple subject areas has allowed me to design engaging, interdisciplinary, project-based learning experiences that meet students where they are and help them grow in confidence and capability.

VinePath Mentoring was created from both my professional background and my personal journey as a first-generation college student and a parent of a child with autism and ADHD. I understand firsthand that every student learns differently and needs individualized support to thrive. Rooted in my faith in God and the belief that every child is uniquely created with purpose, my mission is to provide students and families with mentorship, practical skills, and confidence to move forward with clarity, preparation, and purpose as they pursue the future God has planned for them.