Back to the team…
Laura Ostler
Program Staff
Laura grew up in a normal, loving family as the middle child of four siblings. Though she was close to her sisters, she often felt unseen and forgotten—her December birthday frequently overshadowed by the holidays. In school, she struggled quietly, flying under the radar—neither excelling nor causing trouble. Deep down, she longed to feel like she mattered.
Her teenage years took unexpected and challenging turns. By the age of 17, Laura was navigating marriage and motherhood, facing adult responsibilities while still a child herself. When her first marriage ended, she was left with a deep sense of failure and disappointment, questioning her worth and her ability to build a stable life. Soon after, she made the painful decision to place her second child for adoption—a choice rooted in love but heavy with sorrow.
Her life took another drastic turn when she started using drugs at age 29. From there, things quickly unraveled. Laura fell into a cycle of addiction, unhealthy relationships, and homelessness. One of the most devastating blows came with the unexpected death of her sister Lisa. The loss shattered her, deepening the darkness she was already in. Addiction pulled her further away from her children, leaving behind broken relationships and unfulfilled promises.
There were moments of hope. Laura found strength in her faith and the scriptures, earned her cosmetology license, and began to rebuild her life. For a time, she made progress toward reclaiming her role as a mother. But old patterns reemerged, and one destructive relationship after another led her back into darkness.
Her turning point came when she found herself incarcerated, facing the reality of prison. In that moment, she remembered The Other Side Academy (TOSA), a place she had once contacted in hopes of helping her brother. This time, she sought help for herself. She was accepted into the program, where she began the hard, transformative work of healing and self-discovery.
During her time at TOSA, Laura faced another heartbreaking loss—her brother, Robert, passed away. That grief deepened her resolve. “Time runs out, and we don’t always get a do-over,” she reflects. “We don’t get to change the way we’ve influenced other people’s lives. But I’ve found purpose in doing all I can to help other people’s brothers and sisters survive.”
Laura embraced this mission with unwavering determination. She worked tirelessly to rebuild her life and repair relationships with her children. One of the most meaningful moments came when her child, Zephyr, encouraged her to attend TOSA, saying, “It sucks that it’s come to you needing a 2.5-year program, but hopefully you will at least be at my high school graduation.”
On Zephyr’s 18th birthday, Laura did make it to her graduation—clean, sober, and healthy. It was a milestone that symbolized not only her recovery but also her commitment to being present for the people she loves. Around the same time, she was also able to attend her daughter Makayla’s wedding, a joyful moment that once felt out of reach during her darkest years.
Today, Laura is a staff member at The Other Side Academy, where she dedicates her life to helping others overcome their struggles and discover their own strength. Her journey has transformed her into a compassionate mentor who understands both the depths of despair and the hope of redemption.
Laura’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and the belief that no one is ever beyond the reach of hope. She lives each day honoring the memory of her siblings and proving that it’s never too late to rewrite your story, rebuild relationships, and help others find light in their own lives.