Laurie Hamano earned a Master's Degree in Counseling in Education (M.Ed.) from Oregon State University and graduated with her undergraduate degree from the University of Hawaii, Manoa Campus. She is a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC), registered in the State of Hawaii to counsel injured workers as well as a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC). She has been a registered vocational rehabilitation counselor for the past 25 years.

Prior to entering the field of private vocational rehabilitation, Ms. Hamano worked for the State of Hawaii/Corrections for 8 years. Her job was to counsel furloughed inmates and assist them with job placement. As a provider of vocational rehabilitation services to injured workers for the past 25 years, Ms. Hamano has experience as both counselor and supervisor. She has assisted people with various physical and psychological injuries. She works as a vocational consultant with law firms requiring vocational evaluation and expert testimony. Presently, Ms. Hamano is President and Owner of Vocational Management Consultants.

Ms. Hamano has been actively involved with lobbying with the legislature and the assistance in founding the Hawaii Injured Workers Alliance that was started in 2005.  She is currently the Treasurer of Hawaii Injured Workers Alliance as well as an active member in the International Association of Rehabilitation Providers (IARPS).

Ms. Hamano is a mother of two grown daughters and two dogs.