Dr. Lawrence’s interest in medicine began in 1986 when she enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. After graduating with a degree in occupational therapy, Dr. Lawrence worked as an occupational therapist with the Green Bay Area Public Schools, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, for eight years before returning to school.

In 2001, Dr. Lawrence enrolled in Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she graduated with a Doctor of Osteopathy degree four years later.

She completed her residency at Affinity Medical Center in Massillon, Ohio, and a hand/upper extremity fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin/Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee in 2011.