McLaughlin earned her undergraduate degree from Boston College School of Education in 1998. In 2003, she received her Master of Arts, Teaching from Emmanuel College and is currently enrolled in the Boston College School of Theology. She previously was a principal fellow with the Lynch Leadership Academy. She was educated in the Archdiocese of Boston Catholic schools Mount St. Joseph Academy and Our Lady of Presentation Grammar School.
McLaughlin began her career in Catholic education at St. Ann School in Somerville, teaching grades six through eight. In her previous role with the Lynch Leadership Academy, she planned and facilitated professional development for more than 20 Catholic School leaders in the Archdiocese of Boston. McLaughlin also serves on the Providence Alliance for Catholic Teachers with Providence College. She led Mount Alvernia High School from 2010-2019 as head of school, previously serving as English Department chair and English and Social Studies teacher. Her most recent position was as a leadership coach with the Lynch Leadership Academy at Boston College.