On Erikson
“I want to bring the Erikson mindset to the world of foster care, and spread the word—
the relationship-based, child development perspective—
to others.”
Background: bachelor’s in psychology, DePaul University; master’s in social work, University of Illinois Chicago; infant studies certificate, Erikson, 2004
Experience: therapist for children in foster care for 17 years; cofounded Project Connect to provide parent/child treatment leading to family reunification.
Works with young children and families because: As an undergraduate, I had an internship working with teens, and that led me to social work; another internship in my M.S.W. program led me to foster care, and I never really left. I saw the importance of family relationships and the need to intervene within the context of the relationship, not just with the kids by themselves.
Came to Erikson because: I initially came to Erikson for the infant studies certificate program. As a social worker in foster care, when I started working with kids who were a little younger I was feeling a little lost but really enjoying it. I’d read about Erikson and it was sort of a dream to come here. I came for an interview and was told about the certificate program; at the time, that fit my lifestyle a little better than a degree program. Once the certificate program was over, I couldn’t stop! That whetted my appetite to learn more about child development
Most surprising or influential part of the experience here: I’ve learned so much about infancy. I used to be kind of scared of babies; I didn’t really know what to do with them. Now there’s so much to see and to learn from them. Getting to understand them and their development has been invaluable to me. It goes across everything I do as a social worker.
Impact on practice: One of the great things about my studies has been being able to bring what I learned to the workplace. Everybody’s excitied about it. I’ve got everybody thinking more about relationships. That’s not new, of course – it’s a common theme in social work – but it’s just a different way of looking at it, a fresh approach. I’m learning to listen and hear my colleagues’ approach a little better because of what I’m learning. And I’m constantly thinking about what I’m learning at school. I use it every single day at work.
Future career goals: I love what I do; I love foster care. I want to do all the things I do now, but be better at it. That’s why I came here. I want to increase my knowledge of child development, always; I want to be more self-reflective and help others to be if they want to. I want to empower parents to be more involved in their children’s lives. I want to bring the Erikson mindset to the world of foster care, and spread the word —the relationship-based, child development perspective—to other workers, therapists, judges, attorneys.
What would you tell others thinking about applying to Erikson: There are two parallel processes here. You’re going to learn “information” —course content—and that’s going to be super important. You’re also going to, surprisingly, come to see things systemically. You’re going to see how you’re impacting the people you work with—colleagues, families, and children. You’re going to learn a lot about your place in the world, your place in your work.
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