I am a small business owner and have been for 28 years. I own and operate the two Erickson Learning Centers. As the Director of these Centers, I lead my 70+ teachers as they tutor their students. I write an Action Plan for each student, as well as evaluate the tutors who are working with the students. I also schedule Diagnostic Evaluations and proof the testing, as well as offer suggestions for the students who have been tested. In addition, I train and educate teachers and parents across our State and our Country. I have given presentations in Utah, Montana, Illinois, Denver, New York and San Francisco. I have spoken in Universities in Ireland twice, as well as Australia. All were exciting and informative experiences. This past summer I trained in Brighton, Hillsdale and Okemos. I also worked with teachers who teach prisoners in Michigan prisons. In every training experience, I learn as well as teach.
I am a past member of the Board of The Michigan Branch of the Learning Disabilities Association and served them for 15 years. I was also President of this Board for several years. This is the longest a person can sit on such a Board. I have sat on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Again, I was on this Board for many years. I took a year off and did another 3 year term. I present at all these Boards’ conferences annually. I meet many knowledgeable and informative people who increase my knowledge. I am currently on the Early Childhood Committee at the National level, which I thoroughly enjoy. I interact with committee members who are mostly PhD’s from Illinois, New York, Utah, Washington DC, San Juan, Texas and Pittsburgh. It is an outstanding committee that accomplishes a great deal. In addition, everything it produces is prepared in Spanish as well as English.
I enjoy traveling in my free time; I recently visited San Francisco. I read at least one book a week. I also enjoy our cottage on Torch Lake in Northern Michigan, as well as our condo in Naples, Florida. I never have a dull moment!
Finally, I enjoy being the Executive Director of the Erickson Learning Foundation. All Board Members are not connected with our Centers. This Foundation allows anyone who needs help the opportunity for financial aid to receive academic tutoring and/or evaluations. It is exciting to raise money and see it used so wisely.
Currently, I am very healthy and grateful to be healthy. In the two years I have had 10 brain surgeries and one surgery on my lungs because they collapsed. I only had a one to five percent chance of living. Obviously I made it, and I had neither cognitive disorders nor physical disorders.
Again, determination paid off and a love of life made the difference, as well as good physical fitness. I walk daily, as well as doing hand and arm exercises. I also love to swim. I encourage everyone to exercise and stay trim.