Erika
Erika came to BEST in December of 2019. She was interested in the Certified Medical Assistant Program. Erika had worked for a non-profit previously that helped individuals who were diagnosed with epilepsy. Erika, having epilepsy herself, was looking for a way to stay in the medical realm because her true passion was working with these individuals. One of our first conversations was how she really wanted to be able to start her own non-profit organization in LaSalle County to continue offering assistance to those diagnosed with epilepsy.
Erika completed the Certified Medical Assistant course at IVCC and received her Certificate in December of 2020. She officially passed the exam in March of 2021. On January 30, 2024, the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Epilepsy Advocacy Network where Erika is one of the founding directors. Her current title is Founding Director of Epilepsy Services.
Erika has been a peer facilitator for support groups for ten years, a role she started in as a volunteer. Erika plays an integral role of connecting with doctors and specialty services in the communities that Epilepsy Advocacy Network serves. Erika is a certified cognitive coach for HOBSCOTCH. She is also trained in PACES and UPLIFT which are specialty programs for people with epilepsy that are part of the Managing Epilepsy Well network. Erika is a Registered Medical Assistant and has certification in non-profit leadership.
Erika is also the spokesperson for Loyola University following her brain surgery to control her seizures from epilepsy. Erika has been seizure free for ten years and continues to be an advocate for her clients through her real-life experience. I have no doubt that with Erika’s expertise and training that the Epilepsy Advocacy Network will be successful in LaSalle County.