Inside Erikson | March 2025
a monthly comm(unity) newsletter
March 2025 – Welcome to the March edition of the Inside Erikson newsletter.
March is a month of celebration, recognition and advocacy for those who make a difference in the lives of young children and families. As we honor Women’s History Month, we recognize the powerful contributions of women like Erikson co-founders Maria Piers, Lorraine Wallach and Barbara Bowman, who dedicated their lives to helping shape the early childhood education and child development systems we know today. March is also Child Life Month, a time to celebrate child life specialists who bring comfort and support to children navigating healthcare experiences and National Social Work Month, a time to highlight the dedication of social workers who champion the well-being of children and families every day. Erikson offers graduate degrees in both of these disciplines, and we are proud of our alums who are impacting their fields. This month, let’s continue our collective work in nurturing and empowering the next generation.
Erikson Updates
Indigenous FAN introduced at Start Early’s Home Visiting Summit
Congratulations to Professor Linda Gilkerson and Andrea Minor, members of Erikson’s Fussy Baby and Facilitating Attuned Interactions (FAN) teams, who worked alongside community partner Katherine Chavez, and consultants, Crystal Austin and Sissy Ann-Marie Landin to present the Indigenous FAN at Start Early’s National Home Visiting Summit February 12-14, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The team facilitated a workshop on the journey to co-create a cultural adaptation of the FAN framework for Indigenous American communities.
Partnering with Tiwa Babies in Taos, NM to pilot this training as well as images created by Cree-Ojibway artist Simone McLeod, brought the Indigenous FAN to life. Erikson honorary degree recipient, Michelle Sarche, Ph.D., a leader in Indigenous research, attended the Indigenous FAN workshop as well as lead a plenary session. Erikson alums Lori Orr, who heads home visiting for State of Illinois and Gina Capito, who directs the National Alliance of Home Visiting Models, and are leaders in home visiting also stopped by Erikson’s booth. Erikson is making a powerful difference in home visiting thanks to this team!
Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2025
On March 4, our Policy and Leadership team went to Springfield, Illinois for Early Childhood Advocacy Day. This annual event gives early childhood advocates the opportunity to meet with legislators and encourage them to create systems that support all children and families. As part of their work, the department is engaged in the We, the Village and Raising Illinois coalitions that organized Advocacy Day.
Gold Star Alumni Series
The Gold Star Alumni Series aims to celebrate the exceptional individuals who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also made a significant impact on their communities.
Learn more about our March feature, Patricia Brady, MEd ’84 and PhD ‘00
Do you know any Erikson alums making a difference in the field? Reach out to Institutional Advancement Manager, Zahoor Khan, to nominate them for the Gold Star Alumni feature.
WTTW Honors Barbara Bowman
Brandis Friedman, WTTW news anchor, shared a beautiful tribute to our beloved Barbara T. Bowman on an episode of Black Voices last month. The feature includes heartfelt interviews with Erikson President Mariana Souto-Manning and Barbara’s daughter, Valerie Jarrett.
About Erikson
Graduate Education
Recognized for our groundbreaking work in the field of early childhood, Erikson specializes in preparing child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children, families, and their communities. For more information on our degree and certificate programs, visit our website or email our admissions team.
Policy and Leadership
Erikson’s Policy and Leadership department engages leaders in government, business, and nonprofit sectors to inform effective policies that benefit children and families. They offer unique programming that equips decision-makers and influencers with the resources, skills, and deep knowledge about early childhood development that will support their efforts to make lasting change. Learn more about our Policy and Leadership
Make a Difference — Refer a Friend to Erikson Institute
Know a passionate early childhood educator or social worker looking to advance their career? Refer them to Erikson! You’ll help them achieve their goals, expand their impact and grow their network. As a thank you, you’ll be entered to win referral prizes including a $100 Amazon gift card or $50 in Erikson merch. Refer someone today
Give to Erikson
The first 1,800 days of life set the stage for a child’s long-term physical and emotional health, socioeconomic trajectory, life expectancy, happiness, and well-being. Can we count on you to make a gift to strengthen our ability to serve children and families, as well as our students, faculty, and staff, during this time? Your support for Erikson prepares the heroes in young children’s lives—teachers, social workers, civic leaders, parents and caregivers—to get them safely through this crisis so they can soar into promising futures.
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