What do you do?

I am a faculty member for the 2 day LSVT BIG certification and training course.  I also develop content for other LSVT Global educational offerings, such as the free webinar series, the LSVT Global Medbridge series, the OT LSVT BIG Simucase, and presentations at national conferences.  Additionally, I collaborate with my alma mater, Concordia University Wisconsin, for occupational therapy students to receive the LSVT BIG certification with online training and an in-person lab practicum before graduation.  I am also in the early stages of pediatric work utilizing LSVT BIG with aspirations to mirror the successes of LSVT LOUD for KIDS!

How long have you been with LSVT Global?

I joined the LSVT BIG faculty team in 2013 as a growing number of occupational therapists began pursuing certification!

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love empowering therapists to push their patients in ways they didn’t even know they could!  We reach therapists from around the world and help them to learn how to teach people with Parkinson’s ways to move at their best in order to do the things they love with confidence and independence!

Tell us a little about yourself:

I live in a rural area in southeast Wisconsin, which is also very close to the area I grew up.  I met my husband working at a movie theater when we were 19, and have now been married for almost 22 years.  We have two teenage daughters. Our oldest is a sophomore in college on a pre-med path.  Our youngest is a senior in high school, recently recruited to a college gymnastics team and will also be pursuing a medical career.  I have worked for Aurora Health Care for over 20 years and treat patients full time in an outpatient hospital based clinic in downtown Milwaukee.  In addition to my specialization in Parkinson’s rehabilitation, I am also a pelvic rehabilitation specialist.  I am the author and instructor of the course “Parkinson disease and Pelvic Rehabilitation” offered through Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute.  I enjoy running (and all cardio exercise in general), spending time with my family, and have a new love for coffee.

*To learn more about Erica and her experience with PD and Pelvic Health, listen to this wonderful interview: “An OT’s Journey through Parkinson Disease and Pelvic Health.”

Favorite quote, food, or pastime:

Psalm 46:5 “God is within her, she will not fall.”