The Caring Force is honored to announce Erika Musselman as our Caring Force April 2025 Workforce Hero Spotlight honoree. Erika is a licensed family support specialist at 18 Degrees.
1. Tell us about your background. How did you decide to pursue a career in human services?
Lived experience coupled with a deep desire to help. Growing up a “third-culture child” definitely played a role in me being drawn to the “helping” professions from a young age. I studied to be a high school English teacher, which I did for several years.
Shortly after the birth of my second child, my family’s world changed dramatically due to significant traumas. In the process of cleaning up and repairing our shattered world, I learned so much about the complex network of providers, government agencies and systems, as well as about trauma, mental health, abuse, suicide, and healing.
When I was ready to return to building a career, I saw an advertisement for a position at a local agency providing support for families in need. I remembered the vast network of people who helped my family and me when we needed it. I remembered how that support made a difference in the crisis and a difference in my and my family’s healing.
I’ve been working at 18 Degrees (called Berkshire Children and Families when I was hired) for 11 years this May 5th. I have continued to learn and grow, earning my social work license in 2019. I will be forever grateful to the amazing folks (Gail, Jen, Sarah, Alison, Stephanie to name only a few) at 18 Degrees who have offered me their unwavering support and encouragement during my time there: Thank you!
2. What does a typical day look like for you at your organization?
A typical day is anything but typical. One thing I had to learn from being a home visitor (besides which businesses have the cleanest restroom facilities), is that my daily schedule is but a sketch of what the day MAY look like. Flexibility is key.
I start each day by text messaging all the families with whom I have scheduled appointments to confirm our appointment time. Next, I make sure I have all the necessary items I may need for the scheduled visits: car seats (if transporting children), paperwork, printouts of materials for program participants, etc. If I have time, I will work on documentation duties or emails before heading out for my first visit. I visit families, usually in their homes. I am always mindful and respectful that they have allowed me into their (hopefully) safe space.
We work on goals they identify as important to them, along with some learning about child development and nurturing parenting strategies. As you might imagine, so many things can derail that plan. From cancellations and no-shows, to unexpected needs and developing crises, I never know what the day will present.
However, one thing that is typical, is that I learn at least one thing from the program participants every day. While I have knowledge to share, I am acutely aware that so does every person with whom I interact. I work to stay open to learning all I can from what each person and each situation offers. I am thankful to have these unique experiences from which much can be learned, and I am thankful to each participant who has invited me into their home and let me get to know them, even just a little.
3. What is your favorite professional memory?
That’s a hard one. I have had many, many wonderful, crazy, amazing, scary, beautiful experiences in this role. However, those that jump to mind, in no particular order are: Watching parents become curious about their children’s behavior; celebrating major achievements like the class completed, or the job won, or the reunification of a family; the impactful lesson I learned about not “going in other people’s rides,” as my first supervisor taught me after a disastrous visit; watching children “get” it (whatever “it” happens to be in the moment).
Last, but not at all least, are the moments when a service is preparing to close with a family. As we reflect together on everything they have accomplished to arrive at this moment, they truly recognize, see, and feel their successes—their growth, empowerment, and healing throughout their journey. That’s the best.
4. This question is from our March Workforce Hero, Robert Jencks: Is there one thing outside of work that makes you feel most alive? What is that thing that you are most passionate about?
Outside of work, and beyond my beautiful, mostly grown children, the thing I do for myself—the thing that makes me feel most alive—is participating in community theater. I loved playing with my children as they were growing up (and still do!), and theater is just play on stimulants.
Musicals, dramatic plays, Shakespeare—I love them all. My favorite roles to date have been singing and dancing in the choir of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; playing Sister Sandrine and Marie in The Da Vinci Code (both at Ja’Duke Theater); and playing a murderer and Menteith in the Montague Shakespeare Festival’s rendition of Macbeth at the Shea Theater this past month. So. Much. Fun.
5. Do you have a question for the next person we spotlight?
Human service work can be very challenging. What do you do to “fill your cup” and care for yourself so that you have the internal resources to care for and serve others professionally?
Thank you so much to Erika and all of our wonderful human service workers across the Commonwealth who bring joy, positivity and passion to work every day! We are so thankful for you and your efforts to make Massachusetts a better place.
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