LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Ms. Robyn Ericson ws nominated by Dempster Cherry, a member of her community.

"Robyn Ericson originally lived in New York, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Family Services from Plattsburgh State University College in 1991," said Cherry. "In 1993, she moved to San Diego, California to enjoy the beaches and sunshine."

Ms. Ericson spent 15 years working with homeless and foster youth in San Diego until she was inspired to get her Master's in Educational Counseling from National University in 1999. She transitioned from child welfare to school counseling in 2006, when she worked for the Lemon Grove School District. Ms. Erickson also worked with San Diego County to ensure that homeless and foster youth educational rights were being met. She has been a school counselor for the San Diego Unified School District since 2016. 

"Ms. Ericson works at both Spreckels Elementary and Wegeforth Elementary Schools and has developed comprehensive counseling programs at both of her sites," said Cherry. "Her counseling programs are student-centered. She embraces diversity and inclusion, and she supports learning so that all students feel safe and connected at school to achieve academic success."

"Ms. Ericson is a standout counselor and human being. She conducts individual counseling, group counseling, and classroom support based on the varying needs of our student population," explains Cherry. "Her groups have included: communication and problem solving, banana splits (children of divorce) group, friendship groups, mindfulness, positive choices, and leadership." 

When children struggle socially, emotionally, or with engagement in class, Ms. Ericson will work with the classroom teacher to design a support plan for the child. She provides in-class "Second Step lessons" to help students develop learning and listening skills, emotional management, empathy, problem-solving, and fair play methods. Ms. Ericson has built trusting relationships with staff, parents, and students, who all see her as the go-to person for advice and support.

"Following the lead of the district's 'Ally Action work and Restorative Justice Practices,' Ms. Ericson has trained student leaders to lead community circles and lessons in each classroom connected to the vision and the academic/SEL focus of our schools," said Cherry. "This work led to her working closely with the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) and getting our schools designated as 'No Place For Hate' schools."

Some of Ms. Ericson's dynamic lessons are on ADL's website for other "No Place for Hate" coordinators to use. Ms. Ericson has continued this work with vigor. She leads 4th and 5th-grade groups annually to be "No Place for Hate" student leaders who recruit, train, and lead classroom discussions on identity, diversity, acceptance, tolerance, empathy, and being an "Upstander" in every classroom. The student leaders also create school-wide activities to promote kindness and a positive school climate so all students feel connected and safe at school.  

"As a school site supervisor for college graduates, Ms. Ericson regularly takes on school counseling interns to introduce them to the counseling profession and guide them on the path to school counseling," explains Cherry. "She coordinates services for students in need and has been instrumental in building critical relationships with other community providers, such as art expressive therapists, day Break, and mental health systems. Ms. Ericson is currently working with the Legal Aid Society to train students in problem-solving skills for our school's 'Peace Patrol Program' that will monitor recess."

Ms. Ericson has led the attendance committee, which includes monthly attendance tracking, supporting families with attendance needs, and creating a school-wide attendance incentive program. These interventions have led to data collection and improved school attendance.

"She has also redefined our RtI - Response to Intervention system to be more organized and supportive of students, teachers, and families that promote outcomes for our struggling students," explains Cherry.

Ms. Ericson wrote grants to find funding sources for school needs. She received funding and created recess chill zones in every classroom to support students' self-regulation. She seeks funds for college field trips, flexible seating arrangements, and incentives to promote positive behavior. Ms. Ericson likes to find school-wide activities and clubs that allow diverse students to feel accepted and connected.

"Every week, she supervises 'Pride Peeps,' which is a club that supports LGBTQIA+ students," said Cherry. "She implements kindness activities during the 'Great Kindness Challenge Week.' In the spring, she runs an upper-grade March Madness basketball competition that promotes sportsmanship and fun."

Ms. Ericson has led a highly engaging college and career week with grade-level lessons and a pep rally with visitors from the local colleges. This week also includes a local college campus tour and school-wide activities such as "Paws to Success" and "Where Did You Go to College?" Her kindergarten students also get the opportunity to learn the importance of college and finding career paths.  

Ms. Ericson was named Elementary School Counselor of the Year for her district during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school years. She was also nominated for California State School Counselor of the Year. During distance learning, Ms. Ericson was highlighted by the San Diego Unified school district website as instrumental in supporting children and families with various needs. She successfully located and helped the most fragile families in the school. This past summer, Ms. Ericson was invited to speak at Point Loma Nazarene University on how she promotes a comprehensive counseling program that effectively works on eliminating school violence.

"Ms. Ericson brings life and vitality to our school counseling programs, as you can see by all the aspects of what she brings to our schools," said Cherry. "She understands that the role of a counselor is to influence and impact how a school supports children, and she does it with grace, humor, and wit. Ms. Ericson is a shining star and beyond deserving of this honor."

Ms. Ericson was nominated for elementary school counselor of the year in 2018-2019 and 2019 and 2020 school year in the San Diego Unified School District. "In 2019 and 2020 she was elected as San Diego Unified School Districts Elementary School Counselor of the year," said Cherry. "She was also nominated for California State School Counselor of the Year." During the time of distance learning, Ms. Ericson was highlighted by the San Diego Unified school district website as being instrumental in supporting children and families with a range of needs. She was successful in locating and supporting most fragile families in the school. This past summer, Ms. Ericson was invited to speak at Point Loma Nazarene University on how she promotes a comprehensive counseling program that effectively works on eliminating school violence.

"Ms. Ericson brings life and vitality to our school counseling programs as you can see by all the aspects of what she brings to our schools," sadi Cherry. "She understands that the role of a counselor is to influence and impact how a school supports children and she does it with grace, humor, and wit."

"Ms. Ericson is a shining star and beyond deserving of this honor," said Cherry.