Erin is a 2010 graduate of the George Mason University Learning Into Future Environments (LIFE) Program. She graduated from the Options Program at St. Paul VI Catholic High School. Erin joined MAG Aerospace in February 2022 as an Administrative Assistant and serves as their Best Buddies Ambassador. Erin previously worked for Rosetta Stone in Arlington, Virginia, for 11 years, where she assisted with reception and administrative duties. She is currently on the Board of the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV).

In 2007, while volunteering at The Arc of Northern Virginia, Erin and a colleague initiated a bill in the Virginia legislature to update the language in Virginia laws to replace the outdated and pejorative term “retarded” with “intellectually disabled.”

Erin has continued her efforts as a passionate advocate for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has previously been on the Board of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), HSC Foundation, and the Parent Education Advocacy Training Center (PEATC). Awards, recognition, and presentations of her advocacy efforts include:

• Keynote Speaker, “Live It, Learn It, Love It” People First of WV and Central Ohio Arc Advocacy Conference (Sept 4-6, 2024)
• Co-Presenter, “We Know Inclusion: Collaborative Inquiry on Inclusion in College”, Annual TASH Conference, Baltimore MD (Dec 1, 2023)
• Co-Grand Marshall, DSANV 2023 Buddy Walk (Oct 2023)
• Blog Writer, Coded Generations, inclusive education platform (June 2010 – Nov 2015)
• Keynote Speaker, “The Power of Speaking Out – My Journey of Self Advocacy”, National Down Syndrome Society 2012 Annual Conference, Washington DC (July 2012)
• Dan Piper Award from the NDSS for national recognition as a self-advocate (2009)
• Advocates in Disability Award from the HSC Foundation (2008)
• PEATC Virginia Star Icon Award (2008)

Saint Timothy Catholic School joyfully instills a love of Christ and empowers every child to achieve, lead, and serve with integrity and compassion. They prioritize the faith by incorporating weekly Adoration into every child’s schedule and by processing Our Lord across campus every Tuesday afternoon, in addition to undertaking several initiatives that shine their pro-life mission.

Their commitment to supporting life has been initiated through a daycare ministry, where employees of the school can leave their children in the hands of trusted adults during the school day. Saint Timothy Catholic School has also expanded its resource department in order to better serve its students who are atypical learners.

To take that commitment of supporting all life even further, Saint Timothy currently counts amongst its staff two young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mr. Wozniak serves as a Special Assistant, and Ms. Phares serves as a preschool teacher assistant. Both employees are active parishioners at Saint Timothy and feel blessed to have the opportunity to give back to their faith community through their work. Saint Timothy students and staff have gone above and beyond to accommodate and embrace Mr. Wozniak and Ms. Phares, demonstrating why they are deserving of the Outstanding Employer award.

"God’s graces can be seen throughout our faith community. We remain humbled to serve as His instruments in this ministry and will continue to work to defend life and joyfully do His will." - Mr. Pryor, Principal.