Staff Spotlights during National Social Worker’s Month!

Ericka Finn, Behavioral Health Counselor Child & Family Treatment Support Services

Ericka has been with New Directions since October 2017. Starting in the Partners in Parenting program, Ericka moved to CFTSS after completing her Master of Social Work degree.

As part of CFTSS, she provides in-home counseling to children ages 0-21 In Niagara County who have a mental health diagnosis or who are at-risk of a diagnosis. Ericka sees approximately 3-4 children per day on a weekly basis. Empowering children is the most rewarding part of her job. Ericka has always been very goal-driven, wanting to give back to her community and help kids. She loves being creative in her work, doing crafts and art with her clients.

In her personal time, Ericka enjoys gardening, knitting, and crocheting – a skill her grandmother taught her.

Shawna Soles, Care Coordinator Wraparound Program

Shawna has more than 16 years of experience working with children and families, the last two here at New Directions. As a care coordinator in the wraparound program, she assists children and families in Erie County. Wraparound is a strengths-based program providing service linkages to community programs.

Shawna frequently works side by side with Erie County DSS ensuring families are safe, on even ground, and decreasing any imminent risk behaviors.

Shawna received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and master’s degree in human services and will soon be graduating with her Master of Social Work degree. After a position at Baker Victory Services, Shawna felt most needed working with children. She finds it so rewarding knowing she helped a child and family remarking “it’s not an easy job, but so rewarding.”

With a very demanding and sometimes stressful job, Shawna stresses the importance of self-care. She gets a massage twice a month and makes sure she is off-the-clock when she’s at home, unless there is a crisis situation.

Shawna is the mom of two boys, ages 11 and 4, loves entertaining friends, creating vision boards, and traveling!

Thank you to Ericka and Shawna for fostering good in all you do!