Erika Mardock (she/her/hers) has been working in education since graduating from UNL in 2008 and relocating to teach for the Omaha Public Schools. While teaching language arts at King Science, she completed a Masters of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in urban schools at UNO. In 2012, she accepted a high school position at the Omaha Street School and soon found a passion for helping students cope with life’s challenges. In 2016, Erika transitioned to a counseling position at Miller Park elementary while studying for her PK-12 school counseling degree at UNO. As an elementary counselor, she enjoyed engaging her students through music, stories, puppet shows and mindfulness practices. After moving to Lewis and Clark middle school in 2020, she is excited to return to the Miller Park neighborhood and work with elementary students once again! Erika states, “my mission as a school counselor is to ensure that all students have equitable access to a high quality education. My hope is that every child feels welcomed, affirmed and valued for their unique strengths when they come to school each day. I am thrilled at the opportunity to work alongside the amazing team at Nelson Mandela.” Erika is currently pursuing her clinical mental health certification. When she's not busy helping little people deal with big feelings, she spends time at home in midtown with her husband Luther, her daughter Margot and their dog, Crispin.