Erica Harris - Houston, Texas
Erica was born in England but raised in Altus, Oklahoma, where she completed her associates degree in psychology. She always had a dream of becoming a pediatrician so she decided to move to Texas and attend college and medical school. Once things in her life started to change, her focus shifted from pediatrics to behavior and speech pathology. This was the beginning of her career journey with individuals with special needs. Erica has always had a passion for this special community and has had many volunteer opportunities over the years as well.
Erica worked privately as an In-Home ABA therapist for 4 years, where she developed and implemented lesson plans, taught life skills/social skills and dealt with behaviors using positive reinforcement. This led to her obtaining a position as a social skills teacher for an after-school program. After a few years, a school was opened and Erica was chosen to lead their inclusive preschool program, which she did for 6 years. During this time she worked with individuals with anxiety, ADHD, high-functioning Autism and Aspergers.
Erica was heavily involved in ministry at her church and in 2014 she was invited to become a Lakewood intern and accepted the call. It was a life-changing experience that confirmed even more that working with children with unique abilities was not only what she loved doing but it was also her passion and part of her God-given purpose in life. Erica’s strong faith has not only gotten her through many of life’s ups and downs but it has also guided her in how to truly connect with any child, teen, or adult with unique abilities she comes in contact with. Erica is also a Certified Christian Counselor.
One thing that has always been a major part of Erica’s life and personality is music and dancing in all forms. There have been numerous children that have benefited and thrived from Erica’s use of dance and music in all therapy settings and classroom settings. As she always says, “My body hears music, and it can’t stay still.” Erica truly believes dancing is healing and everyone needs it in their life in some form.
Rachel grew up in Austin, Texas, and began dancing at an early age with her twin sister and Harmony Dance Team Co-Director, Kristen. She continued dancing throughout high school on her school’s drill team. Rachel grew up attending Westlake Bible Church where she was encouraged in her faith as she began a relationship with the Lord.
Following High School, Rachel attended Texas Tech University where she majored in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. She had the privilege of dancing on the Texas Tech Pom Squad for 2 years and she and her husband love returning to Lubbock to cheer on the Raiders! After graduating from Texas Tech University, Rachel attended West Texas A&M University to pursue a M.S. in Speech Language Pathology. It was at this time she discovered a love for working with pediatric clients.
Rachel now lives in Midland with her husband and their son. Harmony has been an incredible gift to our family!
Rachel Lynch - Midland, Texas
Kristen Gilbert - Midland, Texas
Kristen grew up in Austin, Texas, and started dancing at the age of three. She grew up involved in her local church youth group and accepted Jesus as her Savior when she was 11 years old. The truth of the Gospel has only gotten sweeter as she has gotten older. What a gift!
Kristen continued her love of dance and served as a First Lieutenant and Captain of her High School Drill Team. She then attended Texas Tech University to major in Education with a Specialization in Special Education. While at Tech, she was a member of Raider Sisters for Christ and the Texas Tech Pom Squad. She is so thankful for the wonderful community, friends, and experiences that she was able to have through both programs.
Kristen now lives in Midland with her husband and two children! She is so thankful for Harmony Dance Team!