July 2009
e-Spotlight: Who’s Who @ Erie— Erica Plaisier
Erica Plaisier’s major for her bachelor and master degrees were exercise science and health studies. But her mission is changing lives.
Erica is the coordinator for the Healthy Women’s Project, or La Vida Sana, La Vida Feliz. Translation-Healthy Life, Happy Life. The program is more than a way to help women focus on nutrition, exercise and stress management; it is a way of life.
“This program is important for women because it addresses not only physical health but their emotional and social health,” says Erica. “We work closely with Erie’s Behavioral Health team to address some of the issues surrounding obesity and food.” The team measures changes in weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and cholesterol.
Erica knows the program is working when she sees improvements in self-reported emotional health and a new found confidence to make healthy lifestyle choices. “When we hear women sleep better, have more energy and feel better about themselves, we know we are helping make a real difference in their lives,” says Erica.
A variety of women participate in the program, ranging from “beginners” to those who have been trying to lose weight for quite some time, without achieving results. La Vida Sana, La Vida Feliz addresses individual needs and barriers women are experiencing while teaching them methods to overcome these issues. Several program graduates have since been trained as health educators and speak to the community about health issues. Erica feels the most stratification when witnessing these types of results. “It is inspiring to see these women come full-circle – to go from being the student to the teacher,” she says.
The highlight of the program will take place on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at the Annual Celebration. “We are excited to recognize community partners, our original funder (Health Resources and Services Administration) and over 200 graduates of the program,” says Erica. “The day will illustrate the program’s results, but more importantly it will give participants a chance to showcase their personal experiences with La Vida Sana, La Vida Feliz.”
About Erica:
Erica has been with Erie since 2007 and has been working in the public health and promotion field for 10 years. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Calvin College and a Master’s degree in Health and Exercise Studies from Miami University. She is married to her husband, Scott, and they two sons, Tryce, age 3 ½ and Isaac, age 1. She is from Illinois and currently resides in the Western suburbs. In her spare time Erica enjoys reading a good book, running and any travel adventure.