A wise man once said, “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” For Erika Heyliger, this quote embodies her experience working at YAI. While being a DSP is challenging, she also thinks it's one of the most rewarding fields she's ever been in. She loves knowing she's having a positive impact on the lives of other people. In fact, the people she supports motivated Erika to go back to school and pursue an M.S.W. at Adelphi University's School of Social Work.

Erika feels strongly that being able to support people with I/DD as a social worker will allow her to have a new perspective on how people with I/DD approach stability, education, employment, and building social ties. Despite her commitment to her education, during her fall 2018 semester Erika was concerned whether she'd be able to finish school due to an outstanding balance. However, right before a final exam, Andy Peters, Director of Adelphi Manhattan, stopped Erika in the computer lab to tell her that her work affiliation with YAI enabled her to receive a tuition remissions credit!

Collaborating with HR Generalist Kyle Wong, Erika was able to quickly apply the credit to her student account, which allowed her to register for courses just two days before the spring semester began! In Erika's words, "I am forever appreciative for the collaboration between Adelphi and YAI. I am especially grateful to YAI for the support in continuing my education. It is truly a joy to come to work, while respecting YAI's mission to help people we support to live full lives by contributing to opportunities for living, loving, working, and learning. Thank you YAI!"