Erica Coates
Erica Coates is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who serves as Assistant Director for Campus Partnership Initiatives at Cook Counseling Center at Virginia Tech. She finds fulfillment in guiding individuals through their journeys of growth and healing, particularly as they navigate hardships and injustices. With an interest in understanding diverse perspectives, Erica listens to her clients, appreciating their cultural and developmental backgrounds. Drawing from insights in neuroscience and memory reconsolidation, Erica helps clients comprehend the underlying reasons behind their symptoms, spurring transformative change. She also utilizes behavioral models to assist clients in addressing symptoms and fostering personal growth within themselves and their relationships. Erica specializes in supporting individuals diagnosed with autism, Spanish speakers, and those grappling with identity conflicts from their religious or cultural upbringing. Erica is actively integrating the Community Resiliency Model into campus initiatives to enhance individuals' ability to regulate their nervous systems effectively. Additionally, she plays a pivotal role in orchestrating interactions between Cook Counseling Center and TimelyCare. Erica earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with minors in Music and Spanish from Anderson University, followed by a Master's in Social Work from Syracuse University in 2009.
