Erica Dowd began teaching at St. Mary School in 2015, and has taught 4th grade and junior high math. Prior to that, she was a teacher’s aide. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a specialization in business administration from UCLA and has completed her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential coursework at Brandman University. Previous to St. Mary School, she worked as a district merchandising manager and as an orientation counselor at UCLA. Mrs. Dowd’s goal for all her students is for them to know they are safe, valued and capable because that is when growth and learning take place. She teaches her students to learn through listening, doing, sharing, practicing and teaching others. Keeping Jesus at the center of the classroom, teaching to the whole person and having fun while doing it is Mrs. Dowd’s passion. She believes that learning to read, write and do arithmetic will help take students to great places, but learning to be respectful, empathetic and personally responsible are the most valuable lessons a child can learn. She has a favorite quote, “Students don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” Mrs. Dowd had the unique opportunity to work as an accreditation supervisor for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games in 1996, and she loves spending quality time with family and friends, and watching baseball and basketball (Go Giants and Warriors!) amongst other hobbies. Both of Mrs. Dowd’s children attended St. Mary School.
