Faculty Profile: Monica Erskine
Years teaching at Prep: Monica is entering her sixth year at Augusta Prep, fifth in the Upper School. She started Prep in the Extended Day program, working with Lower and Middle School students before transitioning into her current position.
Job title: Monica is the Upper School Operations Assistant, supporting Head of Upper School Ryan Clements, College Counselor Jonathan Stroud, among other duties that assist the efficient and smooth operation of the Upper School.
Job title: Monica is the Upper School Operations Assistant, supporting Head of Upper School Ryan Clements, College Counselor Jonathan Stroud, among other duties that assist the efficient and smooth operation of the Upper School.
Background: Monica grew up in Alpharetta, Ga., attending Milton High School. Upon graduation, she attended Georgia Southern University, where she majored in business with an emphasis in marketing.
After college, she and her husband moved to Ashland, Ore., due to its reputation for great outdoor recreation. There, she secured a job as Customer Service Manager at a natural food company, Endangered Species Chocolate, and with the advent of Facebook and Twitter, her role expanded to Social Media Manager.
While in Oregon, Monica pursued outdoor interests such as mountain biking, hiking, and camping.
“The town was picturesque and artsy,” she said. “I loved living there, but once we were ready to start a family, my husband and I decided to move back to Georgia to be closer to our families.”
Back in Georgia, Monica continued her work with the chocolate company remotely for the next 10 years.
“It was such a blessing being able to work from home while our son, Luke, was young,” she said. After the company was purchased and positions were outsourced, Monica started a search for her next job.
How she found Prep: During her job search, Monica learned from a friend of a part-time opening at Augusta Prep’s Extended Day summer program
“I was struggling to find a company I felt passionate about. When I heard of the Augusta Prep position, I instantly had a good feeling about it,” she said. “I’ve always connected well with kids and the idea of being a support to teachers was appealing to me.”
After a summer on the Lower School playground, Monica was recommended for an open position in the Upper School Office. “While I was sad to leave the little kids, I have really grown to love bigger kids in the Upper School.”
What she enjoys about Prep: “Oh, that’s easy! I love getting to watch the students change and grow over their four years in Upper School. By the time they are seniors, they have matured into such well-rounded, confident, and caring individuals.”
“The teachers are my other favorite part of working at Prep,” she said. “They astound me - going above and beyond to make classes engaging and truly caring about each and every student. Their dedication and skill makes me proud to be a part of Augusta Prep.”
Hobbies: When she’s not working, Monica keeps her nose in a book.
“I’m always aiming to top my number of books read each year. This year, my goal is 24.” She also enjoys propagating plants, pedaling around on her bicycle, and listening to Fleetwood Mac. “I even named my beach cruiser Stevie, after the mystical Ms. Stevie Nicks.”
“I’m always aiming to top my number of books read each year. This year, my goal is 24.” She also enjoys propagating plants, pedaling around on her bicycle, and listening to Fleetwood Mac. “I even named my beach cruiser Stevie, after the mystical Ms. Stevie Nicks.”
Augusta Preparatory Day School
Augusta Preparatory Day School is an independent, college preparatory school serving children ages 2 through Grade 12 from the greater Augusta-Aiken area. Augusta Prep seeks to enroll a group of diverse students. We follow an open admission policy, whereby qualified candidates are admitted without regard to religion, race, nationality, economic background, or ethnic origin.
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