Born and raised in New Orleans, and to a family deep-rooted in alcoholism and drug addiction, Erie took the path that was carved out before him and nearly lost his life trying to find an easier, softer way to maintain an addiction. He graduated from the University of New Orleans with a bachelor’s in Hotel and Restaurant Management and lived a life-threatening existence in and around the French Quarter for several years. In 2003, after many tried and failed attempts at detox and long-term treatment, Erie found himself homeless in Wyoming, clinging to an outlet that was to be miraculous in his transformation: the United States Army.

In 2004, Erie enlisted as a Cavalry Scout in the US Army and joined the fight in Baghdad. The military afforded him the opportunity to broaden his range of service when he earned a commission as an officer, and later led troops back into Iraq for a second combat tour. He was fortunate enough to be a member of the Fort Hood 10-miler team and to be certified as a CrossFit Instructor. The price of selfless service and combat tours weighed heavily on his alcoholism and family. Manifesting in combat trauma and mental illness, Erie was medically retired in October of 2013. With the help of many, he ceased fighting his addiction, surrendered and received another chance at life in December of 2014.

In 2015, Erie went back to college and earned a bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, a master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California, and state licenses for both an LMSW and LCDC. He’s had the opportunity to advocate for clients in Bell County’s Mental Health court, intervene on victims of domestic violence through Harker Heights Police Department, counsel women and children at a local shelter, and serve as a team member on Blue Bonnet’s Crisis Team throughout Williamson County.

Erie has also gained the experience of working in all clinical roles from counselor to clinical director in a long-term residential treatment center, specializing in dual diagnosis care of adult men and women. He has also suffered through the unfortunate experience of losing his teenage son to his own battle with mental illness and drug addiction in May of 2018. So, why does Erie do what he does?

“Aside from my deep love of Cajun food and long-distance running, I have been married to my best friend for over 14 years and have 2 beautiful little girls that keep life interesting. I simply want to pay it forward as many have done for me, for I would have never expected to be where I am or doing what I’m doing. Personally, I believe that there is hope and light in the most desperate, dark places and recesses of the human soul. For that reason, I bet on the underdog, society’s underserving, and those with whom all other plans have failed. We dissolve and break connections in the chronic stages of addiction and only come out alive when we establish healthy connections in recovery. For that reason, I am here to help you or your loved one in the fight for their life.”

Laissez les bon temps rouler!