Dr. Erika Gergerich is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and received her PhD in Public Policy from the University of Arkansas. Her practice experience includes 8 years of medical social work with an emphasis in geriatrics and 11 years in social work education. The bulk of her practice included working with older adults experiencing social challenges, mental health issues, and new diagnoses. Her research interests are in the areas of geriatrics, aging policy, and interprofessional education and collaboration. In her current position as Associate Professor at New Mexico State University, she teaches both undergraduate and graduate students and serves as Assessment Coordinator for the School of Social Work. Her teaching interests include Ethics & Aging, Professionalism in the Field of Social Work, and Social Work with Communities and Organizations.