A family friend of Erica Dowdy worked with Community Education and encouraged her to apply because they loved their job there.
“I worked at Community Education for four years. I became very passionate about the job and loved the support that Community Ed gave me along the way.” Dowdy started at Potter Gray Elementary as a group leader. Upon learning about the Summer program at McNeill and TC Cherry, she decided to work there as well.
Dowdy, a dedicated advocate for child development and family empowerment, hails from Bowling Green. Her educational foundation, a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science and a Certificate in Home Visits from WKU, is evident by her commitment to nurturing growth as a mother to two sons aged 10 and 8 and in her professional pursuits. “My sons keep me going, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. They are very active in sports and school.”
Dowdy says her proudest accomplishment was when she became site supervisor for the program at Bristow Elementary, where she worked for three years. “My biggest challenge was when 20 extra students were bussed from Oakland Elementary to our site!” She says handling this situation was her most significant accomplishment at Community Education, underscoring her leadership and unyielding commitment to progress.
Post-Community Education, Dowdy embarked on a new chapter with the Bowling Green Independent School District, solidifying her commitment to catalyzing positive change in young lives. Dowdy started working as a Special Education assistant at McNeill Elementary in August 2008. Later that same year, she transferred to Parker-Bennett-Curry Elementary, where she worked with Special Education students until 2012. In 2017, Dowdy was named the Family Resource Coordinator for Dishman-McGinnis Elementary.
In her current role, Dowdy spearheads initiatives that uplift families and champion student well-being. Her career’s inception, however, traces back to her formative years as a babysitter, igniting a passion for supporting young minds.
“I am passionate about helping others, the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and my faith. I love working with children and their families.” Dowdy says she takes pride in knowing that so many families she works with feel comfortable coming to her for help or advice.
“Community Education helped to prepare me for this journey. I am very thankful that I was able to work with such a great organization that supports their staff and gave me a foundation for the work I do now.”