Erin Maher Heading Towards a New Direction

Erin Maher. Photo Courtesy: Jack Ruderman

When the Green Family Library unveils itself on the first floor, there are plenty of students and faculty who are working tiredly to get their work done on time. The sounds of typing, dim chatter, and printing fresh off the press define the success of what makes accessibility possible in academics. Hidden beside the corner office of the library desk, one person has been the heart and soul of preparing accommodations for many people who need support in order to thrive in the classroom.

This individual is Erin Maher, who is the Director of Accessibility Services. During her time here, she has been in close contact with the Arch Learning Community, which has strengthened ties with the atmosphere of a small close-knit campus. Erin plans to work in that similar position once her last day occurs on Friday, November 7th before officially heading to Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Massachusetts.

For the past 20 years, the Arch Learning Community has been an integral part of shaping both the campus and academic environment here at Dean College. Specifically, the program has helped students with many learning conditions such as autism, dyslexia, and ADHD, which are all important reasons why students have sought support needed to develop at their own pace. One of the people who help make the magic come to life is Lynne DaSilva, who currently serves as the director of Student Support Services that relates to Arch.

When asked about Erin Maher’s departure, this is what Lynne had to say about the news surrounding this event. “I am feeling very torn because on the one hand, I’m so incredibly happy for her. She’s worked really hard in her role here at Dean, and I think she has grown and she’s going to do an amazing job at her next position,” said DaSilva. “But, on the flip side of that, I’m also very sad for Dean because this is a big loss for us. She’s done an amazing job connecting with students. She has been a great advocate for students, and I do think we’re going to feel the loss of Erin for a little while.”

In the eyes of Erin Maher, she has been through a lot of inspiration and encouragement by rallying the students together who act as academic troops each semester or year as they round the corner. During her tenure here at Dean, Erin was the shining star for accommodating support that could have taken place anywhere in time with classes in session. Even though change can be hard to comprehend, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel when hope pokes its head through the roof to signal a new beginning in time.

This is the story that took place with recent news being announced within the campus community. “I think it’s exciting to have a new professional opportunity, but at the same time I have made so many connections here with the staff, faculty, and students. It was not an easy decision, but I’m really excited to grow professionally,” said Erin Maher. “Let’s say you have a really hard class or an internship that you’re dealing with, and you have a mentor that’s helping you or you figure it out yourself. There is always this shining beaming light somewhere.”

Another member of the learning program who is an important resource to lean on for support is Gavin Estey, the assistant director of the Arch Learning Community. He is known widely around campus for helping students where they need to go in terms of course selections, Dean Career Advantage guidance, and emotional support. As an alum of the institution, there can definitely be a relationship with stepping in someone else’s shoes, so they are able to face certain challenges head on without hesitation.

As the question came up for this matter, “There is obviously no replacing her, right? Erin is one of one. Anytime you bring somebody to the team, they're going to bring something different at a different angle,” said Estey. “I am happy for her professional development and growth and the opportunity to broaden her horizon. Lynne will be filling in, along with myself, and Jenna as we all will be pitching in where necessary.”

A part of the staff who has recently been working within this specialized program is Jenna Porcaro. She serves in a similar capacity as Gavin, but also helps out with Engage, a social pragmatics experience that is meant to help people reduce the anxiety of interacting with others on campus as well as apply these skills into the real world. What she had to say about the leave was filled with a lasting impact that will never be forgotten.

In regard to the most recent absence, “She’s been a really steady, positive role model not just for students, but also staff,” said Porcaro. “Change can be a good thing when there is a strong foundation already in place. I do feel Erin and the Student Support team in the learning center have created a really strong support system that they can be able to move with.”

Even though this is the end of Erin Maher’s time as the Director of Accessibility Services here at Dean College, she will always be remembered for being a “shining beaming light” for everyone here on campus. Times can be tough when change takes place, but in the meantime, Carol Mon will be taking over Accessibility Services if

students need any help with accommodation or even get ready to book the Testing Center for any assessments.

She can be reached via email at cmon@DEAN.edu for times to chat or find a solution to finish off the fall semester on a high note.