Erin Gerdes, B.A. is a Masters of Social Work (MSW) student from Colorado State University and will be interning with the Argus team during the 2010-2011 academic year.  During this time, she will learn to provide on-site short term emotional support and crisis intervention for the clients of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) as well as community clients who are referred to CSU's Argus Institute Support Service. Erin will gain the skills and knowledge to serve as a member of the VTH's clinical health medical team, assisting and supporting the clients with all aspects of the medical treatment and decision making they face during their pet's illness, including end-of-life issues and help during their grieving process.

Erin was born and raised in the Midwest, spending her childhood in South Dakota before moving to Des Moines, IA to attend Drake University and receive a Bachelor’s of Art in psychology and sociology. Before coming to CSU, she worked in New Mexico as a behavior modification specialist with at-risk youth and (most recently) as a supervisor in a group home for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in Minneapolis, MN. Erin is currently a Graduate Research Assistant for the School of Social Work and also works as a substitute dance teacher. Making the journey from state to state with Erin have been her two dogs, Bono and Luna.