This month, we’re pleased to spotlight Erika Johnson, who joined Giving Home in July as the Executive Director of our Amarillo office. In just a short time, she’s made a lasting impression through her leadership, dedication, and passion for healthcare — and her journey to Giving Home is as inspiring as it is impressive.
Raised in a family full of teachers, engineers, and nurses, Erika initially planned to pursue a nursing career. But after realizing that it didn’t quite align with her personality (as her grandmother put it, she was “too sassy” for nursing), she shifted gears to healthcare administration and finance. Here, Erika was able to blend her love of helping others with her strengths in operation/strategy and numbers. She began her education at Baylor and later graduated from Texas Southern University, all while working as a certified nurse’s assistant.
After graduation, Erika was referred to a role in pediatric home health care, where she coordinated staff and managed a caseload of 250 patients across varying levels of acuity. One unexpected conversation with a nurse (who in fact turned out to be the company’s CEO) led to a promotion and a move to Michigan, where she helped the company grow by 300% in a single year. Erika later transferred to Georgia, expanding her impact across even larger territories.
Over the years, Erika has taken on a wide range of roles in the healthcare industry, including work in VA and private pay personal care services, mental health, and private duty homecare operations. “I’ve been really privileged to work with a lot of great people and help a lot of folks,” she says. “I really just love healthcare because you get to see the fruits of your labor.” That deep sense of purpose is what ultimately led her to Giving Home. After meeting the team and learning more about our work supporting those in the nuclear industry, Erika knew it was the right fit.
One thing that stood out to her from day one was the onboarding experience at Giving Home. Unlike other organizations where new hires are often left to figure things out on their own, Erika was surprised and pleased by how thorough and cross-departmental the process was, especially as someone who has a constant love of learning. “The support has been unmatched,” says Erika. “Not because I know all the answers, but because I have the resources.”
Since stepping into her role, no two days have looked the same — something she thrives on. From team meetings and patient calls to reviewing procedures and visiting patients in their homes, Erika stays deeply connected to both the day-to-day operations and the bigger picture. At the core of her work is a strong drive to support her team, make sure they feel heard, and ensure patients receive the best care possible.
Just weeks into her time at Giving Home, her drive and leadership skills were put to the test when the Amarillo office faced a major challenge. Unprecedented flooding forced the team to evacuate and temporarily lose access to their workspace; no one was harmed, but it was a significant disruption to the team’s normal operations. While she was no stranger to working remotely before in previous roles, she had to adapt quickly and guide her team through a new and unfamiliar way of working for their market. Erika’s ability to stay flexible and focused helped ensure the team remained connected and patient care continued without interruption. Her team’s shared sense of purpose and positive attitude has also made collaboration easy, even when challenges such as these arise. “They are always excited and want to make a difference,” Erika notes, “and they’re just a joy to work with.”
As an only child and a proud “fun auntie,” Erika spends a lot of her free time with her family and friends. She loves sports, classic cars, all things leopard print, has too many tumblers (you should see her tumbler collection!) and has a heart for propelling her community forward. Outside of work, Erika serves on a local rodeo committee that provides scholarships and opportunities for youth and loves to travel and shop; she also stays actively involved with the alumni chapter of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Thank you, Erika, for your resilience, creativity, and commitment to your team and the patients we serve. We’re proud you’re part of the Giving Home family!
