In June 2013, Erika Moss stepped into the lobby of Alexander Youth Network’s Shelby Day Treatment program as an Administrative Assistant. What she didn’t realize at the time was that she was also stepping into her purpose.
“I was at home with my daughter for the first 18 months of her life,” Erika shared. “But I was looking for something more. A way to grow outside of the home while still staying connected to something meaningful.”
That “something” turned out to be Alexander Youth Network. After researching the agency and its mission, she applied. “I knew it would be a perfect fit, and I was right,” she said with a smile.
From her very first days coloring with clients in the lobby and celebrating their return to traditional classrooms, Erika has poured her heart into every role she’s taken on.
Rising Through Purpose
Over the past 12 years, Erika’s career has unfolded alongside the agency’s growth. Her early admin role expanded into support across multiple community-based programs. In 2019, she became the Case Support Manager, where she led a powerhouse team of administrative professionals across the state. The timing was not exactly smooth. Her transition into management came in the middle of a major agency merger, a national accreditation survey, natural disasters in the region, and a global pandemic. But if you know Erika, you know she is not one to back down from a challenge.
“I’m very proud of how I took the bull by the horns to help carry on the Alexander Youth Network mission during such a trying time,” she reflected. “Watching every staff member and department pull together was such an honor.”
Bridging Families to Services
In 2023, Erika transitioned to her current role as Referral and Business Development Manager on the Marketing and Communications team. Now, she uses her voice to uplift the work of others across the agency.
“My role lets me brag about Alexander Youth Network,” she laughed. “But more than that, I get to personally connect families to the services they need. I get to be their advocate and navigator, and that’s the most rewarding part.”
Staying Humble, Hungry, and Human
When asked what’s helped her grow within the organization, Erika was quick to respond: adaptability, a willingness to learn, humility, and servanthood. Her advice to anyone just starting at Alexander Youth Network?
“Remain adaptable, no matter what position you hold. Stay teachable and never believe you have nothing else to learn. Stay connected to the mission and the team. And take every opportunity for growth.”
The Heart Behind the Desk
Though she now meets with stakeholders and providers across North Carolina, Erika still carries memories from her early days close to her heart. Literally.
“When I was at Shelby Day Treatment, kids would come to visit ‘Ms. Erika’ in the lobby when they needed a break. We’d color, dance, or just talk. They’d leave little things at my desk like a Lego, a marker, or a tiny eraser. I kept them all. They reminded me why I was there.”
And when she’s not connecting families to services or championing Alexander Youth Network’s mission, you’ll find her doing puzzles of every kind or crocheting, surrounded by the jigsaw puzzle wall art in her home office.
What Sets Alexander Youth Network Apart?
For Erika, it’s simple:
“Our statewide team mentality. Even though we’re spread out across North Carolina, it often feels like all 600 of us are in the same building.”
With leaders like Erika, it’s no wonder.
Written by Shay Woodard
