The Lloyd K Johnson Foundation is pleased to welcome Erica Kirsch as our new Program Officer. Erica will lead the grantmaking efforts of the Foundation which supports organizations working in the areas of arts and culture, community and economic development, education, the environment, and social welfare.

Erica Kirsch has worked in education for over ten years, most recently as a special education teacher and coordinator at Great Expectations School in Grand Marais for the past three years. Originally from the Twin Cities, her journey in education and the arts led her to earn a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Augsburg College. Before moving to the Northshore, Erica spent six years supporting students with disabilities as a special education teacher at Spero Academy Charter School in Northeast Minneapolis. She is also a licensed visual arts teacher and has incorporated art and community service into student learning throughout her career.

“We are excited to add Erica to our team, her education experience will be an asset to the work of the foundation, and we are delighted to have a staff person based in Cook County, which is an important part of our service area.” Stated Erik Torch, Executive Director.

Erica shared: “I am so excited to be joining the team at the Lloyd K Johnson Foundation! As a Cook County resident, educator, artist, and outdoor enthusiast, the foundation’s mission and dedication to arts and culture, social welfare, education, and environmental stewardship truly resonates with me. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute my skills toward the goal of promoting educational opportunities in Cook County and improving the quality of life in North Shore communities.”

In addition to her work as an educator, Erica is an artist and her creative side shines through her interests in printmaking and fiber arts. Embracing her love for the outdoors, Erica finds joy in canoeing, hiking, traveling, and connecting with nature.

The Lloyd K Johnson Foundation is a private foundation that provides grants and scholarships to promote access to educational opportunities and to improve the quality of life in the North Shore communities of Cook, Lake, and Southern St. Louis Counties. You can learn more about the Lloyd K Johnson Foundation at: https://lloydkjohnsonfoundation.org/