Erica Martin-Gaines will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social work this May. She plans to further her education at UMSL in the MSW program, with the aim of becoming a licensed clinical social worker and school counselor. (Photo by Derik Holtmann)
Erica Martin-Gaines stared at the email for about five minutes before the message fully registered.
The email informed her that she’d been selected to serve as the undergraduate student marshal for the School of Social Work at the University of Missouri–St. Louis commencement ceremony this month.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Martin-Gaines said. “Of course, I accepted. I just feel that it’s an honor to be recognized as the person that represents a whole major. I feel very grateful to have that opportunity.”
She has certainly worked hard for the honor.
After starting college and then taking a decade-long break, Martin-Gaines has excelled at UMSL. She earned the Community College President’s Scholarship upon transferring from St. Louis Community College–Wildwood and continued to be successful in the classroom, making the School of Social Work dean’s list each semester.
Martin-Gaines was also highly involved on campus as president of the Student Social Work Association and as a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society. Additionally, as a first-generation college student, she participated in the TRIO Student Support Services program.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social work later this month, she will further her education at UMSL in the MSW program, with the aim of becoming a licensed clinical social worker and school counselor.
“Being in that school setting and getting to reach out to youth and be that support for the youth that might be going through a tough time, that means a lot to me,” she said. “My son is now 10, and if he’s feeling down, I always encourage him to talk to his counselor. She’s there. She helps you. Him having that support, I can tell, means a lot to him.”
Serving others has always come naturally to Martin-Gaines. Her first career ambition was to become a pediatrician. After graduating from Sumner High School in 2013, she took steps toward that goal by enrolling in a BSN program. However, things didn’t click during her first stint in school, and she dropped out.
Martin-Gaines began working for United HealthCare and gave birth to her son, Bobby, in 2016. But the work at the health insurer was unfulfilling, and Martin-Gaines began to reevaluate what she wanted for her career and her future. She became a 911 dispatcher with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department in 2019, filling a vital public safety role in the city where she grew up.
The work was important but stressful. In 2023, she took an administrative assistant position with the Manchester Police Department. In that role, she handles records and evidence and serves as the face of the department with visitors at the station.
Working with law enforcement agencies has given Martin-Gaines a unique perspective. At the Manchester Police Department, she works directly with officers, which has helped her understand things from an institutional viewpoint. But she’s also seen the gray areas between the community and law enforcement. It motivated her to go back to school to pursue social work, so she can reach St. Louis area youth before they end up in the criminal justice system.
“I see a lot of youth,” she said. “They get in trouble. It’s basically rash decisions, peer pressure, stuff like that. A lot of the issues come from their home life. It might not be good. So, if I’m able to make the difference for one child, that would mean everything to me.”
Martin-Gaines first returned to the classroom at STLCC–Wildwood, earning an associate degree. When it was time to transfer to a four-year institution, UMSL shot to the top of her list.
“Not only was UMSL more cost-effective, but the community was very diverse, and that’s what I loved about it,” she said. “Of all the schools that I went to go tour, it had the most welcoming atmosphere. I just felt like I belonged there. Soon after my orientation, I was like, ‘This is the one I’m meant to be at.’”
Her first semester at UMSL in spring 2025 reaffirmed that decision. The faculty members in the School of Social Work were always quick to offer help and answer questions. They were also understanding of Martin-Gaines’ need to balance family, school and work. Associate Teaching Professor Courtney McDermott was particularly influential, and her “Social Issues and Social Policy Development” course was eye-opening. It illustrated how social issues and legislative policy are interconnected as well as the importance of civic engagement.
“I don’t think we think about that a lot, going to city hall,” Martin-Gaines said. “But that makes a difference especially when it comes to city ordinances that are passed that involve schools. That affects the youth.”
McDermott said Martin-Gaines’ passion is evident inside and outside of the classroom.
“Erica is an amazing student who is incredibly deserving of being recognized by our faculty with the honor of being our student marshal,” McDermott said. “She is curious, engaged and understands how social policy impacts our work with clients.”
Despite a busy schedule including a full courseload and work, Martin-Gaines was eager to add one more thing to her plate and get involved on campus. At first, she began attending Student Social Work Association events to meet people and get acquainted with the UMSL campus. Academic Advisor Tchule Moore encouraged her to get more involved with the organization, and by her second semester, she was serving as SSWA vice president.
This semester, she took over as president and has organized events to make a difference in the community, including a donation drive for Sweet Celebrations – a nonprofit dedicated to throwing birthday parties for kids and teenagers experiencing homelessness in St. Louis.
Martin-Gaines has also made an impact on campus through her practicum. She’s spent her required practicum hours working with the Office of Inclusive Postsecondary Education in the College of Education. Her caseload includes six students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The experience has taught her to be open-minded not only with her clients but also to feedback from her supervisor.
“Going in, I expected for them to be so reliant on me, but they’re so confident in speaking up for themselves and advocating for themselves,” Martin-Gaines said. “That was something I had to be open to because I’m there to support them, but I’m also there to support them having their own independence. Having that willingness to learn and work with that gave me a different outlook.”
Martin-Gaines will enter the MSW program at UMSL after graduation, and McDermott is thrilled about the decision. “I can’t wait to see amazing things she will do in the future,” she said.
Graduate school will bring Martin-Gaines one step closer to her goal of becoming a school counselor. She’s thankful UMSL has provided, and will continue to provide, the knowledge and tools necessary to help the youth of St. Louis.
With commencement on the horizon, she’s confident as the next stage of her journey begins.
“I am so ready.”
