Treehouse Foundation Press Release, January 2025

Over the past several months, Erika has shown exceptional leadership as Interim CEO, working closely with the Board to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

She has built new relationships and strengthened existing ones, setting Treehouse up for continued growth and success. Erika’s vision, strategic focus, and dedication have been vital as Treehouse expands its mission into new communities. In her short time, Erika has already bolstered the leadership team and staff by filling key positions needed for growth in multiple locations beyond Western Massachusetts.

Erika brings a deep and steadfast commitment to social justice and community organizing to her role as CEO. Erika has extensive experience building and leading teams and organizations in various roles, including as COO, with a focus on scaling for growth. At Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE), Erika developed a platform to support volunteer organizers and built the necessary infrastructure to serve LEE’s 40,000 national members over six years. Before LEE, she served as Organizing Manager at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), where she built and supported a team of organizers working on nationwide campaigns for bank accountability. As the lead organizer for the Direct Action & Research Training (DART) affiliate in Sarasota, Florida, Erika organized campaigns to address community issues, including high criminal recidivism rates, homelessness, and disparate educational opportunities. She has also led and been part of teams focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Erika is thrilled to fully take on the role of CEO. “Treehouse is one of the truest manifestations of community that I’ve ever experienced. It is profound to witness how this community and its members step up and support one another. The Treehouse model works. Building neighborhoods and trauma-informed communities that support children is life-changing work. Seeing kids thrive—rooted in family and community—after experiencing foster care is truly inspirational. This model is the end goal of organizing work.”

The Treehouse Foundation is positioned for significant expansion. The flagship Easthampton community is approaching 20 years of remarkable impact in 2026. The city of Boston’s $7MM investment in Treehouse at Olmsted Village, set to open in 2028, is a strong endorsement of the Treehouse community model and its positive impact on children, young people transitioning out of foster care, families, and seniors.

Erika succeeds founder Judy Cockerton, who led the Treehouse Foundation since its inception in 2002. Erika is eager to build on Judy’s visionary leadership and the strong foundation established over two decades through partnerships with community members, staff, volunteers, foundations, and many other valuable partners.

Please join the Treehouse Foundation in celebrating this significant milestone in its history. The Board and staff feel tremendous excitement as they look forward to this next chapter under Erika’s leadership.