Difference Maker: Erica Velasco

By Michele Zoller: Operations Manager

For Erica Velasco, supporting families and strengthening the community is more than a career—it’s a passion. Raised in the community she continues to serve; Erica brings a deep affection for local families and a genuine commitment to helping them thrive. As Mountain Youth’s bilingual Senior Manager of Family Engagement, she combines personal experience, professional expertise, and enthusiasm for making a difference.

Erica lives in Gypsum with her husband, a local business owner, and their three children, all connected to local public schools. Erica understands firsthand the joys and challenges of raising children in our community. She believes every family deserves support, access to resources, and opportunities to help their children succeed.

Her journey into early childhood education began with the encouragement of Dr. Terrel Joseph and Dr. Natalie Martin, for whom she worked as a nanny for six years during their children’s preschool years. Recognizing her potential, they encouraged her to take classes at Colorado Mountain College and provided the resources and support she needed to pursue her education. Erica earned her associate degree in Early Childhood Education, opening the door to a career dedicated to children and families.

Erica’s community involvement continued as a volunteer at her son’s school. Her motivation and natural ability to connect with others caught the attention of Director Amy Chato, who offered her a position as a Pre-School T.A which grew into the position as an Early Childhood Preschool Specialist. Erica spent the next 13 years in this role, developing her skills and deepening her understanding of the challenges families face. She discovered how meaningful it is to connect parents with resources, provide guidance, and help families navigate their children’s developmental years.

Today, Erica puts that passion into action at Mountain Youth. As Senior Manager of Family Engagement, she oversees the We Hear You Intervention Program, serving students in grades 6–12 and their families. As well as, Guiding Good Choices, a parenting prevention program offered twice a year in both English and Spanish. These group classes give parents and caregivers tools to strengthen family relationships and help their children navigate the challenges of growing up.

Erica also leads Mountain Youth’s Community Education Series, which brings relevant topics and learning opportunities directly to local families. Guided by community survey data and input from the Family Advisory Council, the series addresses topics such as safe driving, vaping and nicotine, and technology use. It also offers opportunities for families to connect and have fun through activities like ice skating, fishing, and Spanish-language baking classes. For Erica, community education is about more than sharing information; it’s about building relationships and making resources accessible to everyone.

Outside of Mountain Youth, Erica’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shine through Bate Chocolate, her homemade sweet-treat business. What began as a self-taught hobby and creative outlet during a time of personal loss grew into something meaningful. While coping with the loss of her best friend and struggling with insomnia, Erica found comfort in creating treats and channeling her energy into something positive.

Today, Bate Chocolate offers customizable desserts, including cake pops, hot cocoa bombs, and chocolate-covered strawberries. The business has expanded to include chili oil salsa, charcuterie boards, and a mobile snack cart serving mini pancakes. Inspired by her love of family and celebrations, Erica has turned a personal passion into a business that brings sweetness to life’s special moments.

At the heart of everything Erica does is her commitment to family. Whether connecting families with resources at a community event, creating treats for a celebration, or cheering her children on from the sidelines, she puts her heart into the people and activities that matter most.

Erica Velasco embodies what it means to be a community difference maker. Her journey reflects the power of encouragement, education, and opportunity—and the lasting impact of helping others succeed. Through her work at Mountain Youth, her small business, and her dedication to her family, Erica continues to strengthen the connections that make Eagle County a special place to call home.

For Erica, making a difference begins with showing up, listening, building relationships, and helping people find the support they need to thrive.