Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Erin Dugan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From, a summer camp counselor in high school to a special education teacher, school district coordinator, director, assistant superintendent and now, a CEO — it has been a journey of passion, putting in the time and effort, a bit of luck, and lots of working to make an impact every day. Today, as the President & CEO of KidsTLC, Inc. I have the absolute joy of combining all of my years of learning, experiencing, failing, innovating, challenging, and thriving into making a lasting impact on the mental and behavioral health of kids, their families and our community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it always been a smooth road? Given time and perspective, it has been smooth at times and bumpy at times … but a road I always felt lucky to be on and understood the journey to be a privilege. Likely, my biggest obstacle has always been me. Getting in my own way. I have worked hard at sustaining my confidence and advocating for myself and my skill set. I always say that once I advocated for myself — then it was on me to prove my value and demonstrate my impact. I watch the current generation of female leaders, and I am overjoyed to watch their earlier-career sense of self, confidence and strategy, their ability to advocate for not only their needs… but what they bring to the table. They know their worth and demonstrate it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a passionate and energetic leader dedicated to strengthening comprehensive mental and behavioral health services for children, families, and the community. As President & CEO of KidsTLC, I lead a compassionate and highly skilled team providing residential, outpatient, and community-based care for children with complex needs.
My work focuses on strengthening systems of care, expanding access to high-quality services, and ensuring organizations remain grounded in clinical excellence and long-term sustainability. I believe meaningful impact is built through community care, connection, and strong partnerships—always keeping children and families at the center of every decision.
With experience spanning behavioral health systems, executive leadership, and organizational growth, I am passionate about building environments where teams thrive, leaders are coached and mentored, services evolve, and communities are better equipped to support mental and behavioral wellness.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
So many people deserve credit. My parents that believed that I could do anything and expected just that; siblings that competed and commiserated with me along the way; my husband, daughters and friends that celebrated the successes and grieved through the messy failures with me; teachers who pushed me to “show up with my smarts on display;” supervisors that led the way through great conversations, inspiring pep talks, and regular check-ins and most importantly…my colleagues that were my teammates in the trenches, that grew alongside me, and despite me at times, that pushed and pulled me to be better, do better, and makes things better. We did it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kidstlc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidstlc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KidsTLC/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-erin-dugan-005b083a4/
- Twitter: https://x.com/KidsTLC
