Champion Erin Holzemer Leads with Heart and Humor
Oct 1, 2025
Meet Erin Holzemer
For the past three years, Erin Holzemer has brought energy, creativity, and humor to Rise Coon Rapids, where she has made a lasting impact on the people we serve and her team.
Before joining Rise, Erin worked as a personal care assistant and, prior to that, in childcare. When she began looking for a new career opportunity, her cousin told her about Rise, and she quickly discovered that it was a perfect fit. “Working here is never boring! There is always an event going on at our site or in the community for the people we serve and team members to participate in,” she shared.
Erin’s Impact
One of Erin’s favorite parts of her role is watching the people she supports learn, grow, and have fun. She especially enjoys bringing laughter into her work. “Making people laugh is my favorite part, and most of the time I have no problem embarrassing myself to do so,” Erin said. She values watching people at Rise form strong friendships and build connections with one another.
At Rise Coon Rapids, Erin’s dedication and compassion have not gone unnoticed. “She has gone above and beyond for the people she supports and her team. She has stepped into a new role and tackled the hardships even though change can be challenging,” shared colleague Megan Honrud. “When she accepted her new role as the room lead, she took charge of the activities and the well-being of the people involved. As rooms, people, and activities are switched around, Erin takes it all in stride and keeps herself and her team organized.”
Erin’s supervisor, Jen Kovensky, also praised her leadership. “No matter what changes or challenges come up each day, her flexibility and adaptability are an asset to the team, especially in a work environment where things change daily,” Jen shared. “She takes the time to really understand and get to know our people served and how to best support them. Watching her step into her new role as an ASL-proficient DSP Lead and tackle the trials and tribulations that come with it has been outstanding to witness. Her dedication is inspiring; we are very fortunate to have Erin continue her career at Rise.”
Over the past three years, Erin has been proud of her own growth and the changes she has witnessed at Rise Coon Rapids. “I’m proud of the growth I have had and the skills I have gained. I’m also proud of all the growth and changes at Coon Rapids that I’ve gotten to witness and be a part of,” she reflected.
Erin Outside of Rise
Outside of work, Erin enjoys reading and writing, sharing that she is always involved in some fictional world. She also loves spending time with friends.
Thank you, Erin, for the dedication, humor, and compassion you bring to Rise Coon Rapids each day. We’re so glad to have you on our team!