Erica Waller-Hill, EdD

Journey to GMercyU

Before coming to GMercyU, Erica Waller Hill earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Master’s in Education.

Her friend and colleague Marilyn Pendelton ’20, a GMercyU alumna, first introduced Erica to the University. After two years of considering where to begin a doctoral program in education, Erica chose GMercyU.

The selling point truly was watching so many children fall further behind due to the pandemic. I love the field of education and it all made sense. Plus, your admissions representative stayed with me and made sure I was completely knowledgeable about the program.

Experience in the EdD Program

Erica has truly enjoyed her experience and every professor in the EdD program so far.

“The amount of attention and support you receive is top-notch!” she said.

While the dissertation process is a lot of work, Erica has consistently received support since day one. Erica’s research is focused on the state of young black male literacy and the early reading gaps.

Erica’s Career

Throughout her 25-year career, Erica has worked in a variety of roles across several school districts. She is currently an educational consultant, primarily working with special needs families, and an adjunct professor at Bucks County Community College. Erica is also the CEO of her own non-profit, Destined for a Dream, which she launched 15 years ago.

Looking Towards the Future

Erica is excited to graduate from GMercyU with her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Special Education Administration.

“My hope is to ‘level’ within the special education world. So many students with IEPs are out of compliance or the school struggles to property identify the student. There are so many gaps in Special Education. I would like to possibly pursue an educational leadership/administrator role or work with policy and program development. I want to make sure districts do all that can to ensure the best for students with special education needs,” said Erica.

Erica’s Businesses

Destined for a Dream, based in Bucks County, Pa., primarily works close with underprivileged and disadvantaged youth from ages five to 22. The organization develops and implements workshops, seminars, campus, literacy awareness, and more to build leadership, discipline, self-esteem, teamwork, healthy lifestyles, and professional development.

Through Destined for a Dream, Erica has served more than 45,000 youth by empowering and providing educational resources, and was featured in RollingOut in December 2022 for her work.

Within Destined for a Dream, Erica launched Dream Academy and Literacy First.

Dream Academy is a college preparatory enrichment program for students in grades 9-12, and Literacy First is a tutoring service focused on learning loss, but serves students of all intellectual abilities.

Erica’s other business, SpeakLife, LLC., is an educational consulting company specialized in assisting families identify and utilize appropriate treatment options for their children and young adults.

Through her two businesses, Erica’s goal is to help parents in figuring out why their child learns a particular way, and she partners with every district in Bucks County to help parents navgiate those districts’ policies and procedures.

Her Inspiration

Erica enjoys working in a field where she can help young people. And even though working in education during a pandemic was difficult, she knew she couldn’t leave the field.

I love a challenge.

With special education needs on the rise, Erica decided to go back to school to pursue her doctoral degree in Special Education Leadership. Her goal has always been to help enforce and shape policy surrounding special education.

Advice for College Students

“Don’t quit. Don’t give up,” Erica says to those who feel education is their passion.
The field of education is extremely rewarding, and it’s imperative that future educators have the heart to do the job.

Learn more about Erica, her work, and her businesses by visiting her website.