NDVS/SB Houseparent
The role of houseparent attracts a wide variety of individuals. Most houseparents are college students at UND, since NDVS/SB is so close to campus and their students may find out about open positions from simply walking by the building or through volunteering opportunities. UND’s Delta Gamma Sorority, whose philanthropic focus is Service for Sight, has provided countless volunteer hours over the years during short-term program weeks. “Delta Gamma Girls,” as they have come to be known at NDVS/SB, spend one evening each program week with the students. Delta Gamma has also provided NDVS/SB with quite a few houseparents over the years. “The Delta Gamma girls get to know our students and come to really appreciate what we do here,” explains NDVS/SB Student Program Coordinator Cindy Williams. “Many have become houseparents over the years because they know how much fun it is and how much they can learn and grow from the position.” Currently, houseparent Erika Lewis is a member of Delta Gamma. Erika “is always willing to learn new tasks,” houseparent supervisor Erin Storhoff explains. “She is great with communication with the students and adults.” Erika said one of the reasons she applied to be a houseparent was because “I felt comfortable being at the school through my time volunteering.” She already knew many of the students and even some of the other houseparents. Erika, who is studying to become a pilot, may never have even heard of NDVS/SB if it wasn’t for her sorority’s connection to NDVS/SB. Luckily, Erika, NDVS/SB, and all the students and adult clients she has met along the way will now be connected. “I am very grateful to be working at a place that values everyone no matter what,” Erika says. “This is genuinely what keeps me excited about my job at NDVS/SB.” Read more about Erika below.
Tell us about yourself.
I am from Parker, Colorado. I am currently a junior at the University of North Dakota studying Commercial Aviation.
My family consists of my mom Heidi, dad Jeff, older sister Ashlee, and our Welsh Terrier, Copper. My mom teaches preschool at a church near our house. My dad is captain on the Boeing 787 for United Airlines. Both of my parents attended UND. My older sister is a graduate of the University of Colorado - Boulder and is a flight attendant for SkyWest Airlines. Our dog, Copper, is 12 years old and loves to snuggle, play ball, and take walks through the forests of our neighborhood.
What other jobs have you held?
Prior to working at NDVS/SB, I worked at the Simulator Dispatch for UND Aerospace. During the Summer of 2023, I worked as an intern at Independence Aviation at Centennial Airport in Colorado. This was a Cirrus aircraft training center that also provided aircraft rental services. I worked as a lifeguard at Pinery Country Club and Colorado Golf Club beginning the summer of 8th grade though the summer before my freshman year of college.
How did you end up working as a houseparent at NDVS/SB?
I began working as a houseparent in August of 2024. I am a member of the sorority Delta Gamma here at UND, and our philanthropy is Service for Sight. We work closely with NDVS/SB, volunteering whenever there is a short-term program, in addition to donating the money we raise during our philanthropy events. I started volunteering during my freshman year of college and really enjoyed spending time with the students and attendees of the short-term programs. I wanted to find a job that would allow me to have flexibility in my schedule to maximize my flying time for my major. Being a houseparent is perfect since there are only one or two short-term programs a month which allows me to have an impact while balancing my busy schedule!
In your own words, how would you describe your job as a houseparent?
I come to the school in the late afternoon/evening after the students and attendees have finished their day of learning. I help students with homework, accompany them during evening outings, play board games or cards, and most importantly develop connections with the short-term program attendees.
I enjoy being able to talk with all the students and see what has gone on in their life since I last saw them. Establishing this connection helps me stay invested in the students’ interests and hobbies.
Is there anything you think people would be surprised to learn about NDVS/SB?
A lot of my peers and friends are surprised to learn that there are no students at NDVS/SB daily. I get to explain to them how NDVS/SB has short term programs and that is when there are students in the building.
What are your hobbies?
I really enjoy being outdoors. Back home in Colorado I like to go hiking and on walks with my dog. I love to go to the gym and lift weights; that is how I start my days. I also like to bake; I have a sweet tooth! When I am not flying for school, I enjoy taking short flying adventures in my Piper Cherokee 140.
What are your future plans?
In the future, my goal is to be a captain for United Airlines. I am currently in their pathway program, Aviate, which helps get me to the United flight deck. I am currently working toward my Certified Flight Instructor rating, and I hope to be a flight instructor at UND. I have to accumulate a total of 1,000 flight hours before I can be hired by a smaller regional airline. I am just over halfway there!
How has working at NDVS/SB affected your outlook on life?
Working at NDVS/SB has reminded me to appreciate the little things in life. The students and attendees always put a smile on my face, even when I have a busy week.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a houseparent, reach out to Erin Storhoff (estorhoff@nd.gov, 701-795-2716) or Cindy Williams, Student Program Coordinator (ckwillia@nd.gov, 701-795-2704).