Ericka Wharton, B.S., M.S., LBS, Certified Trainer

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Ericka Wharton is a dedicated community leader, educator, mentor, entrepreneur, author, and advocate whose passion for serving others has made a meaningful impact throughout the Greater Norristown community. Known for her compassionate heart, strong leadership, commitment to youth, and ability to build lasting relationships, Ms. Wharton continually works to create a dynamic, inclusive, and welcoming environment where children, families, and community members have access to opportunities that encourage growth, learning, and success. Her mission is to strengthen the community by developing innovative programs, connecting individuals with valuable resources, and creating meaningful experiences that promote education, recreation, personal development, and positive relationships.

As a proud mother of five children, including a son on the autism spectrum, Ms. Wharton understands firsthand the importance of advocating for children, supporting families, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Her personal journey as the mother of an autistic son has further strengthened her passion for autism awareness, acceptance, inclusion, and advocacy. In addition to her role as a mother, Ms. Wharton works professionally with children on the autism spectrum, supporting their individual needs, developmental progress, behavioral growth, and overall well-being. Her personal and professional experiences provide her with a meaningful perspective on the challenges families may encounter and the importance of creating environments where children of all abilities feel valued, understood, and supported.

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Ms. Wharton is also the author of Autistically Awesome, reflecting her commitment to bringing greater awareness to autism and encouraging understanding, acceptance, and appreciation of individuals on the autism spectrum. Through her work as an author, advocate, and professional, she strives to help families recognize the strengths, abilities, and potential of autistic individuals while encouraging communities to embrace inclusion and provide meaningful opportunities for everyone. Her dedication to this work is rooted in both her lived experience as a mother and her professional commitment to supporting children and families.

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Ms. Wharton's connection to the George Washington Carver Community Center (GWCCC) is both personal and longstanding. Before becoming involved in the Center's Board leadership, all five of her children participated in the GWCCC's programs and activities. Through these experiences, her children benefited from educational reinforcement, recreational opportunities, and valuable life lessons that helped them develop skills and knowledge applicable to everyday life. Having witnessed firsthand the positive influence of the Center on her own family, Ms. Wharton remains committed to preserving its legacy and expanding its impact for future generations.

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Ms. Wharton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Science degree in Human Services, with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling, from Springfield College. She is a Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS) in Pennsylvania and works with children and young adults ranging from 2 to 21 years of age. Her professional experience includes supporting individuals with behavioral, developmental, educational, and emotional needs while helping them strengthen essential life skills, develop positive behaviors, and reach their fullest potential. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to helping youth and families navigate challenges and access the services and resources necessary to improve their overall well-being.

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In addition to her educational and clinical background, Ms. Wharton has owned and operated businesses in the childcare, social services, and mental health fields. Her entrepreneurial experience, combined with her commitment to community service, has allowed her to develop initiatives that address the diverse needs of children, families, and underserved populations. She believes that meaningful change begins with understanding the needs of the community, building strong partnerships, and creating opportunities that empower individuals to succeed.

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Ms. Wharton's community involvement extends beyond the George Washington Carver Community Center. She has served on various boards, committees, and advocacy initiatives, including the Norristown Area School District's Cultural Competency Committee, Pupil Services Committee, and CARES Committee, as well as Pottstown advocacy initiatives and other community-based efforts. Through her involvement, she works to strengthen relationships between families, schools, service providers, and community organizations. Her commitment to advocacy reflects her desire to help bridge gaps, promote equitable access to resources, and ensure that community members are aware of the opportunities and services available to them.

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As a program developer and community organizer, Ms. Wharton plays an important role in creating educational programs, recreational activities, community events, and initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of Greater Norristown families. She is also a valuable asset to the GWCCC's fundraising and grant-development efforts, continually identifying potential funding opportunities, cultivating partnerships, and establishing relationships with organizations that share a commitment to youth development and community advancement. Her networking abilities and collaborative approach help strengthen existing partnerships while creating new connections that expand the Center's capacity to serve the community.

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Ms. Wharton also possesses extensive experience in water safety, emergency preparedness, and lifesaving education. For more than 15 years, she has been a certified lifeguard and lifeguard instructor through the American Red Cross. She is also a certified instructor in CPR, First Aid, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training, including Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR/AED instruction for professional rescuers. Through these qualifications, she helps promote safety awareness, emergency preparedness, and lifesaving skills that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families.

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Her professional accomplishments further include certification as a Master Black Belt in Six Sigma, reflecting advanced expertise in process improvement, problem-solving, quality management, and operational efficiency. This knowledge complements her leadership and organizational experience by supporting efforts to improve programs, strengthen administrative practices, enhance service delivery, and promote sustainable outcomes.

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Above all, Ericka Wharton is driven by purpose, perseverance, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Whether advocating for children on the autism spectrum, supporting families, mentoring youth, developing community programs, or identifying resources to strengthen local organizations, she strives to turn challenges into opportunities and ideas into meaningful action. Her journey as a mother, educator, Licensed Behavior Specialist, author, entrepreneur, and community leader reflects her belief that every child deserves to be understood, every family deserves support, and every individual deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

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Through her professional achievements, personal experiences, community involvement, and dedication to the George Washington Carver Community Center, Ms. Wharton continues to champion youth empowerment, autism awareness, family engagement, collaboration, and community development. Her vision is to help build a stronger, safer, more accessible, and more inclusive Greater Norristown community where children and families of all abilities are welcomed, supported, and encouraged to thrive.