About the Artist: 

Dr. Nikki Bettcher Erickson earned a degree in Theatre Arts and Communication from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, but was lucky to start working professionally, as an actor, before graduating. After obtaining her degree she went on to tour nationally and also began obtaining more and more work as a stage director. Guiding other actors, and helping artists find their light is where Nikki really found her niche.  Nikki met her husband, Kelley, in Willmar, MN when doing freelance work for The Barn Theatre in Willmar, MN. This is where they live with their two awesome kiddos and numerous pets. 

After many years working as an artist, theatre for autism artist, and arts educator and, after becoming a mom, Nikki found that she wanted to take her creativity to the world of education. She earned her Master of Science in Special Education from the University of North Dakota, specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders, and decided that continued learning was really where she needed to stay. Nikki went on to earn her Ed. Specialist degree in Educational Leadership (Director of Special Education) and her Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University - Moorhead. 

Nikki continues to wear many hats: educational professional, adjunct university instructor, creative type, and researcher, but her heart will always put her creativity into whatever project she is working on, whether it is in the classroom, training and educating other teachers, teaching young creatives, or working on the stage. Nikki is also a proud, neurodivergent woman (she has ADHD) and advocates for others who are neurodivergent (have ADHD, autism, or dyslexia, for example) or have other disabilities and differences. She is passionate about reminding people to celebrate their assets instead of focusing on their deficits. 

Thank you for exploring Nikki's creative world and learning a little bit about her. 

Questions?
nberickson22@gmail.com