Erin Moody

Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center, Certified Forensic Interviewer/Prevention & Education Coordinator/Therapy Dog Handler

Native of Vermont

Industry: Non-Profit Child Advocacy Center

Erin Moody came to Rowan County six years ago from her native Vermont to work in social services. North Carolina appealed to her because of job opportunities and its thriving economy, she says. She had family in the area who said: ‘Come down. Check it out.” 

She says that she “quickly fell in love with Rowan County for its small-town feel. Feeling like you belong in a new place is not always easy, but Rowan County made me feel at home, almost immediately. I was welcomed here with open arms and now feel as if I have always been a member of this community. The people make Rowan County special and truly unique. 

“Rowan County offers an incredibly engaging culture, with opportunities for everyone to get involved. There is truly something for everyone, and once you experience how it feels to belong to this amazing community, you will wonder why you waited so long.”

Erin owns a home in Spencer, which she shares with her rescued chocolate lab, Murphy. Erin is the Prevention & Education Coordinator and Therapy Dog Handler for the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center, as well as a Certified Forensic Interviewer. She came to this position as a former Investigator and Foster Care Social Worker with county social services, and truly values her ability to continue to help kids in need. Murphy and Erin work as the full-time Certified Therapy Dog Team for the Terrie Hess CAC and “getting to see children heal with the support of an animal is a wonderful thing to witness.”

Erin and Murphy are members of Canine Caregivers Therapy Dogs NC,” a small group pf local volunteers dedicated to bringing the comfort and healing of a well trained therapy dog to all people in need. They strive to demonstrate the valuable connection of dogs to the existence of mankind.  

Another love is history, which abounds in Rowan County. Erin’s favorite event is the Salisbury Ghost Walk. “I am a transplant and it’s nice to get to know the history of the county. I appreciate the important landmarks and historical buildings and how much history we have here.” She learned even more history — and also ways to contribute to the county — in Leadership Rowan. “I recently graduated from Leadership Rowan Class #29, the best class ever!” she says. “The program opened my eyes to all that Rowan County has to offer, and how I can give back. I am preparing to join a local civic group and the Rowan County Young Professionals. There are so many areas to get involved! There truly is something for everyone and there are so many opportunities to connect with people for common interests or goals.”

Her favorite outdoor event is the annual Thanksgiving Morning Butterball 5K Run/Walk, hosted by The Forum Fitness Center of Salisbury, to benefit the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center. “It’s amazing to see so many community members come out in support of Rowan County children on Thanksgiving morning,” she says.

For a favorite restaurant she picks Mambo Grill & Tapas. “Nothing beats it,” she says. “The food is amazing, and the people who own it and work there make it worthwhile to visit.”

In order to get to know and appreciate Rowan County, she recommends that newcomers take a picnic to Bell Tower Green Park in downtown Salisbury. ”It’s a beautiful space to bump into your neighbors and make new friends,” she says. 

Erin is a believer in the originality that she has found in Rowan County, as promoted by the county’s ‘Be an Original” philosophy “I believe that being an original in Rowan County means that we value everyone’s beliefs and that our differences are what make this community special,” she says. “I am a Rowan County Original by being true to myself and learning from those around me whenever possible. There is room for everyone in Rowan County, and we get stronger every day by demonstrating compassion and understanding for all.”