Erin Zimmer (maiden name Peña) is the Director of Student Services in the School of Social Work. She grew up in Adrian, Michigan, a small rural community with a large Mexican population. Erin’s father is Mexican American and her mother is of German descent. They taught her from an early age the importance of family and to value diversity. Erin completed a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Women’s Studies from the University of Michigan. She then went on to complete her MSW degree focused on Management of Human Services and Health from the University of Michigan. Erin has applied her social work skills in higher education since 2003. As the first in her family to receive a college degree, Erin understands the unique challenges experienced by first generation college students. She hopes that her role in admissions helps to demystify the application process that is often intimidating to underrepresented populations. Erin has been successful in supporting students so they are able to shape their educational experience to align with their interests and needs. She enjoys working with future social workers as they first learn about the profession, make their way through the MSW program and as they launch into their careers. Erin’s husband is also a graduate of U-M’s MSW program. Together, they have three daughters (including identical twins) and four animals who put their social work skills to use every day.