Dr. Erica Slack
DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNL

Nurse Practitioner

Dr. Erica Slack is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner at the District 21 Health Center with over a decade of experience in pediatric, primary, and emergency care. As a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Certified Nurse Leader (CNL), she brings exceptional care to children and families.

EDUCATION

Doctorate: Rush University College of Nursing, Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), graduated with highest honors
Master’s: Rush University College of Nursing, Master’s in Nursing (MSN), Certified Nurse Leader (CNL), graduated with honors
Bachelor’s: University of Iowa, Health and Human Physiology, focus in Health Promotion

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

CCSD21 Health Center Advisory Board Member
Board Member of Family Chicago Connects
Chicago Immunizations Taskforce Board Member
Member of School Health Access Collaborative (SHAC)
Member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

PERSONAL INTERESTS & HOBBIES

Dr. Slack has a passion for traveling and exploring nature. Her adventures have taken her to Italy, France, Spain, Israel, Costa Rica, and Bali. Locally, she enjoys long walks through forest preserves and visiting botanical gardens, particularly the Chicago Botanic Garden.

QUOTES

“I wanted to become a provider in pediatrics because I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives. Seeing a child’s face light up when they feel better is the best feeling in the world.”

Q&A

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO GO INTO HEALTHCARE?
“I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease when I was little and was always so afraid to go to the doctor. Ever since then, I made it my lifelong goal to make it so going to the doctor is not ‘scary.’ I want to make it the best experience possible for both kids and adults. I also love helping people and being someone that parents and kids feel comfortable with to talk about their health and developmental concerns. I love incorporating ways to ease a child’s pain and anxiety, such as using numbing pain-ease spray, Buzzy bee, and distraction techniques.”

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
“As children are still growing and developing, the medical care they are provided can influence them into the future! I love having the opportunity to provide care that will benefit my patients for years to come. Watching their growth and progress through their development is also incredibly rewarding and an opportunity that is not available in any other field. I also enjoy partnering with parents, working as a team to support their children as they grow and change. I have the honor of watching them grow into amazing adults and leaving impactful impressions on them that will last a lifetime. I believe that every child has the potential to achieve greatness, and it’s our job to help them get there.”

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
“I always dreamed of becoming a healthcare provider and working with children. My journey in healthcare has been diverse, and I am grateful for all the opportunities I have had. One of my proudest moments was leading a start-up healthcare organization as the Clinical Officer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I managed a team of over 500 employees across multiple states, and together, we vaccinated over 300,000 people. Our efforts truly made a difference in the history of healthcare.”

WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
“I am a bit of a daredevil. My dad used to be a stuntman, so I think that adrenaline junkie gene runs through my blood. I have been skydiving, cliff jumping, ziplining, and I love water activities!”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD?
“Sushi and anything chocolate!”

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE GROWING UP?
“Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Matilda!”