Meet CareDriver Erin R.

A Passion for Driving and a Heart for Children

For two years, Erin R. has been a dedicated CareDriver in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area. Combining her love for driving with a deep-seated passion for working with children, Erin found her calling with HopSkipDrive. Her journey is a testament to the profound impact CareDrivers have on the lives of riders, and it perfectly reflects the HopSkipDrive mission: to create opportunity for all through mobility.

What made you decide to become a CareDriver? 

I love children, and I love to drive. Nothing makes my heart happier than seeing smiling faces every day. Being able to do what I love and earn a living is a win-win for me.

Tell us about your caregiving experience. How does it play a role in your work as a CareDriver?

I currently take care of a young man who is autistic. I help arrange transportation for him daily to and from work, which includes the various activities he is involved in. HopSkipDrive has given me additional opportunities to support children in my community in the same way. The schedule works out perfectly, as I pick up students before and after my responsibilities at my other job.

What are the most important things you gain from being a CareDriver? 

I’ve learned to listen more attentively and to slow down and be more patient. Every child’s needs are different, and they all operate and move at different speeds. Slowing down gives me the ability to hear and respond more effectively, making most of the time we have in the car fun and enjoyable.

Have you had any special experiences with riders that have been meaningful to you? 

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to consistently drive four siblings every week this past school year. It made my heart so happy to get to see them every morning. As soon as I drove up to their pickup location, they would jump up and down with excitement to see me. They brought so much joy to my day.

Have you learned anything surprising from your riders? 

They are resilient. Some of them face challenges that most children are shielded from. They have an appreciation for everything they receive. They don’t sweat the small stuff. They deal with the obstacles in front of them — they deal with them and move on. They teach me to focus on what’s important.

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a CareDriver? 

To be patient, flexible, and have an open heart. Most importantly, to listen. Children just want to be heard.

Do you tell other people (such as family and friends) about HopSkipDrive? 

Everyone. I have excitement in my voice when someone asks me what I do for a living. I can’t speak enough about how I love HopSkipDrive and its mission to create opportunity through mobility for those in need.

Do you have any advice you think would be useful for other CareDrivers? 

Make sure you’re willing and able to provide love, support, and care for every student. They are all different, some come with more challenges than others, and you have to be willing to be flexible and patient.

How important do you think HopSkipDrive’s mission (to create opportunity for all through mobility) is, and why? 

Extremely important. Some of my students move multiple times during the year, and in most cases, outside of the school district that they currently attend. It is so critical for their emotional well-being to let them continue to attend the school where their needs are being met. School is the only time they see their friends.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us about your experience as a CareDriver?

I believe in the HopSkipDrive mission. It is so critical that this platform is available to them. If it wasn’t available, they would have to switch schools numerous times during the year, uprooting them from their friends and teachers they love. I believe this stability can and does change the trajectory of their lives.