Krohn-Schwab using her voice to help those with disabilities
Appointed to governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities
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NEW ULM-- New Ulm native Erin Krohn-Schwab has been appointed to the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities.
The council seeks to better the lives of people with disabilities through information, education, developing skills, and changing attitudes. Their main goal is to increase independence, productivity, self-determination, integration, and inclusion for those with developmental disabilities.
Krohn-Schwab, a Health Educator for Brown County Public Health, will begin her tenure July 3 and serve until January 2026. She will continue serving the people of New Ulm with the county.
Her journey in public health began in 2011, when her son Max was born with an unknown chromosomal disorder.
"When he was five weeks old, he had a seizure which he almost died from," Krohn-Schwab said. "It was at that point we realized he had a chromosomal disorder and his life since then has been full of ups and downs because he’s been left with some pretty severe developmental delays."
After working at a dental office and in finance, Krohn-Schwab decided to change her career path when Max was six years old.
"I decided I really wanted to direct my life in a way that would be helpful for all people, especially people in rural Minnesota," she said. "We’re at a disadvantage here in rural Minnesota. We don’t have easy access to specialty providers or equipment. And I felt my voice was strong enough to fight for those things for people who live in rural Minnesota."
As for how the experience she has gained will apply to the council, her experiences both at home and in the workplace have provided plenty.
"Being a mom to a kid with developmental disabilities is probably the best experience anybody in this position could have," Krohn-Schwab said. "I've learned quite a bit about the health care component as well as being able to find the resources we’ve made. I’ve reached out to people and i've made connections with people. In my position now as the health educator for public health, I’m able to do that on a wider scope and talk about things relevant in our community."
Krohn-Schwab is looking forward to beginning her new role with the Governor's Council and continuing with Brown County Public Health.
"This has been a passion of mine advocating for Max for the last 12 years," she said. "I get to take that to a bigger level now and I am hopeful I’ll be able to advocate for the rural Minnesotans who will need help. I’m excited to continue in that role and educate the residents of Brown County around their health and well being."
She hopes the community of New Ulm will continue to grow and be kind to people from all different areas of life and situations.