Today, we get to meet Erin Richardson, Math Teacher at Eisenhower and group fitness instructor.

When Richardson and her husband first arrived in Warren County in 2007, they were two recent college graduates looking to begin their careers. What they found, however, was far more than just jobs — they discovered a community that would become their home for nearly two decades and counting.

“Although I didn’t grow up here, Warren has truly felt like home from the very beginning,” Erin shares. “The people, the sense of belonging, the opportunities for our family–it all came together in a way we couldn’t have imagined when we first moved here.”

Now, 18 years later, Erin has built a rich life rooted in service, education, and community involvement. She and her husband, who works as a lead investigator in the ethics and compliance group at Cummins, are raising their two daughters, ages 10 and 12, in the heart of Warren County — a place they feel fortunate to call home.

Pictured is Erin teaching a POUND Fitness class.

Since arriving in Warren, Erin has dedicated her entire professional career to Eisenhower Middle High School, where she teaches middle-level math.

Over the years, she has taken on multiple leadership roles in addition to teaching, including serving as the middle school student council leader, PBIS coordinator, and middle school department head.

“My role as a teacher is about so much more than just math,” Erin explains. “It’s about building relationships with my students, supporting them through the ups and downs of middle school, and helping them grow both academically and personally. Watching them mature into young adults is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”

Her commitment to education extends into the school’s culture as well. Whether she’s helping to coordinate Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) or leading student council activities, Erin works daily to create a positive, inclusive environment where all students feel supported and encouraged.

“I always tell my students: ‘You’re capable of more than you realize.’ Seeing them believe in themselves, watching their confidence grow–that’s why I come to work every day,” she says.

Pictured is Erin and her family.

While teaching has always been a core part of her identity, Erin discovered a new passion several years ago that has not only enriched her own life but has also become a powerful source of connection for many women in Warren County: POUND fitness.

“I never saw myself as someone who would teach group fitness,” Erin admits with a smile. “Honestly, it started as a personal challenge. I just wanted to get in better shape. But the more I did it, the more I realized how much I loved the energy, the music, and the way it made me feel.”

POUND, a cardio jam session inspired by drumming, quickly became more than just a workout — it became a way for Erin to connect with others on a deeper level. Today, she leads high-energy classes that bring together dozens of women for powerful, uplifting sessions.

“What surprised me most was how meaningful it became, not just for me but for everyone who comes,” she says. “It’s not just about burning calories or breaking a sweat — it’s about confidence, community, and mental health. Women walk into class carrying stress, self-doubt, and exhaustion. By the end, they leave empowered, smiling, and stronger — physically and emotionally.”

In an era where face-to-face interaction is increasingly rare and many people feel isolated behind screens, Erin believes that classes like POUND provide something vital.

“In today’s world, people are starving for real human connection,” she explains. “This class offers a place where women can come together, unplug, support one another, and feel seen. The friendships and bonds that have formed through POUND are truly special.”

Beyond her work in the classroom and the fitness studio, Erin has always made it a priority to give back to her community. Over the years, she has served on the board of PAWS Along the River, volunteered with Friends of the Library, and actively participated in various community events.

“I believe in being involved,” Erin says. “Whether it’s volunteering, attending a local fundraiser, or simply supporting small businesses, contributing to the community is something that’s always been important to me. Warren has given my family so much — it feels right to give back.”

When she’s not teaching or leading fitness classes, Erin enjoys spending her free time exploring all that Warren County has to offer. She can often be found hiking, mountain biking at Jakes Rocks, walking her dog, attending yoga classes, reading a good book, or enjoying coffee at Arbor House.

“One of my favorite things about living here is how accessible nature is,” she says. “You don’t have to drive far to find a beautiful trail or a peaceful spot to relax. And the sense of community you feel everywhere — whether it’s the familiar faces at the coffee shop or the people you meet on the trail — it’s something really special.”

As Erin reflects on her 18 years in Warren County, her gratitude for the life she and her family have built shines through.

“This community has truly shaped who I am,” she says. “It’s given me opportunities to grow professionally, personally, and spiritually. I’ve met incredible people, formed lasting friendships, and watched my children thrive in a safe, supportive environment. I wouldn’t want to call anywhere else home.”

Looking ahead, Erin remains committed to her mission of teaching, inspiring, and connecting with others in the community she loves.

“My goal is simply to keep showing up — for my students, for the women in my fitness classes, for my family, and for Warren County,” she says. “If I can help even one person feel a little more confident, a little more connected, and a little stronger — whether in school or in a fitness class — then I feel like I’m doing what I’m meant to do.”