Pexagon Technologies, Inc.

Erik graduated from NBHS in 2013 and then transitioned to the School to Work Program until he turned 21, where he learned self-help and independent living skills. During his time in the school system, he was given vocational training at Pexagon Technologies Inc., a company that specializes in custom printing. The nurturing environment there and his ability to contribute substantively to work production enabled Erik to find a part-time job there, which he goes to 3 days a week for 3 to 4 hours a day. Erik does material handling duties, including parts sorting and dissemination and product packaging. He is proud to have a meaningful, contributory position at a successful and cutting-edge company and to be associated with such a cohesive and caring team of management and co-workers.

Erik has many lasting memories from his days at NBHS (especially the school dances) with Mr. Scott Schoonmaker, Suzanne Wright, Diane Artaiz, Caitlin Boyle, their associated staff members, and many other educators who continue to run one of the best special needs/services programs for disabled students in the State of CT (if not the entire country, IMHO). The S2W curriculum reinforced a lot of what Erik uses to this day to function as independently as possible, although due to the severity of his condition he does need to have a support system in place.

Erik lives with his parents and brother Brian (a 2020 NBHS grad who is in his sophomore year at the Univ. of New Haven, majoring in Civil Engineering) in Northford and receives individualized supports from the Benhaven agency, from whom he receives job coaching, mentoring and community support. Erik volunteers at the Edward Smith Library, where he loves to keep all the books, videos, and music in good order! He also engages in supporting his household, like grocery shopping and recycling, and enjoys outdoor activities like nature/power walks, whiffle ball, mini-golf, or just a trip to Dunkins for iced coffee or going to the mall. Erik also enjoys reading, listening to music, and surfing the Internet, especially subjects with music-rated themes. He has developed some lasting friendships through his support engagements, and they take weekly excursions out in the community together. He enjoys seeing his old friend Jonathan when he goes to Big Y, and he loves to go out to eat too, so having lunch with his friends would be at the top of his list of favorite things to do!