She was born in Springfield, IL, February 15, 1978 the daughter Robert L. and Mary “Mitzi” (Eastham) Vasconcelles.
Dr. Vasconcelles completed her primary education at Our Savior’s Lutheran School, then graduated from Springfield Lutheran High School, Class of 1996. She earned her under graduate degree from Ripon College, and then her Master’s degree and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Bowling Green State University. Dr. Vasconcelles provided extensive research while at Bowling Green State University and continued her research at Kansas State University with primary discipline in Sports Psychology. She completed post-Doctoral study at Vanderbilt University and then joined the University of Missouri, St. Louis in 2010 where she has served as a Licensed Psychologist, and Clinical Lead and Training Coordinator.
She had many clinical interests including the treatment of anxiety and depression, interpersonal relationships, and identity-related concerns. She also had a significant training and interest in sports psychology and performance-related concerns. Her peers describe Dr. Vasconcelles approach as warm, client-centered and strengths-based. As the Training Coordinator, she worked with advance graduate students, providing individual and group supervision. She was an esteemed member of the American Psychology Association.
In her leisure time, Erin was an avid sports fan. From Duke University Basketball, to Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Blues to her deepest passion, her beloved St. Louis Cardinals. Her most precious and memorable times were sharing her tickets with her family and friends. She loved all Broadway Shows. Her favorite was without doubt, Les Miserables, most recently attending the production at the Fox Theater in St. Louis.
Erin was fascinated with the Orchid. She studied them and became an expert about them. In addition to her own collection and growing of them, she was a member of the Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis, serving on the board, was a past president and currently was a trustee. She was also a member of the Prairie State Orchid Society in Springfield where she was also a past president.
She loved nature and especially animals. She was a supporter of the Stray Rescue Shelter in St. Louis and an advocate for the protection and adoption programs across the country.
Surviving are her parents, Bob and Mitzi, her brother, Colin Vasconcelles of Springfield, her niece, Charlotte Vasconcelles, her beloved fur babies, several aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of colleagues and friends. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Joel D and Muriel Eastham, her paternal grandparents, John and Carol Vasconcelles, and two uncles: Mark Vasconcelles and Joel D. Eastham Jr.
The Vasconcelles family will greet family and friends at the Bisch Funeral Home West 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. Springfield, IL on Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 4-7 pm. A private family memorial service will be held with Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Radtke officiating. Inurnment will be with her grandparents in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, IL
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions in her name to the Stray Rescue Animal Shelter 2320 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103, or Springfield Lutheran High School 5200 S. 6th Street Frontage Rd. E. Springfield, IL. 62703 or a charity of choice.
Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West. 217-544-5424
