Erika has been a proud educator for over twenty years. She is excited to begin as superintendent in South Umpqua in July of 2024, located in Southern Oregon. She grew up in Portland, OR, graduating from the University of Oregon with a Master’s in Education in 2001. She began as a special education teacher at the middle school level. In this work, she endeavored to provide each student with the individualized supports needed to reach their limitless potential. This continued to inspire her when her family relocated to Southern Oregon, and she became a special education teacher on special assignment serving K-12 students. She earned her administrative credential in 2012 at Southern Oregon University, and transitioned to an administrative role as an high school assistant principal and then principal. She then followed a desire to work with our youngest students, moving to the elementary level as principal, before being called to have a broader impact at the district office level as Student Services Director, Assistant Superintendent, and then Superintendent. Supporting all students through individualized supports continues to fuel her today, serving as both her why and her passion.