Erika has been a proud educator for over twenty years, serving in a variety of roles. She  currently serves as the superintendent for the South Umpqua School District in beautiful Southern Oregon. She grew up in Portland, OR, graduating from the University of Oregon with a Master’s in Education in 2001. She dove head first into her career 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 at award winning Ashland High School as assistant principal and then principal. She had the great privilege of teaching and learning alongside a tremendous group of educators for seven joy-filled years. Following a desire to work with our youngest students, she moved to the elementary level as principal in a neighboring district, before being called to have a broader impact at the district office level, overseeing special education, counseling and behavioral health, social emotional learning, and elementary programs as Assistant Superintendent back in Ashland. In 2024, she began a new educational adventure as the Superintendent of the South Umpqua School District. Supporting all students through individualized supports continues to fuel her today, serving as both her why and her passion.  This dedication was recognized in 2024 when she received the Oregon’s Central Office Administrator Achievement of Excellence Award.

Erika lives in Southern Oregon with her extremely supportive husband, two remarkable teenaged children, and a very mischievous cat. She feels especially fortunate to live in the community she serves.