Erica brings both passion and purpose to her work with students. Originally from Watts, California, she earned her BA in English from the University of California, Irvine, and her Teaching Credential from Mills College. She believes teaching is a gift—the opportunity to witness and support students in their “aha” moments as they discover who they want to become. Grounded in strong relationships, she creates dynamic and relevant learning experiences that center students’ identities and voices. She sees literature as a powerful way to expand imagination, deepen critical thinking, and strengthen our understanding of humanity. Outside of school, she enjoys powerlifting, animated series, true-crime podcasts, curating her capsule wardrobe, and sharing good meals with good people.