Her professional career was certainly part of her delight in Phoenix, but meeting and marrying Ryan was the happiest part of her life.  They were a joyous, energetic pair for almost five years. Their marriage on October 3rd, 2009 was a wonderful event that brought both of them great joy.We were all so thrilled to see their love and commitment blossom.
Erika also loved her life in Phoenix because of her affiliation with the Chi Omega alumnae group.  Their book club and dinner meetings were things she certainly tried not to miss. She really loved the friends she met there.
Erika and Ryan have been very active with the Lost Our Home organization fostering and attempting to place many cats.  Their love of their own cats led them to fostering and it was such a delight for them. 
Another area of enjoyment for Erika was the beading/jewelry hobby which turned into a business for her including art shows, websites and displaying her work in a boutique.
Ryan got Erika interested in many sports teams including the Buccaneers, the Rattlers and the Diamondbacks, which became fun events for them.
Erika lived a full life and fortunately jammed a lot into her days.  Her health challenges were secondary to her.  Her spirit was happy, productive, creative and loving.  She loved her husband, family, friends and pets more than anything. 

Erika's first job with Easter Seals took her excitedly to Phoenix, AZ in 2002. True to form she launched right into her own apartment, new job, meeting new people and making new friends.  She was an early interventionist working in the homes of young children with challenges.  She was able to use her fluency in Spanish very effectively and was very happy with her job.
When the economy turned down she decided to try teaching again. She attended Grand Canyon University, but again determined that teaching was just not a good fit for her. She did receive a second Masters Degree and was then hired as a service coordinator with the Department of Developmental Disabilities with the State of Arizona.
Just weeks ago she was so excited to be hired as part of a grant program with the State in a new and challenging role.  She had also decided to pursue another Masters in her new field. 

When Erika went off to U C Davis in the Fall of 1996, relating back to her Manhattan Community Church experience she pursued a chorus/choir activity which made her very happy.  One of her happiest times at Davis was when she pledged Chi Omega sorority at Davis, through which she met some wonderful young ladies.  While living in the dorm her roommate was Janet Sie.  They have been the epitome of FUN friends for many years. 
Erika graduated in 2000 and went on to Cal Poly SLO to get her teaching credential knowing how much she loved children.  The program proved to be disenchanting to Erika however.  Immediately she turned this disappointment into a positive by getting her Masters in Special Education.

Erika went to pre-school in Manhattan Beach and then to Wingrock School in Palos Verdes until second grade.  School subjects came easily to Erika. She took most things in stride.  She attended Pacific School, MBI and Mira Costa High School where she excelled despite having a stroke at age 15. Having fully recovered she never missed a beat with school.  Her fun and close group of friends at Costa are still friends though living afar. 
Part of Erika's childhood in Manhattan Beach was learning piano and being part of Manhattan Community Church where she loved acting and singing in their musicals. Music was a true love of hers and she showed much talent. 

With much anticipation and joy, Erika was born on December 19, 1977.  Her joyous arrival was met with some worries and medical issues.  Soon she was diagnosed with Turner Syndrome, which caused many doctor visits, hospital stays and tests galore.  Even as a young child, with the unwaivering support of her parents, family and friends,she was strong and cheerful throughout. Nothing could dampen her spirit.
She was part of the UCLA Intervention Program from age 10 months to 2 1/2 years.  She delighted the teachers and therapists, one of whom remains a personal friend.