Growing up in San Diego, Erika excelled in competitive dance, song, and cheer. She went on to be a Head Instructor for National Dance Alliance, and Head Coach of the nationally ranked Ramona High School Song Team. She attended California State University, Fullerton, and while there held numerous leadership positions on campus. After graduating, she taught Biology in San Diego. Erika then fell in love, got married, and moved across the country with her Army husband, and had two beautiful children. Her love for fitness grew and her need for community and encouragement grew with their family.