Erica graduated from Portland State University with a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning (MURP). Following graduation, Erica worked for a Portland-based consulting firm, providing long-range land use planning services for municipalities in the Pacific Northwest as well as across the country. She ran her own sustainable landscape design business for five years. In addition to a MURP, Erica holds a BA in Community Development from Portland State University. She spent two years working in commercial real estate appraisal. Erica has spent time studying abroad in Mexico and Spain and is fluent in Spanish.

When not working, Erica loves to spend time with her dog Birdie, trail running, tinkering in her garden, backpacking, taking in comedy shows, and spending time with family—especially her nieces and nephew.