Erika holds a master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education from the University of Florida as well as National Board Certification in reading and language arts for grades k-8. She has over 20 years experience as a teacher. She was a classroom teacher in the public school system (both elementary and middle school) for 7 years, a tutor in private schools and homes for 7 years, and has been homeschooling her 3 girls (going into 3rd, 6th and 8th grade for the 25/26 school year) for the last 7 years. After searching endlessly and unsuccessfully for drop off academic classes where all 3 girls could attend at the same time but be separated by age groups, she started, organized and ran a homeschool co-op which grew to over 35 children in 4 different age groups. She enjoyed organizing the group and teaching art to the different age groups during the 2 years the group met, but ultimately decided to open a learning center where she would have a physical space to bring all of her teaching experience, art supplies and learning materials. A place for her own children to learn and play with peers, build friendships and community, and offer homeschool parents an opportunity to learn alongside their children or drop off and have a much-needed break!