A two-time graduate of La Sierra University, Erica Garcia served as an adjunct professor in the Department of English for one year before she began working full-time as an English liaison and lecturer on the Criminal Justice campuses of Corona and Ontario. Her peers describe her as an uncommon and enthusiastic teacher; “She goes beyond meeting students where they are to getting into their shoes and meeting them as if she is one of them,” says former supervisor and current English chair Dr. Melissa Brotton.

Erica’s many achievements include stepping into the role of Criminal Justice chair from 2016 to 2019. Even though her background is not in that discipline, the department grew under her leadership and guidance and is nationally recognized as being a leading Criminal Justice program. She currently teaches both English and Humanities classes, and also recently accepted the new position of Service Learning Coordinator for the Criminal Justice department.

As a student, Erica was often noted for her strong work ethic, industriousness, and dedication. She was actively involved in Sigma Tau Delta—the English Honors Society—and presented a variety of papers at national conferences. The diligence and creativity that she showed as a young scholar are the same qualities that make her a valuable member of both the English and Criminal Justice departments. “She is wise beyond her years,” states former English chair Dr. Lora Geriguis. “Erica seemed to begin her role on our campus with advanced leadership experience and judgment.”

Erica and her husband Andy have a young son, Sawyer. In 2018, they launched the Teagan Ansley Foundation in memory of their daughter. The foundation provides care packages and support for parents and families who have suffered the loss of a NICU or stillborn baby.