ABOUT ME
My name is Dr. Erika Emery. I am a dedicated wife and mother of two sons, who has devoted my life to my family and the past 25 years to educating and mentoring children in the San Francisco Bay Area.
My extensive teaching experience includes working for before and after school programs, preschools, and art programs in addition to my experience as a group home counselor, a nanny, as the owner and operator of a family home child care, and as a preschool Director. I’m currently employed as an instructor and as a mentor teacher. I teach early childhood education to high school students from four area school districts. I also have experience as a Marketing teacher. As a result of my educational journey, I’ve earned a B.A. in Human Development, a M.S. in Education with an Early Childhood Option, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Social Justice (3.98 GPA).
Creating opportunities for students to become self-sufficient individuals who have the skills to thrive drives me. I lead by example by sharing my own struggles and successes as a young mom, as a student, and as a businesswoman. For example, having my first child at 16 years old did not prevent me from earning a doctoral degree or becoming successful in my career. It was a difficult journey but I stayed focused by always telling myself to “handle business first”.
Once I became a teacher, I utilized the term “handle business” to motivate students to follow their own path to succeed in life, regardless of the challenges they may face. I also organize college tours and field trips for students but they know they can only attend if they maintain their responsibilities. Students who attend my field trips are a part of the “handle business crew”. Using this term motivates students to improve personally and academically. I also organize an affordable summer trip designed to bring families together. It is important to recognize that educating students requires reaching beyond the classroom to truly change lives. I am dedicated and passionate about making a difference in the lives of student’s each and every day.