Hello everyone! I have blogged in the past through another website, but thought I would move it to Blogstream since Matt says it's been great for him. I love writing my thoughts down; in fact, I used to work for a local newspaper when I was a Senior in high school, first as a feature writer and photographer, and then as a managing editor. It's a great way to set aside time just for me...to write what's on my mind and just relax for a few minutes.

Below is my bio...to get to know a little about where I have come from, and what's going on in my wonderful life now. Promise my blogs won't be this long in the future!

---------------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT ERIKA

After winning her local Lions Club charity contest during her Senior year of high school for her numerous achievements during her high school career, Erika volunteered as the contest director for the next 9 years. During that same time, she was given the license for four years to produce a local preliminary to Donald Trump's Miss USA©/Miss Teen USA© state preliminaries, Miss Texas USA© & Miss Texas Teen USA©. She has the distinct honor of having two local winners win the highly competitive Miss Texas Teen USA© competition title back-to-back in 2001 & 2002, with one eventually becoming 3rd runner up to Miss Teen USA© 2001. Erika has judged, been a coach/mentor to contestants, emceed and consulted numerous like-competitions. Working with young women to develop their potential has always been a passion of hers.

Erika was a charter member and former Vice President and twice Past President of the Bay City Coastal Lions Club, where she also served on the District 2S-4 Governor’s Cabinet in Publicity/Marketing. She spent a lot of time traveling around the state speaking to various groups about the humanitarian causes of Lions Clubs International.

Professionally, Erika has had a career in the media for 18 years, including newspaper writer, photographer & managing editor; in radio as on-air talent (DJ) for 6 years in the Houston and southeast Texas area, as well as ad sales & promotions for 5 years; in cable TV ad sales and production for 8 years; and as talent, lending her voice & face to scores of radio & television commercials & industrial films locally to internationally. She has worked for clients such as Kroger, Foley’s, Oshman’s, Sakowitz, Pier One Imports, and Academy Sports & Outdoors.

Erika has been recognized in the radio & television industry a number of times for her sales accomplishments, including being the Dallas local market recipient of the Comcast Spotlight’s President’s Club Award 2004, and was named the CBS Radio President's Award Winner 2005 for the Dallas radio market’s six stations.

Erika moved to Frisco in May, 2002 from Bay City, Texas. For many years she was a church minister back in her hometown and at St. Francis of Assisi in Frisco as a Lector and also on the Diocesean level, serving on the Youth Ministry Resource Team. Additionally, she is the past Secretary of the American Women in Radio & Television Dallas-Ft. Worth Chapter, & past member and Ambassador of various chambers of commerce in southeast Texas. Additionally, Erika is proud to be a graduate of the Frisco Citizens Police Academy Class 20.

Erika is passionate about helping other businesses grow, and draws from her 18 years of diverse media experience to help find effective marketing solutions for them. She currently works for a cable advertising rep firm in Frisco, is on her second term to serve on the advisory board for the National League of Junior Cotillions—Frisco Chapter, and is the Public Relations/Marketing Co-Chair for the Boys and Girls Club of Collin County Chrysalis Ball 2008. Additionally, Erika is a former winner and now holds the Texas franchise license (Mrs. Texas) for the prestigious Mrs. United States® competition for married women. This spring will mark the 4th year she has produced it, with families coming from all over Texas to experience what Frisco has to offer. It doubles as a fundraiser, having given money to the Cancer Monument Fund and Autism Speaks. (Her nephew, Luke, is autistic.)

Erika has three sons, ages 15, 10 and 4 who keep her very busy with their respective activities, including baseball, soccer, basketball, and cooking classes. Combining all of that with Matt’s three children (ages 15, 13 and 8) and their activities makes for a very busy (and fun!) household!

Something interesting about Erika's family is that she also has five younger brothers, and grew up as the oldest and only girl. This is exactly like Matt's daughter, Kaleigh, who heads the six kids as the oldest and only girl! Additionally, Erika was born on her mother's birthday and Kaleigh was born on Matt's birthday.