Erika Weidner has a professional background in international economic development, speechwriting, translation, teaching, and entrepreneurship.

She has experience with private independent schools, parochial schools, and public schools. Unafraid to pivot more than once, she set out on a deep learning journey of her own about what it means to "be educated" in California. Staying true to herself and her children, she asked hard questions and sought the answers. That journey led to this guide, and she now adds author to accomplishments.

She is unafraid of reinvention, creativity, and starting over. She lives on the San Francisco Peninsula with her family.