Hello! I’m Erica from Pasadena, California! I believe that everything happens for a reason, and on our path in life, we’re guided to our tribe of people who lift us up on our worst days and celebrate us on our best days.

Thank you for taking the time to consider me for this incredible honor. I can imagine this part of your journey is one you have given so much thought and energy to. I want you to know that I have been training my whole life to rise up to this moment and greet your child with love and support for a lifetime.

For many years I’ve known in my heart that I could unconditionally love a child I did not give birth to.

Whether helping my younger brothers, babysitting at a young age, caring for my extended family, godsons or my friend’s children, passing on all the love I so generously received growing up has always come natural to me. I thought through the typical course of life I would eventually become a mom, and so I focused on other life decisions over the years - my career, buying real estate and searching for that right person to share my life with. But I know now, that the calling to adopt a child as a single Mom is so strong for me and is my top priority… at times it’s hard to put into words just how excited and hopeful I am to love and support a beautiful soul on this planet as a Mom.

On first impression, people perceive me as creative, funny, witty and smart. People who know me understand that I have a huge heart, I’m fiercely loyal and am the person they can call or text when their day is challenging, or they need a shoulder to lean on. I’m a problem solver and a connector. I’m a great storyteller and am always up for an adventure! I’m someone who can help you figure out how to think about a situation and lend some advice or just simply listen and lend an ear.

When you are in my life I’m invested in you and put my all into loving and supporting you. I grew up in the inner city of Chicago as a part of a close-knit and hilarious Italian and Irish family.

My parents worked second jobs to give my brothers and I a great education, which is truly important to me. I’m a curious, life-long learner and have dedicated myself to becoming the best version of myself over the years, whether that’s through school, reading, my role models and peers or the practical experiences life brings us. I earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri that’s fueled my creativity for storytelling. I’m a 20+ year Cast Member of The Walt Disney Company and was very fortunate to receive their support for my advanced degree in business earlier in my career at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.

Today, I’m a Disney Imagineer helping to dream up our next generation of Disney experiences for families and children! While there have been many visits to the Disney parks over the years to fuel this passion, I’m very fortunate to draw inspiration from the beautiful places I’ve travelled to, my two little dogs and my generous and loving group of family and friends!

I have always been blessed to live in beautiful communities and homes that feel like havens, and my home in Pasadena is no exception.

With my love of decorating, I create spaces in my home to welcome and inspire. I have a beautiful fenced in backyard with orange, peach, pear and lemon trees - sitting on the patio and enjoying that space with my dogs just makes me happy. In my home you get to relax, laugh and eat well…and enjoy the adoration of two little Shih Tzus that love to be around people and make new friends. I live in an incredible neighborhood filled with green spaces and mountainous, safe, family-friendly hiking trails. People in my neighborhood are always out and about and during a walk it doesn’t take more than a few minutes before you pass families with a stroller and dogs getting their exercise. There is a vibrant, historic downtown district, and the beaches are only 45 minutes away. There’s a great network of schools to ensure your child receives the upmost academic attention and is taught in a way that appeals to their learning style. During our free time there are many spaces to play, with Disney right in our backyard!

I am so fortunate to share my home with my two little Shih Tzus - Shang (15) and Yoki (14).

I’ve had them both since they were 8 weeks old and they have taught me so much about unconditional love and bring a joy in my life I never could have expected. They love belly rubs and treats and would love your child with lots of snuggles and protection. I make sure they have the best food and vets to keep them healthy - in fact many of my friends have joked that in their next lifetime, they’d like to come back as one of my Shih Tzus!

Growing up in Chicago with a large extended family and network of friends meant there were rarely dull moments.

My wonderful parents raised my two brothers and I with a ton of love - in fact, we lived in the same building as my maternal grandparents (Nanie + Papa) and my Aunt (mom’s sister) and Uncle - so we often joke we were raised with the attention of three sets of parents!

Some of our fondest memories include trips to Wisconsin to our family’s modest cabin where we - as city kids - could learn about the country and swim in the local lake. My Dad fueled our love for sports as Cubs (baseball) fans and my Mom’s creativity and humor could be deeply felt in the school talent shows she’d organize or the arts and crafts she was whipping up with us in her spare time.

Today, my extended family connects for summer barbeques, our Halloween party or holiday cookie exchange - it’s our time to laugh and catch up…family time was always something my Dad helped us realize was so important. Recently my brother and sister-in-law added to our family by welcoming my precious niece - I am over the moon thrilled to be an Auntie and share all of the love with this little girl that our family can give. And while I am so blessed with an incredible one-of-a-kind family, my beautiful, supporting, loving network of friends is more than I could have ever asked for!

“I was an incredibly shy little boy, but I had a big sister who always looked out for and guided me. Even as an adult, my sister is the first person I turn to for help. She’s taught me to listen to that voice in my head, to be kind to myself and know that anything is possible.” - Ken - my brother

“My sister is resourceful, well-educated and financially stable. Erica will make this child her priority over everything else and will have our family’s full support.” - Billy - my brother

“I appreciated that we could just speak heart to heart as I was growing up. Erica knows this aspect of motherhood is important, and I truly believe she will do the same and be an amazing mother.” - Coen - my godson

“Erica has consistently shown unconditional love, support and generosity to my whole family and me. Erica has been a huge role model in my life with exceptional advice and guidance that has impacted my life for the best. I know my godmother is more than capable of becoming an adoptive parent with her outstanding qualities and relentless optimism.” - Mateo - my godson

“Erica is a loving, responsible and protective individual. I witnessed this because as her mother, she helped me with her younger brother Ken. He lit up when Erica read to him, fed him or watched over him. At the age of seven, she filled the role gracefully. I knew Erica would grow up to be a very special person - and she did. I see the reaction in others as she approaches people, children and furry pets! As a responsible and loving person, she gives unconditionally. It goes beyond words to describe how proud I am of the who she has become. Her heart continues to love and give.” - Josephine - my mom