Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Erika Simmons.
Hi Dr. Erika, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in the beautiful community of Chula Vista, California, the daughter of Anne Taylor and Bill Reimund. From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in education. I was one of those kids who loved school—not just for learning, but for the sense of community and connection it created.
I attended Bonita Vista High School, where my mother attended. I played volleyball in the same gym as my mom. I discovered my love of leadership and teamwork, both in the classroom and on the volleyball court. That passion carried me to San Diego Christian College, where I played collegiate volleyball and received an excellent education that deepened my sense of purpose.
After completing my degree, I continued my studies at National University, earning my Administrative Credential. Later, in 2019, I achieved a lifelong goal—earning my Doctorate in Education from San Diego State University. Education has always been at the heart of who I am. Every step of my academic journey reinforced my belief that schools are the foundation of thriving communities.
Today, I am honored to serve as a principal in the San Diego Unified School District. I am incredibly proud of the work we are doing—our students are not only excelling but beating the odds. At our school, we make it our mission to know every child by name and by need, and that commitment shows in their success. Each day, I am reminded that education changes lives—not just through academics, but through love, belonging, and opportunity.
Outside of my professional life, my proudest role is being a mother to three incredible sons: Noah (17), Nathan (15), and Nicholas (13). They keep me grounded, motivated, and endlessly grateful. In 2018, I married the love of my life, Rich Simmons, a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy. Together, we’ve built a life full of laughter, faith, and service in Alpine, California—a place that truly feels like home.
Family has always been at the center of my world. My sister, Christine, and her husband, Erik, also live in Alpine, along with their two wonderful children. My sister, Sarah, and her husband, Jeff, are also close by and are raising their two amazing young sons. Having my sisters and their families nearby has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. My two younger brothers, Paul and Jake, have also built beautiful lives of their own—Paul in Georgia with his wife, Cassie, and Jake in Alabama with his wife, Linda, and their new baby. Watching my siblings grow their families has been such a joy.
In 2022, Rich and I took on a new adventure—purchasing Postal Annex in Alpine. It was something entirely new for me, but I felt a strong pull to find more ways to support our community. We absolutely love being the local postal hub in our amazing town. Postal Annex has become a place where neighbors meet, stories are shared, and kindness is exchanged daily. We’re proud to offer personalized gifts, work alongside an amazing staff, and to know our customers by name. Our personal mailboxes are the most affordable in Alpine, and we keep them that way as a heartfelt thank you to our customers. We know that times can be challenging, so we do what we can—where we can—to make a difference.
Those relationships and shared values of service led me to another opportunity to give back—becoming a School Board Member in 2024. It’s a role I take to heart, as it allows me to advocate for students, families, and educators in a way that builds on everything I’ve learned throughout my journey.
Today, I continue to serve alongside my husband at our local VFW Post 9578, supporting military families and strengthening the bonds that make Alpine such a special place to live. My life has been shaped by hard work, faith, family, and a deep belief that when we invest in others, we help entire communities grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Despite the beautiful gifts in my life, I have faced my share of challenges. Life has a way of testing our strength, even when everything on the outside looks perfect. I’ve learned that when people think you’re too successful or have too much going for you, some feel it’s their job to remind you that words can hurt. Those moments have taught me the power of grace, humility, and staying true to who I am, even when others don’t understand my journey.
I am a product of a divorced home, and while that was a painful experience, it shaped me in ways that have made me stronger and more empathetic. I learned early on what it feels like to crave stability and understanding, and I carry that lesson into my leadership every day. It helps me connect with the children and families I serve, many of whom face similar challenges. I want every child to feel seen, valued, and loved — just as I wished for when I was a child. I also bring that same sensitivity into my home, knowing that my own children have walked that same path.
In my personal life, I’ve learned that strength isn’t about having it all together — it’s about moving forward even when things feel impossible. In our nine years together, my husband, Rich Simmons, and I have endured long separations and made countless sacrifices for the sake of his service to our country. Rich has been deployed to Japan for two years, stationed in Washington for several months, and deployed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. Those times were not easy. Balancing motherhood, career, and community while missing the person who anchors you takes courage and faith. But those experiences have taught me resilience, patience, and what it truly means to serve — both my family and my community.
I’ve also struggled with always wanting more — the drive to achieve, to do better, to help more people — while learning to be content and grateful for what is right in front of me. There have been moments of exhaustion, doubt, and tears. But through it all, I keep going. I wipe my tears, dust off my boots, and move forward. I don’t have any other choice. My family, my husband, my community, and the children I serve depend on me — and that purpose is what gets me out of bed every single day. These struggles have not broken me; they have built me. They’ve reminded me that grace, perseverance, and love can carry you through even the most brutal storms — and that true success isn’t about what you achieve, but how you rise after you fall.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What sets me apart from others is the breadth of my experiences. Not many educators have had the opportunity to work with students from preschool through college, but I have—and that range has shaped the educator and leader I am today.
I began my teaching career at San Ysidro High School in 2001. I was young, nervous, and unsure of myself, but eager to make a difference. Those early years taught me lessons that no textbook ever could. I owe a great deal to the incredible colleagues who guided, supported, and believed in me when I was still finding my footing. Their mentorship and encouragement helped me grow into the leader I am today.
As my career evolved and I transitioned into administration, I found a deep passion for special education. I have always believed that every child deserves to be seen, understood, and supported. My doctoral dissertation focused on how early intervention can transform the educational experiences of students with disabilities. That work opened my eyes to the lifelong impact of intentional, compassionate support—and it continues to guide me every day as a principal and advocate for all learners.
With my mom’s encouragement, I am now pursuing a new professional goal: earning my Life Care Planning Certificate from Thomas Jefferson University. I am preparing to become a Life Care Planner, a role that will enable me to assist individuals and families in navigating care and resources with empathy, knowledge, and purpose. Every experience I’ve had—from the classroom to administration—has led me to this moment. These paths may seem different, but they are all connected by one constant: a deep desire to help people thrive.
Still, what I am most proud of is being a mom. My three sons—Noah, Nathan, and Nicholas—are each wonderfully unique, and they challenge me in ways that help me grow as both a mother and a wife. They remind me to be patient, reflective, and present. Every lesson I teach at school or in my business begins first at home, with them.
As an owner of Postal Annex in Alpine, I’ve learned a great deal from our incredible staff and loyal customers. Whether it’s fingerprinting, notary services, or shipping, we’re constantly listening and adapting to the needs of our community. We take pride in offering personalized gifts, practical services, and genuine care to everyone who walks through our doors. Our goal has always been simple: to provide the kind of service we’d want for our own family.
All of these experiences—educator, leader, business owner, mother, and wife—have given me a unique perspective. I’ve learned that success isn’t about titles or achievements; it’s about connection, growth, and service. Every challenge and opportunity has shaped me into the person I am today: deeply rooted in faith, family, and a lifelong commitment to helping others succeed.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Alpine is that we genuinely know one another. We help one another, we look out for each other, and we take pride in keeping our community strong. Whether it’s ensuring our town stays clean, our children receive an excellent education, or our local businesses are supported, the people of Alpine show up for one another and for the place we call home.
Alpine has many wonderful small businesses that give our town its unique charm and sense of connection. From Stoney Oaks Ranch to Janos, Pizzabilities, Franca’s, and even our local VFW, there’s a warmth and familiarity that makes every visit feel personal. These businesses aren’t just shops or restaurants — they’re gathering places, where stories are shared, friendships are made, and community is built.
Our residents choose to support local, not out of obligation, but out of love. We understand that every small business is a reflection of the people behind it — their hard work, their dreams, and their heart for Alpine. This community sticks together, and that’s what makes it so special. In Alpine, we lift each other up, and truly, we couldn’t ask for more.
Pricing:
- Notary $15.00 per signature
- Fingerprinting $40.00 rolling fee
- We offer Ground Advantage
- We can accept FedEx and USPS QR codes
- Best cards in Alpine
Image Credits
My formal picture is my Alpine School Board Member Picture.
