Erika was born and raised in Montana and is proud to call the beautiful Flathead Valley home.  After graduating Flathead High School, she attended Willamette University in Salem, Oregon and obtained a B.A. in Economics.   While studying abroad in Asia during college, Erika realized the importance of multiculturalism and diversity.  An incurable adventure enthusiast, she continued her travels and interest in multiculturalism after college by taking a 6-month trekking adventure through Nepal, Australia, and New Zealand.  Upon her return to Montana, she applied and was accepted to the University of Montana Law School and graduated with a J.D. in 1997.  She then applied for and was accepted to be a judicial clerk for The Honorable William E. Hunt of the Montana Supreme Court.  After clerking for two years, she returned to Kalispell and practiced law with her father.

Erika met her husband, David Sandler, also an attorney, in law school.  Erika and David have two children, Kjell, age 11, and Kenna, age 9.   When Kjell was two, he was diagnosed with autism.  Shortly thereafter, Erika left her law practice to focus on raising her children and providing therapy for Kjell.  She soon realized that by helping her own child, she could do so much more good by broadening the scope and helping other special needs children similarly situated.  She and another mother of twins with autism launched Bridges Autism Advocacy Group and set about writing grants to fund their vision for inclusive education for special needs children in their local school district.  Bridges will begin its seventh year of operation and she is thrilled with the impact Bridges has made thus far in improving inclusive educational opportunities for special needs children in Kalispell schools.

Erika continues to operate Bridges with her partner, and just recently began practicing law again out of her home.  She enjoys attending her children’s games and activities, as well as skiing, trailrunning, mountain biking, hiking in Glacier National Park, and occasionally pondskimming.  Erika has a passion for children and teens, and helping them discover their unique perspectives and gifts to offer the world.  She is honored to be included on the SYVF Advisory Board and looks forward to working as a team to grow the program and help each person in the program find his or her voice.  She wishes to especially thank JJ for her years of support and friendship that gave rise to this wonderful opportunity.