Erika Payne

Erika Lin Payne comes to the Rock Academy after working for the Rock Church in the Youth, Operations, and Finance Departments. Prior to her seven year stint in ministry, she spent five years in the classroom. (Yes, she’s that old.) Erika taught high school social science in a public high school in Riverside County before moving home to San Diego to get her graduate degree. While in graduate school, she taught performing arts to fourth graders at the School in the Park before moving on to a combination first and second grade class at a small private school. God then led her to another public school where she led a resource program for mild/moderate special education students. Ever since Pastor Miles shared the vision for the Rock Academy, she knew she would help shepherd students there.

A born-and-bred East County girl, Erika met Jesus through her best friend as a senior at El Cajon Valley High School. She served as the women’s discipleship coordinator for Asian American Christian Fellowship while studying dance and education at UC Riverside. Erika pursued her graduate degree in Educational Technology at San Diego State and was engaged to the love of her life—an East County boy named Jayson—shortly after graduation. They have a son who joyfully attends the Rock Academy Preschool and make their home in sunny Santee.