Alumni Spotlight: Ericka (Ware) Larsen

Get to Know Ericka Larsen, TFA Class of 2006

When did you graduate from TFA?

2006

Where did you attend college?

University of Central Florida- Class of 2010

Please share any awards, academic, or professional accomplishments.

I was hired out of my senior year internship to teach 2nd Grade at Red Bug Elementary in Casselberry for 2 years, then decided to make a move to Scottsdale, AZ, where I currently reside. I was hired at Rancho Solano Preparatory, where I taught 2nd Grade for another 2 years. I then went on to teach at Paradise Valley Christian Preparatory in 3rd Grade for 3 years. When my son was born, I stepped away from my teaching career to become a stay-at-home mom.

Please share about your family, occupation, and/or other volunteer and service.

I met my husband, Mark, at Scottsdale Bible Church (SBC) and we have been married for almost 9 years (November 2014). We have 3 kids- Landry (6), Layla (3 1/2), Lane (2), and an 8-year English Cream Lab, Penelope. I am so thankful to be able to stay home with them, while also volunteering in my son’s Kindergarten classroom when I can.

Where do you attend church now and what is your ministry involvement?

Both my husband and I are very involved at Scottsdale Bible Church, where we have led multiple Bible studies and have been involved in various ministry opportunities through the years. We just got done leading a table for a marriage prep class that we actually took ourselves before we got married! All three of our kids have also been dedicated at SBC. Our individual relationship with the Lord shapes our lives and drives the choices that we make for ourselves and our family on a daily basis.

How did TFA prepare you for the next steps in your life?

I am proud to be a TFA alum. Through taking Apologetic classes, memorizing scripture, always being pointed to Jesus and encouraged in my faith, I learned how to make my relationship with the Lord my own and stand up for my beliefs, even when faced with adversity. Attending a large university after leaving TFA seemed daunting at first, but I was able to stand firm in my belief system and convictions because of the education I received during my time at TFA. Academically, I was thankful for how TFA prepared me for all of my college courses as well. I was able to get my degree in Elementary Education in 4 years, along with my Reading Endorsement and ESOL endorsement, and I have to thank TFA for preparing me so well for college.

What teacher(s) and/or coach(s) had the most impact on your life, why/how?

Mr. Williams- He prepared me for all of the writing and reading courses that I took during my time at UCF. Even though I was resistant to memorizing Old English passages in his class, I realize how lessons such as that really helped me thrive academically later on.

Dr. Toenges- He helped shape my biblical worldview and really test my faith and make it my own.

Mrs. Pennington- Throwing it back to middle school, I still remember all of the Presidents in order and the Constitution because of Mrs. Pennington’s History class.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about the impact or connections TFA has made in your personal and/or professional life?

I am so thankful for the education I got at TFA and I’m happy to say our oldest son is in Kindergarten at a school very similar to TFA (Scottsdale Christian Academy). Scottsdale Christian Academy is also accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), one of TFA’s main accrditing bodies. We are so thankful to have our kids part of such a wonderful Christ-centered school where we know they will be disciplined and guided to love Jesus first and foremost!