Rising Stars: Meet Erika Vasquez-Sanchez of Visalia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Vasquez-Sanchez.

Hi Erika, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Erika a mom of four children, including two special needs children, my 13 year old daughter Amaya and my 10 year old son Emmett both have Fragile X Syndrome. My son Emmett is also diagnosed with Severe Non-Speaking Autism, and Epilepsy. Most of my days consist of homeschooling Emmett and Amaya and Caregiving to Emmett’s medical needs. Our family embarked on our Homeschooling journey 5 years ago and we continue to go strong till this day. My entire focus is on taking care of my family. While I loved that role, I often neglected my own health and well-being, for many years. Its difficult finding a balance when I have so many roles. About a year and an half ago, I realized I needed to prioritize my health, not just for myself but also to be the best version of me for my family. I wanted to set an example of resilience and self-care.” I started running and later on began going to the gym daily and focused on learning how to balance fitness with the demands of my family life. I also seek out therapy. It wasn’t easy at first, but consistency became my greatest tool. And I surrounded myself with incredible people that encouraged me to be the best version of myself each and every day.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting out was tough because I had to balance my new fitness routine with the responsibilities of being a mom, including caring for my special needs child. There were days I felt guilty about taking time for myself, and other times I was just too tired to even think about working out. Finding the energy and motivation to keep going was a real struggle. What kept me going was reminding myself why I started—to be healthier for my family and to show my kids the importance of perseverance. I also leaned on small wins, like celebrating when I hit a new milestone or simply showing up on a tough day. If being a special needs parent has taught be anything throughout the years is that the struggles make me stronger, not just physically but emotionally too. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about being perfect but about showing up, even when it’s hard.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a passionate advocate for homeschooling and special needs families, using social media and community connections to share resources, support, and encouragement. As a caregiver to my special needs child, I bring a personal perspective to the challenges and joys of these roles.
I specialize in offering practical advice and emotional support to families navigating homeschooling, caregiving, and self-care. My goal is to empower parents to create learning environments and lifestyles that fit their unique circumstances.
What sets me apart is my firsthand experience juggling multiple roles—a mom, homeschool advocate, caregiver, and fitness enthusiast. I strive to show others that while the path may be demanding, it’s also deeply rewarding and full of growth
I’m most proud of the connections I’ve fostered. Whether it’s helping a parent feel more confident in their homeschooling journey or offering a caregiver a moment of reassurance, those connections mean the world to me.
I’m excited to keep growing my podcast and social media platforms to share more stories and insights. I also hope to broaden my reach as a homeschooling advocate, helping families see that learning at home can be both effective and empowering.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a shy and timid child. I often kept to myself and found comfort in familiar routines and close relationships. I was born in Mexico, and Spanish was my first language. When I joined my parents in the U.S. after living with my grandparents for six years, learning English was a huge challenge for me. It was hard to adjust, especially since the process of crossing the border was traumatic and left a lasting impression on me. Those early experiences taught me resilience. I had to adapt quickly and find ways to overcome language and cultural barriers. Even though it wasn’t easy, it shaped my ability to face challenges head-on and to empathize with others who feel out of place or struggle to find their voice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fragile-x-dad-mom/id1515157295
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourfragilexlife?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erika.amaya0815?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourfragilexlife?_t=ZP-8wuJ2csslpO&_r=1