Erica grew up in central New Jersey, where she explored coastal barrier islands, forests, mountains, and all the places in between. She has lived in New England for over ten years, falling in love over and over again with its diverse ecology, fascinating history, and wonderful people.

Taking a circuitous route to the outdoor & environmental education world, Erica studied Economics at Saint Michael's College, a small service-oriented liberal arts college, in northwest Vermont. While there, she dabbled in hiking and snowboarding with the Wilderness Program (now the Adventure Sports Center), volunteered with local mentoring organizations, and spent two years working with first-year students as a Residential Assistant.

Her love for the outdoors led her to positions with land trusts and farms after graduation, before she found her calling through an AmeriCorps position with the Student Conservation Association in New Hampshire. She fell in love with teaching, finding joy and fulfillment in developing engaging science curriculum. Shortly afterwards, she began a Masters program through Antioch University New England, diving deep through internships at nearby nature centers and coursework with titles like, "Leadership for Change" and "Teaching in the Outdoors". 

Dealt the unfortunate hand of finishing her studies shortly after the Coronavirus pandemic began, she worked odd jobs for a few years. During that time, she joined a training led by Adventure Recovery, an organization based in Connecticut specializing in addiction and mental health recovery. This powerful experience helped to provide a new direction for Erica, as she was both reminded of her inner strength and given new ways to apply her skills as an outdoor environmental educator. 

Today, Erica works as the Youth Programs Manager & Camp Director at Petra Cliffs Climbing Center & Mountaineering School in Burlington VT, where she leads summer camp, manages youth climbing teams, and is working to grow their nature-based education programs offerings to include local schools.