Meet Erika
M.A., M.Ed., E-CYT 500, CAP
As a high school English teacher in Chicago Public Schools, Erika initially came to yoga to find better work-life balance. After moving to Boston in 2015, she completed her professional teacher training and began teaching yoga full time.
Since then, Erika has taught in various public, private, and corporate settings –from heated power flow in sweaty studios, chair yoga in senior centers, hatha classes in conference rooms, and mindfulness meditation and stress reduction seminars at Harvard Business School, Boston University, and Berklee College of Music.
Erika’s classes are physically challenging but allow time and space to pause, find stillness, and reflect on the many facets of a yoga practice. Through the nuance of transitions and an exploration of the subtlety of breath, Erika encourages her students to be curious about the effects of their practice on body, mind, and spirit, finding levity even in moments of great intensity.
Erika is also a classically trained Ayurvedic practitioner (traditional Indian medicine), coupling her knowledge with healthy doses of humor and humility to translate the ancient wisdom for clients in a way that makes the information easily digestible and appetizing to the modern palate.
As a holistic wellness coach, Erika works with individuals + companies to empower people to live their best lives. She is an Aries sun/Gemini moon, a house music enthusiast, and currently resides in Phoenix, AZ, with her cat Jasper.
Wellness Projects + Certifications
Teacher Training + Life Mastery Mentor, Yoga Pura, Phoenix, 09/2022
Curriculum Consultant, Breathing Room for Girls, 03/2021
Art House Yoga Events Programmer, Chase Young Galleries, Boston, 07/2021
Director of Education, YogaHub, 06/2018
Jungian Coaching Certificate (100 hours), Akke-Jeanne Klerk, Jung Platform, 04/2023
Ayurvedic Practitioner (AAPT 1,000+ hours), Dr. Anusha Seghal, Boston Ayurveda Inc., 09/2021
Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC 665 hours), Hilary Garivaltis + Kate O’Donnell, Boston Ayurveda School, 08/2019
Pilates Mat, Equinox, 03/2018
Professional Yoga Teaching Certificate (500 hours), Natasha Rizopolous + Barbara Benagh, 12/2016
Usui Reiki, Jacalynn Willett, Barefoot Yoga Shala, Middleton, 11/2016
Initial Yoga Teaching Certificate (200 hours), Core Power Yoga Chicago, 12/2014
Other Education + Employment
M.Ed. Secondary English education, DePaul University, 03/2009
M.A. Humanities, University of Chicago, 06/2005
B.A. English literature + Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh, 06/2004
Youth Mentor, New Pathways for Youth, Phoenix, 02/2023 - present
Department of Child Services Attorney Liaison, Sandler Law, Phoenix, 09/2022 - present
Literacy Coach, University of Chicago’s Network for College Success, 06/2013 - 06/2015
English Teacher, Freshman Curriculum + Instructional Team Leader, Lincoln Park High School, Chicago, 08/2009 - 06/2015
Adjunct Professor, Prairie State Community College, 08/2005 - 06/2006
