Erika is a mother, grandmother, and retired hospice nurse. Erika began her zazen practice in 1967 after participating in a day-long introduction to Zen led by Suzuki Roshi. From 1972 to 1975, she was a resident staff member at the Rochester Zen Center. Her spiritual journey expanded further when she traveled to India in 1975-76 and again in 1984-85 to study with Tibetan Vajrayana masters.

Over the decades, Erika has immersed herself in the study and practice of the three main Buddhist traditions, with a primary focus on Zen and Vajrayana lineages. Currently, she continues her practice and studies under the guidance of Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, Lama Rod Owens, various Vajrayana teachers, as well as Norman Fischer, Chris Fortin, and the Dharma Heart Zen sangha.