Erika Halaby
Wilderness Therapist & Educator Fueled by Love And The Land.
Living by the seasons, this wild and wise soul, with dreaming eyes & her own special way of doing things, is on a mission. Erika rises each day for the work of cultivating strength and joy in her personal life to healthily navigate life’s challenges, and thus educate others through adventures in the world.
Growing up, she didn’t explore the woods as much as she wishes she did, but after falling in love with the simple beauty of nature’s teachings and studying at Plymouth State University, she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Adventure Education, and eventually went on to work for the Appalachian Mountain Club, Avid4Adventure, True North Wilderness, and collaborated with many businesses and organizations along the way. Rooted Rose is where she is always ready to serve outdoors in her own special way, inspired by the land, faith and leaving the planet better than when she arrived.
Teaching Philosophy
“Leadership is a skill that we develop over time. And we all deserve to lead the way in our own lives.
After studying how to take care of myself first before others through backpacking, canoe camping, wilderness therapy, teaching yoga, and travels across the world, I have cultivated a sense of how to bring forth that growth in the lives around me.
I believe we all deserve to have a say, a dream, and a force at hand in our time here on Earth; that is why Rooted Rose has come to life:
To remind people of the choices they have, as we all learn to lead each other home.'“
-Erika Halaby, 2022
Certifications
BS in Adventure Education, Plymouth State University (2019)
MA in Organizational Leadership (2026)
Trained and Consistently Supervised In Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Wilderness First Aid & Trained as First Responder at PSU
CPR certified
Full Mesa Carrier In Mountain Shamanism
ERYT 500 hour Yoga Teacher with continued education in SUP yoga, Thai Massage, Acro Yoga & Backcountry Yoga (est. 2016)
Trained Herbalist (est. 2022)
After losing her father in 2016 to cancer, her spiritual journey began at the perfect pace. Her journey through grief was painful, yet enlightening towards the way she saw and felt the world. Ironically, this all happened after she began her studies in the mountains and a daily meditation and movement practice.
As a child and well into her late teens, she struggled with being diagnosed at a young age for depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD. The support she was given at that time was non- inclusive, unhealthy to her system, and was instead making her numb. At the age of 17, she sat her parents down and told them “these medicines aren’t working, there is so much more that can be used to heal.” In her gut, she knew there was so much more.
That girl then had no idea that her dedication to movement, Earth, consistent self-inquiry, and discernment would become her true medicine and approach to life. Her goal along this journey of sharing her stories with others is to keep things raw, respectful, and empowering in regards to the human experience. When it comes to your heart or spiritual practice, she works to soften, expand, and honor the place it holds along the way. When it comes to adventure, she works to inspire and empower.
With gratitude and a determined song in her step, you can find her on a quest for balance in the woods with Rooted Rose, finishing school, teaching MBSR custom events for organizations, collaborating with East Coast farmers, educators, associations and as Clincial Director of Golden Hour Counseling.
From random treks to the forest and visiting the ocean any chance she is always grateful for intentional time with her loved ones, and moves with hope and freedom at her feet.
