Erika Winters (she/her), HTR | Registered Horticultural Therapist
Erika’s mission is to reunite individuals with the gifts of the natural world around them! Her horticultural therapy sessions incorporate sensory stimulation, mindfulness, creativity, social connection, and the pursuit of meaning. This comes from a philosophy deeply rooted in the belief that healing doesn't come from one place, but at the intersection of science and soul.
Erika’s clients and coworkers alike recognize her as dependable, empathetic, and a champion listener.
Erika has been bringing her skills and knowledge of nature, plants, and gardening to the community in her professional life for over 25 years. She studied horticultural therapy at Oregon State University after receiving her BA in English at the University of Oregon and completed her internship at Legacy Health. She holds certifications in permaculture design, soil stewardship, school garden coordination, and is a Metro Master Gardener. Erika has been an urban farm instructor and guest lecturer at the University of Oregon as well as a youth garden educator at Willamette High School. She has also been a gardener with the Legacy Health Therapeutic Garden Program and volunteered as a horticulture activity specialist at West Hills Village Senior Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facility. She has made change in her community as a charity and outreach director for women leaders.
Erika and her clients might explore sensory stimulation, harnessing the wonder of nature, utilizing soil as a grounding force, and garden-to-table culinary ideas.
Erika and her cat, Romeo, enjoy their own horticultural therapy at home. As a now “retired” outdoor cat, she provides him with the stimulating elements he once enjoyed in the outdoors. Erika believes nature can and should be accessible to everyone.