Erika Rose Santoro, MWP(c), began her deep passion and intrigue for all things numinous at a very young age. The first book she read at age 9, Many Lives, Many Masters, by Dr. Steven Weiss, confirmed past-life remembrances and from there she began to study astrology and stay in close contact with her Angels.

Rose Santoro’s connection to the spirit world, and her love of music, dance, and making people laugh sustained her throughout her adolescence. Like many, she felt very “different” from others and deeply felt the lack of compassion and love in the world around her. Thus, she spent the next 20 years unwinding the non-supportive programming of her youth through working with Shamans, Reiki Masters, and other healing and energy work practitioners.

While at The University of Miami, Erika majored in Jazz Voice, minored in Business, and began her yoga and meditation practices. Upon graduation, she put her album project on-hold to go on the road and support her best friend, the then unknown Alicia Keys. Keys went on to win 6 Grammys for her debut, Songs in A Minor – an album on which Rose co-wrote the wildly successful single “A Woman’s Worth”.

While partnering with Keys business-wise over the next 15 years, Erika continued her studies, becoming a Certified Holistic Health Coach via the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, a Level 2 Reiki Practitioner, a Clairvoyant Practitioner, and a KRI Certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher.

In 2012, she matriculated through the IMW Modern Day Priestess® program, and her life forever changed. Feelings of being “different” and alone melted away. By way of the masterfully designed course of deep study, practice, and community support, she was able to remember Truths – that we are indeed all One – awakening that part of her which had forgotten, and fostering deep peace, allowing her to exhale and finally be her true self!

Now married and a mother, Erika’s life continues to grow and expand. Living in upstate NY on a homestead apothecary and farm, Rooted and Wild, where along with husband, David, they will host Chef’s Table dinners, Yoga and Wellness Retreats, Workshops and Trainings for Youth, Women, and Couples.

It is with great honor, in loving service, that Erika holds the space for the Youth Training Program for the Institute. This is a deep calling, offering a loving heart and hand to children and adolescents who may be feeling and experiencing the very same challenges she felt growing up.