Erika Burke Rossa was born in Southern California and raised in Hong Kong and Taipei, Taiwan. Upon graduating from Taipei American School, Erika moved to New York City to attend The Juilliard School, dance division. Unable to continue dancing due to an injury, Erika went on to receive her BFA from Tisch School of the Arts, in theater. Erika also studied film at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) and holds an LMSW from New York University, Silver School of Social Work.