Better Stories.
Better Connections.
Gain a Sense of Place and Belonging, anywhere.
with Erica Wheeler | Interpretive Trainer · Keynote Speaker · Writing Mentor
At the heart of this work is this simple truth:
Finding sense of place stories that connect us to where we are and who we are helps heal the disconnect so evident in our world today.
By recognizing the meaningful stories places hold—and the stories we carry about places too—something inside us shifts. We feel what poet Mary Oliver described as finding “our place in the family of things.”
From there, we feel more rooted, oriented, and focused on what matters most.
From that place, connection builds and caring takes root—shaping work and lives that are thoughtful, grounded, and resonant.
Learn more about my philosophy and approach →
Hello, I’m Erica Wheeler.
I’m the founder of Sense of Place Consulting. My work helps people explore the intersections of story, place, and meaning in their communities, their work, and their lives.
I offer interpretive training, keynotes, community programs, and writing courses, informed by decades of in-the-field experience working with parks, museums, historic sites, organizations, and communities across the country.
Through the Sense of Place Story Framework, I share practices and tools that help people explore the layers of time and story, rooting them in a sense of place wherever they are.
As a result, people slow down, notice more, and reconnect—to themselves, their surroundings, and one another. They leave with skills they can use in their personal or professional work. They come away with a stronger sense of place and belonging—something deeply needed in the world today.
“We brought Erica in to help us master the art of storytelling and to learn how to share the meaning of these places even more effectively. When I worked with Erica before, it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my career.
I was thrilled by seeing the growth in rangers and the inspiration they gleaned.”
— National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington, DC
Everyone has stories of place and belonging, waiting to be remembered and revealed.
Let’s find yours.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy, NextGen Summit, Mount Greylock, MA
Sense of Place Programs Offered
For Organizations · Communities · Individuals
Interpretive Training
For parks, museums, historic sites, learning centers and organizations that connect people and place.
Keynotes
For conferences, gatherings, and events focused on conservation, tourism and community.
Public Programs
Concerts, workshops, classes, and retreats for individuals and communities.
Attend a Program →
Host a Program →
What’s possible?
This approach can help you elevate your work and also help you relate more intentionally to place, story, and belonging in everyday life.
For Interpreters:
Design programs and interpretive media that invite deeper engagement and connection.
For Communities:
Bring people together through concerts and workshops rooted in shared stories and place.
For Writers and Creatives:
Find clarity, strengthen your voice, and navigate transitions with purpose.
Wherever you begin, you’ll find a clear, supportive process woven through everything I offer—one that strengthens both personal and professional work.
Questions?
“You are missing out if you aren’t booking Erica for a workshop or training. Her “sense of place” concept featured excellent hands-on exercises in an area so often perceived as intangible, while her keynote was just the dose of inspiration we needed.”
—Chief of Interpretation, Arkansas State Parks and Tourism
Let’s bring your stories to life.
“Erica’s workshop rekindled my connection to nature that first inspired me to work in this field, and I left with the tools and resolve to tap more into the power of place as well as the inspiration to help others do the same.”
— Claire Dacey, Naturalist, Educator, Artist, MA