Some of you have probably seen some of my online content and my business name of Rooted WELL. I thought I would describe the origin or intentions behind my brand (brand a loose term at this point as the ship is being built as I’m sailing it, including potentially changing the logo you see below).

• I believe one of my strengths is being able to explore underneath the surface of problematic behaviors or relationships in order to not just address a symptom, but enact change fully. In kids with trauma, this could mean attachment ruptures, early childhood trauma, the environment being harmful, etc. My hope is that I can inspire educators and caregivers to do the same.

• Strong roots and foundations make us more resilient in storms. The struggles of life (storms) can not be prevented 100%, therefore it is important to me to prepare children and people I am working with to have the strength and skills to navigate those storms and stay standing (we could really extend this metaphor quite far here I suppose).
  
  I first heard this concept in a yoga class over 10 years ago and it has really stuck with me. Trees may sway and be heavily affected by the weather (external pressures and problems), but with strong roots, they stay standing AND grow stronger as a result. Love this as a foundation for my goals with clients I work with.

• I am also obsessed with the interconnectedness (and invisibility) of roots beneath what we see above ground. Now that I’ve migrated out of being kid-facing in schools, I am looking to focus on those adults that build the connection and web AROUND the child to help it grow big and strong. The concept of “it takes a village” fully and whole-heartedly apply here, ESPECIALLY as it pertains to children who have experienced trauma.

• My roots in the PNW are also very much tied to my choosing of this name….where the beauty and majesty of trees are all around us. Plus, my grandmother and me shared this love of trees and she is a beautiful part of my ROOTS as well. I am always on the search for the prettiest or most unique tree and will always think of her when I do.

And my email sign off for those of you not on my email list yet:
WISHING you WELL always,
Patti