Founding Executive Director and School Leader

steven@rootedschoolvancouver.org

My WHY is rooted in my unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice in education. I am driven by the desire to challenge and dismantle systemic inequalities, biases, and barriers that perpetuate disparities and marginalize students, families, and communities. By joining Rooted School Vancouver, I am passionate about contributing to a learning environment that prioritizes growth, preparation, hospitality, excellence, and community. My ultimate goal is to disrupt the cycle of poverty, empower students to achieve financial independence and create a better future for them and their families. As Founding School Leader, I aspire to be a catalyst for change, fostering a robust learning community that works together to become a national model of excellence in equity education and closing the opportunity gap.

Founding Director of Operations

Why am I here? I am here to empower underserved and marginalized communities by challenging and dismantling institutions that systematically oppress and perpetuate inequity. I am eager to leverage my personal journey, educational experience, and professional skills to remove barriers to upward mobility and equip youth with resources that will not only alter the trajectory of their lives, but the lives of their families and communities.

Founding Office Manager

My WHY is because I am deeply passionate about fostering a positive impact on young minds and empowering the next generation. Rooted school's commitment to cultivating a supportive and inclusive learning environment aligns with my values of nurturing a sense of belonging and self-confidence in every student. Rooted School's dedication to equipping students with essential life skills, beyond academics, is inspiring, and I am excited to contribute my expertise in education to help shape well-rounded individuals who can thrive in today's ever-changing world. Being a part of Rooted School Vancouver allows me to make a meaningful difference in students' lives, empowering them to become lifelong learners and that is a fulfilling and rewarding journey I am wholeheartedly invested in.

Founding Director of CTE & ESL

I work for Rooted Schools because I wholeheartedly believe in our mission to disrupt systemic poverty and bridge wealth disparities through innovative and personalized education. Every day, I'm inspired by our commitment to equipping students with real-world skills and knowledge, such as tech-industry certifications and opportunities for fellowships and internships. I'm proud to be part of a dedicated team that goes beyond traditional teaching methods, focusing on empowering students and preparing them for financial freedom. The impact we're making is tangible, and it's rewarding to contribute to a cause that's creating substantial, lasting changes in our students' lives. I believe that in this role, I'm not just an educator, but an agent of change, shaping a brighter, more equitable future for our students.

Founding Student Success Coordinator

Community is my why. It is when we connect with each other in inclusive environments that individuals find success, whatever that may look like for them. I am a passionate special educator advocating with the disability community for changes in educational, career, legislative, and community areas for equitable, accessible, and inclusive practices.

I am proud to join the Rooted School team to educate students about how to use the tools available to them and teach self advocacy skills to be utilized within their community.

Founding Science Advisor

Founding Math Advisor

My "WHY" for working at Rooted School Vancouver is rooted in my unwavering belief in the transformative power of education, personalized learning, real-world applications, community engagement, and fostering equity and diversity which aligns perfectly with my values and aspirations as an educator. I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or circumstances. I am passionate about ensuring equal access to quality education and providing opportunities for underrepresented communities to thrive. I am inspired by the idea of empowering students to become active participants in their own education, fostering their curiosity, critical thinking skills, and creative problem-solving abilities. By providing students with a supportive and inclusive environment that nurtures their individual strengths and passions, enabling them to reach their fullest potential.By joining the team at Rooted School Vancouver, I am committed to making a lasting impact on students' lives and shaping the future of education in a way that empowers and inspires generations to come.

Founding Humanities Advisor

My why comes from my core value: growth. I am a teacher because learning and improving alongside students is the most energizing and inspiring work. I am joining Rooted School Vancouver because I want to be part of a team that nurtures the skills students will need to excel in a dynamic future -- certainly the communication and critical thinking of the humanities, but also creativity and collaboration and problem solving skills that will help them in any field. I will work to strengthen my own practice so that we create the best school for our students, especially those who have not been well served by schools in the past and who are looking for that next step and support into the future.

Founding Paraeducator

My why is deeply rooted in my passion for serving my community and engaging ALL students to an equitable education, one that meets their academic goals as well as their social/emotional needs. As a paraeducator, connecting students to their learning, giving them a safe space to grow, share ideas and work together, is what I find most rewarding at Rooted School. I believe that every student has the right to an education, regardless of their socio-economic background and our innovative teaching strategies as well as our academic support system, allows us to meet students where they are at and build them up to achieve targeted goals that will help them be successful here at Rooted School Vancouver and beyond.

Founding Paraeducator