Our mission.
Provide families and students with a comprehensive, customized plan to each student’s experiences, needs and goals in order for them to thrive in school and in life.
Why is The Root right for you?
Your child's educational problems are personal and close to home. The academic system is challenging to navigate enough and I'm here to fully support you and your family through your educational needs and goals.
Create a personalized plan to support and guide your child to success.
Find answers andsolutions, no matter how big the problem.
Bring years of academic experience to help your child with an "outside in" approach.
OUR FOUNDER & CEO
Dr. Heather Pressley
Heather earned her BA in English and history from SUNY Albany, her EdM in Teaching and Learning from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from UNC Charlotte.
Over her 25+ year career, she has had a broad range of experience as a middle and high school teacher, co-founder of an experiential school, charter school leader, adjunct professor at Harvard and Columbia, equity trainer, teacher coach, and senior leader in a national non-profit.
Dr. Pressley founded the Root Collaborative in 2018 based on the central idea that each and all children deserve an educational experience that sees, supports, and engages, meeting them where they are and where they want to go in school and life.
TESTIMONIALS
What our parents have to say.
Deb. P
Mother of 12th grade, girl,
Private School
Partnering with Heather has enabled me to reconnect with my daughter to support her outside of her educational journey. This experience allowed me to step back, watch my daughter take off, and make decisions for herself. Through this journey, Taylor took charge and her confidence is returning daily. So much so, that she has already been accepted into one of her top choices for college.
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This has been life-changing for me as a Mom. I needed support from someone who understood how to get through the education system to create a win-win for everyone.
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I strongly recommend Heather to anyone that wants to save their relationship with their child and create an advocate for their child that is more than qualified to navigate through the education system and create a plan unique to their child.
Danae C.
Mother of 10th grade boy,
Public School Student
Working with Dr. Pressley and The Root Collaborative has been life changing for my son and our family. The Root Collaboratives has helped navigate the school system to get the accommodations my son so desperately needed to help him be successful in school.
My son has become more confident since working with Dr. Pressley, and his grades have reflected the positive influence and guidance since working with her. I am so grateful for all the services that this company provides.
I would highly recommend using The Root Collaborative services because it has truly changed our life and helped our son become successful.
Cade S.
Mother of 10th grade boy,
Public School Student
Navigating the traditional school environment with a child that has learning challenges is daunting to say the least. My family's experience working with The Root Collaborative has exceeded all expectations. It is the very first time my son's educational needs are being met and I finally have a voice with teachers and administrators. Not only has Dr. Pressley helped my son to achieve classroom success, but she has also equipped him with skills needed to succeed at home and life!- time management, note taking, workspace organizing, goal setting, the list goes on…
As a parent, I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Pressley and the Root Collaborative team. There is finally light at the end of the tunnel, and more importantly, my son's confidence to learn has been restored!