Terra’s educational journey spans over twenty years and has paved the way for the foundation of Root + Spark Education. With a multifaceted career in education, Terra has nurtured young minds in primary classrooms and enlightened inquisitive scholars at the university level. This diverse range of experiences has granted her a profound understanding and appreciation for the diverse tapestry of learning styles and individual needs.
With 15 years of experience as a licensed school psychologist, Terra’s expertise shines through in her work. She spent seven years as the psychologist for a highly gifted program in the fifth largest school district in the nation, where she closely worked with gifted and neurodiverse learners and their families. Recognizing their extraordinary potential often overlooked within traditional education systems, Terra became an advocate and ally for these students.
Beyond her role as a psychologist, Terra extended her reach by creating professional learning opportunities and courses for educators, administrators, mental health professionals, and families. Her aim was to empower these individuals with the strategies and knowledge needed to effectively support unique learners. Simultaneously, Terra served as a university instructor, specializing in designing and teaching courses to educators, administrators, and mental health professionals on assessment and effective programing for gifted individuals.
In her most recent chapter as a school psychologist at a magnet school for gifted learners in grades K-8, Terra continued her dedication to the nuanced world of gifted and neurodiverse learners. Confronted with the recurring obstacles posed by traditional education systems, she was driven by a resolute desire to bridge gaps and dismantle barriers, which ultimately culminated in the creation of Root + Spark Education.
At Root + Spark Education, Terra has meticulously crafted a dynamic and empathetic coaching model. Moving away from one-size-fits-all deficit-focused solutions, she offers bespoke strategies that resonate with each student’s unique learning style. Programs at Root + Spark Education are carefully designed to align with personal strengths while gently addressing areas ripe for growth, ensuring that every learner can thrive on their own terms.
Terra’s personal experience with ADHD and mothering three wonderfully intense gifted teens fuel her profound commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of gifted and neurodiverse children. With a deep understanding of the joys, challenges, and perspectives that come with neurodiversity, Root + Spark Education provides a nurturing and empowering environment where every child, family, and professional can flourish.
Root + Spark Education celebrates the individuality of each student and offers personalized coaching, tailored programs for families and professionals, and empathetic support. By leveraging the strengths of neurodiversity and fostering a love for learning, Terra aims to unlock the full potential of gifted and neurodiverse children, guiding them on a path of fulfillment. Through Root + Spark Education, Terra envisions a world where these children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, ensuring their lifelong success and happiness.
Biography
With a visionary spirit and over two decades of experience in education, Terra has dedicated her career to the enrichment of neurodiverse and gifted learners. As both a seasoned educator and an insightful school psychologist, she has crafted Root + Spark Education with the belief that every child deserves a learning journey tailored to their unique strengths and styles. Her passion for personalized development is the cornerstone of our approach—ensuring each child's potential is not just reached but exceeded.
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