GROWING TOGETHER IN NORTHWEST PORTLAND
Thoughtful support for young children and the grown-ups who love them.
Parent coaching, playful learning, and outdoor adventures—grounded in connection and the belief that childhood deserves room to unfold.
Book a complimentary consultation Find your way to Taproot
HOW WE CAN HELP
Whether you’re working through a tricky parenting moment or looking for a place for your child to learn and belong, we can find a starting point together.
Make sense of big feelings, tricky transitions, and everyday parenting challenges. Together, we’ll find practical approaches that fit your child and your family.
“He was thoughtful in offering solutions that were gentle but firm. … I wish we could just have him on my shoulder 24/7 to navigate toddlerhood!”
Hands-on learning that starts with your child’s interests. Build early academic skills and confidence through stories, games, making, and exploration.
“You’ve been teaching my son to read and write, working with his teachers at school, for the last year. You’ve gotten him on solid footing!”
Space to get muddy, build forts, make friends, and follow a good idea. Outdoor programs and summer camp celebrate the simple magic of being a kid.
SMALL MOMENTS. DEEP ROOTS.
Building a tower. Negotiating a turn. Figuring out how to make something stick. These are the moments when children practice persistence, build relationships, and discover what they can do.
At Taproot, play is the foundation. We follow children’s curiosity while offering the thoughtful support that helps them take their next step.
MEET YOUR EDUCATOR
Educator, parent, and a firm believer in the power of play.
I founded Taproot to offer children and families personal, practical support through the early years. I bring a master’s degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education and around 20 years of experience working with children.
My work has taken me from teaching English in Thailand to forest kindergartens in Denmark, social skills programs in Los Angeles, and preschool classrooms here in Portland.
As a dad to two young daughters, I also know that parenting rarely follows a tidy plan. My approach is curious, playful, and grounded in relationships—with room for the messy parts, too.
A teacher’s perspective. A parent’s understanding.A NEW CHAPTER ON NW THURMAN
We’re creating a new Taproot studio in Northwest Portland—a welcoming space for playful learning, parent conversations, and connection.
Want to hear more about the space or explore working together as a child and family professional? I’d love to connect.
Ask about the studioFROM TAPROOT FAMILIES
“To this day, my eight-year-old and six-year-old consider Sandy their “forever teacher” and talk about him often.”
Preschool & summer camp
“Sandy has taught my two oldest kids in both a play-based school environment and a summer camp setting. To this day, my eight-year-old and six-year-old consider Sandy their “forever teacher” and talk about him often. Over the last almost six years, I have learned so much from Sandy. From my first experience as a parent of a school-aged child to where I am today as a more experienced mom of three, I have gained invaluable perspective from him on interacting with and raising young minds. Sandy has helped me better understand how to meet each of my kids where they are, while appreciating their individual personalities, needs, and stages of development.”
“We left our sessions feeling more aligned, less overwhelmed, and like we had tools we could actually use at home.”
Parent coaching
“Parent coaching sessions with Sandy gave my husband and me a clear plan for some of the challenges we were struggling with as parents of two young girls. Learning to lead with both firmness and kindness really changed the way we respond in tough moments. We left our sessions feeling more aligned, less overwhelmed, and like we had tools we could actually use at home.”
“He empowers them to try hard things and gain important academic skills without the learning ever feeling forced.”
Learning & confidence
“Teacher Sandy sees each of my children for exactly who they are. He meets them where they are at, both academically and socially, builds on the things that genuinely interest them, and celebrates the qualities that make them unique. He empowers them to try hard things and gain important academic skills without the learning ever feeling forced. Watching the confidence they’ve gained and the ways they’ve grown because of him has been so meaningful, and I’m incredibly grateful for the impact he’s had on both of my kids over the past four years.”
“Teacher Sandy understands that every child has their own way of learning, feeling, and connecting. He meets each child where they are, helping them feel truly seen and supported.”
Support through the early years
“Teacher Sandy understands that every child has their own way of learning, feeling, and connecting. He meets each child where they are, helping them feel truly seen and supported. He’s been a steady guide for our family from preschool into elementary school, and we’re deeply grateful for the lasting and loyal foundation he’s built for our child and for us as caregivers.”
LET’S START WITH A CONVERSATION
Tell me a little about your child, your family, or what you’re looking for. We’ll explore how Taproot can help.
Book a complimentary consultation taproot.edu@gmail.com