ABOUT
About Root to Rise
Root to Rise is a flexible community learning and enrichment center created to help young people and families learn, connect, and grow together.
We serve families who want more opportunities for hands-on learning, social connection, movement, creativity, practical skill-building, and community involvement.
Rather than following a single rigid model, Root to Rise offers a thoughtful combination of structure and flexibility. Some programs follow a consistent weekly or monthly schedule, while others are offered as special workshops, clubs, projects, or community events.
Programs are shaped by the needs of participating families and the talents of the people in our community.
Depending on the program, offerings include classes, workshops, clubs, mentoring, events, parent resources, educational consulting, and collaborative learning experiences.
Root to Rise is not intended to replace a family’s chosen school, homeschool curriculum, or educational provider unless a specific program is expressly described that way.
Our Mission
To create an environment that motivates and inspires young people, expands their understanding of what is possible, and helps them develop the confidence, skills, relationships, and sense of purpose needed to reach their full potential.
Our Vision
We envision a connected community where children, teenagers, parents, and local leaders learn from one another, contribute their strengths, and have access to meaningful educational and social opportunities.
Root to Rise exists to help young people dream bigger, build practical skills, form healthy relationships, and grow into capable, compassionate, and confident adults.
Our Philosophy
*We believe children learn best when they feel safe, valued, interested, and actively involved.
*Learning should include the brain, body, emotions, relationships, and real-world experiences.
*Young people benefit from structure, but they also need choice, creativity, and opportunities to take ownership.
*Families deserve educational options that are responsive, flexible, and grounded in their actual needs.
*Every community contains people with valuable knowledge, talents, experiences, and stories to share.
*Connection is not an extra. It is an essential part of healthy development.
Leadership
Stephanie Heiser
Director & Lead Educator
Stephanie Heiser is an experienced educator and school leader who has taught students across grades K–12 and served as a principal, vice principal, homeschool facilitator, and independent-study teacher.
She holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration and Policy from Pepperdine University and is a licensed and credentialed K-12 Teacher and Administrator.
Stephanie has extensive experience supporting students with diverse academic, developmental, social, and emotional needs. She is passionate about alternative education, parent choice, brain-based learning, youth development, and creating environments where young people feel capable, connected, and inspired.
Her work has also included community organizing, large-scale events such as TEDx Talks, entrepreneurship, real estate, and programs designed to bring people together.
She created Root to Rise to give families access to the kind of community-centered, practical, creative, and relationship-based learning experiences that children and teenagers often need but do not always receive in traditional settings.
Cora Heiser
Educator
Cora Heiser is a retired Special Education teacher, a certified special-education advocate with a strong understanding of federal special-education laws, and is Montessori certified as well. She has extensive experience helping families understand educational systems and advocate for appropriate services and support.
Her professional and volunteer experience also includes serving as a volunteer probation officer and creating a Youth Accountability Board to increase attendance and supports for at-risk youth.
Cora brings a deep commitment to children, families, accountability, inclusion, and the belief that every young person deserves to be understood, supported, and given meaningful opportunities to succeed.
