Hi, I'm Natasha! I'm the founder of Rooted Pathways – Educational & Family Consulting; a certified teacher with a Bachelor of Education, a Certificate in Inclusive Education, and additional training in Level B academic assessment.

Much of my career has been spent working in inclusive education, supporting children with diverse learning profiles, strengths, and needs. This experience has given me a strong understanding of the complexities of learning and the importance of finding approaches that work for each individual.

One of my favourite parts of education is the problem-solving side. I genuinely enjoy working with data, interpreting assessment results, identifying patterns, and connecting information to develop practical strategies. There is something incredibly rewarding about figuring out why a particular skill is challenging and finding a way to make learning more accessible.

Why I Started Rooted Pathways

Throughout my career, I've seen families looking for answers about their child's learning but unsure where to begin. Accessing assessments can be challenging, and not every family needs or wants to pursue a formal diagnosis.

I started Rooted Pathways because I recognized a need for accessible, independent educational assessment and consultation services outside of the school system. I wanted to offer families an opportunity to explore their child's learning through an objective, evidence-informed approach, with recommendations developed independently of a school's existing programming or resources.

Rooted Pathways allows me to combine the parts of education I enjoy most: assessment, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and working with families to develop meaningful next steps.

My Approach to Learning

‍ ‍I believe that understanding a child's learning needs doesn't always have to begin with a diagnosis, and it may not need to lead to one.

Diagnoses have an important place, particularly when they provide access to specialized supports or accommodations. However, identifying academic strengths, learning gaps, and effective strategies can be valuable regardless of whether a child has a formal designation.

I also believe that objective data and personal observations are equally important pieces of educational planning. Standardized assessments provide measurable information, while families bring invaluable knowledge of their child's interests, experiences, motivation, and everyday learning.

Education is not one-size-fits-all. Whether a family follows a traditional curriculum, homeschooling, or another alternative education approach, my goal is to provide information that respects their educational choices while offering practical insight into their child's academic development.

Ultimately, I want families to leave with more than assessment scores or recommendations on paper. I want them to have a clearer understanding of the information available to them, greater confidence in their educational decisions, and a meaningful direction forward.