A deep understanding and respect for child development provide the foundation of our work.

Curiosity, wonder, and authenticity are cornerstones of our work. We hold space for you, your child, your family, your needs, and take great care that you will be met with the warmth and understanding everyone deserves.

We recognize the impact of trauma and work to promote healing and safety in our environment. We focus on building trust and operating within a framework of compassion, collaboration, and connection.

We recognize neurological differences as natural and valid variations of the human brain. We focus on strengths and autonomy, reducing shame and supporting authenticity.

We believe children are always giving their best effort, and do well whenever they can. We draw heavily on the work of Dr. Ross Greene, following his model for Collaborative Problem Solving to respond to tricky behaviors and unsolved problems.

A child cannot engage in learning, or be expected to “do well” when their system is in a state of fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. When we are in tune with and support our children’s mental, emotional, and physiological needs, children feel safety and freedom to engage with learning.

Behind every behavior is a feeling. Behind every feeling is a need. If a child could communicate that need in a healthy way, they would. When we get to the root and meet that need, the child’s system is soothed and the problem takes care of itself. We fervently hold on to the goodness of children and model tools for effective communication, focusing on identifying the lacking skill rather than on shutting down the challenging behavior.