About Rooted Beginnings
Hello and welcome to Rooted Beginnings! I’m Kate Coffman, a NYS-certified teacher, certified DIRFloortime® practitioner, and proud neurodivergent individual.
Rooted Beginnings is a place where joy, curiosity, and meaningful connections thrive. My journey as a mother to neurodivergent children and my own neurodivergence have deepened my appreciation for the beauty of individuality.
At Rooted Beginnings, we don’t just embrace neurodiversity – we celebrate it. Our neuroaffirming and strength-based approach is all about creating a nurturing environment where children can root themselves in their strengths and grow at their own pace. Through the magic of DIRFloortime ®, we unlock the doors of curiosity, imagination, and communication.
But it’s not just about the children – it’s about you too. I believe that parents are the true experts on their families and I’m here to be your guide, your partner, and your support system. Together, we’ll navigate the world of neurodiversity, unlocking the full potential of your child and fostering connections that last a lifetime.
Rooted Beginnings isn’t just a place – it’s a community. A community of families who understand the power of embracing neurodiversity, of celebrating the uniqueness in every child. Join us on this journey where strong roots lead to boundless growth, and where joy and learning intertwine to create a brighter future for your child and your family.
I can’t wait to meet you and embark on this incredible adventure together. Let’s nurture connections, cultivate joy, and watch our children’s potential bloom.
About Rooted Beginnings, LLC
Rooted Beginnings is led by Kate Coffman M.S.Ed., a DIRFloortime® Practitioner and NYS Special Education Teacher with an in-depth understanding of neuroaffirming education services. Diagnosed with ADHD, and mother to neurodivergent children, Kate brings a deeply empathetic and authentic perspective to her practice.
Rooted Beginnings is committed to providing a neuroaffirming and inclusive environment for every child and family we serve. We reject the medical model, choosing instead to nurture a therapeutic environment that celebrates each of us. By focusing on presumed competence, joy, play, and meaningful connections, we empower children and their families to embrace their true selves and flourish at their own pace. Through our commitment to the principles of DIRFloortime®, we envision a world where every child can reach their full potential and be celebrated for who they are.
Our Services Prioritize
Presumed Competence: We respect each person’s neurodivergent identity, recognizing that it’s an intrinsic part of who they are.
Strengths-Based Support: We focus on nurturing and developing the inherent strengths and abilities that neurodivergent individuals possess.
Lived Experience: We value the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals and their families, understanding that they are experts in their own lives.
Community: At Rooted Beginnings, we understand the profound impact of a supportive community on the growth of every child. Our belief is simple: community provides the fertile soil in which little roots can flourish. Together, we create a nurturing environment where each child and their family are seen, heard, and celebrated.
What We Offer
1:1 DIRFloortime® Services: Rooted in DIRFloortime ® principles, these 30-minute sessions are carefully tailored to meet each child’s unique profile.
Play Groups: Thoughtfully designed to celebrate neurodiversity and provide a therapeutic, welcoming environment for all children and families to explore, play, and connect authentically.
Consulting: For families and professionals seeking support and resources to implement neuroaffirming practices, IEP goals, accommodations, and more.
Capacity Building: Small and large groups. Our approach to professional development is centered around embracing authenticity, trauma- informed practices, and celebrating neurodiversity as a strength.
DIR Professional and in their directory
Professional Background/Information
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday 9:00 A.M. -5:00 P.M.
Saturday 9:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
Affiliations
AWN (Autism Women and Non-Binary Network)
Credentials
NYS Teaching Certifications Birth-Grade 2 General and Special Education & Childhood Grade 1-6 General and Special Education
Rooted Beginnings, LLC
Our Unique Approach
At Rooted Beginnings, we believe in the power of joy and curiosity. Just as strong roots anchor a tree, we aim to provide a solid foundation for every child’s growth. Our approach is rooted in nurturing each child’s innate strengths, passions, and potential. Guided by the transformative principles of DIRFloortime®, we create dynamic environments where children take the lead, forging meaningful connections and fostering emotional growth.
What Sets Us Apart
Neurodivergent-Led: Kate Coffman’s personal journey as a neurodivergent individual infuses our practice with authenticity and empathy. We understand the world through a unique lens, creating connections that resonate deeply with children and families.
Celebrating Neurodiversity: Instead of trying to change or “fix” neurodivergent traits, we celebrate them. Our neuroaffirming practices promote acceptance, confidence, and a true sense of belonging.
Playful Exploration: Our developmental play groups are spaces of wonder and exploration. Through individualized activities, children discover their passions and build lasting connections with peers, fostering confidence and social growth.
Compassionate Consultations: Families receive personalized guidance that empowers them to create nurturing environments at home. Kate’s expertise as a neurodivergent educator and practitioner brings a wealth of insights and strategies to these sessions.
Empowering Professionals: Our experiential sessions empower professionals to create inclusive spaces that honor diversity. Kate’s rich background in neuroaffirming practices, trauma-informed care, and DIR Floortime ® principles infuses these workshops with depth and authenticity.
A Community of Support: Rooted Beginnings is more than a service; it’s a supportive community. We celebrate every child’s unique brilliance and connect families who share the same journey, forming a network of understanding and resilience.
Join Our Journey
At Rooted Beginnings, we invite you to embrace the joy of discovery and connection. Just as strong roots provide stability for a tree to grow, we strive to create a nurturing environment where children’s potential can flourish. We nurture children’s innate curiosity, celebrating neurodiversity as a source of strength. Our mission is to provide a safe space where every child can build their own strong roots, fostering a foundation of confidence, connection, and lasting joy.