RootED Connect

An AI-powered tool for identifying, supporting, and reconnecting students in need

The Problem

Schools are filled with students who are disconnected—not just academically, but emotionally and relationally. Educators often know something is wrong, but lack structured, trauma-responsive tools to intervene early and effectively.

The Solution

The RootEd Connect App is a trauma-informed digital platform that helps educators:

  • Identify signs of disconnection using a structured profile

  • Score connection risk levels

  • Generate AI-powered, personalized intervention plans

  • Track student progress through lead and lag measures

Created to align with the nationally recognized Rooted in Hope SiNoC (student in need of connection) framework, this app translates trauma science and educational best practice into real-time action.

How it works:
Educators or clinicians input qualitative and quantitative data (like behavior patterns, strengths, trauma indicators, and academic trends). The app uses trained AI models rooted in neurodevelopment, attachment theory, risk/resilience research, and culturally responsive practices to instantly output customized plans with:

  • Lead and lag measures

  • Regulation strategies

  • Academic and relational supports

  • Equity-centered implementation steps

Key MVP Features

  • Digital SiNoC Profile: Simple, research-aligned form to capture strengths, concerns, and patterns

  • Connection Score + Risk Level: Automatic risk analysis with visual indicators

  • AI-Generated Intervention Plans: Actionable, editable strategies tailored to student needs

  • Plan Builder: Exportable documents for team collaboration and implementation

  • Progress Monitoring: Lead/lag measure tracking tied to student goals

  • Built-in Strategy Library: Trauma-informed tools and scripts at your fingertips

Why Now?

  • Teacher and therapist burnout are both rising.

  • Disconnected individuals are falling through the cracks.

  • Districts, clinics, and funders are investing in whole-child, trauma-informed, and AI-enhanced tools—but no scalable, relationally-rooted solution exists.
    This app is uniquely positioned to bridge that gap with the clarity of a profile, the power of AI, and the heart of human connection.

Why Us:
 This isn’t theory—I’ve been using and refining the Rooted in Hope system for over a decade in real schools, with real students. Our framework is field-tested, culturally affirming, and deeply aligned with what research—and kids—tell us they need.

What We Need

  • Beta partners to pilot the app in Fall 2026 (schools, clinics, or hybrid sites)

  • Investment to finalize development and expand the platform into education and mental health markets

  • Strategic collaborators (clinicians, developers, impact investors) to grow with us

Beyond K–12: Scalable Mental Health Expansion

The same AI-driven, relationally focused process that helps schools support students can be adapted to mental health settings.

 Future phases of the app include:

  • Treatment Plan Generator: Support therapists and social workers with strengths-based, trauma-informed treatment plans

  • Clinical Risk & Protective Factors Module: Adapt the SiNoC scoring system to assess risk and resilience in therapy clients

  • Integrated Coaching Support: Offer reflective prompts, fidelity checklists, and implementation feedback for providers

Case Management Tools: Use intervention tracking and documentation in agency or private practice settings