-Brené Brown

Katie McDonald is an educator, consultant, and therapist with over 22 years of experience in trauma-responsive schools, neuro-informed teaching/parenting, and emotional well-being. Katie has dedicated her career to empowering educators and families through a deep understanding of resilience, often called the science of hope.

An expert in trauma-responsive practices, Katie has developed a comprehensive framework for creating supportive school environments that foster emotional and academic growth. She has also created a curriculum to educate educators and students about the brain, emphasizing the importance of understanding neurological processes in promoting resilience and emotional health.

Katie aims to help individuals enhance their quality of life emotionally, professionally, and spiritually. Her expertise in this area is reassuring for those in helping professions, such as education and nursing, recognizing their unique challenges.

Katie’s work reflects her commitment to nurturing hope and resilience in individuals and communities, making her a valuable resource for educators, parents, and mental health professionals.

ROOTED HOPE is a powerful concept embodying several vital elements for fostering resilience and well-being.

At its core, RESILIENCE enables individuals to recover and grow from challenges and setbacks, providing a foundation for renewal. Coupled with ORIGIN, which acknowledges the influence of early experiences, Rooted Hope encourages understanding how ACEs shape one’s foundation while integrating PACEs to create pathways toward healing and growth. OPENNESS is another vital aspect of Rooted Hope, fostering a willingness to learn, adapt, and embrace new perspectives. This openness is anchored in TRUST, developed through secure attachments and relationships, as well as within oneself, creating a safe space for vulnerability and emotional growth. EMPOWERMENT follows, encouraging individuals to take proactive steps toward creating change and pursuing their goals with confidence. DISCERNMENT is equally essential, helping individuals navigate the complexities of relationships, choices, and environments with wisdom and clarity.

This framework embodies the essence of HOPE — the belief in a brighter future that motivates and inspires action. OWNERSHIP is critical, involving personal responsibility and fostering a sense of agency to shape one’s journey. This leads to a deep sense of PURPOSE, where individuals connect with their values and meaningful goals, aligning their past experiences with their aspirations. Finally, ENGAGEMENT emphasizes the importance of active participation in life, relationships, and communities to cultivate belonging and shared resilience.

Together, these elements—

Resilience, Origin, Openness, Trust, Empowerment, Discernment,

Hope, Ownership, Purpose, and Engagement

—form the foundation of Rooted Hope, offering a pathway to healing, growth, and well-being.