Rooted and Rising was founded by Jenny Volpe and Kristen Sawyer, two certified educators and coaches passionate about positively engaging youth.
Who We Are
Jenny Volpe (M.A.) is an experienced educator, writer, coach, and community builder in the nonprofit and education sector. She specializes in creating transformational learning experiences that elevate youth's potential. Jenny is the former CEO of children's literacy nonprofit Make Way for Books and led the organization for 12 years catalyzing award-winning impact boosting hundreds of thousands of students' literacy and social-emotional skills. She is a Teach for America alum who has taught everything from PreK to 10th grade. Jenny has also developed and launched innovative community-based educational programs and initiatives in the U.S. and beyond. She loves working with youth ages 8-13 and leading circles for Rooted and Rising.
Kristen Sawyer (M.Ed) is a writer, environmental educator, and youth coach who specializes in health and wellness programs for teens and women. Her professional journey has taken her from the middle school classroom around the world as an English teacher and study abroad educator. Since returning home to Tucson, she has shifted into environmental education and is currently working at Tucson Botanical Gardens. Along with Rooted & Rising, she facilitates communication & life skills workshops (GLOW circles) for teen girls through her business Inner Compass Learning.
Why Root & Rise Now?
Right now, kids are experiencing an epidemic of anxiety, loneliness, and a lack of belonging. They need more supportive spaces to practice the skills that matter the most and to connect meaningfully with themselves and their peers. Rooted and Rising was created to boost students' skills and provide experiences that are deeply uplifting, relational, nurturing, authentic, and supportive.
Why books? We use books as a common springboard for connection, reflection, and to build community together. Books are amazing tools proven to develop children’s empathy, critical thinking, perspective-taking, leadership skills, and more. Stories connect us and help us understand ourselves and others in new ways. When we combine great books that kids love and can relate to with a proven group circle method, the magic starts to happen! Together, we weave intentional, meaningful learning spaces that help students grow and realize more of their potential.
Our Core Values