Hi, I’m Vanessa - founder of Rooted Fern Wellness. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker located on the unceded land of the Abenaki Nation, known as Chittenden County, Vermont. In January 2023 I joined The Howard Center and Spectrum Youth & Family Services as a Clinician with the JOBS program. In this role, I strive to support and empower youth to work towards their own identified goals related to transitioning into young adulthood, and help to address barriers as they arise. Prior to this, I spent six years working in a high school setting as a Social Worker and Social Emotional Learning Coordinator. As a school social worker, as well as in my current role, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse population of unique and resilient youth and their families who are disproportionately impacted by systemic barriers and inequities, and who also experience mental health challenges, complex relational trauma, and attachment issues. In the spring of 2023, I completed the certificate program in Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) through the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at the Justice Resource Institute. As a TCTSY Facilitator, I offer a movement based, embodied approach to healing in small group formats through Spectrum Youth & Family Services Riverstone Counseling Practice.

Trauma is a physiological experience that impacts the nervous system. The experience of relational trauma takes choice and power away from an individual and can compromise their sense of self, internal knowing and awareness, and ability to make choices for themselves. I believe deeply in a process of body-based trauma healing that centers connection, empowerment, choice, and a shared authentic experience. Through TCTSY sessions, I offer folks an opportunity and a space to possibly begin to notice their internal bodily experience, make intentional choices for themselves, and reclaim their bodies and internal knowing through an embodied yoga practice.

I earned my Bachelors of Education and Masters of Social Work from McGill University in Montreal QC, Canada.

If you are an individual interested in learning more and possibly joining a TCTSY group session, or if you are an organization interested in contracting with me to offer TCTSY in your space, please reach out.