Who We Are

Roots Community School was founded by a group of passionate educators and parents who envisioned a school where children could thrive in every way—academically, socially, and emotionally. What began in 2015 as a small start-up in Chelan Valley has grown into a thriving preschool through 8th grade independent school, widely recognized for its innovative and student-centered approach.

Our mission is to provide an education that is joyful, rigorous, and connected to real life. At Roots, children learn through project-based experiences, multi-age classrooms, and hands-on exploration. This model challenges students academically while allowing them to develop confidence, creativity, and resilience. Every child is known, valued, and supported at their individual level, helping them grow into curious learners and compassionate leaders.

We are guided by four core values:

  • Curiosity

    Fostering a love of learning and discovery.

  • Creativity

    Encouraging innovation, imagination, and problem-solving.

  • Collaboration

    Building strong partnerships among students, teachers, and families.

  • Character

    Developing empathy, integrity, and responsibility.

Meet the Team

  • Rachel Robison

    Director of Education & Bears Classroom Lead Teacher

  • Amy Fricke

    Head of Administration & Operations

  • Leanne Uttech

    Wolves Classroom Teacher

  • Brandy Samson

    Owls Classroom Teacher

  • Sandy Zimchek

    Mountain Lions Classroom Teacher, PE Teacher

  • LeeAnne Casal

    Preschool Teacher

  • Sarah Mack

    Preschool Teacher

  • Johanna Anderson

    Pre-K Lead Teacher

  • Ellie Haisch

    Pre-K Teacher

  • Kelsy Bordner

    Bears Math Teacher

  • Houston McCuaig

    Mountain Lions Math Teacher

  • Elani Moody

    Art Teacher

  • Bre Stockdale

    Support Teacher & Musical Director

  • Adam Stefaniw

    Recess Teacher

ROOTS TEACHERS

ROOTS COMMUNITY SCHOOL BOARD

SARAH KERBER
President

LIZ MITCHELL
Vice President

LEE MITCHELL
Treasurer

JOE PLOUF
Secretary

LEEANNE CASAL
Director

LEILY RAYSBROOK
Director

STEPHEN JOHNSON
Director

AMY FRICKE
Director

KELSY BORDNER
Director

NICOLE CAMPBELL
Director

RACHEL ROBISON
Director

The Roots Community School Education Team is a supportive, collaborative group of Educators.

We invite you to come visit Roots if you want to experience first hand the “Roots Difference”