Services
Youth Mentor/Parent Support
When I was in the thick of raising my neurodivergent child, I desperately wanted someone to hold my hand as we traversed the ablest world. I help youth with executive functioning, self-advocacy, and independence. I have dedicated my life to helping neurodivergent youth and their families navigate a neurotypical world; including youth mentoring, parent coaching, IEP assistance, doctors visits, as well as assisting with inclusion for friends and family.
Educational Therapy
As a certified Wired for Reading instructor, I help students with dyslexia and dysgraphia intervention outside of school. I am also able to help non-traditional schooling families with homeschool curriculum, instruction, and social activities tailored to the student's specific needs and interests.
Taproot School is licensed through the state of Washington.
Social Groups
Being a social being in the world can be tricky for those on the spectrum. Our social groups consist of all types of play; interactions around shared interests, parallel play, as well as exploring nature together. All activities come from the interests of the group. We build, create, bake, and explore.
Michelle Taylor, MS Ed
As a lifelong learner, writer and educator, I am always on a deep dive into the meaning, expression, and the acquisition of knowledge and language, and how to make it accessible and exciting for all students. As a mentor and coach, I assist with executive functioning, self-advocacy, and independence.
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I hold a Masters of Science in Education and am a Washington State Certified Teacher. I founded Taproot School, a place that celebrates neurodivergence, in 2012. While working with struggling youth, I have witnessed science based, one-on-one intervention create new neural pathways in the brain and change students’ lives.
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My practice is trauma informed and based on Growth Mindset. I specialize in working with Autistic, twice-exceptional students, as well as adopted and LGBTQIA students and families. My main priority is creating a safe space for students to feel at home, learn at their own pace, and be exactly who they are by bringing their interests into our learning.
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When requested, I can include my family therapy dog to support students’ learning. My practice is in the heart of Des Moines, WA, a small town nestled between Normandy Park and Kent. I am also available for online sessions.
Please see my Curriculum Vitae.
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Curriculum Vitae
Education
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• M.S.Ed., Education, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY, 2003
Concentrations: Environmental Education, Child Development, Special Education Certification: Washington State & New York State Teacher Certification K-6
Thesis: “We Make the Road By Walking: Experience and Education”
Adviser: Mary Hebron M.S., New York University
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• B.A., The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA, 1995
Concentrations: Education
• Final Project: “From Seed to Bloom” Chapbook
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Experience
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• Dyslexia/Dysgraphia Interventionist, 2020-Present
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• Founder/Executive Director, Grades K-6, 2013-Present
Taproot School, Seattle, WA
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• Program Creator/Teacher, Grades Pre K-2, 2004-2013
The Community School of West Seattle, Seattle, WA
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• Private Tutor/Parent Coach & School Liaison, 2005-Present
Private Clients, Seattle Public & Private Schools, Seattle, WA
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• Instructor, Right to Write Program, Youth, 2002-2003
Westchester Department of Corrections, Valhalla, NY
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• Assistant Instructor, Women’s Health & Education, 2001-2002
Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY
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• Lab School Teacher, 2001-2002
Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY
• Co-Teacher, Grades K-1 & 6-8, 2001-2003
Ella Baker School, New York, NY
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• Teacher, Grades K-5 & 6-8, 1999-2001
• Hutch School, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
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Publications/Presentations
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• “Taproot School” taprootschool.org, Current
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• “The Living Classroom” (www.thelivingclassroom.wordpress.com) Journal, 2005-2013
• “Emergent Curriculum & Project Approach” Parent Education Presentation, 2011
• “Positive Discipline & Positive Discipline for Children with Special Needs,” 2010-2012
• “Building a K-2 Program” Natural Learning Magazine, Olympia Free School Press, 2006
• “We Make the Road By Walking ” Thesis, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY, 2003
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Professional Development
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•Mini Self-Reg® Workshop for Certified Wired for Reading® Specialists, Seattle, WA
“Wired for Reading® Certification” 2020, Seattle, WA
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• “Gender Odyssey Conference,” 2018, Seattle, WA
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• “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria and Other Conversations About Race,” Dr. Beverly Tatum, 2017, Seattle WA
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• “Seattle Race Conference,” Seattle University, 2015, Seattle, WA
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• “Talking with Children About Race,” Cultures Connecting, Caprice D. Hollins, Isla Govan, 2015, Seattle, WA
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• "Helping Teachers Implement the Project Approach,” Dr. Sylvia Chard, 2011, Seattle, WA • “Positive Discipline” Training, Dr. Jody McVittie, 2009, Seattle University, Seattle, WA • “NAEYC Annual Conference and Expo,” 2007, Bellevue, WA
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• “What If Today Was Their Only Day,” Lisa Murphy, 2007, Bellevue, WA
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• “The Hundred Languages of Children, Italian Innovations in Early Childhood Education: A Tale of Two Cities,” 2005, Seattle, WA
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• “Positive Discipline for Children with Special Needs”, Arlene Raphael & Steven Foster, parent and educator training, 2010, Portland, OR
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• “Sarah Lawrence College Lecture,” Michael Moore, 2003, Bronxville, NY • “The Five Stages of a Lifespan,” Patricia Carini, 2003, Prospect Center, Bennington, VT • “Exclusions & Awakenings,” Maxine Greene, 2002, Columbia University, New York, NY
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• “Marx Lecture,” Horace Mann Auditorium, Jonathan Kozol, 2002, Columbia University, New York, NY
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• “Children’s Literature and Teaching a Child to Read,” 2002, Sarah Roosevelt Wilford, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY
• “Descriptive Review of a Child,” Patricia Carini, 2001, Prospect Center, Bennington, VT