The Roots Initiative

Restoring Opportunities & Overcoming Trauma Systemically

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ROOTS is a collaborative initiative between TA98 and the Erikson Institute designed to address early childhood mental health challenges by transforming the systems that impact families and communities. Rather than focusing solely on individual interventions, ROOTS prioritizes systemic change, ensuring children, educators, and caregivers have access to the tools, knowledge, and support needed to foster long-term well-being.

ROOTS is part of TA98’s commitment to holistically supporting families and youth. Addressing early childhood mental health, we help build a strong foundation for academic success, career readiness, and community leadership.

Through our partnership with the Erikson Institute, we are equipping families, educators, and service providers with tools to foster resilience, break cycles of trauma, and expand access to mental health resources. This work aligns with TA98’s mission of ensuring young people have the support they need to thrive in school, careers, and beyond.

Our Approach

ROOTS is guided by the re-mediation framework, which shifts the focus from "fixing" individuals to strengthening systems that contribute to inequities.

This includes:

Community Partnerships: Working with local organizations to address systemic causes of mental health challenges, such as poverty and historical trauma.
School-Based Interventions: Embedding restorative justice practices in schools to create inclusive and supportive environments.
Classroom-Based Assessments: Identifying needs and tailoring interventions to support children's unique experiences.
Referrals & Wraparound Support: Connecting children and families with holistic services that promote long-term well-being.

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What ROOTS Offers

ROOTS provides workshops and training sessions on early childhood development & mental health topics in community schools, nonprofit organizations, and community spaces in the south & southwest side of Chicago. These workshops, led by Erikson Institute clinicians, are available in English and Spanish and cover topics such as:

Understanding Childhood Trauma
Teaching with Compassion
The Impact of Machismo & Toxic Masculinity on Early Childhood
Healing the Healers: Self-Care for Service Providers and Teachers
Socio-Emotional Development & Challenging Behaviors
Healthy parenting

We will also design and co-create workshops based on your community's needs.

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Meet the Team

Francisco J. Lozornio, DSW, MSW, LCSW
Community Mental Health Clinician, Assistant Professor, Erikson Institute

Luis Perez
Director of Education, TA98
Project Manager, Erikson Institute

Erika Flores, MS, MSW, LCSW
Community Mental Health Clinician, Clinical Supervisor, Erikson Institute

Giselle Castellucci-Koziol, LSW
Community Mental Health Clinician, Erikson Institute